The first time I stepped into Moment Sushi in Sorrento Valley everyone from the chefs to the diners smiled. The welcome was so genuine, I knew I'd discovered something extraordinary. What began as a birthday celebration has evolved into several visits, each one revealing new layers of Chef Wook Jang and Wendy Jang's artisanal mastery. By the time I brought my husband and children for our third visit, I'd become utterly enchanted by their philosophy of savoring the moment, a concept that transforms every bite into a meditation on craftsmanship and cultural fusion.
This Korean-Japanese restaurant embodies the convergence of two culinary traditions, where traditional Japanese techniques meet Korean innovation. The restaurant's design speaks to this fusion through clean lines and neutral tones, with a striking marble sushi counter that serves as the stage for Chef Wook's presentations.
Photo credit Moment Sushi
- Website: momentsushi.com
- Reservations: Available and recommended
- Menu: Lunch & Dinner
- Address: 9254 Scranton Road Suite 101, San Diego, California 92121
- Hours: Tue-Fri 11:30am - 2:30pm & 5:30pm - 9:30pm, Sat 5:30pm - 9:30pm, Closed Sunday and Monday
Photo credit Moment Sushi
My initial visit coincided with what would become my obsession: the Salmon Oshi. Chef Wook layers silky salmon over perfectly seasoned rice, adds his house-made creamy sauce, then covers it with a steamer. The smoking technique infuses the salmon with subtle wood notes, making it incredibly tender. This method creates textural contrast while balancing the fish's natural richness.
This commitment to artisanal technique extends throughout their menu. The Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice arrives as architectural perfection, seared rice rectangles topped with spicy tuna that achieves the ideal balance between creamy and textural. The Amberjack Truffles showcase premium ingredients with restraint, allowing the fish's natural sweetness to complement the truffle's earthiness. The Yellowtail Jalapeño demonstrates their mastery through paper-thin hamachi that literally melts on the tongue, punctuated by the jalapeño's heat that enhances rather than overwhelms the fish's delicate flavor.
The Negihama Yellowtail demonstrates Chef Wook's understanding of traditional combinations, where scallions' sharpness cuts through yellowtail's richness. The Scallop Mentaiko Mayo offers a different experience with its umami-rich cod roe sauce.
Photo credit Moment Sushi
The handroll service showcases thoughtful presentation and choice. You select five handrolls from three different options: create your own combination, chef's choice, or the Chino Farms seasonal organic combination. Each handroll arrives in its own individual plastic holder that preserves the seaweed wrapper's crispness while creating an elegant display on a wooden serving board. The process of removing each handroll from its holder adds to the experience, allowing you to reveal the pristine handroll within.
My favorite, the Panko Shrimp Tempura handroll, exemplifies this attention to detail. The shrimp maintains its just-fried crunch while the rice provides the perfect foundation. The accompanying ponzu sauce, served in small droppers, allows for precise flavor control. This honors the Japanese principle that diners should customize their experience while respecting the chef's foundational preparation.
The Moment roll features a selection of premium ingredients arranged with artistic precision. Fresh wasabi (which is very rare to come by these days) adds another layer of authenticity as guests can choose between root or leaf preparations, with the root delivering clean, sharp heat that hits your nose rather than your tongue.
Photo credit Moment Sushi
The restaurant's sake offerings include chef-recommended selections like Soto Black and Soto White, both from the renowned Niigata region. The handcrafted Floral Bloom cocktail provides an alternative experience, blending soju with lavender, butterfly pea flower, and fresh lemon juice to create a vibrant purple drink.
The dessert selections showcase both creativity and partnerships with local artisans. The Earl Grey Crème Brûlée transforms a French classic through Japanese tea culture, where earl grey's bergamot notes complement the custard's richness. The Passion Fruit Basque Cheesecake comes from The Cakery, representing Moment Sushi's commitment to partnering with local specialists. This thick slice reveals layers of creamy cheesecake with a beautifully caramelized top that makes it perfectly rich and decadent.
Photo credit Moment Sushi
Their partnership with Chino Farm exemplifies their commitment to quality ingredients. Since 1969, this family-owned Rancho Santa Fe operation has supplied produce to culinary legends. The farm's Japanese heritage creates a natural bridge between Moment Sushi's Korean-Japanese identity and California's agricultural abundance. This is why I return, why I bring friends and family, why each visit reveals new layers of appreciation. In a world that moves too fast, Moment Sushi shows us what happens when we slow down and savor the moment.
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