Guru Tattoo Studio Review

If you want a quality piece that you will be happy to wear for a lifetime then definitely come see Johhny Vampotna. I have been getting tattoos by Johnny for about 2 yrs now and all 7 of my pieces are timeless classics that I will wear proudly for the rest of my life. He is extremely professional, super talented and makes the process feel extremely comfortable. And to top it all of he's a funny guy. I can't wait until my next appointment!! See you soon Johnny.

guru tattoo is a fantastic, clean, professional tattoo shop with some *seriously* amazing artists who can take care of all your inking needs. These guys can get pretty popular, however, so be sure and call to set up an appointment.

I love this shop. I have a full back piece and a sleeve from Guru. They have the best concentration of artists in the industry, led by the ultra-talented Aaron Della Vedova. These guys and gals are SICK! But what sets Guru apart is their collective quality of character, they are really good people who treat their clients like family.

The artists and staff are great to deal with, as a first time tattoo-ee. Incredible artists at these shops, and they are consummate professionals. Already planning my second one, and my wife s first.

Have to single out artist Sean Dorfler. Very talented and creative, and just a great guy to deal with.

By far the Best tattoos shop and artists in San Diego which puts them up there with the best in the world. If you're looking for bargain bin flash tattoos or 90s piercings go somewhere else, there's plenty of those shops in the Bay Area.

The premier shop in San Diego for custom work. True artists making great art in a clean well run shop. Everyone here wants you to get the best tattoo possible. I can't recommend them enough.

I have been getting work done here for years now. Every artist at Guru is amazing!

Both my husband and myself have gotten multiple tattoos from Guru and I will go no where else. They have the top tattoo artists in San Diego, amazing shops and are professional thru and thru. Now if I can just get stuff to stop breaking around my house so I can save up for new ink!

DO NOT Come to get any tattoo. Currently in a lawsuit against shop and artist. Guru tattoo will be closing soon.

:. Maria Salvatrucha

The caliber of artists at Guru are off the charts! Kevin Dickinson is my artist... but you cannot go wrong with any of the talent at Guru!

My first tattoo. I wasn t sure what to expect but it was overall a good experience. I had an idea of what I wanted and Sean hooked me up. It s only been about a month and still looks great. I m hoping it ll stay that way over time.

Great staff, super clean and friendly environment ... have satisfied all my needs with the difficulty of not understanding the language, I am very pleased to bring this memory in Italy! Thanks for everything and special thanks to dakota! Mattia from italy

This tattoo shop is hands down the best in San Diego as well as Southern California . If you want the cream of the crop,I would go here. All the artists are on point, and are well versed in their art. From the moment you walk in the door, you know your at the best tattoo shop around.My favorite artists are Mateo Robles and AARON DELLA VEDOVA . I can't wait to go back and get some more ink done. When I show people my tattoos , their response is " It looks like they painted it on with a brush!!!" I highly recommend this shop.

First time at Guru and it was a very welcoming experience. The guys were very courteous and my artist Josh, was very easy to work with. I'll be back in a weeks for my tattoo! Can't wait!!!

Love guru tattoo! I sent over some script work I wanted done on my ribs before I came in for my appt and the artist took it and added his own flair and style to it. He sculpted the saying around my ribs and "side boob" leaving a unique and gorgeous tattoo with perfect placement. It may have been a simple tattoo but sometimes those are the hardest and these guys nailed it. I would definitely go back again. Everyone there is nice, inviting and such a pro! Highly recommend Guru!

Great artists, very professional but also very friendly, definitely recommend!

I am getting a full back tattoo with Sean in the PB location. His work is at the top of the line and he is very professional. Sean at Guru Tattoo has won a patron for life. I absolutely love my beautiful full back dragon that I will be happy to show off in the future!

I've been going to Guru Tattoo since 2002. Aaron Della Vedova has gathered a group of extremely talented individuals. Each artist is completely unique and on top of their game. I'd highly recommend them!

lorenzo gave me an awesome tattoo while i was up there visiting family, had such a basic idea and turned it into something i love, cant wait to come from NM to get some more work done, shop is beautiful and everyone is so welcoming, a great place over all :)

I went in to ask avout a cover up.
The answer i was given was a push for lazer removal or a black band. My only option he said. Which Is not true.
I felt I was veing turned away because the person didnt want to deal with it.

me an my girlfriend get tattoos from erik. we are very happy with the result. it is like we wanted. erik is a very cool guy and did a perfect job!
the studio is also cool and clean aswell.
thank you guys!!!

