When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
KUMI Sushi Grill

Why KUMI Sushi Grill is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
KUMI Sushi Grill in San Diego offers a welcoming ambiance perfect for meeting up with friends and enjoying quality Japanese and Korean cuisine. Located conveniently on Kearny Mesa Road, this restaurant prides itself on delivering a dining experience marked by fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and heartfelt service. The menu highlights comforting Japanese dishes alongside select Korean favorites, featuring a variety of fresh sushi rolls made with care and respect for authentic flavors. The inviting environment and attentive staff create a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere that encourages lingering conversations and celebrations. Whether you're craving classic rolls like salmon and tuna or more elaborate options with shrimp tempura and spicy mayo, KUMI Sushi Grill caters to discerning palates. Their hours from late morning until evening provide flexibility for casual lunches or dinner meet-ups. The passionate team behind KUMI Sushi Grill focuses on making each guest feel appreciated, ensuring that every meal is not only delicious but also memorable. This dedication makes it a great place to gather with friends for a satisfying culinary outing that combines freshness, flavor, and friendly hospitality.
Here's what people think of KUMI Sushi Grill
As of recent, KUMI Sushi Grill holds a 4.5-star rating based on 282 reviews.
Customers overwhelmingly appreciate KUMI Sushi Grill for its consistently fresh sushi and flavorful rolls. Many reviewers highlight the creativity of their rolls, such as the dynamite and samurai rolls combining shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, and the right balance of sauces like eel sauce and spicy mayo. The freshness of ingredients like salmon, tuna, and avocado receives frequent praise, as does the noticeable care in crafting each dish. Reviewers also comment positively on the friendly and attentive staff who enhance the welcoming vibe. The ambiance is described as comfortable and casual, suitable for any occasion from casual lunches to dinner with friends. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional issues with roll assembly falling apart during eating and sporadic service delays when the restaurant is busy. A few patrons have noted limited parking or wait times during peak hours. Despite these minor concerns, the overall consensus is favorable, with most guests recommending KUMI for its quality sushi, variety, and heartfelt approach to service. This blend of positive elements establishes KUMI Sushi Grill as a standout spot for fresh, tasty Japanese and Korean fusion dining in San Diego.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Lisa C
If you're looking for delicious Japanese and Korean-fusion classics, fast and friendly service, and affordable prices, we highly recommend visiting Kumi! As native San Diegans and true foodies, we were impressed by how the owner revamped the space with a modern, cute aesthetic. The staff — including the young manager — are always attentive, welcoming, and on point. We love their rolls, appetizers (the best tempura — perfectly crispy and flaky!), and the Kalbi is absolutely fire. Great vibes all around. Highly recommend!
Kemner Frani
Staff are very welcoming. Sushi is good as well. Lots of variety of rolls. Better than the AYCE sushi spots in the area. Have to mention Josh our server. He was great and provided great service to us. Thank you Josh!
Rajesh Kumar
Friendly sushi place in the Claremont area, with good parking options, which is an important consideration for the area. The ambience is a bit basic and the sushi was sort of to match - not flashy, but good. The rice was a bit more chewy than I like and the fish, though generously portioned, could be chunky in parts. The Agadeshi tofu was made of soft tofu, which was unusual.
Jewel Peavy
Everything was delicious and fresh. I really enjoyed the Tonkatsu Curry and spicy garlic edamame (not pictured because I immediately dug in lol). My mom really enjoyed the Crispy "no rice" roll, and she's not as versed/adventurous as I am when it comes to Japanese food/sushi. The staff was great, attentive, and efficient. So glad I finally made it to try out. Will definitely be back soon to try more of the menu! ☺️
Enrique DC-
Decent food. The chicken katsu curry entree was okay, and it’s a really nice serving. We also tried the sesame chicken, which was good but almost no sesame flavor at all. We came back to try their sushi but yeah that was a mistake. Overall It was not terrible but it was OK/meh.
How to reach KUMI Sushi Grill
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Why KUMI Sushi Grill may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at KUMI Sushi Grill with your friends?
When planning a memorable meetup with friends or family, choosing a venue that offers a harmonious blend of great food, welcoming atmosphere, and versatile dining options is essential. KUMI Sushi Grill stands out as an excellent destination for such gatherings, and there are many reasons why. First, the restaurant boasts a strong overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 282 reviews, reflecting consistent customer satisfaction. The restaurant combines fresh sushi, comforting Japanese dishes, and select Korean favorites, delivering a wide variety of flavors that can satisfy diverse tastes within a group. More importantly, KUMI Sushi Grill places emphasis on exceptional service and a friendly environment, which helps foster a relaxed and enjoyable social experience. The dining space is clean, tasteful, and can accommodate both quiet conversations or lively group interactions, depending on your preference. All these factors make KUMI Sushi Grill not just a place to eat, but a welcoming space to create lasting memories with your favorite people.
