Zuma opens first California restaurant in San Diego
The London-based contemporary Japanese restaurant group Zuma has opened its first California location in downtown San Diego.S.
Zuma has opened its first restaurant in California. The London-based contemporary Japanese brand launched its San Diego location in August 2026.
This marks the group's sixth restaurant in the United States. The new venue is situated in downtown San Diego.
Zuma San Diego occupies 12,000 square feet and can seat approximately 220 guests. The space includes both indoor and outdoor dining areas. It features a garden terrace, a wraparound bar, and a dedicated DJ booth.
Nick Fielding, senior vice president of Azumi Restaurant Group, explained the choice of city. He said San Diego was selected for its coastal energy and cosmopolitan sensibilities. The city has a high concentration of trend-seeking residents and international visitors.
That balance aligns perfectly with Zuma’s approach of creating restaurants whose priority is to become part of the local community while also serving as destinations for international travelers, Fielding said.
Menu and Design
The restaurant's menu is about 85% consistent across its global locations. It features a sushi counter, a robata grill, and signature izakaya-style dishes.
While the food offering is largely standardized, the San Diego location incorporates distinct local design elements. The design is inspired by the Baja California landscape and the state's flora and fauna. It uses large-scale stone elements, natural textures, and custom timber screens that reference Balboa Park.
Signature Dishes and Drinks
The menu includes a variety of robata grill items, sushi, and larger shared plates. Signature dishes include miso-marinated black cod wrapped in a hoba leaf and a 32-ounce wagyu tomahawk steak.
The bar program offers more than 40 varieties of sake alongside Japanese whiskies and other spirits. It also features signature cocktails.
Global Expansion Continues
Zuma is continuing its international expansion. The group plans to open new permanent restaurants in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and on the Caribbean island of Saint-Barth before the end of 2026.
The company also operates a series of seasonal and pop-up venues in destinations like Bodrum, Turkey; Phuket, Thailand; and Mykonos, Greece.
After nearly 25 years in business, Zuma will soon make its debut in Japan. The company announced a pop-up in Niseko, set to open on December 1, 2026. It will be located in the heart of the Hirafu ski resort. The venue is designed to transition from an après-ski hangout into a high-end dinner experience. It will have space for 141 guests and include private dining areas.
