Is there parking at Tanuki?

Yes—they have a lot, which is a real plus in Kensington. You won't be circling the block hunting for a spot, so that's one less thing to stress about before lunch or dinner.

Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?

They take reservations and also accept walk-ins, so you've got flexibility either way. If you're going with a group or hitting them during prime dinner hours, calling ahead is smart to avoid a wait.

What should I order on my first visit?

Start with the spicy tuna roll—it's consistently praised and comes with a side. Their lunch menu is particularly solid if you're going midday, and the kitchen items are straightforward and reliable.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, they have vegetarian options on the menu, so whether you eat meat or not, you'll find something worth ordering.

Can I sit outside, and is there outdoor seating for groups?

Definitely—most of their seating is actually outside, which is perfect for a casual group dinner or neighborhood hangout. The indoor space is small, so the patio is where the action is.

What's the vibe like—casual or more formal?

This is a casual neighborhood spot, not somewhere you dress up for. It works for a business lunch, a weeknight dinner with friends, or just a locals' hangout in Kensington. Expect relaxed and unpretentious.

Is the pricing fair for what you get?

Portions are on the modest side for the price, so it's worth knowing going in. You're paying moderate prices, but don't expect huge rolls or overflowing plates—think of it as quality-focused rather than quantity-focused.

Can I order ahead or pay at the table?

They use Toast for ordering, so you can order and pay ahead if you want to speed things up or simplify the process—especially handy if you're grabbing takeout or want to streamline your visit.

Tanuki — Restaurants in Kensington, San Diego

“Tanuki brings practical, weeknight-friendly Japanese food to Adams Avenue with a lunch menu that skips the theatre and goes straight to the roll.”

While Kensington's dining scene tilts heavily toward brunch spots and casual American fare, Tanuki fills the sushi-on-a-Tuesday gap without asking you to dress up or plan ahead. The Toast-based ordering system means you can fire off your spicy tuna roll and a side before you've even grabbed a table, and the parking lot out back—a rarity on this stretch of Adams—makes it the go-to for a quick lunch between meetings or a low-key dinner when cooking feels like too much work.

The menu leans approachable: kitchen items like teriyaki and tempura run simple and serviceable, while the sushi arrives fresh enough to justify repeat visits. The spicy tuna roll gets consistent nods, and each lunch roll comes with a side, which stretches the value on what some reviewers flag as smallish portions. Don't come expecting omakase fireworks or Instagram-worthy plating—Tanuki's appeal is in its reliability, not its wow factor.

Seating skews outdoor, with a smaller indoor section that fills up fast. The staff stays on top of refills and questions, even if they occasionally need to double-check with the kitchen. It's the kind of spot that works whether you're grabbing solo takeout, hosting a casual group dinner, or just need somewhere that won't make you wait an hour on a Thursday night. The beer and wine list covers the basics, vegetarian rolls round out the menu, and reservations smooth out the weekend rush.

Tanuki isn't chasing Michelin stars—it's chasing the neighborhood's weeknight dinner rotation, and for that lane, it delivers.