GAIJIN NOODLE HOUSE
627 4th Ave. Good news: This is the year of the noodle bar! And this gorgeously-designed newcomer uses local ingredients from sustainable farms.
HANE SUSHI
2760 5th Ave. Sister restaurant to Sushi Ota (Pacific Beach) which many call ‘best in town.’ Hane is authentic sushi at its finest.
IZAKAYA MASA
928 Fort Stockton Dr Some of the best, authentic Japanese tapas, ramen, and udon can be found here – if you can find this super tiny gem.
JUAN CHOU
3025 Juniper St. Mex and sushi in one place?! No rules, enjoy tasty tacos and specialty sushi rolls with cold cerveza and premium sake!
KATSUYA
600 F St. Famous Hollywood swank hits the Gaslamp with sexy design and spectacular Japanese cuisine and sushi.
Lotus Thai
3761 6th Ave. Go-to Thai spot with the freshest ingredients and spices. Exotic decor and an exceptional wine list. Vegetarian friendly.
PHO XPRESS
1125 6th Ave. Their fast, fresh and authentic Vietnamese soup will cure what ails ya. Try the fried rice, too. Beware of the 12-1pm rush.
RED PEARL KITCHEN
440 J Street 1940s Shanghai glamour gets a makeover at this Gaslamp spot serving upscale Asian cuisine with a youthful twist.
SAFFRON
3731-B India St Ten bucks or less for top-notch Thai food that’s quick, healthy, delicious. Salad rolls w/ peanut sauce never disappoint.
SHINO SUSHI + KAPPO
838 West Ash St. This acclaimed new spot serves heavenly sushi. Not surprising – the owners and staff hail from the famous Sushi Ota and Hane Sushi.
TAKA
555 5th Ave. Plan to fish a fat wad of cash from your pocket for the fresh catches at this fancy Gaslamp sushi spot.
UNDERBELLY
750 W.Fir Street Contemporary tribute to the traditional ramen bar. Yes: Modern design, rare beer, Japanese whiskey and late night dining. No: Spoons.
YUMEYA
3882 4th Ave This chill, intimate sibling of the beloved Encinitas sake house brings homemade ramen and tapas to Hillcrest. Bonus: It has a parking lot!
