San Diego Sushi Restaurants

There are many restaurants in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, and this guide reviews two sushi eateries that offer some of the best in Southern California Japanese food. RA and Taka Gourmet Seafood & Sushi are both quality Japanese haunts in Gaslamp Quarter.

RA, 474 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. Phone: 619.321.0021.

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bar: Open until at least 1 a.m. Late night menu: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Web site: http://www.rasushi.com

RA offers some of the most delightful Japanese food in the state along with musical energy within its walls. It offers a lounge atmosphere ideal for hanging out with both new and old friends. For those in a hurry, takeout is available.

Happy hour is Monday through Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m., and RA does not accept reservations. The expansive libations menu includes traditional Japanese sake and martinis such as pamatini, a tantalizing blend of Ketel Citron, Pama, and grapefruit juice. More sweets are offered for dessert, such as cinnamon tempura ice cream and fried banana with Kahlua.

Signature sushi includes chili ponzu yellowtail and mango ceviche, and prices begin around $9. The more traditional sushi menu has items such as shrimp, lobster, spicy salmon roll, and avocado roll. Appetizers consist of delights like coconut shrimp tempura and shrimp shumai, and a wide variety of soups, salads, and cooked Japanese dishes are presented.

Taka Gourmet Seafood & Sushi, 555 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101. Phone: 619.338.0555.

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Web site: http://www.takasushi.com

Awarded the Best Sushi Lamplighter Award by the Gaslamp Quarter Association, Taka Gourmet Seafood & Sushi offers more than 30 daily specials as well as about 20 menu items. One of their most unique offerings is a green tea crème brulee, truly incorporating the best of both Eastern and Western cuisine.

Patio and outdoor dining, as well as takeout, is available and reservations are recommended. For those who crave sushi, two pieces of a variety of nigiri (raw fish on top of white rice balls) starts at $5. Appetizers include wasabi tuna and agadashi tofu, which is a battered dish with enoki and shitake mushrooms, and prices are around $8 to $15. A number of sushi rolls are available and start at about $8, including spicy tuna roll and soft-shell crab roll.

The main courses incorporate the best of both cooked and raw Japanese food. For people yearning the exotic but not quite ready to subscribe to the raw fish sensation of sushi, Taka Gourmet Seafood & Sushi serves baked black cod fish. That entrée is marinated for several days in mirin, miso, and sake. Simpler, yet still delectable cooked dishes are also sold for $15 to $25, including chicken teriyaki, salmon teriyaki, and filet mignon.