Gyu-Kaku - Downtown San Diego

Name: Gyu-Kaku - Downtown San Diego
Address: 801 5th Ave, San Diego, CA, United States, 92101
Telephone: (619) 310-5782
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.3

4.3

112 Reviews

$30 and under

Japanese

Top Tags:

We are open for limited dine-in service.

We have updated our operations in accordance with all government guidelines to put your health and safety first.

To maintain a safe environment for you and Gyu-Kaku staff, we ask that all guests understand and adhere to the following:

- Masks are recommended
- There may be limits on party sizes.
- We are serving a limited menu. Not all Grand Menu items will be available during our immediate reopening.
- We only accept payment via credit or debit card. Cash payments respectfully declined.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 17, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Japanese, Barbecue
Hours of operation
Daily 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Happy Hour
Daily 11:30 am–6:30 pm
Daily 8:30 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 310-5782
Website
http://www.gyu-kaku.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
801 5th Ave San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood
Downtown / Gaslamp
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Wine

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

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Beyond Bibimbap Bowl
Our beloved Sukiyaki Bibimbap goes BEYOND. 100% plant-based Beyond Beef is marinated in our secret Sukiyaki sauce and stir fried with mushrooms, diced red bell peppers, and sliced white onions. Served over rice. Topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Also contains butter and sesame oil. Comes with your choice of Half Gyu-Kaku Salad or Miso Soup. Make it a combo and get Half Gyu-Kaku Salad, Miso Soup, and a S'more
Sukiyaki Fried Rice with Beef Bowl
Our Signature Thin-Sliced Sukiyaki Marinated Beef Stir Fried with White Rice, Egg Yolk, Mushrooms, and Sliced Onions. Topped with Diced Red Bell Peppers, Chopped Green Onions, and Sesame Seeds. Comes with your choice of Half Gyu-Kaku Salad or Miso Soup. Make it a combo and get Half Gyu-Kaku Salad, Miso Soup, and a S'more
Garlic Noodles with Shoyu Chicken Bowl
Thick Okinawan Ramen Noodles Stir Fried with our Shoyu Chicken, Sliced Garlic, and Butter Shoyu. Topped with Diced Red Bell Peppers, Chopped Green Onions, and Sesame Seeds. Comes with your choice of Half Gyu-Kaku Salad or Miso Soup. Make it a combo and get Half Gyu-Kaku Salad, Miso Soup, and a S'more
Umakara Beef Bowl
Our Umakara (Sweet & Spicy) marinated, thin-sliced Yakishabu Beef with Sliced Onions on a bed of White Rice and Shredded Cabbage. Topped with Chopped Green Onions and Sesame Seeds. Comes with your choice of Half Gyu-Kaku Salad or Miso Soup. Make it a combo and get Half Gyu-Kaku Salad, Miso Soup, and a S'more
Chicken Karaage Bowl
Japanese Fried Chicken on a bed of White Rice and Shredded Cabbage. Topped with Chopped Green Onions. Served with Japanese Chili Mayo. Comes with your choice of Half Gyu-Kaku Salad or Miso Soup. Make it a combo and get Half Gyu-Kaku Salad, Miso Soup, and a S'more
Garlic Fried Rice Bowl
Our Garlic Fried Rice features White Rice Stir Fried with Egg Yolk, Sliced Onions, Sliced Garlic. Seasoned with a combination of our Shio Soy Sauce, Butter, Sesame Oil, and Black Pepper. Topped with Chopped Green Onions and Garlic Chips. Comes with your choice of Half Gyu-Kaku Salad or Miso Soup. Make it a combo and get Half Gyu-Kaku Salad, Miso Soup, and a S'more
Sweet Chili Shrimp Bowl
Tempura Fried Shrimp and Steamed Broccoli coated in our Sweet Chili Mayo Sauce on a bed of Shredded Cabbage over White Rice. Comes with your choice of Half Gyu-Kaku Salad or Miso Soup. Make it a combo and get Half Gyu-Kaku Salad, Miso Soup, and a S'more
Hot Chicken Karaage Bowl
Japanese Fried Chicken tossed in a housemixed Japanese hot sauce blend on a bed of Shredded Cabbage over White Rice. Comes with your choice of Half Gyu-Kaku Salad or Miso Soup. Make it a combo and get Half Gyu-Kaku Salad, Miso Soup, and a S'more
Teriyaki Chicken with Yuzu Tartar Bowl
Fried Chicken Karaage tossed in Tsume Tare topped with Yuzu Tartar Sauce on shredded cabbage and white rice. Comes with your choice of Half Gyu-Kaku Salad or Miso Soup. Make it a combo and get Half Gyu-Kaku Salad, Miso Soup, and a S'more
Umakara Beyond Bowl
Umakara goes Beyond! 100% Plant-based Beyond Beef marinated in our special sweet & spicy Umakara Sauce. Served with sliced white and green onions and shredded cabbage over white rice. Comes with your choice of Half Gyu-Kaku Salad or Miso Soup. Make it a combo and get Half Gyu-Kaku Salad, Miso Soup, and a S'more

