Rakitori Japanese Pub&grill Rakitori Japanese Pub&grill
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  • Rakitori Japanese Pub&grill


    530 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States


  • Rakitori Japanese Pub&grill


    +1 619-501-4091


From the business

+ Identifies as Asian-owned

Service options

+ No-contact delivery

+ Delivery

+ Takeaway

+ Dine-in

Highlights

+ Fast service

+ Great beer selection

+ Great cocktails

+ Great tea selection

+ Serves local specialty

+ Sport

Popular for

+ Lunch

+ Dinner

+ Solo dining

Accessibility

+ Wheelchair-accessible car park

+ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

+ Wheelchair-accessible seating

+ Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

+ Alcohol

+ Beer

+ Cocktails

+ Coffee

+ Comfort food

+ Happy-hour drinks

+ Happy-hour food

+ Healthy options

+ Late-night food

+ Quick bite

+ Small plates

+ Spirits

+ Vegan options

+ Vegetarian options

+ Wine

Dining options

+ Lunch

+ Dinner

+ Catering

+ Dessert

+ Seating

+ Table service

Amenities

+ Bar on site

+ Gender-neutral toilets

+ Toilet

+ Wi-Fi

+ Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

+ Casual

+ Cosy

+ Trendy

Crowd

+ Family friendly

+ Groups

+ LGBTQ+ friendly

+ Tourists

+ Transgender safe space

+ University students

Planning

+ Accepts reservations

Payments

+ Credit cards

+ Debit cards

+ NFC mobile payments

+ Credit cards

Children

+ Good for kids

+ High chairs

Parking

+ Paid parking lot

+ Paid street parking


Rakitori Japanese Pub&grill menu

Soju Cocktail

Citrus Cosmo, Ginger Cosmic Mule, Or Sooo~Jito

$

Soju Bottle

Classic, GreenApple, GreenGrape, Peach, Or Grapefruit

$

Flavored Nigori

Strawberry or Coconut

$

Yuzu Hot Sake

$

Plum Hot Sake

$

House Hot Sake

$

Mu

Junmai Dai ginjo

$

Otokoyama

$

Full Menu

Discover Rakitori Japanese Pub&grill

If you're craving an authentic Japanese dining experience in San Diego, Rakitori Japanese Pub & Grill is the place to be. Located at 530 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, this spot combines the charm of a traditional izakaya with a modern pub atmosphere, offering a memorable culinary adventure for all food lovers. Whether you're a fan of sushi, grilled meats, or hearty Japanese dishes, Rakitori has something to offer.

One of the standout features of Rakitori Japanese Pub & Grill is the variety of grilled items on the menu. From skewers of tender yakitori (grilled chicken) to seafood and vegetables, each bite is packed with smoky flavors. The grilling method used here ensures that the food retains its natural juices, making every skewer a burst of savory goodness. The careful attention to detail when it comes to seasoning and cooking results in dishes that are simply irresistible.

But it's not just the grilled food that sets Rakitori apart; their sushi offerings are equally impressive. Fresh fish is delivered daily, ensuring that every roll or sashimi plate tastes as if it was prepared just for you. Whether you're in the mood for a classic California roll or something more adventurous like the spicy tuna roll, Rakitori’s sushi chefs do not disappoint.

In addition to their mouthwatering menu, Rakitori Japanese Pub & Grill boasts a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. The pub-like setting is perfect for a casual night out with friends or a cozy dinner with family. The décor combines modern elements with traditional Japanese touches, creating an inviting environment. Whether you're seated at the bar, enjoying a drink and some tapas-style dishes, or settling down for a full meal at a table, the experience is always relaxed and enjoyable.

What makes Rakitori stand out is the combination of food and the ambiance. The casual, pub-inspired vibe means that it's just as easy to pop in for a quick bite and a cold beer as it is to have a more leisurely dining experience. It’s the perfect spot for both after-work drinks and a satisfying meal. The extensive drink menu includes a variety of Japanese beers, sake, and specialty cocktails, all designed to pair beautifully with the food.

One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is the grilled pork belly skewer. The melt-in-your-mouth texture, combined with the perfect balance of saltiness and sweetness from the glaze, makes it a favorite among regulars. If you're more of a vegetarian, you won't feel left out. The grilled vegetables, especially the skewered mushrooms and eggplant, are packed with flavor and provide a satisfying option for plant-based eaters.

What’s more, Rakitori doesn’t just cater to casual diners; it also offers a fantastic experience for those looking to celebrate special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday or a celebration with friends, the restaurant’s private dining options provide a cozy space to enjoy a meal in a more intimate setting. And with a service team that is both friendly and knowledgeable, you're guaranteed to feel at home, no matter the occasion.

Reviews for Rakitori consistently rave about the quality of the food and the attention to detail that goes into each dish. Customers often mention the friendliness of the staff and the relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. The consistency in both food quality and service has earned Rakitori a loyal following, making it a top choice for anyone craving an authentic Japanese pub experience in San Diego.

