Shimbashi Izakaya: The best Japanese Tapas Restaurant in San Diego

When most people in the States think about Japanese restaurants, Sushi is the first type of food that comes to mind. However what if we told you, there was a another side to Japanese cuisine?

Introducing… Shimbashi Izakaya. Located along the beautiful strip of Camino Del Mar, Shimbashi Izakaya offers a peaceful, modern and intimate dining experience for those craving something a little different. Izakaya, by definition can be closely related to a pub. In Japan, it is known as a drinking establishment, where food is treated more like a compliment to a drink as tapas are in the Latin world. Therefore, don’t look at this dining experience as a time to stuff your face (even though you can); instead, think of it as a place to enjoy the intricacies of fine Japanese dining accompanied alongside an excellent choice of beverages.

Once entering the establishment, you are greeted by a friendly staff who cordially invite you to seat yourself in quaint, but exquisite atmosphere. The menu offers a wide array of delicacy’s from Sashimi, Hot Pots (Shabu Shabu)  to Sushi should you wish to have something familiar.

During our visit, we had the following:
APPETIZERS
Takowasabi: Wasabi flavored octopus
Tomato with Bacon Skewers*
Grilled Ginko Nuts*

SASHIMI / FUSION SASHIMI
Kobe Yuzu: Thin sliced seared Kobe style beef with yuzu ponzu sauce

SALAD
Salmon Skin Salad*

Entrees
Pork and Kimchee

Drinks
Sake Sampler Glass (Otokoyama, Yumetsukiyo, Nigori)

*indicated today’s special

We started our meal with Takowasabi. Although it didn’t look appealing at first sight… upon first bite, it proved to be a refreshing medley of Octopus coupled with that unique punch only Wasabi can give you. The Kobe Yuzu, was probably the most appetizing dish on our table. The thinly sliced Kobe beef was deliciously seared on the outside with a raw Sashimi center. Topped off with a simple garnish, it presented a refined taste.  The creaminess of Sashimi with the flavor of prime meat, to put it simply…was perfect in every sense of the word.

The Tomato Bacon Skewers could have been left out of our plate, although not terrible.. after having the Kobe Yuzu and Takowasabi, it didn’t seem up to par with the quality of what our pallets have gotten used to. The Grilled Ginko nuts on the otherhand, proved to be a fun little snack during our dining experience. As far as our salads and entrees go, the Salmon Skin Salad and Pork Kimchee dishes proved to be a great compliment to the rest of our meal, which was broughout by the taste of our Sake Sampler.

Otokoyama, Yumetsukiyo, Nigori where in line and all three proved to be excellent. Otokoyama was by far our favorite Sake. It was a light and refreshing drink that stimulated our palletes just enough to top off  our dining experience. However, if you’re into something a little sweeter, the Yumetsukiyo and Nigori samples will be your favorites.

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 5/5 Stars
Food: 4.5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
Price: $$$

Tip #1: An absolute must try is the Kobe Yuzu! Thin sliced seared Kobe style beef with yuzu ponzu sauce

Tip #2: Always have the samplers if you can’t decide on which drinks to try, you will be pleasantly surprised

Tip#3: To save some money, visit Simbashi Izakaya during their Happy Hour -
Mon-Fri: 4:00pm – 7:00pm, Weekends: 12:00pm – 7:00pm, $3 Draft Beer, $5 Cocktails and some reduced price tapas!

Tip #4: Seating is limited so make reservations just in case you anticipate on arriving on a busy night.

Tip #5: Always try the Today’s specials and keep and open mind (don’t judge a book by it’s cover). Chances are, you will definitely enjoy what they have to offer.

Contact:
Shimbashi Izakaya
1555 Camino Del Mar, No. 201
Del Mar, California 92014-2408
(858) 523-0479

Hours:
4 PM to 11 PM, Mon. ?Fri.
12 PM to 11 PM, Sat.
12 PM to 10 PM, Sun.