Crowd Pleasers: Meals, Sets and More

Mega Sukiyaki Fried Rice with Beef
A Triple Serving of our Crowd Favorite: Sukiyaki Fried Rice with Beef. Serves 3-5. Our Signature Thin-Sliced Sukiyaki Marinated Beef Stir Fried with White Rice, Egg Yolk, Mushrooms, and Sliced Onions. Topped with Diced Red Bell Peppers, Chopped Green Onions, and Sesame Seeds
Mega Garlic Noodles with Shoyu Chicken
A triple serving of our Crowd Favorite: Mega Garlic Noodles with Shoyu Chicken. Serves 3-5. Thick Okinawan Ramen Noodles Stir Fried with our Shoyu Chicken, Sliced Garlic, and Butter Shoyu. Topped with Diced Red Bell Peppers, Chopped Green Onions, and Sesame Seeds
Family Meal with Kids
Take a break and let us build your meal. We have put together some of our fan favorites to create a well-balance meal that feeds 2 adults and 2 kids. Substitutions respectfully declined. Includes: 1x Gyu-Bento with 8 oz Bistro Hanger Steak in Miso, 1x Choice of Favorite Bowl, 2x Kid's Bowls with 2x S'mores, 1x Fried Pork Gyoza Dumplings, 1x Japanese Chicken Karaage, 1x Gyu-Kaku Salad, 1x Edamame

Appetizers

Japanese Chicken Karaage
Our secret marinated Japanese Fried Chicken Karaage. Served with Japanese Chili Mayo and a Wedge of Lemon
Fried Pork Gyoza Dumplings
Fried Pork Gyoza Dumplings (5 pieces) with Ponzu Citrus Soy Dipping Sauce
Miso Chili Wings
Five fried chicken wings coated in our sweet & spicy Miso Chili sauce
Black Pepper Wings
Dangerously addictive Nagoya-style Chicken Wings (Tebasaki). Five fresh-fried wings tossed in a sweet soy and black pepper sauce
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Fried Vegetable Rolls (4 pieces) with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce on the side
Fried Cheese Wontons
Crispy fried wontons filled with cream cheese and green onions. Served with sweet chili sauce
Takoyaki
Fried Octopus Balls! A streetfood classic straight from Osaka. Six fried octopus fritters drizzled with takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayo; Topped with crushed bonito flakes and green onions
Napa Kimchi
Spicy, pickled Napa cabbage – the perfect side dish for Yakiniku

Salads & Veggies

Gyu-Kaku Salad
Mixed Greens, Sliced Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, and Diced Red Bell Pepper. Topped with a Boiled Egg (sliced), Shredded Daikon Radish, and Shredded Cabbage. Served with Gyu-Kaku House Dressing on the side
Edamame
Steamed Japanese Soybeans. Lightly salted
Spicy Addicting Cucumber
Fresh Cucumbers in Crunchy Garlic Chili Sauce with a dash of Shio, Sesame Oil, and Sesame Seeds
Yuzu Shishito Peppers
Fried shishito chili peppers in our Japanese yuzu citrus sauce

Kid's Menu

Kid's Bowl
Thin-Sliced Yakishabu Beef in Sweet Soy Tare marinade, Takoyaki (Octopus Fritters), Corn, and Edamame on a bed of white rice. Grilled and ready to eat. Comes with a S'more for dessert! Substitutions respectfully declined

Sides

Miso Soup
A cup of our classic Miso Soup with Seaweed, Tofu, and Chopped Green Onions
Half Gyu-Kaku Salad
Mixed Greens, Sliced Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, and Diced Red Bell Pepper. Topped with half a Boiled Egg (sliced), Shredded Daikon Radish, and Shredded Cabbage. Served with Gyu-Kaku House Dressing on the side
White Rice
8 oz of White Rice

Desserts

S'more
A single S'more pre-softened, wrapped-up, and ready to eat! Graham Cracker, Marshmallow, and Chocolate

Beverages

Coke Can
12 oz. can of Coke
Diet Coke Can
12 oz. can of Diet Coke
Sprite Can
12 oz. can of Sprite

What 112 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.1Service
4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Hot Spot
San Diego
Hot Spot

