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  5. Downtown / Gaslamp
Zama Restaurant & Bar, San Diego, CA

Zama Restaurant & Bar

4.1
4.1
129 Reviews
$31 to $50
Sushi
Located in San Diego’s vibrant downtown, Zama brings Latin American cuisine with an Asian infusion in a captivating space inspired by the Amazonian jungle. Brought to you by the group famous for Rusticcuina and Breakfast & Bubbles, Zama will focus on Latin American cuisine with the addition of Peruvian and Mexican dishes like Carpaccio, Agua Chile and Tartar and a Japanese-inspired sushi bar created by Chef Tayuka Kudo (formerly of Nobu and Lumi) against the extravagant backdrop of the lush jungle-inspired space.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Sushi, Latin American, Asian

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (619) 915-5789

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / Gaslamp

  • Cross street

    Island Avenue

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 129 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.1
4.1 based on recent ratings
  • 4.1Food
  • 4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.7Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent Service, food was exquisite too, we have an amazing Time
  2. JoshuaS

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience4
    The location and interior experience is awesome. However, the food is over priced, average, hipster sushi and Latino meats that you can get at hundreds of other restaurants for 1/2 the price. I would not recommend this place unless they up their food, drop their ridiculous prices, and much more. Here’s an example of their pretentiousness: When we were sat, we were offered still or sparkling water. No other options. Turns out “still” water is $10. What the? We ain’t in France people…
  3. A8000family

    San Diego

    22 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Went with a large party of 10 for a celebration dinner. Our receipt took forever to get, drinks came in incorrect, food was late for a few people, and you all didn’t share the price of a 2nd bottle of rose after being out of the original one. YOU NEED TO TELL THE CUSTOMER IF A BOTTLE IS 300% MORE than the first one. Super disappointed.
  4. JanethR

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience5
    Would recommend it for the ambiance and great drinks. Dinner service was below par, IMO, for the price.
  5. Atlantafoodie

    Atlanta Metro

    50 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience4
    I ordered a California roll and a roll of the day which contained crab. Both rolls tasted like they were stuffed with canned crab. The rice didn't taste freshly prepared. The sushi bar was not visible; I wonder where the sushi came from. The California roll was very white; it didn't look like a California roll. The service was attentive, but I can't recall having such bad sushi before.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    Beautiful place! Has potential! Food lacks flavor. Service was slow because there was only one waiter when we arrived. Customer at table next to us decided to leave because of how long it took. Bus boys must be new because they didn’t do much. Won’t be back but cute decor
  7. ABCalrx

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall3food1service4ambience4
    Over priced for sub-par food. Burger was burnt, sushi rice had been sitting out and tasted old, octopus tasted off.
  8. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    When I found Zama bar I thought it looked amazing and had a cool ambiance. We got there at 8:30 for our 8:45 reservation we ordered food around 20 min later and we waited for 40-50 min for it to arrive.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    The vibe was super fun. It gave me Tulum vibes. Food was mediocre. The steak tasted more like meatloaf & was a very small serving. It would take 15+ minutes to get a drink. It was my birthday, & they didn’t do anything special for it either. Because it was a party of 10 we had to pay on one tab, but the food items weren’t even listed in order to help make it easier to divvy up also making it difficult to hang out since the waiters would have to yell asking what was for who. Lastly, one couple got their dinner plate 20 minutes after the rest of us had finish. Service needs some major work. You don’t get much bang for your buck. Vibe was fun though.
  10. AlvarezS

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    We absolutely loved the restaurant. The food was delicious. There wasn't a plate we didn't like and it was a party of 10. Our waitress can improve with her personality and service. Awesome Vibe!! Very sexy restaurant
  11. Diana

    San Diego

    19 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    This restaurant definitely under delivered for us. The food was average at best. The scallops were over cooked and the chips that came with the guacamole tasted store bought. We were given the worst table in the restaurant where our personal space was constantly invaded by other guests and servers. This was a one and done for us at this restaurant.
  12. Chulita

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food3service2ambience5
    Food was not very good- all the seafood dishes our table ordered were bland and boring.. the meat dishes we ordered were better but still lacked seasoning/flavor. Menu needs work but the ambiance and vibe are fun! We joked this is a place where you eat first and come for drinks after.. but if you come here hungry you will leave disappointed and dissatisfied for sure.
  13. ANONYMOUS

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    On more than one occasion a waiter tried to take our drinks before we were finished with them. The bison burger was recommended to us medium and came out like a hockey puck. They charged us normal prices on items during our happy hour visit. Super disappointed with this experience. Not the level of quality that would align with the normal prices at this location.
  14. Kg123

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing. Best dinner out in a while, food was awesome and Jenny our server was the absolute best.
  15. RachelleC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Had a great Birthday celebration absolutely loved everything about this Restaurant.
  16. BruceM

