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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Costa Mesa

Salmon dinner spots

A salmon dinner that feels like a thoughtful choice for a night out rather than a standard menu filler.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Eat's Sushi image 1
Eat's Sushi image 2
Eat's Sushi image 3
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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.

Salmon appears in several forms, including thick-cut sashimi and sushi with perfectly balanced rice vinegar. Rolls feature deep-fried salmon and avocado, topped with a refreshing sauce that complements the tender, plump fish.

People are saying

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

"The salmon sashimi had an amazing truffle flavor."

"The sushi and rolls at these Dinner Spots are super fresh and generously portioned."

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.

02
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 1
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.

Dinner offers fresh, delicious food with nice service. The place gets busy at prime time but seating happens promptly, and there is plenty of parking available.

Salmon dishes include a crispy, smoky salmon skin hand roll packed with umami and fresh salmon nigiri. Rolls like the salmon roll and negi toro offer delicious, well-balanced flavors.

People are saying

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

"The dinner dishes here are delicious and fresh."

"The salmon nigiri here is so fresh, it brought me back to Japan."

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.

03
Takumi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers cozy, authentic decor with a relaxed, quiet atmosphere and fresh, excellent sushi. Seating mostly suits small groups, with an open, clean kitchen visible. Outdoor patio seating provides a sunny, comfortable option with heaters available.

Salmon dishes feature fresh nigiri, thick-cut tempura, and a tender collar with balanced fattiness. Rolls combine salmon with other seafood like tuna and shrimp, maintaining solid quality and flavor.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the buttery tuna nigiri."

"The dinner spots here have incredibly fresh sushi and flavorful tempura."

"The teriyaki salmon plate is a better idea."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 8-9:30 pm with $3 large sake.

2

Reservations are accepted, but it's best to arrive early to avoid the dinner rush.

3

The restaurant is small and fills up quickly during busy hours.

04
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.

Omakase dinners offer a very nice experience with fresh, carefully prepared dishes. The setting suits intimate dates, special gatherings, and business dinners.

Unbelievably fresh salmon appears in several dishes like the creamy salmon roll and grilled salmon collar. The salmon roll stands out alongside other items like steamed clams and exotic sides.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is unbelievably fresh and delicious."

"The salmon roll and the salmon itself were amazing."

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.

05
chobop - Premium All You Can Eat Sushi image 1

Sushi restaurant offers all-you-can-eat menu with fresh, high-quality fish and perfect fish-to-rice ratio. Atmosphere stays chill and inviting with balanced background music. Kitchen is hidden from view, focusing attention on unique sushi presentation.

Dinner offers all-you-can-eat sushi with options at $35 for regular and $55 for sashimi. The place stays quiet on Friday evenings, making for a calm dining experience.

Salmon Belly stands out with its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The aburi salmon belly appetizer offers a torched flavor that pairs well with the fresh salmon bowls available here.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the nigiri."

"The dinner spots here offer really good sushi and all-you-can-eat options."

"The salmon belly appetizer melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges $35 for regular dinner all-you-can-eat and $55 for sashimi all-you-can-eat.

2

A free parking lot is available for customers.

3

An 18% gratuity is automatically added for parties of five or more.

06
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.

Dinner time brings a busy environment with a lively atmosphere. The soup in the dinner set stands out as a highlight.

Salmon dishes feature great quality and perfect cooking that melts like butter. Options include a Salmon quintet, charred salmon, seared salmon sushi, carpaccio, and king salmon sushi.

People are saying

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

"The salmon here melts in your mouth like butter."

"I loved this local gem for dinner spots."

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.

07
Koyi Sushi AYCE - Premium All You Can Eat Sushi image 1

Small, cozy sushi restaurant offers affordable all-you-can-eat options with fresh, high-quality fish. Atmosphere stays relaxed and casual with no loud music, creating a comfortable dining experience. Seating includes a traditional sushi bar and small tables, often crowded but intimate.

All you can eat dinner offers affordable and delicious options with dinner-only cuts that are limited per person but stand out for quality.

Salmon shines in rolls like the Mango Salmon special with a balanced sweet sauce and the baked salmon roll that avoids overpowering sweetness. Dishes use very little rice, making them close to sashimi, and the Lemon Pepper Salmon stands out as a popular choice.

People are saying

"The Bottomless sushi options had a wide variety of fresh fish."

"The dinner spots here have great sushi rolls, but limited nigiri options."

"The Mango Salmon roll is a top favorite here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 12 PM to 4 PM at $24.95 per person.

2

The happy hour special includes all-you-can-eat rolls only, not the entire menu.

3

This month, buy 1 get 1 free sake or beer is available during happy hour.

08
Verde Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Space blends modern elegance with nostalgic charm, featuring an elegant speakeasy and golf course views. Atmosphere stays refined yet comfortable, lively without overwhelming noise. Creative cocktails and inventive dishes draw a crowd seeking both cozy dinners and lively gatherings.

Dinner offers a balance between chic and cozy ambiance that suits both intimate and lively settings. The meal runs from start to finish with exceptional quality.

Salmon comes out flaky and flavorful with a spicy sauce that adds a nice kick.

People are saying

"I found the desserts here to be scrumptious and a home run."

"The dinner here is an unforgettable experience from start to finish."

"The salmon here is cooked to perfection, flaky and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They offer a multi-course Valentine's menu on Valentine's Day.

2

Verde Restaurant has a focus on fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients.

3

The menu includes many vegetarian and pescatarian options, along with meat dishes.

09
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a casual, friendly atmosphere with quick service and mostly metal seating. The space feels comfortable and welcoming, often crowded but relaxed enough for family and friends. Known for affordable, fresh seafood, it stands out for quality dishes like crispy fish sandwiches and flavorful tacos.

Shrimp skewers with rice and Brussels sprouts make a solid dinner choice. The meal offers a great evening vibe with fresh seafood options.

Grilled salmon comes with Cajun and garlic herb butter and is cooked to perfection. Meals include generous portions served with rice and kale salad.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The quality of the seafood at these dinner spots is top-notch."

"The grilled salmon here is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

California Fish Grill does not accept cash payments; only cards and mobile payments.

3

There are plenty of free parking spaces available nearby.

10
Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar image 1

Stylish restaurant with live jazz music and a cozy, warm atmosphere featuring a fireplace and outdoor patio with heaters and blankets. Spacious, clean interior and comfortable seating overlook a beautiful park and pond. The bar area is lively, contributing to an inviting and energetic vibe.

Dinner offers a great pre-show meal with attentive service that helps guests get to the theater on time. The setting suits a date night and adds a special touch to the evening.

Salmon appears in several dishes like a beet salad and a salmon bowl. The breakfast buffet offers salmon alongside oysters, lamb, and crab claws, though sometimes the salmon is not fully cooked.

People are saying

"I loved sitting outside with the lovely view and warm fire pit."

"The service at these dinner spots is outstanding and professional."

"I loved the beet salad with salmon."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Parking is validated for guests dining at the restaurant, making it convenient.

3

Pre-show drinks are available for theatergoers attending performances at the Segerstrom.

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Costa Mesa, California

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