San Diego is now home to the first California location of Zuma, a global Japanese izakaya chain. The restaurant opened its doors on Monday, August 10, inside the historic Guild Hotel, bringing its high-quality, modern Japanese cuisine to the downtown area.
First established in London in 2002 by Raine Becker and Arjun Waney, Zuma has since expanded its footprint to major cities and vacation spots across the globe, including Dubai, Hong Kong, Istanbul, New York, and Cannes. While the chain planted its first flag west of the Mississippi in Las Vegas in 2017, and later in Vail, Colorado this year, the San Diego opening signifies a dedicated push into the California market, potentially challenging other long-standing Japanese restaurant groups.
The 250-seat San Diego location aims to deliver Zuma's signature experience, featuring a menu that balances raw fish, hot dishes, and grilled skewers. Diners can expect classic items like miso black cod wrapped in hoba leaf, torched salmon nigiri, and grilled scallops with mentaiko shiso butter. The culinary approach is designed to offer a broader range of Japanese flavors compared to some competitors that focus more heavily on sushi and sashimi.
Inside the Guild Hotel, Zuma's interior design plays on a dark, almost cavernous aesthetic, incorporating its signature rock wall motif and latticed wooden wall decorations that evoke traditional Japanese designs. Deep auburn hues throughout the space nod to the sunset palette of Baja California. The sprawling layout includes a counter positioned directly in front of the sushi chefs, emphasizing the focus on fresh fish. For those seeking a bit of the Southern California evening vibe, the restaurant also features outdoor seating on a garden terrace, a wraparound bar crafting cocktails like the Zuma Paloma—made with clarified yuzu, hibiscus cordial, and tequila—and a DJ booth.
According to Zuma's culinary director, Francisco Poncho Troncoso, the restaurant group intends to maintain its international standards while also embracing local influences. The San Diego outpost will introduce location-exclusive items, including seasonal fish and produce sourced from local farms. Troncoso also noted the company's commitment to its staff, prioritizing competitive compensation and structured growth opportunities to foster a culture that supports Zuma's long-term success in the U.S.
Zuma is open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 500 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA, 92101, inside the Guild Hotel.
