Thanks for coming back to read the food blog named mmm-yoso!!! Kirk is (still) on vacation, visiting beautiful and historic sights. Ed (from Yuma) is busy, but (soon) will have the time to do anything he wishes and Cathy is (here) writing while making lists of things to be done.
I didn't realize how long ago I had first shared Shizuoka with you, much less only one revisit. A small Mom and Pop Japanese restaurant, with limited seating and limited hours, it's been in the same East County location for almost 25 years. 
Located on Fletcher Parkway North of Grossmont Center in a mall anchored by Souplantation and Michael's, it's easy to pass without noticing. 
Step inside and this small waiting area greets you. 
The entrance to the kitchen is behind those silks on the left. This photo is taken from the table at the front window. There are six booths total in addition to the tables you see. It's small.
There are menus and specials on each table, to make it less work for the waitress(es) when you are pointed to a table to be seated. The miso soup is standard and good, as is the hot tea. 
The ika (squid) karaage ($4). This ever so lightly floured and fried version here is always fresh and crispy.
Bento Box 7 (Lunch price, $6.20)- tempura and broiled mackerel. Good size portion of mackerel, properly fried tempura, lettuce salad, noodle salad and edamame. This is so good and satisfying.
Bento Box 2 (Lunch, $6.20) Chicken teriyaki and sashimi. The fish is so fresh, the chicken meaty and juicy and the house made teriyaki has a citrus undertone and is not too sticky/sweet.
The waitresses are friendly, stop and talk and catch up; they know the regulars. The food is always fresh and tasty. It's like a nice dinner at the home of a friend.
Shizuoka Japanese Restaurant 9118 Fletcher Parkway La Mesa 91941 (619) 461-1151 Closed Monday, open Tues-Fri 11:30-1:30 and 5-8:30, Sat 5-8:30, Sun 5-8
The entire menu.
Hi Kathy, I really enjoy the vibe of this place. Good service and affordable food, but would want to return just for the friendly atmosphere alone. π
Sorry, meant to say Cathy! I know a few (K)athy’s…
I love the udon soup here! I always see people order the bento boxes, which look delicious, but I can never get myself to waver from my usual order here π
$6.20 for a lunch bento is a great price. I like how they actually give you a shrimp in the tempura for Bento 7. I usually receive no shrimp in my bentos π
Yes, it just feels so familiar to walk in and sit down here, Dennis. The food is very fresh and consistently good here. (It’s OK, there were five named Kathy/Cathy in my High School class, five named Cindy also; the Retirement Home should be confusing for the workers).
You are right, Linda, the udon is great, especially in cold weather. I understand about the ordering dilemma; we could be here regularly, but the open hours are few.
Great prices here, Faye (50 cents more at dinner)($1 more at lunch and dinner if you order beef). We’re spoiled by always having tempura shrimp as part of the bento. The owners are fair, nice people.
Thank you for supporting my parents’ restaurant π They just retired last month, so the establishment itself is not the same. Hope you continue to support the new owners and menu. – Nana