Located at 500 West Broadway, the approximately 12,000-square-foot restaurant will accommodate roughly 270 guests across a main dining room, sushi counter, bar and outdoor terrace. The opening brings one of the world's best-known luxury dining brands to San Diego after more than two decades of international expansion, with existing locations in London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Miami, New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Bangkok, Cannes, Rome and other major global destinations.
Founded in London's Knightsbridge neighborhood in 2002 by acclaimed chef Rainer Becker, Zuma helped popularize a modern interpretation of the Japanese izakaya, pairing premium sushi and sashimi with robata-grilled dishes, shareable plates and a high-energy dining atmosphere. Over the years, the restaurant has become known as much for its sophisticated nightlife scene as its cuisine, often attracting celebrities, business travelers and international visitors.
Company officials said San Diego's rapidly evolving culinary reputation played a significant role in selecting the city for Zuma's California debut.
"San Diego combines coastal energy with a cosmopolitan outlook, attracting both local residents and visitors from around the world," Nick Fielding, Senior Vice President of Azumi Restaurant Group, said in a statement. "We felt San Diego represented an exciting opportunity. The city has continued to evolve as a culinary destination, and we believe there is room for a globally recognized contemporary Japanese concept that delivers not only outstanding cuisine but also a vibrant atmosphere and memorable hospitality."
The menu showcases Zuma's signature blend of traditional Japanese techniques and contemporary presentation. Signature dishes include black cod marinated in saikyo miso, barley miso baby chicken roasted on cedar wood, spicy beef tenderloin with sesame and sweet soy, and rice hot pot with wild mushrooms and fresh truffle. Diners will also find premium sushi and sashimi selections ranging from Hokkaido uni and otoro to scallops and yellowtail, alongside robata-grilled wagyu steaks, lobster, Chilean seabass, tempura, Japanese-inspired cocktails and omakase experiences priced from $150 to $228 per guest.
"San Diego combines coastal energy with a cosmopolitan outlook, attracting both local residents and visitors from around the world," Nick Fielding, Senior Vice President of Azumi Restaurant Group, said in a statement. "We felt San Diego represented an exciting opportunity. The city has continued to evolve as a culinary destination, and we believe there is room for a globally recognized contemporary Japanese concept that delivers not only outstanding cuisine but also a vibrant atmosphere and memorable hospitality."
The menu showcases Zuma's signature blend of traditional Japanese techniques and contemporary presentation. Signature dishes include black cod marinated in saikyo miso, barley miso baby chicken roasted on cedar wood, spicy beef tenderloin with sesame and sweet soy, and rice hot pot with wild mushrooms and fresh truffle. Diners will also find premium sushi and sashimi selections ranging from Hokkaido uni and otoro to scallops and yellowtail, alongside robata-grilled wagyu steaks, lobster, Chilean seabass, tempura, Japanese-inspired cocktails and omakase experiences priced from $150 to $228 per guest.
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The opening also marks a significant new chapter for The Guild Hotel, whose food and beverage program has experienced considerable turnover in recent years. The property's original restaurant, Luca, closed during the pandemic. In late 2022, management partnered with Be Saha Hospitality Group to oversee the hotel's dining, bar, room service and event operations, but that relationship ended in 2024 amid disputes over employee pay, vendor payments and operational responsibilities.
Former employees alleged they were not paid final wages following Be Saha's departure, prompting protests outside Wormwood restaurant and a reported inquiry by the San Diego County District Attorney's Workplace Justice Division. Be Saha founder Amar Harrag has disputed aspects of those events and has maintained that employees were ultimately paid. Zuma's arrival represents the property's first long-term partnership with a globally established hospitality brand since those operational changes.
The Guild Hotel has also been investing heavily in repositioning itself as a luxury destination, including new outdoor amenities, expanded public spaces and upgraded food and beverage offerings. Zuma is expected to become the centerpiece of that strategy, occupying a dedicated entrance adjacent to the hotel rather than functioning as a conventional hotel restaurant.
Reservations for Zuma San Diego are now available through the restaurant's website ahead of its August 10 debut. Given the brand's international following and the anticipation surrounding its California premiere, early reservation availability is expected to fill quickly.
Zuma San Diego is located at 500 West Broadway in downtown San Diego. For more information, visit zumarestaurant.com/en/san-diego.
Originally published on July 31, 2026.
The Guild Hotel has also been investing heavily in repositioning itself as a luxury destination, including new outdoor amenities, expanded public spaces and upgraded food and beverage offerings. Zuma is expected to become the centerpiece of that strategy, occupying a dedicated entrance adjacent to the hotel rather than functioning as a conventional hotel restaurant.
Reservations for Zuma San Diego are now available through the restaurant's website ahead of its August 10 debut. Given the brand's international following and the anticipation surrounding its California premiere, early reservation availability is expected to fill quickly.
Zuma San Diego is located at 500 West Broadway in downtown San Diego. For more information, visit zumarestaurant.com/en/san-diego.
Originally published on July 31, 2026.