Swanky Zenbu Sushi Opens in Cardiff by the Sea

Zenbu Sushi in Cardiff is the swankiest new hot-spot to hit North County since … wait, Zenbu is the swankiest spot to ever arrive in this ultra laid back beach town. 

In all fairness, the new Wine Steals in Cardiff does own an elegant appeal – but Zenbu delivers an upscale dining and nightlife vibe the North County coast has been begging for. Other trendy restaurants and bars in the area frequented by twenty and thirty-somethings include Station Sushi, Las Olas, Yogi’s, Beach Side, and the dive of all dives: The Saloon. If a group of young professionals craves a chic scene and great food, they’d either have to settle for one or the other, or head south for an evening in La Jolla. The new Zenbu now offers residents a local spot to see and be scene at home in Cardiff.

OK, let’s start from the beginning ...

Within Seaside Market Shopping Center in the giant space otherwise known as “The Old Yogi’s” Matt Rimel and his partner Thad Benshoof have renovated and divided the space to make room for their two signature San Diego restaurants: Zenbu Sushi and Rimel’s Rotisserie. This successful duo is a well known dining staple in downtown La Jolla, and the eateries are quickly finding a happy new home in the up-and-coming Cardiff shopping center. More lifestyle spots in the center include Azzaria Boutique and Spa Violet.

Meet Rimel’s Rotisserie
Rimel’s is known for the finest meats, poultry, game and seafood, which are roasted to perfection over an oak, wood-fired grill and rotisserie. The products served come via one of Rimel’s other successful ventures, Homegrown Meats / The La Jolla Butcher Shop, which produces locally raised, grass fed, hormone free beef and free range, hormone free poultry. The signature dishes are served up as patron favorites such as rotisserie chicken, savory steaks and juicy burgers complemented by fresh produce bought from local farmers markets. Patio seating coupled with an open kitchen, rotisserie rack, and furniture made from recycled wood from the Palomar Mountain ranch where product is hunted and raised gives a laid back, rustic feel to the space. (pictured below)

Meet Zenbu Sushi
Adjacent to Rimel’s, Zenbu has opened with a more intimate atmosphere. Diners will find sprawling fish tanks that feature local lobster, Uni and La Jolla Rock Cod all caught in nearby waters by Matt Rimel’s fishing company, Ocean Giant which is made up of a close knit group of local fisherman who produce the freshest local fish caught by eco-friendly hook and line methods. Bringing these natural ingredients together is Master Sushi Chef Tim Johnson. Tim’s artful and inspired creations have been at the top of the menu for over a decade at the La Jolla Zenbu.

The eatery continues to serve trademark dishes such as the Lily Alexandra and Zenbu Rolls while creating delectable new rolls like the Pill Box, made with spicy crab, tuna, shrimp and avocado with a drizzle of garlic ponzu; and the Eel Communication, made with shrimp tempura, spicy crab and tuna, freshwater eel, avocado, sweet chili and drizzled with eel sauce. All meals are diced up for your enjoyment on the Palomar mountain cedar sushi bar while diners enjoy a tattoo style Japanese art mural designed by artist Chris Yvon.

Zenbu Sushi only offers one dessert at the moment … but, it’s a decadent chocolate cake from Cardiff’s prized VG Donuts. If you’ve been glazed at VGs, you don’t need to be told how awesome this is. If you’re trying to keep up with the increasingly chic crowd in Cardiff, skip dessert and focus on the signature cocktail menu. With classic favorites like the Clutch’s Mai Tai and the Maggie May Margarita complemented by new additions such as the Oriental Mule (a crisp mix of vodka, lemon grass, cilantro and ginger-ale served on the rocks) and the Spiedelli Sidecar (a savory mix of brandy, fresh lime, cointreau, hand shaken and served straight up), there’s something for every palate.

As a North County San Diego native, I’ve spent many-a-nights at old-school Cardiff restaurants and bars. While I love appetizers at Yogi’s followed by a night at First Street and The Saloon as much as the next girl, I was taken back by the new upscale vibe at Zenbu Sushi. Imagine … a beautiful crowd dressed in new fashions from Azzaria, lounging with martinis in hand, hanging by the bar waiting for their table or merely mingling with new friends before hip-hopping along to a new party spot...

More sushi spots where the food is good, but the scene is better: Zen 5 Sushi in Pacific Beach, Harney Sushi in Old Town, RA Sushi in Gaslamp. Find the best San Diego sushi restaurants.