This summer marks the arrival of Zuma San Diego in downtown San Diego. The luxury Japanese restaurant brand’s first California location will introduce its modern izakaya concept to the heart of the city. The opening reflects San Diego’s continued evolution as a leading global luxury destination, placing the city among an exclusive collection of international markets chosen for Zuma’s distinctive blend of contemporary Japanese cuisine, vibrant social energy and intuitive hospitality
Since launching in London almost 25 years ago,Zuma has expanded thoughtfully into cities where dining operates as cultural infrastructure and where guests arrive as much for the atmosphere as the food. From Hong Kong and Istanbul to Rome, Miami, Madrid and more, each of the brand’s spaces are sophisticated, high-design environments where sushi and robata anchor the menu. In San Diego, contemporary Japanese dishes that are authentic yet modern, designed to be enjoyed in a relaxed, shareable format.
This opening signals an emphasis on Zuma’s expanding footprint in North America. The San Diego outpost will span approximately 12,000 square feet and seat around 220 guests. Featuring expansive indoor and outdoor dining with a garden terrace, a wraparound bar, and a dedicated DJ booth, Zuma San Diego is set to become one of the city’s most dynamic new culinary destinations – blending world-class dining with an energetic social atmosphere within a breezy setting.
“Zuma’s signature contemporary Japanese dining experience is a natural fit for the city’s nightlife, culture, and proximity to the waterfront,” said Sven Koch, Chief Executive Officer of the Azumi Group in a statement. “We’re excited to make waves in the community and bring our distinctive approach to dining to San Diego.”
Design
Designed by Zuma’s in-house team and inspired by the Baja California landscape, Zuma San Diego incorporates large-scale stone elements, monolithic boulder walls, and natural textures. The interior palette draws from California’s flora and fauna, expressed through fabrics, woven glass handcrafted in Munich, and custom details throughout. Intricate timber screens made in Indonesia reference Japanese motifs and the Balboa Park Botanical Building’s iconic wood lath structure. Handmade ceramic faces, Japanese washi paper, and a resin bar front with suspended bubbles add layers of craftsmanship. The secluded courtyard terrace, surrounded by new landscaping, creates the feeling of a hidden retreat.
Dining
Zuma creator and co-founder Rainer Becker guided the menu’s direction to showcase the brand’s signature izakaya-style dining experience. Guests can expect a comprehensive selection of dishes intended to be shared with signature dishes including:
- From the Robata Grill | Gin-dara no saikyo yaki – Marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaf
- From the Sushi Counter | Arjun’s chu-toro maki – Prime tuna with finely diced spring onion and Oscietra caviar
- From the Zuma Kitchen | Yaki taraba gani – Norwegian king crab with ponzu
The bar program features over 40 varieties of sake alongside premium Japanese spirits and signature cocktails, including:
- Burning History | Suntory Toki whisky, Lagavulin 16-year-old, yuzu, honey, ginger, and egg white, smoked over a barrel stave
- Zuma Paloma | Tequila, clarified yuzu and hibiscus cordial, grapefruit Himalayan solution, soda water
- Osaka Spritz | Strawberry and basil-infused Aperol, prosecco, tonic
For more information visithttps://www.
Zuma San Diego is located at 500 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 and is open Monday – Sunday, 5-10 p.m.
Reservations: https://www.
