Andrew & Christine's Life Adventure: La Vita e' Bella: 샌디에고 스시 오타 (San Diego Sushi Ota)

After over two decades, Sushi Ota continues to maintain its title for best sushi restaurant in San Diego. And their formula is pretty simple - commitment to quality and service.

I take everything I read on food blogs and especially on Yelp with a grain of salt but Sushi Ota is listed as the 2nd best restaurant in San Diego overall and I can certainly agree to that.

As you can see, it doesn't look like much from the outside. As a matter of fact, it's next to a 7-11 on Mission Bay Drive, nowhere close to downtown San Diego. Never judge a book by its cover, right?

I recently blogged about Sushi Yasuda in NYC and Sushi Ota's business philosophy is very similar to that of Yasuda. The majority of Ota's staff is Japanese, with all of the sushi chefs being Japanese. So am I saying that the best French chef has to be French? Not necessarily, but a person's background and experience does have some merit when it comes to authenticity.

My last meal in San Diego before flying back to Seoul. Let's make it a good one.

Start off with some Asahi draft.

Start off with some appetizers - Ankimo (Monk Fish Liver with Ponzu Sauce). Believe it or not, this was my first attempt at ankimo. It was a bit rough on the palate but I think it's an acquired taste like natto so I'll give it another shot next time. I think it would go great with sake or soju.

Hamachi Kama (Yellowtail Collar)

Chicken Karaage

Ota Sashimi. Consists of Uni, Akami, Otoro, Saba, Hamachi, Sake & Amaebi.

That thing kept moving...

Pure quality. I don't think I have to say anything about the otoro but look at the salmon. Salmon is typically a cheap cut of fish but the marbling on this sashimi is a rare sight.