Welcome to Matoi
At Matoi, located in the heart of San Diego, an extraordinary culinary journey awaits. Founded by Chef TJ, whose passion for authentic Japanese cuisine was honed in Japan, this intimate sushi haven provides an unparalleled omakase experience for just ten guests. With 90s hip hop setting a laid-back vibe, diners savor inventive dishes crafted from the finest seasonal fish. Guests rave about the sublime otoro and the creative presentations that showcase both flavor and artistry. Matoi blends tradition and innovation, making it not just a meal but a memorable adventure that reflects the chef's dedication to the craft.
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4212 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111 Hotline: (858) 737-4556
Welcome to Matoi, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of San Diego's bustling food district on Convoy St. Offering an authentic Japanese experience, Matoi is not just another sushi restaurant; it's a culinary sanctuary where tradition meets innovation under the skilled hands of Chef TJ.
From the moment you step through the wood-paneled door, you're enveloped in an atmosphere that feels both cozy and exclusive. With seating for just 10-12 guests, the intimate bar setting fosters a unique connection between diners and the chef, making each meal an extraordinary experience.
At Matoi, you can expect a selection of exquisite omakase – a traditional Japanese dining style where the chef curates the menu based on seasonal ingredients and personal creativity. Chef TJ, who honed his skills in Japan, showcases his dedication to authenticity, utilizing the freshest fish and innovative pairings that pay homage to Japanese culinary art.
- Exceptional Quality: Each dish is a reflection of Chef TJ's passion. Guests rave about the otoro, which has been described as one of the best they have ever tasted, and the local uni, which is nothing short of sublime.
- Intimate Experience: With a maximum of ten diners at a time, Matoi offers personalized attention that transforms your meal into a communal celebration. Regulars and newcomers alike engage in lively conversations with Chef TJ as he prepares each course right before your eyes.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: The restaurant's vibe blends casual elegance with a laid-back charm, complete with 90s hip-hop music setting the backdrop for your meal. This unique ambiance encourages a relaxed dining experience, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy evening out.
However, while dishes are excellently prepared, some diners have noted that the service can be slightly awkward at times. Small details, such as drink refills and timely clearing of plates, could benefit from refinement. Yet, this does not overshadow the overall experience, as the food itself consistently shines.
Matoi has garnered a loyal following, with many declaring it the best high-end sushi restaurant in San Diego. Whether you're a seasoned sushi aficionado or someone looking to dive into the world of omakase for the first time, Chef TJ's creations promise to deliver an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
If you're in San Diego, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in an experience that celebrates the depths of Japanese cuisine. Reservations are highly recommended due to the limited seating. Try Matoi—your taste buds will thank you.
It's good, go, coldest beers in town, promise, I learned that non alcoholic asahi is actually good
matoi is the best high end sushi restaurant in san diego. TJ is consummate professional who cares immensely about serving the most perfect sushi and traditional japanese food. i have been to all sushi places in SAN diego and many in japan and i can tell you matoi clearly the best in san diego. this is equivalent of michellin 2 star in my opinion.
My favorite Omakase in San Diego!!! And I've been to all of them including the Michelin rated ones. This is a little hidden gem with intimate seating of about 10 guests. The sushi chef TJ honed his skills in Japan and his love of Japanese cuisine is undeniably demonstrated. The dishes are inventive and every mouthful is delicious. Fresh amazing unique sushi done in the traditional style. Make sure you try this place before he leaves to go back to Japan in 3 years. Definitely try the huge beer in an ice cold stein.
Came here on a Saturday as a solo omakase diner. The restaurant is located in a plaza with plenty of parking, which is one of my biggest concerns for convoy. The interior is very cozy and unfussy and the hip hop music gave a casual vibe. I think there were 10 total people and the bar was totally full. Chef TJ served a unique variety of fish that I have never tried before plus some old favorites. I think that some of the composed dishes were a little lacking in seasoning. Everything was very well prepared and fresh. I did remove one star for the service. The service was a little awkward and unrefined. Drinks going unfilled, napkins not replaced, dishes not cleared in a timely manner before the next course came out, and the server constantly reaching over at bad times/bumping hands while I was trying to eat. Not to say the service was bad, just a little awkward.
