For the love of food

Food Club is the joy derived from all things delicious. Whether that be dining out at a new or favorite restaurant, cooking a delicious meal to be shared around the family table, or recipe ideas that you just have to share. Food Club is the community that comes from sharing a good meal together.

Sushi Nekosan for your next sushi craving

Neighborhood: Downtown La Jolla

Price: $$

Vibe: Casual and charming local spot, with a sidewalk patio that’s great for people watching, or sit inside at the bar and watch the sushi chefs do their thing

We live in the Pacific Beach, and while there are a lot of sushi places in the neighborhood, I’ll admit, there aren’t many that I would go back to again. With the one exception being Sushi Ota (of course). But we are not planner-a-headers, and we typically decide we want to spontaneously grab a bite to eat about 30 minutes before we head out. Therefore, Sushi Ota is usually not an option unless we do take out. So, I decided to start yelping around La Jolla to see what sushi options they had available. This is how I found Sushi Nekosan, which has become far and away my absolutely favorite sushi restaurant in San Diego (Sorry, Ota).

This wonderful little neighborhood restaurant is right on Wall Street, a couple of doors down from the Burger Lounge. “Neko” is the Japanese word for cat, and this totally clicks when you see the decor on the walls, and the little soy sauce holders.

They have some of the most inventive, bright and mouthwatering rolls I’ve ever eaten, with a specials menu that constantly offers a variety of fresh, seasonal sashimi, rolls and all kinds of goodies. I absolutely love the outdoor patio, which is tiny and sprawls along the sidewalk, makes me feel like I’m in Europe and makes for such a charming dining and people-watching experience.

I’ve been to Nekosan many times and here are some of my favorites — but don’t worry, there is not a bad selection on the menu.