Kinme Omakase offers an immersive dining experience

We checked out a tiny, elegant sushi joint called Kinme Omakase in San Diego a couple weeks ago, and it’s an undiscovered gem. It’s only undiscovered because it opened last month, so that won’t last, I’m sure.

The space is small but sophisticated with a 10-seat dining counter facing an open kitchen. The room is calm and hushed, with a stunning marble wall and plenty of warm wood accents. The intimate and immersive omakase experience lets you watch as the chefs artfully prepare and present each dish right in front of them. With just 10 seats and a $175 price tag, it's a bit exclusive, but so worth it.

The menu changes daily, and every single course was outstanding. But some things stood out in our memory. First was an oyster topped with caviar and blood orange pearls that offered an unexpected—and welcome—burst of citrus.

The sashimi course was a mix of tuna, salmon, yellowtail, scallop, and uni seared by binchotan charcoal that gave the fresh fish a light smoky flavor. This course also included wagyu tartare in a choux pastry made with rendered wagyu fat, which gave it a rich and buttery texture. The puff was topped with pickled daikon and caramelized onion jam that were perfect counterpoints to the rich, tender wagyu.

Then came a custardy chawanmushi with morels and Dungeness crab that was creamy and delicate with a touch of umami. After some exceptional and inventive nigiri came a light, smooth English pea soup drizzled with nasturtium oil that gave it a subtle floral aroma.

Following all that was grilled Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef—probably the best beef we’ve ever had, juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender, topped with a sweet and savory sauce.

Dinner ended with a matcha tea service, with the chefs whisking the matcha right there and serving it in a beautiful bowl. It was smooth and lightly bitter—the perfect end to a perfect meal.

If you haven't been to Kinme Omakase yet, you're missing out. Book a reservation now and enjoy an unforgettable sushi experience before it gets too popular. Your mouth will thank you.

Details:

Kinme Omakase, 2505 Fifth Ave, San Diego CA, seatings at 5 and 8 Wednesday through Sunday

posted April 8, 2023