Kai Ola Sushi, the well-liked sushi bar at 918 N Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas, has been downgraded by San Diego County health officials following a recent inspection.
A neighborhood favorite known for fresh fish and attentive service, Kai Ola Sushi has amassed strong word of mouth and a high volume of positive reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp. That reputation made this week’s downgrade notable for Leucadia-area diners who regularly pack the small dining room and patio along Coast Highway 101.
According to the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality, a downgrade indicates that inspectors observed conditions that require correction and follow-up. It is not the same as a closure: restaurants can continue operating under a lower grade while they address cited issues, unless an imminent health hazard is present and the county orders a temporary shutdown. Detailed inspection reports are posted publicly by the county once finalized; as of publication, the agency has not released a narrative of specific violations tied to this downgrade. We will update when the official report is available.
Why this matters
Sushi and other raw-fish preparations rely on strict temperature control, rigorous sanitation, and careful food handling to keep guests safe. Even minor lapses—like improper cold holding, handwashing access issues, or sanitizer strength problems—can add up to a lower grade during an inspection. For a restaurant as popular as Kai Ola Sushi, a downgrade serves as a signal to both management and guests that documented improvements are needed and will be verified through reinspection.
For diners, a downgrade is a prompt to stay informed rather than a reason to panic. Look for the posted letter grade at the entrance, review the most recent inspection on the county’s online portal, and don’t hesitate to ask staff about any corrective actions underway. San Diego County typically conducts reinspections to confirm fixes; if problems are addressed promptly, grades often return to prior levels.
For Kai Ola Sushi’s loyal following—and for the many Encinitas residents who celebrate birthdays and date nights over nigiri flights and rolls—the next few weeks will be important. A clean reinspection would reassure regulars and sustain momentum for a restaurant that has, until now, been best known for quality and hospitality. We’ll continue to track the county’s updates and report back when the inspection details and reinspection results are posted.
