Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Costa Mesa

Authentic sushi

Made for those who value traditional techniques and heritage when selecting their sushi.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 1
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 2
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 3
View all
Japanese restaurant

Unassuming exterior leads to a cozy, authentic Japanese atmosphere with calm, relaxed energy inside. Space offers both bar and table seating with fresh, high-quality sushi prepared by skilled chefs. Music plays softly, supporting quiet conversation and a welcoming vibe.

Japanese owner and staff prepare fresh sushi and traditional dishes. The menu offers authentic home-style Japanese cuisine with great quality and genuine flavors.

Sushi here features fresh, top-notch nigiri with a fish selection that rivals authentic Japanese spots. The quality stands out as unmatched in the area, offering a genuine taste that recalls sushi from Japan.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and truly authentic."

"I thought the sushi here was the best quality I've had."

"This sushi is the best I've ever tasted, so fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-owned and operated, enhancing its authentic atmosphere.

2

Lunch specials offer great value and are a must-try.

3

Weekly specials feature traditional Japanese dishes.

02
Sushi K's Bistro Costa Mesa image 1

Small sushi bar creates an authentic Japanese vibe with calm, tranquil atmosphere and peaceful jazz music. Fresh, exceptional sushi pairs with a diverse sake selection for a standout omakase experience. Interior feels brand new and clean, offering a cozy, elevated dining environment.

An intimate, cozy spot with a vibe like a small sushi chef's restaurant in Japan. The sushi is very authentic and fresh, offering a 100% authentic Japanese experience from start to finish.

Sushi here features highest, freshest grade fish with every bite melting in your mouth. The omakase dinners offer incredible flavor and perfect texture, making it a standout for sushi lovers.

People are saying

"I had some of the best Japanese food I've ever tasted."

"The sushi here is excellent and the fish is so fresh."

"I found the sushi here to be very authentic and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers rotating specials and a selection of sake.

2

Expect a unique menu crafted with authentic Japanese ingredients.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

03
Eat's Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with authentic decor and warm yellow lighting creates a cozy, immersive atmosphere. Busy and popular spot, often filled with couples and groups enjoying fresh, high-quality sushi. Outdoor seating with heaters and a nearby ice cream shop add to the relaxed vibe.

Sushi here offers authentic flavors that stay true to tradition. The atmosphere matches the genuine experience with a simple, unpretentious vibe.

Fresh fish and top notch selection define the sushi here. Specialty sushi options stand out with incredible quality and a wide variety to choose from.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is thick, super fresh, tender, and delicious."

"The sushi here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"I experienced authentic sushi with incredibly fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

The wait can be up to 2 hours long for 2 people, so I recommend RSVPing or arriving early.

2

There was a large parking lot available for guests.

3

Expect an hour wait on the weekend.

04
Wafu of Japan image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with cozy seating and soft lighting creates an intimate, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere stays relaxing and authentic, though it gets loud and crowded during busy times. Decor and presentation reflect thoughtful Japanese style, focusing on food quality over luxury.

Sushi here offers both authentic nigiri and creative rolls not commonly found in Japan. The menu includes Japanese soul food with genuine flavors that feel true to tradition.

Sushi here features authentic nigiri and creative rolls not commonly found in Japan. The fish is very fresh and the preparation is precise, delivering excellent taste and quality.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and perfectly prepared."

"I experienced authentic sushi with fresh, delicious ingredients."

"It's so cozy inside with soft lighting and intimate seating."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited in this area, so carpooling is best.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

The omakase price is $39, which is lower than typical prices.

05
Shunka Sushi & Japanese Cuisine image 1

Sushi restaurant offers traditional Japanese interior and a fun, inviting atmosphere. Skilled chefs prepare authentic, fresh sushi with phenomenal omakase experiences. Small portions and reasonable prices attract both sushi connoisseurs and newcomers.

Authentic sushi comes from real Japanese chefs who prepare each dish with care. The omakase offers a fresh, traditional experience with service that stays true to Japanese roots.

