Eugene Kim and Peter Kim have opened a second La Jolla restaurant. Shio Japanese Dining held its grand opening Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2259 Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla Shores, blocks from the beach.
The pair run Takaramono Sushi on La Jolla Boulevard. Shio is bigger and more ambitious, with a full kitchen, a full bar and a menu that stretches well beyond their first spot's sushi-focused format, Peter Kim told lajolla.ca via email.
"Opening Shio was our opportunity to offer something more to the La Jolla community," he said, adding that the restaurant can accommodate "a wider range of gatherings while offering a more extensive selection of food and drinks."
Prices aim high. A signature 12-piece Tasting Shio runs $200, requires at least two diners and must be reserved a day in advance, according to SanDiegoVille. Charcoal-grilled A5 wagyu with four chef-selected salts is listed at $100.
Peter Kim said sashimi specialties anchor the menu, with housemade sauces and garnishes like shiro ponzu and yuzu jelly. Two of his favorites: a hamachi special with seared yellowtail, shiro ponzu and herb oil, and a crispy spicy maguro with spicy tuna on a cheese chip with Midori sauce.
Both Eugene Kim and Peter Kim are originally from South Korea. They worked together for about seven years at Yummy Sushi in Coronado before opening Takaramono Sushi, which held its grand opening in July 2024, according to lajolla.ca's earlier coverage.
The Avenida de la Playa space previously housed Galaxy Taco and then Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters, which closed after about four years, SanDiegoVille reported.
Shio Japanese Dining is open at 2259 Avenida de la Playa. Hours are listed at shiolajolla.com.
