San Diego · Sushi · omakase
Sushi Maru
Omakase sushiDowntown sushiCortez Hill omakaseJapanese sushi master35-year veteran
Sushi Maru is a downtown San Diego omakase restaurant opened in 2024 by 35-year Japanese sushi master Tsuyoshi 'Maru' Maruyama and Kyoto-born partner Yoshinari Ichise, bringing decades of combined Japanese culinary expertise to Cortez Hill.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Cortez Hill / Downtown
- Since
- 2024
- Chef
- Tsuyoshi Maruyama
- Owner
- Yoshinari Ichise
Plate № 34
About
Sushi Maru opened in 2024 as the culmination of sushi master Tsuyoshi 'Maru' Maruyama's 35-plus-year career in Japanese cuisine, including nearly two decades heading the kitchen at San Diego's Taka Sushi. Partner Yoshinari Ichise, born in Kyoto, brings business acumen and a deep appreciation for traditional Japanese hospitality to the venture. The intimate downtown space on Third Avenue hosts two nightly seatings, each guided by Maruyama's meticulous knife work and his instinct for the finest seasonal fish available. No phone reservations are accepted, and seating is strictly limited, making a table at Sushi Maru a coveted prize among San Diego sushi enthusiasts. The restaurant represents one of the most exciting new omakase openings in San Diego in years.
Neighborhood & visiting
Sushi Maru sits in Cortez Hill / Downtown, one of San Diego's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused sushi counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- 35-year Japanese sushi master Tsuyoshi 'Maru' Maruyama at the peak of his craft
- Kyoto-born partner ensuring authentic Japanese hospitality from door to dessert
- Limited seating in two nightly seatings — a genuinely exclusive omakase experience
- One of San Diego's most anticipated restaurant openings of 2024
Phone listed for information only; no phone reservations accepted. Reservations online only.
More authentic sushi in San Diego
See all →
Other authentic cuisines in San Diego
See all →
Authentic sushi in other cities
See all →
Frequently asked
About Sushi Maru
- Is Sushi Maru an authentic omakase sushi restaurant in San Diego?
- Yes — Sushi Maru is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for omakase sushi in San Diego: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
- Where is Sushi Maru located?
- Sushi Maru is located at 1345 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, San Diego, USA in the Cortez Hill / Downtown neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Sushi Maru?
- Sushi Maru accepts reservations online. For an authentic sushi experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Sushi Maru?
- Sushi Maru sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for omakase sushi of this format in San Diego.
Keep exploring