Harney Sushi

San Diego, United States

4

Open now

26 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 619-295-3272
Website:
harneysushi.com
Address:
3964 Harney St, San Diego, CA, 92110
b/t San Diego Ave & Congress St
Old Town
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 miOld Town Transit Center
0.8 miMorena/Linda Vista
1 miWashington Street
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Accepts Apple Pay
No
Good For
Dinner
Parking
Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Trendy
Noise Level
Loud
Alcohol
Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
Yes
Dogs Allowed
No
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
Yes

Today

Today 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
5:30 pm – 12:00 am
Open now
Local time (San Diego) 12:37 PM Thursday, November 28, 2024

Business hours

Monday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
5:30 pm – 12:00 am
Tuesday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
5:30 pm – 12:00 am
Wednesday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
5:30 pm – 12:00 am
Thursday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
5:30 pm – 12:00 am
Friday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
5:30 pm – 12:00 am
Saturday 5:30 pm – 12:00 am
Sunday 5:30 pm – 12:00 am

Description

Specialties

Harney Sushi provides music for your mouth and sushi for your soul. Harney Sushi is San Diego’s premier sushi bar and restaurant experience. This is a place where experimentation mixes with celebration, where fine dining service and knowledge fuses with beaming personality and style. Besides having San Diego’s only sake bar, we boast more than 50 award winning wines, 40 of the world’s best sakes, a private VIP booth and over 35 gourmet specialty rolls named and created by Harney loyalists. Embracing the principles of community, great times and uncompromising quality allow for a truly genuine dining experience.

Harney Sushi is dedicated to challenging the traditional culture of sushi through the introduction of their sustainable seafood menu, becoming the first sustainable sushi restaurant in San Diego and one of only a handful in the nation. After 12 years, Harney Sushi still provides a unique aesthetic and vibe that separates the truly progressive and stylish from the mere imitators.

History

Established in 2001.

Harney Sushi cultivated their following of avid sushi lovers at their Old Town savory sushi bar over the past twelve years. Even as a «fish out of water» in the predominantly Mexican-​influenced Old Town, San Diego, Harney Sushi has created a reputation for quality inventive rolls topped with a hip and trendy environment. In 2008 Harney took their hot spot model to Northern San Diego County and opened a sister restaurant at the up-​and-​coming Oceanside Pier neighborhood. At the end of 2011 Harney Sushi decided to up the ante and challenge the traditional culture of sushi by introducing a sustainable seafood menu, becoming the first sustainable sushi restaurant in San Diego and one of only a handful in the nation.

Meet the Business Owner

Kirk H.

Business Owner

Harney Sushi is proud to have received many awards over the years, including Best Sushi by many local magazines and news outlets, Best Date Spot, Best Sake Menu, Top 10 Hot Spots and Best Japanese Restaurant. Come try Harney Sushi for yourself and see why Harney is the talk of the town.

Harney Sushi also recommends

Harney Sushi

668

reviews

Sushi Bars

Kirk H. says,

«Harney Sushi Oceanside is our second location. Enjoy!»