Sushi features fresh fish imported from Japan served with perfect balance of cold fish and warm rice right in front of you. The omakase options at the sushi bar include a variety of fish like toro and bluefin tuna, offering an authentic experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is exceptional, practically melting in your mouth."

"I found the sushi here to be super authentic, prepared by real Japanese chefs."

"The sushi here practically melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, so plan to arrive early.

2

Omakase is available and offers a great value for the quality.

3

Expect to pay around $40 for a combo meal with green tea.

06
Tokyo Central Costa Mesa image 1
Japanese grocery store

Spacious Japanese grocery store recreates the feel of Tokyo's bustling markets with authentic products and hand-drawn signs. Bright, clean seating areas with microwaves invite shoppers to enjoy fresh sushi and hot food from a self-serve bar. A large sake selection and fresh fish counters add to the genuine cultural shopping experience.

A wide variety of authentic Japanese ingredients fills the shelves, perfect for making traditional meals. Freshly prepared bento boxes, sushi, Pocky, and mochi offer genuine flavors straight from Japan's vibrant marketplace.

Freshness stands out with daily made sushi and sashimi trays featuring high-quality seafood. The selection includes house-made sushi, rolls, and bento boxes, all prepared with care and great for take-out.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a huge variety of Japanese foods and prepared meals."

"The sushi here is super tasty and fresh."

"I found so many fun, delicious, and authentic Japanese options here."

Good to know

1

Prepared bento is marked down 20% after 7 PM daily.

2

Tokyo Central Costa Mesa closes at 10 PM every day.

3

Parking can be limited, especially during peak hours.

07
Mercado Gonzรกlez Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store combines vibrant decor with live mariachi music and a full bar inside. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often with a DJ and food stations creating a chaotic yet welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch, making it a unique blend of shopping and entertainment.

Fresh ingredients create authentic Mexican flavors throughout the market. Street tacos and tamales showcase the careful preparation behind each dish.

Fresh fish and Sinaloan sushi stand out here, with options like a Mexican sushi featuring salmon, mango, and jalapeรฑo. The chipotle roll also gets attention among the sushi offerings.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"The food here is so authentic and full of flavor."

"The Sinaloa Sushi here was delicious."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

08
Sushi-teri image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, family-owned sushi spot with authentic Japanese ownership and a quiet atmosphere. Offers reasonable prices and fresh side salads, with food made by owners from Tokyo. Parking can be challenging, but wait times stay short.

Atmosphere feels authentic and family owned. The menu offers yummy Japanese dishes that stay true to tradition.

Sushi here is authentic and consistently tasty, with combination specials that offer generous portions. The spot is family-owned, Japanese operated, and offers friendly service in a casual setting.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and affordable."

"It's a nice little authentic Japanese place with amazing sushi."

"The sushi here is served by the kindest, friendliest owners."

Good to know

1

The prices at Sushi-teri are very reasonable.

2

The wait time is usually short.

3

Parking can be difficult to find or access.

09
Mitsuwa Marketplace image 1
Japanese grocery store

Indoor space mimics authentic Japanese market with modern layout and large food court featuring unique Japanese products and a beer garden. Atmosphere feels lively and energetic, resembling a slice of Japan with open dining and specialty shops. Crowds gather for standout dishes like beef tongue and ramen, creating a bustling vibe.

Food court offers authentic Japanese meals like Santouka Ramen and Miyabi-Tei. Grocery aisles stock high-quality Japanese ingredients and specialty items for cooking authentic dishes.

Fresh sushi comes with a wide variety of rolls at the sushi counter. Options include pre-made rolls and selections suitable for homemade rolls, matching the quality of a restaurant.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store has a huge selection of authentic items."

"It felt like a slice of Japan with so many authentic items."

"I love the wide variety of sushi rolls here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be chaotic, especially during peak hours.

2

The food court opens at 11am, offering a variety of dining options.

3

Unique Japanese products are available that are hard to find elsewhere.

Discover more

Costa Mesa, California

Area guide
Loading Map...