SanSai Japanese Grill

Reviews

• Nima S.

  star star star star star 6 June 2026

  Mad that I didn't discover this place before while I was living in mission valley. They have a great combo plate for a great price and large portions. I am impressed by the amount of meat they give.
  
  Some of their side options are a little bit too tart for me though, I would ask for samples if it is your first time.

• Nimisha G.

  star star star star_border star_border 4 June 2026

  There is a misconception regarding those of us who yelp. The misconception is that we can't appreciate chain restaurants or fast food. I don't believe this is true since there are plenty of yelp reviews of both fast food and chain restaurants. The issue is that those of us who Yelp enjoy quality chain restaurants and fast food places.
  
  This is a long winded way precursor to the point of this review that SanSai Japanese Grill is a solid fast causal place to get Japanese food. This isn't a bad thing at all. Just don't expect super authentic dishes or amazingly fresh fish.
  
  You go up to the counter to order. The menu is loudly above you. You can choose a bowl or plate (including combo plates and kid's plate), rolls (including speciality rolls), salads and noodles & soup.

• Yu S.

  star star star star_border star_border 25 May 2026

  It took a while to get my food. I would say the restaurant was a little under half full. I ordered a bulgogi rice bowl with a mini udon, and it took over 20 minutes. I saw at least several other people wait about that long or even longer. Keep in mind that this is a joint without table service. You order, pay, then sit down. I was order number 250, but for some reason, order 256 and multiple others were ready before me. Most likely, it was due to what we ordered. Although, it's also true that neither of my items struck me as something that should take a long time.
  
  If anything, it's probable that they should've stopped cooking and served me my food a little sooner. Udon noodles should be a bit firmer than this. This feels like udon that has been sitting in my bowl for too long. The meat in my rice bowl also seemed like a very well-done bulgogi. The rice also had some weird clumps to it.
  
  I'm partial to this kind of Japanese food, but I'd describe the service and quality of this place as inconsistent at best.

• XStatezOfMindZx X.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 24 May 2026

  First time here and my last.   First fire your manager or get him some proper customer service training.   Out of the 5 employees, only one of them was kind and liked his job.
  
  My ticket #2122. Look it up on your POS system, it was around 3 pm.  It is never OK to short change your customers without informing the customer if it's OK.  I spent $54.13.  I gave your cashier a $100 bill, my change I was given back was $45.85.  So you kept 2¢ and thought it was OK?
  
  Well considering the outcome of my visit, consider it your tip.
  
  I ordered 2 chicken plates with 3 add ons, one tempura California roll plate with 2 add ons.  Got my 2 trays with one add on missing.
  
  Went back to the front and told the manager, he said he will bring it out to my table.  Waited 5 minutes and he told me I had received all my add ons.  My wife had to count and explain to him that I had ordered 4 add ons that were the same item.  Finally he realized I was correct and sent the order in the kitchen.
  
  I didn't appreciate the man challenge of who had the bigger balls, seriously his machismo is clearly a by product of his Hispanic heritage.
  
  Seeing myself one handed with a broken arm in a sling, I wasn't prepared to show him that he didn't want my inner John Wick skills.
  
  Being in the establishment with my wife and kid, I didn't want to create a scene.  He should pick his fights carefully because he has a lot to learn.
  
  The food was 3/5, without one Japanese employee in the place.  The miso soup tasted like it was made without any fresh paste.  The tofu was cubed small and tasted crunchy.  Definitely not fresh.
  
  The chicken was good, the tempura was 5/5.  The California roll was 1/5.  Food 4 Less deli selection tastes and is prepared correctly.  Half of my cut rolls were cut incorrectly and fell apart before making them to mouth.  The Wasabi was 1/10 in hotness, no horseradish flavor or burn.
  
  The fresh ice tea tasted moldy, maybe the container isn't properly cleaned daily.
  
  The tall skinny Hispanic guy is the person responsible for the employees losing their tip and I don't appreciate the dirty look given when my back was turned.  My wife saw it all.
  
  Save your money and avoid this location like the plaque.

• Ron Q.

  star star star star_border star_border 11 May 2026

  I came across San Sai a few years back at their Carlsbad location.  Quick, fast-casual Japanese dining.  Some good options of teriyaki chicken or beef along with a side salad and cali roll for cheap.  They also have specialty sushi rolls including rainbow and tiger rolls.  Miso soup comes with each plate entree. Now they've introduced Ramen and Poke to the menu.  Fairly fresh, but but not the best. They participate in the "spot on" frequent dining program.  Don't forget to scan/ sign in w/ e-mail when you're there for free apps for your dining pleasure.
  
  Keep on Yelp'n!