Mikami Revolving Sushi and Bar-a first look (Clairmont Mesa)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Cathy is writing today while Kirk stays busy at work.

Another revolving sushi bar has opened in San Diego. Located at the South West corner of Clairmont Mesa at Ruffner, in the same mall as PT Eatery, Katsu Cafe, one of the original Lolita locations, the Tea Station location  I write about.  The corner across Ruffner Street has the Original Tommy's.  The other corner, across Clairmont Mesa Boulevard, has Ajisen Ramen.  The parking area is plentiful and free (compared to the parking area by the other San Diego revolving sushi restaurant, Kura).

 The Mister and I were here on a weekday (and Mikami is still in the 'Soft Opening' stage) and only one Conveyor was open.  The second photo is looking into the Bar area, which has no conveyors, but where appetizers, entrees and 'buckets' can be ordered.
The rolling conveyor (kaiten) had a good variety of choices, although a good 1/3 were salmon based (The Mister doesn't really like salmon), each group of plates proceeded by a plate with a description on one side and number on the other.  All conveyor plates are $2.80.  Beverages are $2.85 (and the hot tea is really good).
As always, we like to try the salad offerings. This was plentiful and filling.  Fresh vegetables as well as good quality krab along with avocado. 
 We got all wild and crazy and chose a 'Las Vegas Roll' from the rolling belt.  The breaded fried roll had a filling including real crab and cream cheese.  It was fresh and tasty. We also shared this half and half (tuna and salmon with cucumber filling) roll, which was also fresh and well made.

 Then we set our eyes on the touch pad ordering system. Pretty simple to navigate; we did order one item at a time.  First we decided to try the fried calamari rings ($7). 

 The smooth running wood railed trolly delivery system was pretty much silent.  Once you take your order off the rocket ship, you can send it back by pushing the button on the table or it will eventually automatically go back to the kitchen.
The sea salt topped (where else does salt come from?) fried calamari rings were quite nice, well fried, not greasy, and served with a slightly spicy dipping sauce.
 We also ordered a Blue Crab hand roll ($2.80) which was quite large and fresh made (the rice was still warm). Really nice quality.
The soy wrapped spicy scallop hand roll (also $2.80) was  wonderful and also much larger than expected.  I would much rather have this than three smaller spicy scallop rolls from the conveyor for the same price.
We didn't see any soft shell crab on the conveyor nor on the menu, however when we asked, found out it's the 'Spider Roll' (again, $2.80) and wow, we will order two of these next time!  Perfectly fried half of a soft shell crab.

A nice alternative in a good location.

 
Mikami Revolving Sushi and Bar 7319 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92111 Sun-Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Comments

[kat]

looks great!

[Elle]

I wonder if the Cajun side will stick around. The area seems already so big for the sushi side lol. I like that's there's no wait compared to Kura. Hand rolls are a good deal. Hope they can add more sashimi or low carb options.

[Alan]

Hi Cathy: Not trying to give you a hard time, but FYI -- most table salt comes from mines. Like the Morton's and Leslie's salt in those cylindrical containers. So salt manufacturers (??) differentiate salt processed directly from the sea as "sea salt". IMO, sea salt tastes better, especially if it is naturally evaporated and then just packaged without additional processing.

[Cathy]

Quite nice, Kat.
It is the Soft Opening still, Elle and they will be looking at all sorts of variables for making a profit. I think having the option in the bar area is a good thing, along with the plates. I guess we'll see in a few months.
Hi Alan, no problem; I did grow up in Detroit/Michigan and salt is spread on the icy roads in winter. Just never thought of labelling salt origins, although 'table salt' has so many other ingredients in it that there should be a warning on it. Have pretty much always purchased kosher and flaky salt for home baking and the table shakers.(thank you for reading my posts);)

[caninecologne]

Glad there there is a ton of parking for this spot. The one for Kura (formerly Kula) is awful. This place has now been bookmarked for me and my husband. Thank you for the preview!

[Faye]

would you prefer this place over Kura? I still want to pay them a visit . Nice tip about 1/3 of items on belt are salmon !

[Cathy]

If you don't get to Kura early, then there is only paid parking unless you are fortunate enough to find street parking, cc. I think that you and Bert will find something good here. Conveyor sushi is always fun.

Sometimes I like to stop at Kura for a quick bite and snag a single seat at the conveyor instead of a booth, Faye. It looks like the single/chair seating here is larger and I already like the parking situation. Thinking the selections will differ after the Soft Opening/Grand Opening shows the owners which items sell better.