Harney Sushi in Old Town San Diego
When we think of Old Town San Diego, we think of the magnificent display of Mexican heritage, California historical sites, colorful shops, eclectic restaurants, and of course, the Whaley House. What one might not expect to find among the aromas of fresh tortillas and harmonies of a mariachi band is a fantastic little sushi joint that serves 100% sustainably sourced seafood. Harney Sushi is known among San Diego foodies for their fantastic cuisine and delivering a knock out experience every time.
Tucked behind the trees on Harney Street, between San Diego Avenue and Congress Street, is where you will find a cozy restaurant that is dimly lit with a sexy vibe. A sleek black granite well-stocked bar snakes down one side with plenty of seating and leads to their covered back patio.
Harney Sushi’s Commitment to Sustainability
The restaurant is one of the very few sushi restaurants in San Diego to strictly adhere to the guidance of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program.
What does that mean?
The Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program helps consumers and businesses choose seafood that’s fished or farmed in ways that support a healthy ocean, now and for future generations. The Aquarium’s watch list helps restaurants choose to serve fish that are from populations that are not endangered or whose populations are dwindling due to the activities of humans.
For example, the delicious Orange Crush roll with spicy tuna is made with U.S. Fishery Yellowfin Tuna. The salmon and shrimp are never farmed and the roll is topped with their super popular faux-nagi sauce.
FYI – The type of eel used in sushi is being driven to extinction by our appetite for it in sushi rolls. The sauce is called “faux”-nagi because in place of eel, Harney Sushi uses a type of black cod called butter fish that can be sustainably sourced and tastes fantastic. We promise that you won’t miss it!
Eel is not the only item that you will not see on the menu. In line with the guidance from the Aquarium’s watch list, Harney Sushi does not offer Blue Fin Tuna, Toro, Red Snapper or Hamachi on their menu. Octopus will make an appearance for a very short time each year when it can be sustainably sourced from Hokkaido, Japan and sold by verified merchants. Traditional methods of fishing for octopus involve using large trawlers that destroy everything in its path along the ocean floor.
Appetizers and Drinks
For our date night, we sat in a private nook on their bamboo lined patio. To begin the evening, we started with a few appetizers and drinks.
Everyone knows that edamame is a staple in sushi restaurants and Harney Sushi offers four different flavors of smoked salt options. The server recommended the mesquite bacon, which was a fun twist to the traditional salt-flavored edamame!
We also ordered the blistered shishito peppers and a fried rice dish that was topped with a shredded barbeque pork and a fried egg. We were expecting to bring some fried rice dish home, but it was backed with so much good flavor that it never had chance. All we can say is WOW to both appetizers. Order them the next time you go – you won’t be disappointed.
The Main Entrees
When it came time to order the main entree, our server suggested pairing the Orange Crush, which is very citrus forward with their O’sider #55, a surf and turf style roll with a little bit of heat. The O’sider #55 is stuffed with spicy crab and shrimp tempura and is topped with a thin slice of New York Strip Steak that is cooked to order, avocado, jalepeño, fried onions and chili sauce.
The next time you are in the mood for sushi, head on over to Harney Sushi and then take a walk through the birthplace of California.
Contact Information
Harney Sushi is located at 3964 Harney St, San Diego CA, 92110.
They are open for indoor and outdoor dining and takeout, 7 days a week from 4pm – 10pm.
Click here to see their full menu.
Click here to follow them on Instagram @harneysushi.