The East Village concept, which debuted in 2023 from the team behind BeShock Ramen & Sake Bar, shut its doors on September 24 as it begins a remodel and readies for its next chapter. In a statement shared with SanDiegoVille, ownership clarified that this is not a permanent closure but rather a pause for growth and reinvention.
Co-founder Ayaka Ito revealed plans to spend several months traveling through Japan and Asia to deepen her knowledge of sake - a field she has specialized in since earning her Sake Master Certification in 2014. Ito explained that it has been nearly a decade since she relocated to the United States to open BeShock in 2016, and this journey is intended to refine her expertise and bring new depth to the Sushi Gaga experience.
When it reopens in spring 2026, Sushi Gaga promises what ownership describes as a “power-up version” of the concept, complete with a refreshed design and reimagined omakase offerings. Known for its highly exclusive, 10-seat dining format, Sushi Gaga quickly became one of the city’s most coveted reservations, thanks to its inventive nightly menu, thoughtful beverage pairings, and focus on Japanese culinary traditions.
The restaurant sits just steps away from BeShock Ramen & Sake Bar, which Ito and her team launched in 2016 and have since expanded to Carlsbad and Japan. Sushi Gaga shares its East Village building with Asa Bakery, a kissaten-inspired café, and Bar Kamon, a Taishō-era cocktail bar, both of which remain open and operating during the remodel.
Sushi Gaga is expected to reopen in spring 2026 at 634 14th Street in San Diego’s East Village. For more information, visit sushigaga.com.
Originally published on September 24, 2025.
