Izakaya Masa: A Cozy Haven for Authentic Japanese Ramen & Sushi

Love the overall look and vibe of this place, the two servers we had were very friendly. Starting off there wasn’t much parking and a bit of a wait as this seems to be a popular spot, but it didn’t take unbearably long and was definitely worth it. We are vegan so got the tofu steak (never seen that before) and vegetable rolls. Both were great, and wasn’t too expensive. Didn’t get any sake or beer but seemed like a great spot to have some drinks with your friends.

My new favourite in mission hills!! Everything about this place is great!! Authentic, welcoming and delicious. It’s also fantastic value for money. I highly recommend. Note - reservations not accepted, you have to put your name on the list and wait to be called. Recommend arriving early :)

This spot was gas!!! Meaning sooo good!!! My first time and yes I had to wait and put my name on the paper as everybody will too but the food is worth it!!! I ordered the Bacon And Garlic Sprout Saute. (Fresh Green Bean Sprouts) Spider Special Roll (Soft Shell Crab Tempura, Avocado, & Caviar). Lobster Dynamite Special Roll. (Lobster, Avocado, Caviar & Spicy Mayo W/ Green Soy Paper) Hakata Ramen (Sliced Pork 2pc, Fried Garlic, Green Onion, Dried Seaweed, And Red Ginger). Donburi (Over Rice) Salmon Teriyaki

Definitely expect a wait unless you arrive exactly at open. This restaurant is the turn & burn type. They are very fast at getting tables seated. We waited around 40 minutes for a table and it was SO worth it. The gyoza was so crispy and delicious and the sushi was very fresh. We can't wait to come back here. One of my favorite hidden gems in SD!!

Busy spot, great food, fast service. This has been my go to ramen spot for decades. Expect a wait to be seated.

If you are okay with waiting up to an hour and 20 min to get in, then I promise you this place is worth it!! We went there on a Sunday (about 20 min wait) and came back that same Friday (1hr20min). BEST miso soup and salmon sashimi I’ve had. Came back for the exact same thing. Tried my husband’s ramen and sushi, and they were also delicious. By the time you leave you forget you were waiting for that long. I’m planning on coming back at least once a month.

Cute small japanese restaurant with absolutely friendly service. We tried an tofu appetizer, Ramen, udon noodles, and sushi. Everything was delicious. We will be back. Plan some waiting time to get in. We arrived at 7pm on Fridays and had to wait for 30min.

Izakaya is located in Mission Hills. They don’t take reservations so make sure to get there early! Our party of 2 arrived right at opening and we were seated immediately but within 30 minutes, the tables filled fast. Parking/Environment: Dedicated parking lot in front with limited spots. Metered street parking spots available around the restaurant. Traditional Japanese style restaurant inside. There were many 2 person tables, a handful of 4 table seats, and some bar seating. All indoors. Service: Our waitress always checked in on us, water was always filled, and each item came out in a timely manner. Food: -Soft Shell Crab Tempura ($13): 2 small whole crabs deep fried with sauce on the side; this was delicious, I highly recommend -Gyoza ($6): 6 pieces pan fried -Caterpillar Roll ($14): delicious if you’re an eel lover -Lobster Dynamite Roll ($17): also delicious -Una Don ($19): eel bowl with rice; good enough to share if you’re getting more entrees Overall: I really enjoyed this place and would definitely come back. Remember to come close to opening especially if you have a larger party!