Yakitori Hino, San Diego CA

Everything was perfectly seasoned and grilled, and the saba was melt in your mouth delicious! Unfortunately, I didn’t take photos, except for the saba - a prepared mackerel. As a little treat, we also ordered the chawan mushi - a savory soup/custard with shrimp and mushroom.

This was a gem–easy to be seated on a Friday night, drinks with the staff, late nights kind of place. They were written up on a best of SD from a major publication and unfortunately the place has changed. TBH, the quality of food consistently coming off the grill has gotten better, better than its sister down the road, but the gem that this place was is lost. No more easy seating, no more staff interaction, and the biggest concern of all, the prices have doubled. So here I am, back to a search for smokey bar where I can sit all night and not cough up an entire days pay.

Flavorful, delicious, marvelous Japanese izakaya food. This place is such a gem, and the service is also very sweet. We had such a memorable meal with good variety, and everything was well executed, which is so rare. Beats all the New York izakayas I've been to, and prob the SF ones too. Can't wait to go back here.

Amazing. The young yakitori chef’s control of the binchotan (charcoal grill) is underrated here and I’ve been to the others in the area (taisho, koubou, yakyudori). He gives the yakitori chefs in Japan a run for their money.

The space is small and intimate so you’ll have to reserve or risk getting turned away but for those that manage to get in, you’re in for an experience.

Fantastic.

They will tell you eat somewhere else if you have more than four people after let you sit. They will also tell you that if you don’t drink, eat somewhere else. Horrible place.

I used to have really good impression for this restaurant, until last time when I came there and they raised the price unacceptably. Also last time we have 6 people in total and they put us next to the door. I dont know how they designed the circulation system but all the smoke came to us, which gave us a horrible experience.

Small unassuming place. But you sit right up front and get to see a Master at work. Taking individual care of each piece he creates just for you. The food was absolutely wonderful. I plan on going back before I leave. The prices are absolutely affordable, especially in today's economy. Overall a 5 and a must visit place to eat in San Diego. Loved it!

Writing this review in hopes the managers or owner will see it.

Please. Please bring back your Yakisoba.

That was some Michelin tier Yakisoba. I need it in my life. I promise I'll come everyday for the rest of my life if you do.

I've been dreaming of it since 2019.

This is easily my favorite yakitori place. They even give free water now! It's not cheap but every dish hits. A few recommendations include chicken thigh, gizzards, meatball with the egg yolk soy sauce, pork shiso, beef tongue, and baby scallops! Definitely check this place out. I also asked the owners and they want 5 star reviews now. So if any of you fake 1 starers see this, update your reviews!

This Yakotori restaurant is simply amazing. I feel like I am in Japan, and the food almost makes me want to cry. It’s that good. It’s a bit pricey- but well worth it. Everything on the menu is delicious, and cooked with perfection. Michelin should rate this restaurant!

Delicious food and excellent service.
My favorite, pork belly and beef tongue, liver is also a good choice but not for everyone.

On Sunday, September 5,2021, I was greeted with a poor attitude from an employee I did not recognize. I frequently eat here, as this is my favorite restaurant. My best friend and her boyfriend were visiting me from Atlanta, Georgia. We arrived a few minutes before they opened and asked for a table for three. The waitress informed us that we needed a reservation b/c they were really busy that day. I looked around and saw all of the empty tables and said okay, can you add us to the list? She said that she would and that the earliest she could seat us was 8: 30 pm. By now, it was 6: 08 pm. I told her that that was fine and then she went to talk to a chef and informed me that we couldn't be seated at all. We were refused service due to their many reservations. We left in disappointment, and I thought to myself, "I wonder what would happen if I called instead. " I called and made a reservation under my name for a table for four just in case they remembered the three of us. The gentleman that I spoke with said that that was fine and the earliest we could be seated was 6: 45 pm. We went back and the waitress looked like she saw ghosts. We had a great time although our server did not wait on us. The food was amazing, per usual, and I paid the bill in full without tipping b/c of the unprofessional behavior I experienced earlier in the evening. After heading to my car, the waitress and a manager came following after us and asked why didn't I leave a tip. I explained the entire situation at hand and the manager apologized before proceeding back inside the restaurant. Fast forward to today, almost one month later, Sunday, October 3,2021. I called with my cellphone, which is what I used to make the reservation the first time. Without asking my name, I was told that I am no longer welcomed at Hino b/c I did not tip the server more than one time. Not only was management given false information, but they did not correct the new server for her poor quality of service. Very sad for business and sad to be happening here in the San Diego area.

Literally the best food experience I've ever had. Everything was cooked to perfection for what it was. Had nearly the whole menu. Drinks are strong. Had a fruity sake variety and a Sapporo. Very small charming inside decor with Japanese aesthetic. Basically tapas/appetizers for those unfamiliar with this style.

Came here all the time when I was in San Diego for college. No reason not to come back when I’m back in town. The beef tongue, meatballs and chicken thighs are my favorite!

Must try if you are into authentic Japanese grilled skewers

I'm sad to say that this Yakitori place pales in comparison to Yakyudori, an establishment just down the street.

Food: For whatever reason, the yakitori itself seems to be less flavorful and lacks the kind of impact that I've now become accustomed to.

Staff: The staff is very friendly and service was quick.

Is the experience here bad? Not at all; I had a great time and enjoyed my meal. However, considering the competition, I would choose other places first.