I researched artists for an entire year for my first tattoo and ended up at Guru Tattoo because of Aaron Della Vedova, the Guru. I was willing to travel all the way to Japan or Europe, but I was lucky enough to have the best artist in the world working right down the road from me. There are a lot of mid-rang shops in PB, but Guru is really one of the best shops in the U.S. and probably the world. Lots of artists can just trace, and that's great, but at Guru you get a complete custom piece done by true artists that practice in all mediums. Aaron has amazing paintings as well. His style is so unique- combining illustration, japenese, surrealism and realism. He is a true Guru. Customer service at this place is top notch- I felt as if I was VIP on all occassions. Plus, being my first tattoo, Aarron was willing to accomadate my reluctance and gave me great advice. Just go look at his instagram and see how amazing he is. If you want an epic piece, then go to Guru Tattoo. If you just want a run of the mill tattoo, then walk into one of the several sub-par shops on Garnet.

A clean, safe, art-focused place to get your tattoo. Dan Braga is my artist and he was gentle and accommodating. A great artist and tattooer.

When I was in a lot of pain, Dan would wait until I exhaled to pull his next line. He was not rough and my tattoo came out lovely. I'll post more pics when it is fully healed.

10/10 would recommend Guru Tattoo

Nothing but quality artists at this shop. It's also super clean. My artist Eric Cooper is incredible. His focus on aftercare has made healing easy. I'd give it more stars if I could.

My one and only tattoo and I went here. I think I would have liked a different situation. But I am no expert and a lot of people love this place. Just my 2 cents.

I ve been to both locations located downtown and in Pacific beach and each time I feel welcomed and treated with great respect. Aaron the owner, along with the rest of the guru staff are amazing people who will give you honest advice and set you up with the best artist for what unique style you re looking for.

Clean, Professional, Friendly, Talented Artists. Everything you want from a tattoo studio.

I come here for tattoo removal. Love it. Quick and simple. Parking is a hassle. Dont know if this place had it's own parking lot for customers since the back of their building is an open gravel lot

Guru has some of the best artists in the world! If you want an amazingly beautiful custom piece of art wether it's tribal, new school or traditional they have an artist for you. If you don't have enough cash or time then wait till you do! You and the artists @ GURU are unquestionably worth it!!!

REALLY BAD EXPERIENCE
I went to Nahn 3 months in advance with an entire layout planned for a full calf/shin piece.
He waited until the last TWO WEEKS to start drawing ANYTHING at all, And what he DID draw was a freehanded mess about the size of someone's hand which was just the concept alone, WHEN HE SAID MULTIPLE TIMES VIA EMAIL THAT, THAT PARTICULAR APPOINTMENT WOULD BE THE TEST FITTING. He left me high and dry and I ended up demanding my deposit back because he was so unprofessional and procrastinated until the last minute. Dont go to him if you're looking for a serious piece.

I have an amazing back piece that was done by Paul Dhuey (sp?) bout 12 years ago that I love and cherish to this day. All of the art work and tattoos are top notch at this location and stuff I've seen out of the Little Italy looks pretty legit. Best in town hands down.

This the an amazing tattoo shop, it's worth the wait list.

I've been to Guru as a tag-a-long, while my brother was being tattooed by Aaron. And now I'm getting a sleeve with Aaron as well. Guru has a great atmosphere, great attitudes and extremely creative people. Love the vibe and energy. My brother and I have been VERY happy with our decision to go to Guru, and it's totally worth the travel to get tattooed by Aaron.

Solid artists, solid work, fair prices. Guru runs a pretty tight ship--the place is clean, the people nice & willing to answer questions--legit all the way around. When I'm asked for suggestions about where to get work done, I tell them Guru; it's the kind of place you want to get tattooed in for all the reasons I mentioned. I drove there from Orange County every six weeks for about three years to get my sleeves and back done. You won't regret getting tattooed at Guru. Go.

Nhan did an amazing job on my 15th and final tattoo. Really pleased to say he is one of the best Tattoo artists I've witnessed in San Diego. The cleanliness and professionallism of Guru Tattoo is ranked number 1 in my book. Keep up the good work!!! You bet i'll sway all my friends your way when they want to get some ink done.

The entire staff was very accommodating, it was super clean and priced fairly. They were super patient when my card wouldn't work and had to figure out how to pay . Thanks guys can't wait for my next tattoo!

Just got tattooed by Scotty, he had great advice for my tattoo and was great. I'd definitely go back.

in a crowded field of tattoo studios Guru stands out as the best. I am not sure you will find a better group of artists and as important customer service. Thanks again Guru.