What activities can you enjoy at KUMI Sushi Grill that make it great for groups?
KUMI Sushi Grill offers numerous activities and features that suit group meetups perfectly. Firstly, the restaurant’s extensive menu caters to a variety of appetites, featuring a range of sushi rolls, grilled dishes, Korean short ribs, bento boxes, and sides like gyoza. This variety encourages sharing and tasting different dishes, which is a natural way to spark conversation and connection among friends. Another appealing feature is the option to enjoy both Japanese and Korean cuisine in one place, appealing to groups with diverse palates or those looking to explore new flavors together. The staff’s attentive and friendly service further enhances the social aspect, ensuring that group needs are met promptly and efficiently. For families or mixed-age groups, the restaurant also offers kid-friendly options and treats such as green tea ice cream, making the experience enjoyable for all. Lastly, the ambiance is sufficiently flexible to accommodate celebratory occasions, casual lunches, or relaxed dinners — creating the perfect backdrop for any group event.
Why is KUMI Sushi Grill’s atmosphere ideal for social gatherings?
The atmosphere at KUMI Sushi Grill promotes both comfort and conviviality, making it ideal for meetups. The space is described as clean and well-maintained, with a tasteful modern décor that feels inviting without being overstimulating. Whether you prefer a quiet spot for meaningful conversations or a more lively environment for casual banter, KUMI accommodates these moods by adjusting the noise level and seating arrangements as needed. The team prioritizes customer experience, often catering to specific group requests to create a pleasant setting. The restaurant's location in San Diego's Kearny Mesa, a lively neighborhood, also adds convenience and accessibility for group members coming from different areas. Such attention to ambiance and service makes it easier for groups to relax, connect, and enjoy their time without distractions or discomfort.
How does KUMI Sushi Grill’s menu support group dining experiences?
KUMI Sushi Grill’s menu is thoughtfully curated to support sharing and variety, which are hallmarks of a successful group dining experience. The menu includes a wide array of sushi, offering classic rolls, specialty combinations, and fresh sashimi, encouraging groups to order multiple plates and sample a range of textures and flavors. Beyond sushi, the grill options and Korean specialties, such as short ribs and bento boxes with gyoza, add hearty and satisfying choices for those who prefer cooked dishes. This variety means groups can easily accommodate eaters with different dietary preferences and appetites, from sushi aficionados to those seeking comforting grilled items. Large platters and combination meals make ordering and sharing straightforward, helping reduce wait times and simplifying the dining dynamic. Moreover, the option to pair dishes with beverages, including kid-friendly drinks or cocktails, rounds out the communal atmosphere and keeps everyone engaged.
What makes the service at KUMI Sushi Grill stand out for a friendly group meetup?
Service is a critical element in any group dining experience, and KUMI Sushi Grill excels in this area. Reviews frequently highlight that the staff is polite, attentive, and fast, ensuring that orders are taken efficiently and delivered promptly. Such responsiveness is especially important when dining with groups, where multiple orders and special requests are common. The servers at KUMI often go above and beyond, such as offering complimentary treats like green tea ice cream for children, which adds a thoughtful touch that does not go unnoticed. Friendly staff helps keep the atmosphere light and welcoming, allowing group members to focus on conversation and enjoyment rather than logistics. The team approach within the restaurant means that everyone from hosts to servers works collaboratively to ensure that each guest’s experience is positive, making KUMI Sushi Grill an inviting place to gather.
Why is KUMI Sushi Grill a versatile venue for different types of gatherings?
KUMI Sushi Grill’s combination of comfortable setting, diverse menu, and attentive service makes it highly versatile for a range of groups and occasions. Whether you're planning a casual lunch with coworkers, a family dinner with children, a weekend dinner with friends, or even a birthday celebration, KUMI can accommodate your needs. The restaurant’s hours, open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM, offer flexibility in timing, which helps groups coordinate easily. The layout provides seating options suitable for both intimate conversations and larger parties. The fusion of Japanese and Korean dishes can be a great conversation starter and a way to share a unique culinary adventure. Finally, KUMI’s clean and inviting environment fosters an atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy their time without feeling rushed, making it a dependable choice for meaningful gatherings of all kinds.
In summary, KUMI Sushi Grill is a compelling option for hosting meetups with friends or family due to its excellent food variety, friendly service, welcoming atmosphere, and overall versatility. Its strong positive reputation and dedicated team make it not just a dining venue but a space to create memorable social experiences. Whether you crave fresh sushi, grilled specialties, or a relaxed environment in which to connect, KUMI Sushi Grill delivers on all fronts.