Do I need a reservation, and how far in advance should I book?

Yes, you absolutely need to book in advance—Kinme doesn't take walk-ins. Reserve through their official website, where you'll also pay upfront (currently $225 for the meal, plus $45 for beverages). This isn't a casual drop-by spot; it's a chef's counter experience that requires commitment, which is exactly why it works.

Is there parking in Bankers Hill nearby?

Street parking is available on Fifth Ave in Bankers Hill, though it can be tight during peak dinner hours. Arrive early or plan to circle—don't rely on a guaranteed spot right out front. Consider valet if the restaurant offers it, or use a nearby lot.

What's the best thing to order, and should I ask about the seasonal menu?

Let the chef guide you—that's the whole point of omakase. Reviewers rave about the Nigiri Toro Tower and the seasonal summer menu featuring lemon and wasabi-forward dishes, along with standout uni and wagyu. The staff knows sake and wine pairings inside and out, so ask for recommendations.

Is this spot good for a date night or special occasion?

Absolutely. The counter seating, intimate chef interaction, and 4.9-star reputation make it ideal for anniversaries, proposals, or impressing someone. The experience is polished without feeling stuffy—expect warmth from the staff alongside precise, thoughtful cooking.

Can I sit at the bar solo, or is it couples-only?

Solo diners are welcome at the bar counter—that's actually where the magic happens. You'll get a front-row seat to the chef's work and can chat with staff and other guests. It's a social, collaborative experience, not a formal sit-alone affair.

What about dietary restrictions or allergies?

Contact Kinme directly when booking to discuss dietary needs—it's an omakase format with a set menu, so flexibility is limited. The chef can likely work around major restrictions, but you need to flag them upfront, not at the table.

What time should I go to avoid a wait?

Since reservations are required and the experience is timed, there's no wait culture here like a regular restaurant. Book an off-peak time (Tuesday–Thursday, earlier seatings) if you want a more relaxed vibe, though the food quality won't change.

Kinme Omakase — Japanese in Bankers Hill, San Diego

“Kinme Omakase strips the omakase ritual down to its bones—seasonal fish, delicate wasabi, no pyrotechnics—and charges $225 for the trust fall.”

While Azuki spins spicy tuna crispy rice for the neighborhood sushi regulars and Parc handles date nights with French bistro infrastructure, Kinme commits entirely to the omakase format: timed reservations, prepaid seats, no menu, no substitutions. You show up, sit down, and let chef guide the progression through whatever swam in that morning. The summer menu leans on fresh lemon and wasabi to highlight—not mask—the fish: toro stacked into towers, uni spooned onto rice, wagyu appearing mid-course as a palate shift. This isn't the spot for tempura spectacle or flaming scallops; it's straightforward, seasonal, technically precise.

The $225 tariff (plus $45 gratuity, paid in advance through the website) buys you into San Diego's tightest omakase operation—4.9 stars across a hundred-plus reviews, with repeat customers claiming it outpaces every other counter in the county, Michelin nods be damned. The staff knows sake pairings, wine matches, and how to pace eighteen courses without making you feel rushed or ignored. Regulars call it their favorite meal ever, which carries weight when you're competing against LA and Tokyo counters.

Practical notes: Book weeks ahead—seats disappear fast. The experience runs two-plus hours, so don't schedule a hard stop afterward. Solo diners do fine at the bar seats; groups of four can reserve together but you're still eating in sync with the counter. If you balk at prepaying or want à la carte control, this isn't your spot. But if you're chasing the best nigiri the neighborhood offers—fish so clean it needs nothing but rice, wasabi, and a brush of soy—Kinme delivers without the pretense.

Kinme Omakase

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