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Welcome to Okan Diner

At Okan Diner, the joy of authentic Japanese cuisine shines through its diverse noodle offerings and neatly crafted bento boxes. Nestled in the heart of San Diego, this Asian-owned gem combines a trendy yet casual atmosphere that invites everyone, from families to foodies, to savor each dish. The delightful blend of flavors, such as the savory Tofu Steak Bento Box and crispy Karaage, highlights the dedication to quality and taste. With vegan options and a welcoming environment that supports wheelchair accessibility, Okan Diner prioritizes inclusivity. Whether dining in or enjoying takeout, a memorable culinary journey awaits you here.

Okan Diner: Reviews & Ratings

Stephanie H.
Stephanie H.

This authentic Japanese restaurant is located in a small plaza, has blacked out windows, and looks unassuming from the outside. I saw the great reviews and decided to check it out and order food to go. I had the sukiyaki udon and it tasted great! A little bit on the saltier side, but I really enjoyed the ingredients included such as the napa cabbage and mushrooms. It wasn't crowded when I went on a Tuesday evening and my food was ready as soon as I arrived. The food is decently priced and I would definitely come back to try more dishes!

Adeline S.
Adeline S.

Okay yeah I love this place. It's super cozy and it matches the diner vibes that they would have in Japan. It's super chill and what I absolutely love is how you order eat and pay, no fuss and no constant checking in with you. it's a great place to hangout with friends and family, and if I worked close by I would definitely come by on a long day at work. They got everything from sushi, okonmiyaki, udon, yakitori, etc. The drinks are mixed in house like the chu-hi and they're just as strong as I remember them! The hamburg steak was dry and it had the flavors there, and the takoyaki and kaarage were alright. The mentai udon noodles though?? That's where it's at. Absolutely delicious and original, I would come back just for this tbh and I'm even thinking about making another trip just for it! Also the fries here are sooooo good idk what about it tbh but I think about them too Also they have the bidets you find in Japan - yes the Toto branded hot seat bidets - it's lowkey a tourist attraction in my circle of people I know tbh, I found out about the toilets here from a coworker haha There's plenty of parking here unlike actually convoy street, the service is no fuss, and it's a no frills location! Definitely recommend for a chill night!

Allison P.
Allison P.

The mecca for warm homey meals. Okan Diner is serving up homestyle Japanese eats! I absolutely love their set meals- so balanced, filling, and cooked with love. We dropped in during lunchtime and immediately made a beeline for their specials. I got their Sukiyaki Lunch Set Menu which features a skillet of Sukiyaki, a bowl of white rice, miso soup, and a side salad. Sukiyaki is essentially thinly sliced beef cooked in a sweet soy broth- one of my all-time fav dishes! It also featured cabbage, various mushrooms, and tofu. So. Freaking. Good. One of the most comforting meals I've had in a very long time. Can't wait to be back and make my way through the menu! My one morsel of feedback is about the service. It's s-u-p-e-r slow. The day we were there, there was only one person in the front of the house tending to diners. We eventually just made our way up to the counter at the end to get her attention...

Tracy M.
Tracy M.

We tried Okan diner for the first time today. We are pretty impressed. The food was very very tasty. The eel was warm and delicious. The service was pretty good too. The ambience was just normal for this kind of restaurant. Wear a coat.

Jay L.
Jay L.

Gotta love cold beer and yakitori. I recently visited Okan Diner and had such a wonderful experience. We ordered the chicken and beef skewers, as well as the uni and roe rice bowl--everything was absolutely delicious! The skewers were perfectly cooked and packed with flavor, while the rice bowl was rich, fresh, and a true standout. To top it off, the food came out super quick, and the service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. It's clear they care about both the food and the customer experience. If you're looking for a spot with tasty dishes, great service, and a relaxed atmosphere, Okan Diner is a must-visit. We'll definitely be back!

Cynthia W.
Cynthia W.

