Ken Sushi Workshop

Ken Sushi Workshop sits among the office and retail strip at 11375 El Camino Real in Carmel Valley, San Diego. The restaurant is built around counter seating, where owner and chef Ken works directly with diners, cutting and plating each course in view of the bar. Reviewers consistently mention Ken's personal involvement in the service, from explaining dishes to offering extra tastes of sashimi.

The menu centers on the Love Omakase, a chef's-choice tasting that draws on seasonal fish and occasional non-traditional pairings — dishes noted by guests have included Japanese eggplant with tuna tartare, pumpkin purée with lobster and shrimp, and oysters, alongside standard nigiri and sashimi courses. A sake pairing is offered alongside the omakase, with staff available to walk diners through the list. À la carte items such as hamachi jalapeño roll, crispy rice, and house-made gyoza also appear on the table.

Service runs lunch and dinner Monday through Friday (11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 5:30–10 p.m.), dinner only on Saturday, and the restaurant is closed Sunday. It falls in the upscale price tier, and multiple reviews describe it as pricey relative to its size. The restaurant accepts credit cards and Apple Pay and is not cash-only; it also offers takeout and delivery and is wheelchair accessible.

Because seating is limited to the counter and a small number of tables, reservations are recommended, particularly for prime dinner hours. Reviewers note the restaurant has occasionally accommodated walk-ins when a reservation goes unfilled, but this is not guaranteed.