Ogawashi elevates sushi in Downtown

Ogawashi is certainly different from any other sushi spot I’ve been to Downtown, elevating their plating with art, design, as well as flavor, and depth. I’ve now been to Ogawashi twice, and both times my companions enjoyed the sushi and soups, as well as the sake, wine, and full bar.

The name is fun to say, and has meaning… according to their web site it means “handmade” (in Japanese I assume, since this is a Japanese sushi restaurant), and according to Mr. Yi, owner of Ogawashi, as well as PB Sushi and WA Sushi, it means “5th and C” in Korean (they are located downtown at 5th Ave and C Street in the Gaslamp Quarter, across from the House of Blues) – both meanings fit very well. The space, which used to be the sports bar Red Zone, was gutted and completely redesigned by award-winning Basile Studio.

The menu is lead by Chef Daniel-san, and Ogawashi offers great variety on their menu, including some unique spicy sushi as well, notably the Sunset Roll and the Sunrise Roll, both topped with jalapeno and fire sauce. We sampled their menu, and enjoyed the works of art they produced to display and showcase their sushi and other dishes.

They offer some great dinner items, as well as a full lunch menu, including sushi combinations and bento boxes. If you prefer their full menu during lunch, they offer 20% off the full menu items. They also tout the most aggressive Happy Hour in San Diego Monday – Friday from 3pm – 8pm, and 12pm – 7pm on the weekend.

For those wanting vegetarian and gluten-free items, they offer Miso Soup as a starter and have a large selection of vegetarian nigiri and cut rolls that feature fresh veggies like radish, broccoli, pickled squash, lotus, and pumpkin.

Ogawashi is unique in offering local craft beers, as well as Asian and international offerings. It provides to be one of the more unique beer list that matches well with sushi. Hand-crafted cocktails and an impressive sake list will make this an immediate hot spot for creative libations.

Their Grand Opening is November 10th, and I encourage you to make a reservation and enjoy food and drink tastings, along with 25% off their entire menu.

Ogawashi is set to become a quite a popular spot given it’s great location, decor, and amazing quality of sushi, nigiri, all handmade to order. Ogawashi means handmade, indeed.

Web Site: http://www.ogawashi.com/
Twitter: @Ogawashi5thC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ogawashi5thC

Click on a photo below to launch the photo gallery of all the tasty dishes they provided us to sample!