Zenbu Cardiff by the Sea's Sushi Place

We've just begun to explore Cardiff by the Sea, California which is the southern-most coastal part of Encinitas in North San Diego county-just 20 miles north of downtown San Diego. Cardiff is known for it's State Beach, endless sunshine, and good surf. With Zenbu in the neighborhood in addition to the other restaurants in this little piece of heaven, and good food with good service becomes another trademark of Cardiff.

Zenbu is located in the same plaza as well known and loved Seaside Market at 2003 San Elijo Ave in Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007. Open the dark and mysterious door and you enter the world of chic, small, and intimate sushi culture, but fear not! My husband and I visited Zenbu for our 19th wedding anniversary this year because we were too tired to go far and it was a week night. That said, Zenbu was worthy of our anniversary even if we needed to travel a distance. We sat at the sushi bar and enjoyed the show from the 3 sushi chefs and the service of our waitress (for drinks, edamame, and anything cooked). The chefs are truly artists and fun to watch. We met another local couple who was out on a date night.

Now I must be honest...I love sushi bars...but I don't really do sushi. I'm a California & Philadelphia roll kind of girl, and I love miso soup, and most cooked Japanese foods. My husband on the other hand, loves all seafood including sushi and sashimi. Our sushi chef treated us to a roll that was beautiful as a starter, even if I pushed the raw fish over to my husband and ate what was inside. We also had the Zenbu Roll which may become my new favorite. Honestly sushi lover and land lubber can't go wrong.

Since the kids were home, we felt obliged to take them some food and the California Roll is now someone's favorite. We've picked it up twice now for a dinner on these hot nights when I just couldn't bear to cook and it was just one of the kids and me.

For the younger crowd (meaning not middle aged like us)...this is really a good date place and friend spot. Wet Wednesdays seem especially fun and affordable.

Call for reservations: 760-633-2223 or takeout. Enjoy.