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26 reviews of Harney Sushi

No registration required
Place rating: 3
Honolulu, HI
Cool concept: sushi with a conscience (using local and sustainable ingredients).
Came here with high hopes, as it was described by friends as «The Best» sushi place in SD. Excited by such high praise, we ordered (and shared) a variety of items. Sadly, these were all just «so-​so» — good, but not great. Definitely not the best or most exciting sushi I’ve ever had.
— Miso soup, gyoza, chicken skewers (teriyaki) and edamame were OK — Although these are pretty hard to mess up.
— Rollz Royce — Good flavor, however, not very spicy (contrary to it’s description).
— Pirate Roll — Good flavor, but, again, not as spicy as I would have hoped.
— Crunch Roll — Not very flavorful.
— Veggie Roll — Not very flavorful.
— Mellow Yellow — OK.
Rolls took a VERY LONG time to arrive.
Tip #1: Take advantage of their Happy Hour menu (and pricing).
Tip #2: Very popular, so get there early or make a reservation. We arrived 5 minutes before they opened for dinner and there were already 10 or so people in line.
Place rating: 5
Oceanside, CA
My husband and i came here for dinner. Servers were nice. Place is not so spacious, but it was fine. We sat at the bar, ordered hot sake for hubby and white wine for me, and as for our food, he had a bowl of fried rice i gues, (i forgot what its called) and avocado rolls, i had philadelphia rolls and it was the best philadelphia rolls ive ever had!!. Reasonable price. We will surely come back for more phila rolls!
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
We came here recently for a friend’s going away dinner. I really enjoyed my time here.
We all started with cocktails. A friend and I shared a bottle of buttery chardonnay, and my other dining companion started with one of their soju-​based cocktails. We loved our chardonnay, but I wasn’t a fan of the cocktail I had a sip of; it tasted like cough syrup to me.
A round of appetizers were also ordered. We shared the Gyoza, Sweet Potato Fries and the Monkey Brains (mushrooms stuffed with spicy tuna and spicy mayo). I’m not a huge sweet potato person, but everyone seemed to enjoy those fries. I enjoyed the Monkey Brains, but you definitely need to employ the use of the side sauces they are served with to give them personality. The Gyoza were rather average, and I would have preferred more of a crispier texture to them.
For our entrees, we all shared a variety of rolls: Spicy Salmon, Spicy Scallop, California Roll and the Lighting Roll. I loved the Spicy Salmon and Spicy Scallop. The Lightning Roll was a bit too sweet for my taste.
Overall, everyone had a nice time. I would recommend that you just order the regular rolls, as they are of a more reasonable price point and just as good, if not better, than some of the specialty rolls. Service was also spot on. Our waiter was very friendly and responsive, and he had a great personality.
Place rating: 3
San Diego, CA
it was pretty good.
for appetizer, had the stuffed mushrooms. was kind of flavorless but the dipping sauce made it better. the sweet potato fries were very good. the gyoza seemed like it was frozen.
the cali and spicy tuna roll were good. not wonderful. not terrible.
i had the lightning roll. this was not good. it is made with shrimp tempura, black cod, seared tuna, faux nagi sauce, rayu, avocado. there was no spice flavor at all, and the faux nagi sauce was so sweet and overpowered the roll, was not good at all and not worth $ 17.25.
i liked the thai sangria. wish they had other spirits other than soju.
good service
Place rating: 3
San Diego, CA
So we ate here because we saw the reviews on Unilocal and thought we would like to try and see for ourselves I love special rolls and my husband likes sashimi we usually eat our sushi from another location on Unilocal with equally great reviews … We noticed right off the bat that most of the sushi was packed full of what taste and looked like imitation crab and being sushi lovers we know that places cut corners when they stuff the sushi with imitation crab and Doctor the roll up as if it’s «high quality» We where not that impressed although flavor was good and fresh tasting it just wasn’t enough to to make us want to come back so we would rather go to our usual place from now on… I think this place has such high reviews based off of location the service is great we have no complaints with that but the sushi wasn’t anything to rant and rave about based off the high price.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