    Phoenix

    45 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    Venue looks cool, staff was friendly, cocktails were okay … but the food 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️. We had appetizers and main courses, and nothing was very good, some was just plain awful. Appetizers were: Yellowtail Crudo and Charred Octopus. The crudo was bland and the octopus, the “one” little sliver they gave us, was simply disappointing. The two rolls were tasteless and stuck to the plate suggesting they were pre-rolled vs fresh. Main courses: the Chilean Sea Bass was extremely small in portion and absolutely tasteless and the lobster mash was just not good. The Scallops, three little ones were served, were over cooked and absolutely tasteless. I cannot even describe the risotto other than to say it tasted like chemical mush. Very disappointed overall, especially after spending nearly $370. But, watching the bartender down shots of liquor while on duty with a bunch of rowdy folks at the bar, and another buzzed guest walking into the kitchen and being kicked out by a supervisor provided endless entertainment. We tried, but never again.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and amazing service! All meals were delicious
  18. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience1
    It was so loud we couldn’t hear eachother at dinner.good overpriced for the taste. I would not recommend, plenty of other bars in San Diego
  19. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently spectacular food, presentation, ambiance & service every time we’ve come!
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 4, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    It was my birthday and we had a dinner reservation at 9:30pm. When we arrived a host in the front told us they were closed. I didn’t even get a chance to explain that we had a reservation and my girlfriend and I didn’t get a chance to enjoy a meal or even a cocktail. I can’t speak for the food or ambience which I’m sure are great.
  21. Cnp18

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Friendly service and great ambience-sushi rolls were delicious!
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    8 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    Food was not good at all, ordered the ceviche and it was so sour barely edible, the short rib was mostly fat, risotto was dry and bland, deserts looked super cheap and not like other restaurants in this price range, for the price it’s prob one of the worst I’ve been to, ambiance is nice but not worth the gross food
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall1food5service1ambience4
    We had a reservation at 8:30 we were told to wait 20 min. We went to the bar got two drinks and waited about 20 min luckily 2 spots and the bar opened up so we decided to continue waiting while at the bar a drink splashed in my face while the bartender was making a drink my eyes burned and all she said was this is the splash zone. The bartenders were extremely busy but a different response would have been nice. The DJ was great and so were the dancers. we ordered a sushi roll as an appetizer at the bar while waiting for the table and it was 10/10. I would not recommend this place for a date night definitely a place to party. We ended up leaving and never got sat. this was our first date night after having kids and it was a disappointment. overall 2 1/2 out of 5 is what i give Zama.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Came here for restaurant week but we were disappointed that they changed the menu AND increased the price. We got the ceviche but it was way too sour and the fish was really mushy. The short rib and risotto was really good though so all my good food points go that this. As for dessert we ordered both the cheesecake and the chocolate hazelnut cake. Both were alright and not something we would order again.
  25. Wawa722

    Richmond

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the food and the drinks! The service was great too. The hostess and our sever was very friendly and polite and provided great service. Will for sure come back!
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    Service was slow but our server was really nice. Food is okay, nothing special
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect spot for dinner! Music was on point, there was a live DJ playing and hidden towards the top corner of the restaurant. There was a live fire dancing performance. Food and drinks were amazing! Me and 9 girls came here on a Saturday night to celebrate my bestie’s bachelorette dinner.. Great ambiance, great service!Everything was PERFECT!
  28. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Went here for my birthday and had A great time. Waiter was great with recommendations and we never felt rushed as we were casually ordering throughout the 3 hours we were there.
  29. GwenC

    Tampa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our group of 4 shared the bison burger (delicious but order the cheese sauce on the side like we did), truffle fries (came on the side- just average) and 4 of sushi rolls- SO Good… flavors, freshness, presentation in a tray with dry ice smoke! No Way Rose drink was tasty but a bit on the sweeter side… others ordered vodka tonics - nicely heavy on the vodka. Jack was our server- he was charming, efficient, and just fun! Fun ambiance & decor!
  30. CatherineH

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Ambiance is chic. Beautifully decorated with velvet booths and jungle effect hanging plants. Food was fantastic. Our waitress was darling and super nice but needed a bit more training to work in a restaurant setting. The gentleman that assisted our waitress serve was well trained and helpful and attentive. . Overall a fabulous experience. Look forward to next visit.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall1food5service1ambience5
    Horrible customer service. A mistake was made and the way the staff handled the situation was wildly disappointing
  32. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    The food was very good but the waitress was very bad we asked pith waiters to get us more drinks and she never came back to see if we needed anything and then when we asked for the birthday girl to get a desert and the check she never came back and 20 mins later another waitress came and handed us the check. We then explained what happened she was very sweet and told us that our table had been handed to her but she was never told. It kind of ruined the night.
  33. TristanS

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Zama was a great overall experience. The music and food were great, as well as the service. I truly recommend it.
  34. JenK

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall2food5service1ambience3
    Server was not knowledgeable about dishes. After food was served the server never came back to see if we needed anything or wanted more food, which we did. Had to ask another one of the staff to find our server for us. The food was amazing, but the service being as it was, did not validate the price point of the venue sadly.
  35. TimS

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    House-type music & floral decor, plants, & lighting give a tropical, hip & edgy feel. Attractive, friendly, and responsive staff from start to finish. Busy venue that was crowded from the entry to the bar area. The menu had enough options for me, but a little pricey across the board and light on the vegetarian options for my guests. Factor in the ambiance, excellent service and overall experience and it was money well spent.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food3service4ambience5
    Zama is such a vibe we love the ambiance, the aesthetic and all of the fun energy/show they provide! The amount of food for the pricing is not worth it though.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience5
    Cocktails and food were delicious, but the service was not up to par to say the least.
  38. RobM

    New England

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great service and great DJ. The beautiful dancers were an added bonus.
  39. Shannon

    San Antonio

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Group of educators from Texas in town to celebrate! What a great environment with great service and great food!!
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Girls night

FAQs

Zama Restaurant & Bar is rated 4.1 stars by 129 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today
Google Map for Zama Restaurant & Bar

467 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Island Avenue

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / Gaslamp

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Sushi, Latin American, Asian

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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