Back in 2014, I heard rumors of two brothers in Oceanside doing something different with sushi. Hearing it mentioned as “best sushi Oceanside” and “best sushi San Diego” intrigued me. They were focused on local, sustainable seafood, and I had to see it for myself. That led me to a little back room behind a Mexican restaurant. This was the early days of Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub.
Waite & Sea
Waite & Sea is Chef Davin Waite’s intimate omakase series held select Tuesday nights inside Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub in Oceanside. Only 25 seats are available per dinner, and the menu runs 12 or more courses built around hyper-local, responsibly sourced fish and produce. Book on Opentable.
Omakase dishes at Wrench & Rodent
- Kumamoto oyster
- Melon Soup with sea cucumber
- California King salmon, white asparagus, salmon eggs
- Mackerel Tartare, potato mylk, purple ninja
- Turban snail, basil, beans, salami, tomato
- Turnips, tops, miso with sweet potato molasses
- Callo de Hacha, macadamia nut salsa matcha
- Spot prawns, sumac, peaches, shrimp head dashi
- Fresh and dry-aged Japanese yellow Kampachi
- Dry-aged shima aji, herb salad
- Yellowtail, pickled squash
- Tuna crudo, cheese, capers, Toro sushi
- Kimchi marinated shark, Shirazi salad
- Green eggs + ham
- Fish Fat donut with sea grape jam
The Menu
Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub has updated its 2026 menu, making several of its most popular specials permanent menu items. Fan favorites like the Half and Half Fish of the Day and Black Pepper Collards are now available every day, giving their customers even more reasons to visit.
The Half and Half Fish of the Day at Wrench and Rodent was so popular as a special that it’s now on the main menu and available every day. Served half sashimi and half fried, and with a serving of their amazing fried cauliflower, it’s a must-order dish.
The Black Pepper Collards at Wrench and Rodent, made with albacore and garlic chili, are now on the main menu after being a fan-favorite special. Packed with bold flavor, it’s a must-order for anyone visiting the restaurant.
A Hidden Gem That Earned National Respect
Wrench and Rodent has Union Jacks on the walls, funky art everywhere, and a vibe unlike any other sushi spot. I soon found out that Chef Davin Waite and Loren are from the UK, and that explained the theme. Davin, Jessica, and Loren push the boundaries of creative sushi.
Sustainability Is the Standard
Fast forward to today: Wrench and Rodent has taken over the entire building. There are now two indoor dining rooms, two outdoor spaces, and a loyal following that continues to grow. But some things haven’t changed – like the art, the music, and the focus on sustainable seafood.
Wrench and Rodent has always pushed boundaries. They work directly with local fishermen and farmers. They reduce waste by using fish parts that most restaurants throw away. Creative sushi is their specialty in Oceanside. You can expect bold flavors, unexpected cuts, and dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
Honest Review of Wrench and Rodent in Oceanside
Here’s my biggest tip: always look at the specials menu. It changes daily and reflects what’s fresh and in season. You’ll find dishes there you may never see again. We always get excited when something we love shows up again.
The Specials Menu at Wrench & Rodent
The regular menu is just as impressive, with standout dishes I’d recommend. The specials are where the creativity shows. For example, the ½ fried, ½ sashimi sea bream. You probably won’t see it on the main menu, but if it’s available that day, order it.
From the daily menu
One of my go-to items is the Salmon Nigiri with sweet citrus salt. And the roasted cauliflower with honey serrano fish sauce. You have to try at least one of their rolls with their house-made arugula chimichurri sauce. It’s on the Green Lantern (krab & avocado topped with salmon and arugula chimichurri sauce). If you don’t eat sushi, the Patrick the Great is a fantastic option. It has sweet potato topped with avocado, sweet lime soy, and pickled onion.
Sushi with Heart and a Sense of Home
Expect a wait if you don’t have a reservation, especially on weekends – but it’s worth it. The staff is friendly, the vibe is relaxed, and many of the diners are regulars who feel right at home. The restaurant is owned by Davin and Jessica Waite, who also own The Plot. It is also one of my favorite Oceanside restaurants.
Wrench and Rodent is on my list of best sushi in San Diego and hidden gem restaurants. If you haven’t been yet, go. You’ll understand why it’s still my favorite after all these years.
FAQ Section
Is Wrench and Rodent good for vegetarians?
Yes, they have vegan and vegetarian options. One of my favorite rolls is a plant-based roll called Patrick the Great! Crispy sweet potato, topped with avocado and sweet lime soy & pickled onion
Does Wrench and Rodent take reservations?
You can make reservations online through OpenTable.
Who is the chef at Wrench and Rodent?
The chef at Wrench and Rodent is Davin Waite. He’s known for his creative, sustainable approach to sushi and seafood. He works closely with local fishermen and farmers is bold, thoughtful, and very different from traditional sushi spots.
What makes Wrench and Rodent unique?
Wrench and Rodent is unique because it doesn’t follow the usual sushi rules. The chef, Davin Waite, uses local, seasonal ingredients and focuses on sustainability.