Really good food and fantastic staff. It can be loud at times inside. It is a little quieter out on the patios. It can get busy at times. When I first ate here, I tried calling to make sure they were open but no one picked up. When I arrived, I understood why. The music can get so loud you can barely have a conversation. The late night happy hour is a good deal. Nice drinks but pretty much all soju based. Nice wine and sake selection. They also brew their own beer. They are open late which is nice for those like me who sometimes get off late and want some food and drink after work.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I was lucky enough to be able to attend Harney Sushi 15th year anniversary party. Well I didn’t get to dine in a traditional sense comma I did get to try some of their sushi and it was all really good. Will definitely have to head back here to experience a meal like a peasant.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
Very friendly hostess. Shannon was very sweet.
I don’t eat much sushi but the teriyaki chicken was great.
My wife and her friend loved the bumble bee, the rolls Royce, and the flaming lips
Place rating: 3
South Portland, ME
It’s pretty good! There isn’t really anything I can complain about other than the lay out of the restaurant. We were seated in the middle of the restaurant that has a giant «wall» to block your view of anything. We had reservations, were one of the first couples there when they opened and I feel like they couldn’t have given us a worst seat. We got to look at the back of people’s heads that were sitting at the alcohol bar. I don’t know, it was just weird and uncomfortable. When you’re paying for an expensive dinner, you usually want a half way decent seat or at least someone to look at/​watch.
The sushi was definitely fresh and pretty tasty. I still think they’re a overpriced though.
Great service! Our waitress was helpful and always there to check up on us.
I give it 3 stars because the layout/​atmosphere was a pretty big buzz kill, they’re a little too pricey for what they offer and I liked it but didn’t love it.
Place rating: 5
Chula Vista, San Diego, CA
I don’t know anything about traditional sushi. That’s my disclaimer.
This place is great! They have very creative rolls on the menu, and they update the menu as well.
It can get busy so consider a reservation if you know you’re coming here. Enjoy!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Customer service and food are always great! The atmosphere definitely adds to the experience.
This review is long overdue as I’ve come to Harney Sushi with both friends and family for several occasions, including birthday parties, casual lunches with visiting family members and date nights.
I’ve tried may rolls from the menu and the ingredients are always fresh, but my favorite are the Dragon and Flaming Lips rolls. My favorite cocktail is the Basil Kiss. The staff is upbeat and friendly.
There are outdoor paltios on either side of the restaurant and they’re equipped with heat lamps, so it’s great to have the option of sitting indoors or outdoors.
I’ve been a repeat customer and will continue to do so.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
First time here, but I will definitely be back!
First of all, the place is really cool. The atmosphere is pretty modern and sleek, but also laid back and comfortable. It is in old town, so parking is very difficult, but that’s just how it is.
The staff is very friendly and helpful with the menu. Shannon was our waitress and she was the best! Super nice, knew a lot about the menu and had excellent suggestions.
The food is delicious! Their creative ideas for rolls are phenomenal! We had a couple of their new rolls and some of the classics. The Culichi WA roll was the favorite, for sure, sort of a mango ceviche in a roll. The Spicy Juan was also really good, but definitely lives up to its name, it has a bit of a kick. We also got gyoza, shishito peppers and hamachi kama for appetizers which were all delicious.
Definitely would recommend this place to anyone looking for really great, creative sushi with a fun but modern atmosphere!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
This is our regular date night place. Probably been here 10 times, but ONLY for their late night happy hour menu, which they serve from 10 – 12 every night.
I like sushi rolls and bargain meals, so am not rating Harney on their nigiri or their regular menu prices. Also live about 4 blocks away, so the convenience factor is key. Their commitment to sustainability is also a plus.
The late night happy hour deals are amazing – we always get out of there full for about $ 25, including tip. Sweet potato frites are scrumptiously crispy, plenty to share for 2, with a delish savory dipping sauce for just $ 3.50. We then get the roll sampler, 12 pieces (tuna, cali and veggie) for $ 5 and then the fancier half and half, 8 large pieces, for $ 10 (half flaming lip /​half james bomb). The fried, jalapeño topped flaming lip is Americanized sushi at its best, cruncy and spicy with a nice creamy center while the large portion of luscious scallop resting atop the james bomb is the stuff dreams are made of.
