As much as I (and Ed from Yuma) enjoy dinner at Kokoro, I believe there are places that do better. What I really enjoy about Kokoro is the Nigiri lunch, which is a nice splurge for me at $15.
I really enjoy the miso soup and also how Akio-san seasons his rice, which is just about right for my tastes. Though the fish are the usual suspects; maguro, salmon, etc….. I always enjoy the anago, which I was told is steamed, making it a melt-in-your mouth experience. The tamago isn't too tough and nor overly sweet as well.
Recently, I read a post on the lunch Chirashi by Dennis. It looked lovely (the power of suggestion), so I just had to order it on my next visit. It's quite a generous sized affair, in my mind worth the $18 price tag.
Akio-san dips a bit deeper into his stock of fish for this; on this day, the katsuo was outstanding and the uni creamy, oceany, and refreshing. The rice was as usual perfect for me; though there was too much of it. I think I'll see if he'll do a sashimi lunch for me one of these days since I just can't put away the carbs like I used to.
It's really nice to have a little splurge lunch spot, for those weeks that I feel in need of a little R&R – reward an respite from the grind.
Kokoro Restaurant
3298 Greyling Dr
San Diego, CA 92123
In case I'm in need of some variety; what are your favorite splurge lunch spots?
Hey, thanks for the link/mention Kirk. I feel the chirashi here is a pretty good lunch deal.
looks great & nicely priced 🙂
Wow! I’m salivating over the chirashi.
The chirashi looks good! Its price point is about the same as Sakura’s. How do you think they compare?
It is Dennis!
Hi Kat – Right now it’s my favorite splurge lunch.
Hi Theo – Check them out and let me know what you think!
Hi Jess – Getting down to the nitty gritty; I wouldn’t ever get Chirashi/Sashimi/Sushi when Kazu isn’t working at Sakura; so lunch is pretty much out with regards to the Chirashi at Sakura. I prefer Kazu’s “cuts” to Akio’s, though I prefer the rice at Kokoro. I’m looking at this purely in the context of lunch as I think the Chirashi at Kokoro would be $$$ at dinner.