Shozen BBQ

It looks like any Korean BBQ restaurant in CA, but once walking in you're warmly greeted by someone who looks like the owner. She was very friendly. Still, the menu looked like any Korean restaurant with a plethora of options from appetizers to stews, meat to sushi. Unexpectedly, the standout dish for me was the yukhoe (beef tartare). It’s definitely different from most places in the best way: instead of being overly sweet or heavy on seasoning, Shozen’s version lets the freshness and natural flavor of the beef shine. The texture is tender and clean, the seasoning is balanced with just the right hint of sesame oil, sesame seeds, pine nuts, chives and egg yolk. Surrounding the main attractive were slices of pear and cucumber. The dish felt thoughtfully composed helping the palate go through an unforgettable culinary experience. The al jjigae (fish egg stew) was excellent as well—deep, rich, and clean with no fishy taste or smell. It’s the kind of stew that’s comforting and layered with so much flavor that you didn't even need rice to complement it. Lastly, the service was outstanding. The owners were incredibly kind and accommodating—warm, attentive, and always smiling. You can feel their pride in what they serve and how they care for their guests. They would come by and ask if everything tasted alright, and made sure we weren't lacking any side dishes. I wish we went for the Korean BBQ, but we were stuffed! Maybe next time. It was definitely a restaurant that I would love to come back to when I visit SD again. A++!

Right out of the highway. To a very nice little place with good food. Good service. Clean place. Cozy vibe.

Can't beleive I've lived in the area for so long, that I haven't tried this ! Nice comfy atmosphere, and very homey. Initially was going to to the AYCE, but decided to just go side and entrees. Good thing we did! These plates were enormous! Such generous portions! And the food tasted really good! We didn't finish because we had so much food. Our server, I beleive, was one of the owners, and she was a very sweet and attentative, considering it was just her and the chef( possibly her husband). She even packed our food nicely with foil on the inside of our take-out box! Definitely coming back here again to try someone the other stuff on the menu, or even the AYCE. Support this local gem! 21 years in business, and I can see why.