San Diego · Sushi · a la carte
Ken Sushi Workshop
Edomae sushiSushi Ota lineageCarmel ValleyOmakase available
Chef-owner Ken Lee spent a decade mastering Edomae sushi under Yukito Ota at Sushi Ota, one of San Diego's most important Japanese restaurants. At his own Carmel Valley workshop, Lee brings the same rigorous Tokyo-style sushi craft to a neighborhood setting.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Carmel Valley
- Since
- 2013
- Chef
- Ken Lee
Plate № 23
About
Ken Sushi Workshop represents the third generation of Sushi Ota's influence on San Diego — Chef Ken Lee trained under Master Yukito Ota for ten years, earning enough respect that Ota helped mentor and finance Lee's independent venture. The Carmel Valley location serves both à la carte and omakase sushi, drawing from Edomae principles: aged fish, precisely seasoned rice, and no unnecessary adornment. The restaurant is a neighborhood anchor for discerning North County diners who understand Japanese sushi craft. Lee's workshop ethos values education as much as execution, inviting guests into the thought process behind each piece.
Neighborhood & visiting
Ken Sushi Workshop sits in Carmel Valley, one of San Diego's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Chef Ken Lee trained for a full decade under Edomae legend Yukito Ota — one of the most rigorous apprenticeships in San Diego sushi history
- True Edomae methodology with aged fish and handcrafted, precisely seasoned rice
- Both à la carte and omakase options give guests flexibility without compromising quality
- A neighborhood spot with a Michelin-caliber pedigree — Sushi Ota's lineage lives here
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Frequently asked
About Ken Sushi Workshop
- Is Ken Sushi Workshop an authentic edomae sushi restaurant in San Diego?
- Yes — Ken Sushi Workshop is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for edomae sushi in San Diego: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
- Where is Ken Sushi Workshop located?
- Ken Sushi Workshop is located at 11375 El Camino Real Ste 120, San Diego, CA 92130, San Diego, USA in the Carmel Valley neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Ken Sushi Workshop?
- Ken Sushi Workshop does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular sushi restaurants in San Diego we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Ken Sushi Workshop?
- Ken Sushi Workshop sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for edomae sushi of this format in San Diego.
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