We came here to try the quick omakase which lasts an hour and has 11 dishes. Chef TJ is welcoming and a fun character. The vibe is chill and laidback with 90s hip hop playing softly in the background. The rice to fish ratio in the nigiri is one of the lowest I've seen ever! Meaning the smallest amount of rice to fish. For my personal taste, the sushi rice could've used a bit more vinegar. But once the chefs switched to red vinegar for the sushi rice, it was perfect and complimented the fish so nicely. The otoro is one of the best I've ever had. I ordered a second round after the omakase was finished. We also ordered uni which was local to San Diego and it was sublime! Service could use some improvements when it comes to the small things, like offering water refills without being prompted, refilling ginger, wiping sushi plate after each dish or offering all guests with a bag the option for basket storage (I wasn't offered it but another guest who came after me was, not sure why the inconsistency). Overall, I'm not sure if I'd want to come back to try the full omakase before I try another restaurant. Although each nigiri bite was delicious, I can't say I was thoroughly wowed by what was served in the quick omakase. I'd recommend you try it for yourself though!
The whole experience was fantastic, we had such a great variety of fish. It was very authentic from the food, to the service to the ambiance. We loved the menu and how detailed and well rounded it is. Food was delicious!!! Highly highly recommend!!! thanks to the chefs too because they were super personable and we enjoyed our time there!
If you like an Omakase experience ..come here! The chef -TJ , is knowledgeable in what he serves and lead you to a whole course of excitement. The choice of his fish is amazing and his creations is unique and opened your palette. If a chef were to put his heart into a dish and its for the customer to experience ... is this. He is meticulous and just awesome. Love love love ! Ps. This it's not my first Omakase
Thank you Chef TJ and staff for taking good care of our rowdy party of 7! We really enjoyed the experience, it was very intimate and had fun engaging conversations. The sushi is more on the traditional side so the focus is more on the rice and fish rather than experimental toppings. We ordered a few different carafes of sake but our favorite was Black Dragon (and yes, the chef is more than happy to drink with you!). I've had quite a bit of omakase in san diego, and this is one of the better ones for overall experience. I'll have to check out this place again the next time I'm in town!
Matoi was one of the best omakases I have ever had (also the most expensive). Chef TJ knows his stuff. I treated my partner here for his birthday after years of wondering what was behind the mysterious, wood-paneled storefront. We were seated with six other individuals at a bar. The restaurant can only accommodate 10-12 people at most. This was much more intimate than Tadokoro in Old Town. There were clearly regulars in attendance who talked to the chef like an old friend. He is extremely creative and knowledgeable while also being outgoing and boisterous. The way this guy knows how to multitask is incredible, truly. He also curated a very fun vibe for the night with 90s hip hop playing in the background. We were served a 7-course meal (with many components)--the menu for the night is in the pictures below. I liked how well-balanced and artfully presented this meal was--there was a soup! Sashimi! Nigiri! Tempura! Grilled fish! Dessert! In addition to the set menu, you are allowed to order additional items from the kitchen. We got additional orders of uni tempura, buttered conch, fried lotus root, and some hyper-seasonal fish that the chef recommended. Being that this omakase was 3 hours, I left just a little bit hungry (lol). The time between dishes is not a bad thing--it goes to show how freshly prepared everything is and gives you time to chat and digest. Be sure to come for a meal before TJ eventually retires and goes back to Japan.
Wow I had one of the bestest omakase in my life. At first I was skeptical since the chef was non Japanese but wow food and drink were one of the best! I can tell chef Tj is veryyy passionate about what he does and serious about good eating. I looooooved every bite and I can't wait to try different season fish. The ladies were very nice. The place is very small but intimate. I wish I could eat the goodness little sooner but chef TJ had a lot of interesting informations to share during his prep so I really enjoyed full 2 hours and 30min dining experience. I would love to come back here again. Really really loved the food and taste, my favoriteeee omakase ever