Since its 2006 strategic relocation to the trendy and urban locale of Hillcrest (from the original Broadway venue on the outskirts of the Gaslamp Quarter), Sushi Deli 1 has grown in both reputation and popularity and is still worth a notable mention today. It's hard to pay a visit to Sushi Deli 1 without, first, resigning to at least a one hour wait since a hungry crowd is usually lined up outside this trendy spot even before the restaurant opens its doors for dinner at 5pm. It takes only a single dining experience here to understand why Hillcrest's Sushi Deli 1 continues to be a San Diego favorite: The sushi rolls are delicious, the service is great, the ambiance is fun, and the price can't be beat.
After enduring a trial process with the sushi served here, three rolls, in particular, have become favorites of mine:
 The Mixed Rainbow roll - crabmeat and cucumber, all wrapped in nori and glutinous rice, topped with a layer of shrimp, yellowtail sashimi, tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi, and avocado. The fresh, raw elements of yellowtail, tuna, and salmon meld together very well with the creamy avocado and crabmeat.
 The famed Caterpillar roll - cooked unagi, cucumber, avocado, all rolled in nori and glutinous rice and drizzled with a sweet brown sauce and sesame seeds. This roll is very buttery and very sweet!
 The Valentine roll - cucumber, avocado, tempura shrimp, all wrapped in nori and glutinous rice, topped with a layer of cooked crab meat and a thin sheet of tuna sashimi. This roll falls apart easily, but definitely worth it if you don't mind a bit of a mess!
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