As for atmosphere, it’s pleasantly dark with a nice fish tank, nook and more social seating options, chill music, and usually plenty of other couples sharing the date night mood (although there are always groups too). Service has always been extra friendly and fast enough, since we’re never in a rush.
In sum, a very tasty, good vibe, budget friendly late night dining option. We look forward to continuing to be regulars for many years to come!
Place rating: 4
Chula Vista, CA
I was excited to try this place because I heard good things but when I called to make a reservation they were booked on a Thursday night! :(The person on the phone told me to call back in a couple hours and they should have something open! We decided to just walk in and we were told it would be about 20 minutes for a table, no big deal, we had a drink at the bar.
Once we sat down, we ordered the shrimp tempura and gyoza to start which were both pretty good. As for rolls, we went with the flaming lip and rollz royce. The flaming lip was pretty basic but still enjoyable and the rollz royce was something different in a good way. asparagus in a sushi roll is new for me! Both rolls were good, wish we would have tried more, but there’s always next time!
I didn’t try anything off their happy hour menu, but I know they have 2 dollar select beers. My boyfriend had one and we also ordered sake which is a must when having sushi (:
Our waitress kind of sucked but it was nothing to ruin our experience, wish she was a little more attentive. Overall, I love with vibe of this place and I will definitely be back. It’s a little on the pricey side, so be aware!
Place rating: 5
Chula Vista, CA
This was a last second lunch. Being in old town San Diego there wasn’t much to pick from aside from Mexican food. Although it was a little hard to find, it was a good decision. I don’t eat a lot of sushi but what I had was very good and Giselle my waitress was not only beautiful but super nice.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Stopped for lunch
The James Bomb exploded with flavor. Spicy crab, scallop on a deep fried California roll, and finally, sustainable funagi sauce. The poki salad was perfect and had a warmth from red pepper flakes that did not overpower. Our server, Giselle was informative and took good care of us. The place is clean and snappy
Place rating: 5
Erie, PA
Service was outstanding! The server was knowledgeable and made fabulous recommendations.
The food… incredible; one thing was better than the next.
We had edamame; smoked sea salt and garlic manchego. Both were great.
Also ordered were curry crusted sea bass, and harney-peño…both were fab!
Ask your server what’s not on the menu, a delicious specialty roll was made.
My companion and I cannot say enough great things about this place.
If warm, ask to sit outside on the patio.
Definitely a destination.
Place rating: 4
Mountain View, CA
Great service, some wonderfully unique options to choose from. People may complain about the prices but we got 6 rolls, an entrée, pork fried rice, 2 appetizers, 4 large sakes, 4 sapporos and dessert was less than $ 200 for the five of us.
If anything I’d say the sushi quality is not top top tier, but very very good. Quarters can be tight at the old town location but the environment and service again are excellent.
Place rating: 3
Baldwinsville, NY
This is a very popular restaurant, and a bit small so expect a wait. Our wait on a Thursday night was about 45 minutes. This is a lively and fun environment, and noisy. Tables are very close together so you are able to hear everyone’s conversations. Staff are extremely nice and helpful. We started with some gyoza and miso soup, followed by two of the rolls selected from a very large menu. The gyoza were very tender and flavorful. They were served with a spicy sauce which was very good.
The staff are happy to review and explain the menu to you, which is good as it is very extensive. The rolls (crispy and a tuna/​salmon combo) were both very good and large, and beautifully arranged. Everything served here is a la carte. My only complaint is that it took 20 minutes for my beer to arrive. It was served after my soup and after my companions green tea. This place has a very young vibe, and if you were an older person it might not be the place for you.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Because I’ve loved the sushi and the vibe at Harney Sushi for many years, I’ve not sought out a lot of other sushi spots in SD. Harney offers a vast selection of great sushi rolls, with creative ingredients and creative names to boot. Their specialty edamame, which includes: smoked salt, garlic manchego, sesame bacon bonito, and soy truffle, is jam packed with flavor and always a must to start out each meal. But what I love most of all is Harney’s sashimi offerings. Leading the pack is their sassachio, which is tuna, salmon and kampachi sashimi carpaccio in an olive oil and citrus-​soy dressing. It is DELICIOUS. I’ve brought ‘non-​sushi friends’ into Harney, successfully gotten them to bypass the boring beginner california roll, and had them partake in the sassachio with me. And like magic, they are instantly transformed into sushi lovers.
