Located inside the happening Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, Glass Box is an exciting, recently opened sushi concept from acclaimed young restauranteur Ethan Yang. An outstanding selection of sushi staples and other inventive and accessible dishes, delicious cocktails and a lively atmosphere make Glass Box an outstanding fun dinner option.
As its name might suggest, Glass Box features a striking, all-glass enclosure designed by San Diego’s Arch 5 Design and constructed by Iconik builders. With its ambient blue lighting, it has a chic and unmistakably unique look that definitely elevates the dining experience. Guests can choose to either dine at the sushi bar inside the glass box for a more intimate experience or opt for the tables outside and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the Sky Deck (which includes a DJ on most nights).
Glass Box is a labor of love for the charismatic Yang, who grew up in the kitchen, starting out washing dishes in his family’s restaurant at the age of six. His grandmother and father taught him the fundamentals of cooking authentic Asian food. Eventually, Yang became a skilled sushi chef, and over time, he became accustomed to customers watching him crafting rolls from behind the glass boxes of the sushi counter. Inspiration struck, and thus, this bold new concept was born.
Yang’s menu is described as “Asian coastal inspired,” and while it does heavily lean Japanese (with a healthy selection of perfectly prepared sashimi, nigiri and classic and specialty rolls), it also features inspired and unique entrees and appetizers. For Yang, the name of the game is high-quality ingredients and accessible, flavor-forward dishes, delivered with passion and love. “I just want to make food that makes people happy,” he says.
Glass Box menu highlights sure to make anyone happy include pork belly with bacon shishito and curry fried rice; a bluefin toro uni roll with red crab, green onion masago, avocado, bluefin toro, uni and caviar; and a filet with crab croquette, haricots vert, mushrooms and a black pepper truffle sauce. For a chef’s selection, the San Diego restaurant offers six-, 12-, 20- and 45-piece sushi arrangements (delivered in a very Instagrammable presentation), as well as a true multi-course omakase experience.
Yang’s family owns the beloved Zen Modern Asian Bistro in San Diego, and it is a welcome touch to see Chinese classics like wonton noodle soup (with shrimp, chicken, BBQ pork, wonton and bok choy) and noodles alongside the sushi and Californian fare. Glass Box offers oysters (with optional uni) and has a full bar delivering well-made craft cocktails as well as a solid selection of beer, wine and sake. And as with all Sky Deck concepts, you can order food from Glass Box to be delivered to your seat while enjoying cocktails at the lovely Understory Bar, if you so choose.
Glass Box opens daily at 11 a.m. For more information, visit glassboxsd.com.
Located in Sky Deck Del Mar
12841 El Camino Real Ste. 203
San Diego, CA 92130