The Kearny Mesa gem, known for its evolving menu, will serve its final seven-course Korean tasting menu this month, though the space will live on for special omakase events. In an Instagram post, Hong shared the bittersweet news.
"Very sad to announce that April will be our last month operating Hitokuchi," read the post. "Thanks for all the love and support for the last couple years since before the pandemic. We hope to see everyone in April to eat my Korean tasting menu for the last time." He also teased future endeavors, noting, "I have new projects coming up so I’ll announce them when the time is right."
In a message to SanDiegoVille, Hong clarified his plans: "I’ll still have the Hitokuchi spot. I’ll use it for my 150min omakase in the future. I’m expanding Hidden Fish to other states. Whenever I’m back in town, I’ll do the 150min omakase at Hitokuchi, which is based on all seasonal and aged fish. Not closing because anything bad. But April will be the last month offering my 7 course Korean tasting menu. It was an a la carte menu when opening. It’s been a Korean tasting menu since January 2024." The shift from its original Japanese small-bite concept to a Korean tasting menu reflects Hong’s adaptability and creative range over the past two years.
Hitokuchi, translating to "one sip, one bite" in Japanese, opened on January 5, 2023, at 4764 Convoy Street, Suite B, after three years of development. Conceived as a sister venue to Hidden Fish - Hong’s omakase-only sushi bar that debuted in 2018 and earned a New York Times nod - the restaurant initially offered an a la carte menu of luxurious, amuse-bouche-sized Japanese dishes. Sourced from global markets like Japan’s Tsukiji Fish Market, bites like king crab and uni toast paired with an extensive sake, shochu, and Japanese beer selection. “Each bite at Hitokuchi will be umami,” Hong promised in 2022, drawing on his 19 years as a chef to craft a modern twist on sashimi and hot dishes.
During its first year in operation, Hitokuchi was recognized as one of America's Best New Restaurants of 2023 by Esquire Magazine. The national publication praised its hidden gem status in San Diego’s Convoy District, as well as highlighted the premium ingredients and claimed it to be a standout in the city's dining scene.
The concept evolved significantly by January 2024, transitioning to a seven-course Korean tasting menu that showcased Hong’s heritage and culinary versatility. While this iteration will end in April, the space won't go dark. Hong plans to repurpose it for a 150-minute omakase featuring seasonal and aged fish, available whenever he returns to San Diego amid his expansion of Hidden Fish to new states.
The concept evolved significantly by January 2024, transitioning to a seven-course Korean tasting menu that showcased Hong’s heritage and culinary versatility. While this iteration will end in April, the space won't go dark. Hong plans to repurpose it for a 150-minute omakase featuring seasonal and aged fish, available whenever he returns to San Diego amid his expansion of Hidden Fish to new states.
Hidden Fish, located in the same Convoy Street plaza, remains a local staple with its 13-seat, omakase-exclusive setup and 50- or 90-minute seating options. Its interstate growth signals Hong's rising national profile, while the Hitokuchi space will keep San Diego tied to his innovative roots.
Guests have until April 30 to savor Hitokuchi’s Korean tasting menu farewell. Reservations are available at resy.com/cities/sd/hitokuchi. As Hong embarks on this next phase, his message is clear: this isn’t a goodbye, but a pivot. "Thank you," he wrote as an end to his announcement, a nod to the community that’s fueled his journey - one bite at a time.
For more information, follow Chef John Hong on Instagram.
Guests have until April 30 to savor Hitokuchi’s Korean tasting menu farewell. Reservations are available at resy.com/cities/sd/hitokuchi. As Hong embarks on this next phase, his message is clear: this isn’t a goodbye, but a pivot. "Thank you," he wrote as an end to his announcement, a nod to the community that’s fueled his journey - one bite at a time.
For more information, follow Chef John Hong on Instagram.
Originally published on March 30, 2025.