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OC
OCFed
Los Angeles
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
The server Michael was attentive. We ordered the Wagyu special $150 which had alot of food for 2. It was more quantity vs quality. It would have been nice to get pickled vegetables with the special. The salad was good as well. Overall the food was good but not great. The calamari was tough.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
The place smelled terrible the minute we walked in. The outside windows and doors were filthy. We decided to eat there and found another place nearby.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Above all it was good. Kinda dusty there on the ledge where the menu stays. Food was acceptable and seemed fresh.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience1
Seated 30 minutes after our reservation. Took 30 more minutes to get our food. Poor service and food was subpar!
RA
RonA
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Nice fresh food. Very Satisfied with the quality and service.
MY
MandyY
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Warm service, great yakiniku place
JM
JoseM
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 4, 2022
overall1food5service1ambience1
The food was great but over-priced. The service was horrible. Our waiter was extremely lost. There was no host when we walked in, there were 4 groups of guests just waiting to be seated. Would not recommend.
V
Veronica
San Francisco
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great and informal
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Our son took my wife and I for dinner. Staff was great and the meal was excellent. We will be going back.
JT
JosefinaT
San Diego
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 21, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Birthday and refiéreme party
KP
KendrecaP
Atlanta
15 reviews
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience3
I went here just to experience the restaurant. I gave 2 stars for service, because I made a reservations and wasn’t seated until 45 minutes after. The hostess said they were short on staff. After finally being seated, the table wasn’t clean so I had to wipe it down with wet wipes. The food was worth it’s value. Being that you cook it yourself, everything tastes great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Mississippi
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food AND service!
NG
NellyG
Hawaii
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 22, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience1
The restaurant was dirty. Smelled of dirty mop. There were shoes and clothes over the seats as if the workers used the general seating area as a locker room.
TM
TheresaM
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Anniversary
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience4
Amazing quality food! Definitely coming back
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall2food2service1ambience3
They were extremely understaffed for the Valentine’s Day rush. We waited 15 minutes to be seated and 20 min before anyone acknowledged us. Our waiter finally arrived and decided to tell us that the Valentine’s Day special we wanted wasn’t available, then said he was joking. That was not a great experience or the best timing because we were about to leave due to lack of service. We continued to experience terrible service throughout the night. We barely saw our waiter while the rest of the staff was swiftly taking care of the other tables. We had to request refills on water multiple times before it was brought to us. The meats weren’t as good as previous visits either. Overall very disappointed and probably won’t be returning.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great tasting food all around! Will be going back again soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Disorganized. Cluttered. Cooked food came out cold; beer was not cold enough. Only half the restaurant was being seated but that was still too difficult for the front of the house staff to take care of.
A
Alex
Las Vegas
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2022
overall4food4service2ambience3
Food was good although the rib was fattier than usual. I felt that once they brought the food, the wait staff were in a hurry to get rid of me.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Mexico City
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2022
overall3food5service5ambience2
El lugar muy sucio y desolado parace abandonado h al fondo ya estaban unas mesas habilitadas. La comida y servicio bueno.
JD
JohnreyD
San Diego
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Overall experienced was good. The service was excellent, the place was good and the wait time wasn’t too long. The only thing I didn’t like was the uncooked rice that was served, the rest of the food was great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Even though they were short staffed everything was perfect! It was my first time here and I will definitely be coming back. Meat quality was prime! 👏🏽
H
Hunter
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
While it took us a few days to grab a reservation for our party of 4 but it was 100% worth it. Our party was spilt half and half between people who have experienced this kind of dining/food and between completely new to it all. Both sides had fun regardless and really enjoyed the food. We over ordered on purpose to bring things home and do not regret the decision at all. Our server, name slips my mind but her tag said Lead server, was absolutely incredible. Fun, bubbly, and made us laugh more than a few times with witty comments to our bumbling friend group. We definitely plan on returning for more special events and general get togethers.
J
Jade
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nhi was an amazing knowledgeable and energetic server. She explained everything and her recommendations were spot on. Food and cocktails were so delicious! 😋 What a great start to our New Years Eve.
CM
CMam
San Diego
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2021
overall2food1service4ambience1
Overall dining experience on a Thursday night was subpar. My partner and I decide to do the $75 course -dinner for two. The food was ok, nothing to rave about. I would recommend just going to a regular Korean BBQ for your meat selection and you’ll be better off. What made this experience worthwhile is the customer service we received. Our server was attentive to our needs.
A
Andy
Orange County
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The people there are very helpful and friendly!! Food is excellent!! Thanks!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
Food was extremely salty. Was not a peaceful environment did not really enjoy my food. Continuously interrupted by host asking if I was ok numerous times. I totally get it but at some point I would like to eat my food in peace without interruptions. Also waiter or host was being hand fed by customers at table. He claimed to know the customer however I could’ve lived without seeing him be hand fed by another man. Very unsanitary.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very welcoming experience. Food was amazing. All the people where friendly. I would defenitly come back again.
SM
SamanthaM
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 8, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
We tried several small plates and a rice bowl. All AMAZING. We went during lunch so it was extremely quiet and only had a few individuals in the restaurant. Seems like it would be lively at night. Highly recommend! I loved the miso wings and the spicy beef bowl!
SS
ShantelS
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
My overall experience at this restaurant was spectacular. I recommend this restaurant. I gave it a 10 out of 10 I will try again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Anniversary
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2021
overall4food5service4ambience3
Food always awesome, but waiting times to get seated are too long fuè the short of personnel. Even having a reservation
GF
GabrielF
San Diego
14 reviews
3.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2021
overall3food5service4ambience2
Had a 12pm reservation, were told it would be a 10 min wait b/c only 1 kitchen member showed up to work. Got sat at 1240p. Not an issue b/c the whole country is dealing with labor shortage. Food/service was great. BIG ISSUE - I asked the host if it was happy hour and he said, "Yes, 11am to 6pm." Got the bill and it wasnt happy hour. Asked a server and they said, "He made a mistake, but I'll go tell him." The server returned and let me know that the host wouldnt tell others the wrong info. No attempt to remedy my bait-and-switch situation.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 26, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience3
Waitor was wasted
a
anongirl
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 23, 2021
overall4food5service3ambience4
The food was very excellent but a little pricey for the amount given. However, the service was alright because we weren’t seated right away and there was no host for about 5 minutes. Once seated the service was still alright because it seemed understaffed. I loved the food though, and the server was very friendly and funny.
J
Jason
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2021
overall3food5service2ambience5
This was our second round here. We came from Orange County and visit San Diego every two months. We found this spot and we were in LOVE the first time. The second time, the food was great but the service was questionable. We asked about the spicy level about a certain item and the person helping us went on to talk about “burning snake like” p**p if we were to eat certain items. It got to a point where we were dreading being asked if we were doing okay because it was always something being brought up. Overall I recommend going here for the food but be aware that one server really tends to be wayyyy to relaxed when it comes to talking to customers.
JL
JanL
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Was pretty much empty when we went. Regardless, service was great and the food was awesome. Japanese BBQ is where it's at!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 31, 2021
overall4food5service3ambience5
Matt, our server was green but very good. I believe Manager knocked a few stars on service since i asked if they could bring the meats out but said he cant because our table had no space and he left. Huh?! I could move the appetizers and empty plates so guess my meal was on your schedule, not mine? Ok. I wanted meats so i can start cooking for my guests since didnt want them to wait. Love gyu kaku but will wait for AYCE to come back since value way better. We dropped 350 dollars onfor 5 people at lunch.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
Very poor service
G
Gned
Charleston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2021
overall4food5service3ambience3
Different experience, but good different. Took a very long time to get first beer, but after that the meal was fun. Beef was great. Salad was great. The fried chicken was amazing.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Gyu-Kaku - Downtown San Diego is rated 4.3 stars by 112 OpenTable diners.

