Pacific Beach has almost as many sushi spots as it does bars, so it can be tough navigating through them all. I’m a huge sushi fan, so I have tried them all, and you can believe me when I say Mizu Sushi is my favorite. On top of delicious sushi, it offers friendly service and an exciting locale that can’t be beat. For a really fun Pacific Beach night, don’t get in your car. Instead take your cruiser along the bay bike path. Take your coat, though, because no matter how much sake you’ve had, it gets chilly at night with the breeze. Just as you enter into downtown Mission Beach, diagonal from the coaster is Mizu. It does have a tiny parking lot if you ignore my advice and decide to drive. Mizu is surrounded by windows, so you can watch the bay or people walking along the street. The atmosphere is low-key and festive, and you are always greeted by the friendly staff. You feel like you are being welcomed into someone’s home at Mizu and they are always glad you came. Sorry, that sounds a bit like the “Cheers” theme song, but it’s true! The miso soup and sashimi are great starters. My favorites are the tuna, yellow tail and salmon. Make sure to add a cold, refreshing Sapporo — the perfect complement to spicy wasabi — since, when it comes to wasabi, my theory is the more the better. The Caterpillar, Temptation, Dynamite, jalapeño yellowtail, Philadelphia roll and Alaskan are amazing. Honestly, all the rolls are great. Mizu offers amazing discounts on its rolls: basic rolls are buy-one-get-one-free and the specialty rolls are buy one-get-one-half-off. We always try new things and are never disappointed. If you get lucky, your server will bring you complimentary sake shots to thank you for your visit and encourage a return trip. If you save any room at all, the green-tea ice cream is a perfect way to end the meal. If not, there is always next time. Believe me; there will be a next time — and soon. Mizu is just that good. After dinner, walk around Mission Beach a bit and maybe even hit up the coaster if you’re feeling up to it. Then jump on your bike and enjoy a relaxing evening bike ride home. MIZU SUSHI 850 W. Mission Bay Drive, Mission Beach (858) 488-1700
