Matsu

Review summary

1. M

   Mark

   San Diego

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Totally worth the hype, came in for my Wife's birthday and was blown away. No words I could post would really do this place justice, just know it's as good as it seems, if not better than expected.
   

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2. J

   Jocelyn

   San Diego

   2 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on November 16, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Every single aspect of this place was thoughtfully and meticulously designed with great quality--all the way down the table setting. Matsu's carefully-curated interior design starkly contrasts its unassuming exterior (and location). The modern take on Japanese aesthetics can also be seen in their creative, textured tableware--which were each uniquely chosen to enhance the experience of each dish. For example, the Amberjack (sashimi) sat in a mini porous tidepool rock, as if we were presented with the freshest catch right by the ocean. To reflect the kitchen's subtle use of pine flavoring--like in the Senbazuru cocktail--there was just the perfect amount of quiet emphasis of pine designs/imprints throughout the place: on the countertops, on the menu cover, in the bathroom candle. All the staff were professional, courteous, and quick to fill our cups. Coltrane welcomed us into our seats with a gracious smile so warm that we didn't mind when he told us the wagyu supplier that night was stuck in traffic. The food was impeccable. They first surprised us with warm towels and an amuse-bouche, which was a cute take on sushi: sashimi on taiyaki! Our drinks were strong without being spirit-forward, and I had the cutest little micro-crane with it too! Ebi (shrimp) tempura had a great soft crunch. Kakuni (pork belly) paired so well with the freshest wasabi and cilantro. The skin crisp off the Sakana (fish with oil-boiled skin) was densely tasty. Don't be fooled by Tsukune's appearance; yes, it is a glorified fancy cheeseburger, but it is the best glorified fancy cheeseburger. Take it from me: we were so blown away by this phenomenal experience that we are fully ready to sit in another hour-long northbound traffic the next time we come back.
   

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3. D

   Dai

   San Diego

   10 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on November 13, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Chef William is truly a culinary visionary. I’ve been several times and I am always surprised by his continued trying to wow his guests with new creations. I also rave over his master bartender - he too crafts exceptional cocktails. I encourage all to go and go often. Even sitting at the bar is an exceptional experience but the ultimate is the chef table!
   

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4. S

   Sharon

   San Diego

   28 reviews

   5.0

   28 reviews

   Dined on November 13, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A special dinner with Chris Lobo’s Native Wines paired with Chef Eick’s yummy creations. Me enthusiastic consumption of the offerings prevented me from taking pictures of all the dishes and the paired wines . Don’t hesitate to visit- Great Staff and wine!
   

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5. R

   Rupa

   San Diego

   13 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on November 9, 2024

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 1

   The experience was beyond disappointing! First, there are no markings outside the restaurant, so it took us a while to find it. Instead creating intrigue or mystery, this just caused annoyance. Second, the decor was neither elegant nor comfortable -- wooden tables and chairs around a square room with the chef's bar on the side. No cushioning on the chairs made the 3-hour experience very uncomfortable. Third, all the fans were running even though it was 45 degrees outside; we asked for the one above our head to be turned off but were told all fans ran on one switch and the rest of the guests/staff wanted them on. So, our party of way shivered throughout the dinner. Fourth, a few of the courses were excellent but the rest were not good at all -- there wasn't enough fish in the courses, there were random courses with duck, corn, sunflower seeds, etc. The two dessert courses were inedible. Fifth, the waiters kept interrupting us at every course to give a pretentious description of what we were about to eat, and because we were not enjoying a communal Omkase at a sushi bar -- as we expected -- it was always a surprise to have them sneak up behind us in mid-conversation. Finally, the drinks were so-so but pricey and green tea was not even lukewarm. Will never go there again and do not recommend it; it was a WASTE of time and money (though the company of our friends made it a nice evening).
   

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6. A

   Alisa

   Los Angeles

   14 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   14 reviews

   Dined on October 27, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What an amazing experience! I highly recommend this restaurant as it was one of the best omikase experiences I have ever had. The food was beyond amazing along with the serivce and wine/sake pairing. Don't wait, book your reservation ASAP
   

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7. J

   Jennifer

   San Diego

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on October 20, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We enjoyed our dining experience at Matsu. Everything, from the food, the service, and the ambiance, was perfect! The food's presentation and flavors were exquisite. We can't wait to return to Matsu.
   

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8. S

   Scott

   San Diego

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on October 19, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Amazing food and great service. Every dish was excellent. Little expensive but for 10 course meal it makes sense.
   

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9. G

   Greatbut

   San Diego

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on October 19, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a wonderful experience with our servers and bartender. The meals were so tasty we are telling everyone we had unique and different flavors. It was defiantly a very special meal and dining experience !
   

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10. R

    Rosey

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    A fantastic first experience at Matsu. I was given this place as a recommendation so decided to take my Mum here whilst she was visiting from 🇬🇧. From the moment we walked through the door we were given full attention from our server and many other team members - the food was explained in detail and met all expectations with delicate and well thought out flavours served with a smile and friendly conversation. I will be back for the Omakase in the not too distant future! The Ebi Tempura, Aubergine and Sakana banana curry dishes were the stars of the show for me!🤩
    

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