News Summary
Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa is set to establish its first location in San Diego’s Little Italy in spring 2026. Renowned for traditional sushi made from high-quality fish, the restaurant is expected to enhance the local culinary landscape. With a commitment to fresh ingredients and reasonable prices, Sugarfish aims to provide an exquisite sushi dining experience. The venue will feature California ranch-style design elements and will accommodate 40 guests, promising a delightful ambiance for sushi lovers.
San Diego – Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa, a well-known sushi restaurant chain from Southern California, is set to open its first location in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood in the spring of 2026. The restaurant will be located at 2100 Kettner Blvd., Suite 1100, bringing its acclaimed sushi dining experience to the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
The announcement of the new location was made earlier this week, generating excitement among local sushi lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Sugarfish operates multiple locations across greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and New York City, and is celebrated for its focus on traditional sushi made with high-quality fish without shortcuts or fusion elements.
Founded by esteemed sushi chef Kazunori Nozawa and his long-time friend Jerry Greenberg, Sugarfish aims to deliver the highest standard of sushi with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Since the opening of their first restaurant in Marina del Rey in 2008, following the success of Sushi Nozawa in Studio City, the brand has progressively expanded its presence, becoming known for its straightforward approach to sushi dining.
Concept and Menu
The Sugarfish experience is built around simplicity and quality, featuring a unique rice vinegar recipe and offering rice that is warm and loosely packed. The menu includes four “Trust Me” set menus, which highlight an array of high-quality fish sourced globally. These preselected dishes consist of sashimi, nigiri, and hand rolls that reflect the Nozawa-style sushi preparation, ensuring consistency and affordability for diners.
Location Design
The design of the Little Italy Sugarfish location is being handled by architect Robert Tsurimoto Kirsten from A-RTK. The restaurant will incorporate elements inspired by California ranch-style homes designed by Cliff May. With a planned seating capacity of 40, the venue will feature natural concrete floors, exposed columns, and large windows that offer views of the harbor, aligning with the brand’s aesthetic and commitment to providing a pleasant dining ambiance.
Expansion and Growth
The expansion to San Diego is seen as a significant milestone for Sugarfish, as co-founders highlight that growth enables better sourcing of fish and an overall enhanced sushi experience for guests. This new location intends to offer a casual and quicker sushi dining option in a community that is already rich with exceptional sushi restaurants.
Background and Philosophy
Sugarfish’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that sushi can be both exquisite and accessible. By focusing on keeping menu prices reasonable while serving premier-quality fish, the brand strives to elevate the sushi dining experience for all. This is evident in their strategic approach to delivering a menu that prioritizes flavor and freshness, rather than elaborate preparation or presentation.
Overall, the anticipated opening of Sugarfish in Little Italy represents an exciting addition to San Diego’s diverse food offerings, promising to bring its renowned sushi style and commitment to quality to the heart of the city in just a few years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Design Week to Celebrate Innovative Solutions
Sugarfish to Open First San Diego Location in Little Italy
Additional Resources
- San Diego Magazine
- Wikipedia: Sushi
- Eater San Diego
- Google Search: Sugarfish San Diego
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google Scholar: Sugarfish
- NBC San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sushi
- SFGate
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