Whether you're a seasoned lover of Japanese cuisine or someone who's just beginning to explore the world of sushi and grilled dishes, Rakitori Japanese Pub & Grill offers a wide range of options that are sure to delight your taste buds. The next time you're in the area, make sure to stop by for an unforgettable meal. The combination of fresh ingredients, expert preparation, and a welcoming atmosphere is what makes Rakitori a standout in San Diego’s vibrant culinary scene.


Rakitori Japanese Pub&grill Photos

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Location & Contact

Get in touch with our support team


  • 530 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
  • +1 619-501-4091




Clock


Hours

Our open schedules

Day
Monday 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 04:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday 04:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday 04:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM



Reviews

  • While in town for SDCC my husband and I took a chance here and we are so happy we did! The staff is wonderful and attentive, plus they gave great recommendations. The pork belly melted in my mouth and the salmon went down too smooth. Definitely give this place a shot!

    Andrea Owen
  • Overall, I had quite an enjoyable time. The flavors were great, though my noodles were a like undercooked. To me, it looked like they were from a block of ramen that had been put in the hot water not long enough. That being said, the pork was cooked all the way through, so I would go here again.

    Jacob Adams
  • After a full day running around the San Diego Zoo with the family, we ended up at Rakitori for dinner and it was just what we needed. The food was delicious, the restaurant was very kids friendly, so cute and cozy with fall/halloween decorations. FOOD Tonkotsu Ramen were sooo good! These are must have!!!! The broth was flavorful but not too heavy or too salty like some places. The meat had this awesome smoky flavor, and the noodles were cooked just right. Kids love the ramen! For adults we ordered some ramen with some mild spicy to it and it was the nice kick! Gyoza was really yummy! came with either spicy (not crazy spicy) and not spicy sauce. Gyoza were perfectly crispy with just enough in each serving for us. Kids loved the gyoza!! Filet Mignon Skewers were juicy, and nicely cooked at medium rare how we wanted. These came with fresh wasabi-chilli sauce (nice kick to the filet mignon) Kurobuta Bao’s were a surprise hit! We had none spicy for the kids and the spicy ones for adults. The spicy ones had kimchi. These were our favorites! Sushi was fresh, nicely sliced, and just the right amount. You could tell it was good quality. California Rolls were tasty too! The kids went wild for these. DRINKS - kids tried Ramune and kept asking for more! We had local draft beer offered at the restaurant and at the waitress recommendation we also tried these new Japanese beer made from sweet potatoes. It’s got an earthy aroma and very unique taste. They are different than other beers but really really good! Very worth a try! I might have found a new beer to add to my favorite beer. DESSERT - The kids were obsessed with cute little ice cream cups! Ube and matcha were our top picks, but mango and coffee were good too. The service was quick and our waitress was so friendly and helpful recommending the dishes suitable for kids and adults. Rakitori is a winner, and we’re definitely bringing the kids back after our next trip to San Diego. Highly recommend!

    Phuong Nguyen
  • The food was amazing! Highly recommend the pork dumplings, Korean galbi yakitori, and tonkotsu ramen. Staff were super sweet and attentive. I wish I had a bigger stomach to eat more food during my dinner! Our waiter was also super helpful with selecting sake to try. Resurant itself is dimly lit and very cute as well. There was no wait for an early dinner on a Wednesday night.

    Meg N
  • We had a very positive experience here and will plan to return. Our server was really polite, and very helpful on giving us suggestions on what to order from the menu. Food does come out at different times depending on what is being ordered, which we were told ahead of time and was not a problem. Everything we ordered was really good, and also enjoyed the bottle that the sake was served in.

    Dave R
  • This restaurant is amazing! The place is very clean— I really loved that. The food tastes delicious and the price is very reasonable. The staff are friendly and make you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. I definitely recommend coming here, and I will be back again for sure!

    Vivian Nguyen
  • Amazing spot to go on a Friday night! Great atmosphere to come with friends, for a drink! Must try dishes: -gyoza pork dumplings (the soft filling with crispy skin and heavenly sauce), -bulgogi bao (well seasoned bulgogi, complimented with super soft bun), -what the hell roll -spicy tonkotsu ramen (the broth was so flavourful, and the chashu pork was so tender, you can also request on how spicy you want the broth), -yakitori skewers (bbq pork belly, delicious and tender), -sashimi (fresh, thick cut and my favourite was the albacore). The service was also great, supper friendly and attentive staff.

    Ducy Szewczyk
  • Black garlic oil was very mild, could barely taste it. Ramen only had 1 slice of pork belly, with a pinch of corn, bean sprouts and seaweed. Ginger in ramen really didn’t do it for me either. This place also needs to add a third server because they only have two and they’re constantly busy, even though they’re very nice. Very cozy atmosphere. If you’re coming as a group definitely reserve ahead of time.

    J W

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Rakitori Japanese Pub&grill

Discover Rakitori Japanese Pub & Grill at 530 University Ave, San Diego! Savor authentic Japanese flavors and a cozy atmosphere perfect for friends and family gatherings.

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