Pretty solid place with delicious udons. I recently tried the mentai udon and that was nice and creamy. It was flavorful and the sauce was the star of the dish. My friend got the carbonara udon and that was a cool fusion dish. It felt more of a pasta dish than a traditionally Japanese dish though even with the udon. I remember also trying their sukiyaki udon and that was a great soup udon option. The beef was yummy with the hint of sweetness and soup makes it perfect for cold days. This place is a bit of a smaller diner but gives off a cozy atmosphere vibe. I would recommend checking it out for those cold rainy days.

Hao W.
Hao W.

I really enjoyed their happy hour menu. Hot House Sake for $3.95 is such a great deal. That paired with their takoyaki and geso kara just hits the spot. Really impressed that it was freshly fried. Service was great as well. Happy Hour is available Monday-Thursday from 5:30-6:30PM. There's a huge parking lot, but even on a Thursday it was already pretty packed. Will be back again!

Kannica C.
Kannica C.

We came in on a Saturday night and they were fairly busy. The place is nicely decorated and is dimly lit, offering a cozy ambiance. It took a while to be acknowledged or greeted while we waited at the host stand, but then once they did, they offered a table right away. We ordered the sukiyaki udon, garlic edamame, sweet potato tempura, and katsu udon. Everything tasted amazing! I was so shocked with how flavorful my udon was, it was the best part of the meal! The katsu curry had chicken that was a bit dry and the curry definitely tasted like something I could've made with curry cubes. The tempura was delicious though! Will be returning.

Location

  • Okan Diner
    5430 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste G San Diego, CA 92117 United States Hotline: (858) 278-4228

Welcome to Okan Diner, a gem nestled in the heart of San Diego at 5430 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste G. This isn’t just any diner; it’s a celebration of Japanese noodle culture, offering an extensive menu that caters to both traditionalists and those seeking a contemporary twist.

At Okan Diner, diners can immerse themselves in an intimate, trendy, and casual atmosphere. With options for outdoor seating and a dog-friendly policy, it’s perfect for families and groups alike. The establishment is ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all patrons. Plus, it boasts a range of modern conveniences such as delivery, takeout, and even the acceptance of cryptocurrency.

One of the standout features of Okan Diner is its diverse bento box selection. Whether you’re in the mood for the savory Tofu Steak Bento Box glazed with thick mushroom sauce or the succulent Rib Eye Steak Bento Box, there’s something to satisfy every palate. I highly recommend the Karaage Bento Box—the deep-fried chicken paired with green onion sauce offers a delightful crunch while bursting with flavor.

  • Lunch Highlights:
    • Tofu Steak Bento Box: Fried tofu with thick mushroom sauce - $16.00
    • Karaage Bento Box: Deep-fried chicken with green onion sauce - $18.00
    • Rib Eye Steak Bento Box: Beef rib eye steak with garlic salt - $26.00

If you're looking for a light yet flavorful appetizer, the Nankotsu Karaage, featuring deep-fried chicken cartilage, is a must-try. The Asari Clam Garlic Butter is another crowd-pleaser, with its savory garlic butter complementing tender clams, providing a warm and inviting start to your meal.

  • Appetizer Treats:
    • Deep Fried Chicken Cartilage: A crunchy delight for adventurous eaters - $10.00
    • Steamed Asari Clams: Garlic butter soup goodness - $13.00

No dining experience is complete without a touch of sweetness, and I urge you to indulge in Okan Diner's dessert selection—because who doesn’t love a sweet ending? With their casual vibe and happy hour specials, it’s an ideal spot for unwinding after a long day.

Okan Diner not only offers delicious food but also provides a range of utilities to enhance your dining experience. From waiter service to catering and Wi-Fi, they cater to every need. Whether you're stopping by for lunch, dinner, or dessert, Okan Diner guarantees a satisfying culinary experience.

In summary, Okan Diner stands out not just for its authentic Japanese dishes but also for its warm, friendly atmosphere and thoughtful amenities. So, gather your friends and family, or simply treat yourself to a delightful meal at this unique venue in San Diego—you won’t regret it!