We love the energy around a brand new restaurant, and Zuma had been on our radar while it was still being built. Entering through The Guild Hotel immediately makes the night feel special, even if finding the restaurant tucked toward the back takes a little guidance.
Once we arrived, the space was every bit as beautiful as we expected. Zuma has indoor dining, outdoor seating, a bar and three kitchens inside, according to our waitress.
The atmosphere lived up to the hype. The food we ordered did not.
Nothing was bad, but most of our order felt too simple to justify making dinner the reason to visit. If we return, it would be for drinks, the setting and the energy rather than another full meal.
A global restaurant lands in San Diego
Zuma began in London and brings its contemporary Japanese izakaya style to The Guild Hotel. The San Diego restaurant is the brand’s first California location, with sushi, robata cooking, a full bar and indoor and outdoor dining.
Three kitchens, one dramatic settingWhat we ordered
We ordered four dishes. The vegetable sushi roll was Lana’s favorite, but none of the food gave us a reason to plan a return dinner.
Avocado asparagus ginger roll
Lana liked having a vegetable sushi option that did not rely on fish or seafood.
Asparagus avocado salad
Our waitress told us to mix it so the large avocado pieces from the bottom were incorporated throughout.
Edamame with sea salt
Simple edamame with sea salt and nothing especially memorable.
Skewered chicken wings
Finished with lime and sea salt. Fine, but not something we would return to order.
Lana’s reaction: The vegetable sushi roll was the standout because meat free sushi options are not always easy to find.
Our overall reaction: We enjoyed the atmosphere more than the meal. We would come back for drinks with friends, but would skip the food.
The details worth knowing
Use the Columbia entrance
Zuma has its own dedicated street entrance off Columbia. Use that entrance instead of navigating through The Guild Hotel.
Choose your setting
The restaurant has indoor dining, outdoor seating and a bar. The atmosphere is the strongest reason to visit.
Reserve dinner
Zuma currently serves dinner daily from 5 PM to 10 PM. Confirm current hours and reserve before visiting.