Keep up the great work, with the focus on sustainable fish. Muchas gracias!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Harney sushi never fails. The sushi here is very unique and I have to say one of my favorite in San Diego.
Food:I recommend trying the bumble bee roll and Rollz Royce roll. Their edamame is also a great starter. Don’t forget to check in on Unilocal to receive a free flaming lip roll!
Drink: Plenty to choose from. I personally love their sangria :)
Place rating: 5
West Palm Beach, FL
First night in town we were craving sushi so I pulled this place up on Unilocal.Tucked away in the corner of the street we almost missed it. The wait was about an hour but there’s a lot of shops to keep you occupied a block over. The atmosphere of the place is trendy and with dim lighting. Everything on the menu that we ordered was delicious but the best thing hands down are their specialty miso bowls. We ordered all three kinds and none of them disappointed!
Place rating: 1
Los Angeles, CA
I came here recently for my boyfriend’s sister’s birthday and although we had a good time, I wasn’t really impressed with the food the service, or anything really besides my company. Harney’s is just way too overhyped and wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy overpriced… as basic as an Americanized sushi restaurant can get. Most of their sushi is deep fried and drenched with spicy mayo, which is great for some people, but don’t charge an arm and a leg for it!!! Any «real» sashimi or sushi was even MORE overpriced.
The service was also horrible, which is the main reason for my 1 star review. Our server was not attentive at all… they seated us next to this «private table»… which was more like where the waiters probably eat during their lunch break. We couldn’t hear any music and we were so secluded from the entire restaurant. WHICH IS PROBABLY why our waitress kept forgetting about us.
No more Harney for me.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
Wine & dine tonight. Salud! Perfect timing lots of parking and not crowded. Shannon was our server she was nice & friendly. Missed this place haven’t been to Old Town for a while. This Sushi place is A hip Vibe. Late date night.
Tip– reservation is a must because this place gets busy and they need los of parking. It’s hidden in old town. But Overall great food and cool vibe after dark. Enjoyed my night listening to Reggae music.
Place rating: 4
Culiacán Rosales, México
I loved the Gyoza! We also order miso soup and 3 sushi roll, they have beer, wine and sake. People from SD told us that this place is always full but while you wait you can visit museums and small shops in Old Town (at 9pm, is closed all around). l The service in Harney Sushi is good, nothing extraordinary. The place looks nice, they have a sushi bar and tables.
San Diego, CA
Imagine hitting the beach for some star gazing with your love then it’s almost like he reads your mind… I’m hungry. I didn’t say anything because it was pretty late but he knew.
We rolled up to Harney and I was doubtful because of the time. We had gone somewhere before and it felt like the people were standing at our table saying, «hurry up and eat!» This was definitely not the case here.
We were given the option were to sit, I made a quick trip to the restroom and let my love choose. He sat at the bar, good choice I happily checked out the local beer selection. Since it was late we got to talk to Tristan the bartender who told us a little about himself as well as who selected the beers and that they change it up. They recently had sour wench on tap.
Love ended up ordering a mix of two items which turned out excellent! Monkeypeños…ha ha ha monkey brains with the stuffed jalapeño app all together. I approved happily. Love wanted miso… I thought miso sounds aight… oh wait there are flavors?! I got the seafood miso OMG amazing! He got the bacon one… good but mine was better.
Lastly we ordered a roll… don’t ask what it was I couldn’t tell you anything more than it was raw, spicy and oh so pretty. Tristen asked the chef to make us something with those specifications. We devoured it so quickly, luckily I took a picture first! Thank you honey for sharing your favorite spots with me and thank you Harney for a great ending to an awesome night!