Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill Introduce
For those of us in California who appreciate the delicate artistry and exquisite flavors of Japanese cuisine, finding a truly remarkable sushi restaurant can be a delightful quest. Within San Diego County, particularly in the El Cajon area, there's a local establishment that has been making waves with its commitment to fresh ingredients and creative culinary presentations: Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill. This spot has garnered attention for its unique approach to traditional Japanese fare, making it a noteworthy destination for both seasoned sushi lovers and those eager to explore new tastes.
Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill aims to surprise and delight its patrons with not just a meal, but an experience. Their focus on delivering "very artistic and delicious" sushi rolls, coupled with a dedication to "fresh sashimi" at "reasonable prices," positions them as a compelling choice for anyone in the California region seeking a quality Japanese dining experience. While every restaurant has its unique quirks, Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill strives to offer a memorable culinary journey, emphasizing flavor and presentation.
Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill is conveniently located at 2986 Jamacha Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019, USA. This address places it within a bustling part of El Cajon, making it easily accessible for residents across the city and neighboring communities in San Diego County. Jamacha Road is a well-known artery, ensuring straightforward navigation for those traveling by car.
Given its location in a commercial area, the restaurant typically benefits from ample parking, which is a significant convenience for diners in California, where parking can often be a challenge. This ease of access contributes to a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. Its prominent position also makes it easy to spot, drawing in those seeking quality Japanese cuisine. For locals, the combination of a central location and convenient parking makes Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill a practical choice for a spontaneous meal or a planned outing.
Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill offers a diverse range of services to cater to the varied preferences of its customers, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
- Dine-In Service: Enjoy a full-service experience in their restaurant, suitable for various occasions, from casual lunches to more elaborate dinners.
- Sushi Bar Seating: For guests who enjoy watching the skilled sushi chefs at work or prefer a more direct interaction, seating at the sushi bar is generally available.
- Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: The core of their offering includes a wide selection of fresh sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi, with an emphasis on "artistic and delicious" creations. Popular items include the Hamachi Kama and the unique Ceviche roll.
- Japanese Grill & Kitchen Entrees: Beyond raw fish, Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill provides a broad menu that includes cooked Japanese dishes such as Teriyaki Bowls (chicken, beef, salmon, shrimp, vegetable), Yakisoba (beef, chicken, shrimp, vegetable), Ramen, Tempura, and various appetizers like Edamame, Gyoza, and Hamachi Kama.
- Takeout Service: For the convenience of those who prefer to dine at home or on the go, takeout orders are readily available.
- Online Ordering & Delivery: Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill partners with major third-party delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. This allows customers to easily place orders online for both pickup and home delivery, offering maximum flexibility.
- Lunch and Dinner Menus: The restaurant offers separate menus for lunch and dinner, often including value-oriented lunch specials like Bento Boxes and Teriyaki Bowls.
- Reservations: The option to reserve a table is typically available, which is beneficial for planning group outings or securing a spot during busy hours.
Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and positive customer experiences.
- Artistic and Delicious Sushi Rolls: A standout feature is the emphasis on "very artistic and delicious" sushi rolls. This indicates a commitment to both presentation and flavor, offering diners visually appealing and tasty creations.
- Fresh Sushi and Sashimi: Customers consistently highlight the "great sushi and fresh sashimi" available, which is paramount for a high-quality Japanese dining experience. The freshness ensures the best possible flavor and texture.
- Reasonable Prices: The restaurant is noted for offering its quality food at "reasonable prices," making it an accessible and attractive option for a wider range of diners seeking value for their money.
- Unique Roll Creations: Specific mentions of the "Ceviche roll that had no rice in it" demonstrate the restaurant's willingness to innovate and offer unique takes on sushi, appealing to adventurous palates.
- Well-Prepared Hamachi Kama: The Hamachi Kama (grilled yellowtail collar) receives positive feedback, described as "very good," indicating proficiency in preparing cooked Japanese dishes as well.
- Variety Beyond Sushi: While sushi is a highlight, the extensive menu includes appetizers (like Fried Calamari, Pork Gyoza, Stuffed Jalapeños), various bowls (Teriyaki, Yakisoba, Chirashi), and special entrees (like Hibachi Steak and Chicken Katsu), ensuring a broad appeal.
- Online Accessibility: The strong presence on major delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, often with high ratings, makes it incredibly convenient for locals to order from Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill.
While specific, ongoing promotions for Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill in El Cajon are not explicitly detailed in the provided customer reviews, it is common for this restaurant (and the Tabu Sushi brand across its locations) to offer various deals to attract and retain patrons. Based on available public data from their menus and common industry practices, here are examples of promotions or special offers that Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill might provide:
- Happy Hour: Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill often features Happy Hour deals. While times can vary by location, promotions typically include discounts on select drinks (like drafts and wells) and appetizers during specific hours, often in the late afternoon and early evening.
- Lunch Specials: Their menu highlights dedicated Lunch Bento Boxes (e.g., Teriyaki Bento options), Lunch Teriyaki Bowls, and Lunch Yakisoba options, which are usually more affordably priced during midday hours, providing excellent value.
- Online Ordering Incentives: When ordering directly through their website or via partner delivery apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub), customers might find special offers such as a percentage off their first order, free delivery over a certain amount, or complimentary items.
- Combo Deals: The menu frequently includes various sushi and sashimi combination platters, which offer a bundled price that can be more economical than ordering individual pieces. Examples include Sushi Combo (10pc) and Sashimi Combination (16pc Chef's Choice).
- Seasonal/Chef's Specials: Restaurants often introduce limited-time, seasonal rolls or unique dishes, which may be promoted at special prices to encourage new try-outs.
- Loyalty Programs: While not explicitly stated, many popular local eateries offer loyalty programs where frequent customers earn points that can be redeemed for future discounts or free meals.
- Special Event Offers: On holidays or during local events, restaurants may offer themed promotions or special menus to attract a larger crowd.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any current promotions or special offers, it is always recommended for potential diners to contact Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill directly via phone or to check their official website or social media pages, as well as the listings on popular food delivery applications.
For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order for takeout or delivery, you can easily reach Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill through the following contact details:
Address: 2986 Jamacha Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019, USA
Phone: (619) 670-8228
Mobile Phone: +1 619-670-8228
Their team will be happy to assist you with any questions regarding their menu, services, or to help you plan your next visit to their establishment.
For residents of El Cajon and the broader California region, Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill stands out as a highly suitable and compelling choice for their Japanese dining needs. Its accessible location on Jamacha Road, coupled with convenient parking, ensures that enjoying a quality meal is always within easy reach.
The core appeal of Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill lies in its commitment to delivering "great sushi and fresh sashimi" at "reasonable prices." This value proposition is a significant draw for locals looking for both quality and affordability. The reviews consistently highlight the "very artistic and delicious" nature of their sushi rolls, indicating a culinary team that pays attention to both taste and presentation. Unique offerings like the "Ceviche roll that had no rice in it" cater to diverse preferences and demonstrate an innovative spirit, encouraging diners to explore new flavors beyond traditional options. The positive feedback for cooked items like the "Hamachi Kama" further solidifies its appeal beyond just sushi.
While a previous customer noted issues with the payment process and noise levels, these are often minor aspects compared to the overall quality of food and service that defines a restaurant. The option for takeout and widespread availability through popular delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, means that the delicious offerings of Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill are incredibly convenient for those who prefer to dine at home. This flexibility, combined with its strong culinary highlights, makes Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill a reliable and exciting option for any California local seeking an authentic and enjoyable Japanese meal. It's a place where fresh ingredients, creative sushi, and good value converge to create a truly local dining experience.
Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill Photos










Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill Location
Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill
2986 Jamacha Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019, USA
Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill Reviews
This place surprised me. Our Sushi rolls were very artistic and delicious. I ordered the Hamachi Kama, it took a minute to cook but it was very good.
May 27, 2025 · Corey MGreat sushi and fresh sashimi are offered for reasonable prices. I tried the Ceviche roll that had no rice in it and it was very good. I did not like their way of paying the bill before I got to see the receipt. The receipt was printed optionally after paying. The place is too noisy as well. I don't know, their walls do not absorb the sound, they reflect it. But their sushi is good and worth trying at least to order it to go
Nov 04, 2023 · Dawood MuradWith all the options out there I would save yourself the trouble. Only low sodium soy sauce to start with which is slightly annoying because if I wanted watered down soy sauce I would just add it to regular soy sauce. The hand roll was the smallest hand roll I've ever had out of potentially over a hundred handles in my life. I asked for missago added to my hand roll which they forgot. I had to ask for refills. I wasn't checked on once. The atmosphere was really nice. The design and lay out of the space was very nice. The sticky rice was a 3 and 1/2 out of five. I wouldn't say it was a horrible experience by any measure but mediocre is a term that comes to mind as I sit in the parking lot post meal thinking about my experience. As I said with all the options we have for good sushi in San Diego you probably want to try somewhere else. To the ownership, with just a little bit of tweaking here and there you could easily be a four or a five star. At least give people the option for full sodium soy sauce. I'm not even sure that authentic Japanese would even consider low sodium soy sauce since it's nothing more than watered down soy sauce. As an adult I can choose to just use less if I would like less sodium.
Feb 02, 2025 · Joseph AukselGreat quality sushi, expertly made. And the staff is so helpful and knows the menu. Our waitress even explained the difference tasting notes in the saki choices! Great place!
Dec 25, 2024 · Sharmalee LI normally don’t post reviews but we tried Tabu Sushi in Rancho San Diego for the first time and it was awful. We went to the one in Santee several years ago and were underwhelmed, but wanted sushi and were in the area of this location. The outside of the restaurant was dirty, no signs or stickers on the door, so at first it appeared closed, and multiple unhoused people were hanging around. The inside of the restaurant was okay but the men’s restroom was disgusting. My spicy shrimp ramen was tasteless, had no spice, 2-3 shrimp pieces, a few pieces of unidentifiable vegetables and some of the noodles were clumped together. They brought out my ramen with no utensil to eat it with and then completely forgot my husband’s food. After 10 minutes, I nicely asked them to check on it and they brought it 5-10 minutes later, but the rice was cold. A table next to us complained that there soda was flat. Between the price, atmosphere and taste, we will not return.
Feb 18, 2024 · C
More Japanese Restaurant Near Me

2650 Jamacha Rd #139, El Cajon, CA 92019, USA

3709 Avocado Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91941, USA

749 Jamacha Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019, USA

1025 Sweetwater Rd, Spring Valley, CA 91977, USA

755 Arnele Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020, USA

8350 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA

8555 Fletcher Pkwy Ste 106, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA

7887 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945, USA

9118 Fletcher Pkwy, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA

2872 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon, CA 92020, USA

2326 Proctor Valley Rd suite 104, Chula Vista, CA 91914, USA

6062 Lake Murray Blvd UNIT 201, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA
Categories
Popular Japanese Restaurant Sites






Must-Read Japanese Food Blog Posts
Most Searched Japanese Restaurant Sites
Trending Japanese Food Blog Posts