Gyu-Kaku - Downtown San Diego does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 17, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Google Map for Gyu-Kaku - Downtown San Diego

801 5th Ave San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

Neighborhood
Downtown / Gaslamp
Hours of operation
Daily 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Happy Hour
Daily 11:30 am–6:30 pm
Daily 8:30 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Japanese, Barbecue
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Wine

Website
http://www.gyu-kaku.com/
Phone number
(619) 310-5782

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Gyu-Kaku - Downtown San Diego

Make a reservation

Additional information

Gift card

Bowls & Bentos

Beyond Bibimbap Bowl

Sukiyaki Fried Rice with Beef Bowl

Garlic Noodles with Shoyu Chicken Bowl

Umakara Beef Bowl

Chicken Karaage Bowl

Garlic Fried Rice Bowl

Sweet Chili Shrimp Bowl

Hot Chicken Karaage Bowl

Teriyaki Chicken with Yuzu Tartar Bowl

Umakara Beyond Bowl

Crowd Pleasers: Meals, Sets and More

Mega Sukiyaki Fried Rice with Beef

Mega Garlic Noodles with Shoyu Chicken

Family Meal with Kids

Appetizers

Japanese Chicken Karaage

Fried Pork Gyoza Dumplings

Miso Chili Wings

Black Pepper Wings

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Fried Cheese Wontons

Takoyaki

Napa Kimchi

Salads & Veggies

Gyu-Kaku Salad

Edamame

Spicy Addicting Cucumber

Yuzu Shishito Peppers

Kid's Menu

Kid's Bowl

Sides

Miso Soup

Half Gyu-Kaku Salad

White Rice

Desserts

S'more

Beverages

Coke Can

Diet Coke Can

Sprite Can

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is Gyu-Kaku - Downtown San Diego restaurant rated?

Does Gyu-Kaku - Downtown San Diego offer gift cards?

Is Gyu-Kaku - Downtown San Diego currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Gift card