Had a great experience getting my tattoo here a few years ago. Super chill vibe, friendly staff and artists. Highly recommended for a first-timer.

I didn't get a tattoo but I called about how much they charge and they said 180/hr. That's crazy expensive. I know they do great work but I wish they charged base on the size of the tattoo,etc

This is the best tattoo shop in California, possibly in the entire world. The artists are all extremely professional, well experienced, and friendly. If you have any experience with tattoo shops, you know these do not always go hand in had. Every artist at this shop is world class. You cannot do better. Go to Guru, whatever you are getting, Guru is the place to get it done beautifully.

I've been following this shop for a few years now and I've been aware of its amazing reputation in the industry. I've been saving for a full arm sleeve and even though I have an artist that has done most of my work and is well known in the industry I've always been drawn to the artwork from this shop.

While checking out the Guru Instagram page I came across one of their new artist Patrick Sweeney. I loved his art so I booked a consult via email. I'm very picky about my work and honestly it was hard for me to be open to another artist since I was so comfortable with my artist but I gave it a shot. It was so worth it!

Pat responded quickly to my email and answered all my questions and we booked a consultation. I'm from the LA area so I was hesitant to drive 2 hours just for a consult but his professionalism reflected in his email which gave me confidence that he was worth the drive. And boy I was right.

The consultation went smoothly. He was so excited to collaborate with me and my ideas. I felt heard. Last month I had my first session and his design blew my mind, I actually got tearful looking at the art. Just had my second session and he started color and it just pops. Even though it's a sacrifice for me to drive from LA it's been worth it every time. We already have future appointments scheduled. I'm excited to see what else he's going to add. I'm so blessed I found this shop and Pat. He's badass!

I also met a few other artist there. They're all professional, down to earth and all do amazing work! Check out their website. It'll be worth it!

And remember... "Good tattoos aren't cheap & cheap tattoos aren't good"

My guy tom does not work there any more so wont be going back the place has a great feel for a tat shop too bad tom left liked this place

Great tattoo place. Artists are amazing polite an extremely professional. Curly red headed Secretary was rude and makes you feel unwanted . They need to reevaluate her .

I was thinking about getting a tattoo so I decided to stop by Guru Tattoo in Pacific Beach to check it out. It was pretty busy but they were still happy to discuss some ideas with me and gave me a few portfolios to look at even though I said I wasn't going to get tattooed today. Everyone was very friendly and it would definitely make the experience less stressful if I do ever finally decided to get tattooed.

Joe is an awesome artist. Great clean shop. Very friendly, and courteous, very reasonable rates.

Hands down the best place I've ever been to. Friendly staff and amazingly talented artists.

Jason is the best! Having gone to many different tattoo places I was pleased to find a shoot from the hit professional I could relate to. I am 1/3 the way inked and have 5 years to go with Jason.. Detailed, sterile, talented environment for ideas to manifest . I recommend for first timers to veterans !

Guru Tattoo is one of the cleanest and most professional tattoo shops I ve ever been too. Since first walking through their door, every single artist and staff member made sure I felt welcome and comfortable. *** Shout out to Joseph Caram! He s an incredible artist and I m proud to wear his work!***

Love Guru tattoo, both locations are really nice as well as the workers there !Lorenzo is the best, check out his amazing art work!

Rory is the most amazing artist. It seems like the rest of the artists in guru tattoo have a comprable amount of talent as well. I've been getting tattoos in the southern California region for about a year now, going pretty hard on it. Rory is possibly the best at tribal tattooing that I've ever seen, all of his work is just phenomenal. having spent so much time there, I've seen the work that the other artists do as well, and their work seems equally brilliant. I just wanted to say thank you very much for all the amazing body art Rory, it's really appreciated.

Great experience considering that this was my first time. The Front office and waiting area were clean and well appointed and the staff was friendly.

Awesome guts with amazing artiest
Dakota did some tatts for me and it looks great. Thank you guy's.

Wow! What an amazing experience! I was out in SD for a girls trip, and decided to finally get my first tattoo. I did do a walk-in, and the man working the front desk was so nice, walked me through everything, accommodating, and just completely calmed my nerves since it was my first tattoo. Josh was the artist who took me in, and same thing, Josh was super nice, extremely accommodating, didn t rush me and made sure I was comfortable with placement, the art, and the overall experience. Everyone in the shop was super sweet to my friends and I. Thank you for such a great experience and loving my new tattoo