The Taco Stand Owners & Former Sushi Ota Chef Bring Himitsu To La Jolla

October 8, 2018

Set to debut tomorrow in La Jolla is Himitsu, a new Japanese sushi restaurant from the owners of The Taco Stand with a kitchen helmed by a longtime Sushi Ota chef.

Previously set to be named "Mitsuba," the new La Jolla Japanese restaurant is the latest concept from The Taco Stand owners Julian Hakim and Aram Baloyan. The duo partnered with Edo Kobayashi, who owns numerous Japanese eateries in Mexico City, to open Himitsu at 1030 Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla where Porkyland sat for 35 years before relocating to Carmel Valley earlier this year. Leading the culinary operations at Himitsu is former Sushi Ota chef Mitsu Aihara, who worked at the San Diego sushi mecca for almost two decades.

Himitsu aims to be an authentic sushi restaurant, offering a menu of traditional items like nigiri, sushi rolls and Japanese small plates. The restaurant will also give diners the option to leave their meal up to the chefs with an ever-changing omakase option. The eatery is quite quaint, only having seating for a maximum 30 guests. Depending on the success of this outpost, more locations may be on the way.

Starting on October 9, Himitsu will be open for dinner on Monday through Friday from 5-10pm. For more information, visit himitsusd.com.