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Local picks in Costa Mesa

Fish spots

A meal centered on high-quality fish is the only way to reset the day.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sushi K's Bistro Costa Mesa image 1
Sushi K's Bistro Costa Mesa image 2

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.

Sushi here features highest, freshest grade fish with every bite melting in your mouth. The omakase dinners offer incredible flavor and perfect texture, paired with phenomenal service.

Freshness stands out with fish flown in from Japan. Dishes show delicate cuts and beautiful presentation. The fish to rice ratio balances perfectly.

People are saying

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

"This is the perfect late night spot for sushi."

"The fish here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

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.

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.

Fresh sushi matches the quality found in Japan with homemade Japanese food and a family owned touch. Set lunches and rolls like the dragon roll stand out for their unmatched freshness and flavor.

Fish comes with a fresh, buttery texture that melts in your mouth. You can specify the type you want, and the selection includes high-quality nigiri and a chirashi bowl with warm, oily bites.

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."

"I've had the best, most authentic Japanese food here."

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
Sushi Shibucho image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small family-owned sushi bar offers traditional edo-mae style with a simple, honed menu focused on what's fresh in the case. Atmosphere is chatty and casual, centered around conversation with the chef and nearby diners. Known for sublime, melt-in-the-mouth fish and a local, unassuming vibe.

Sushi here features high-quality fish and authentic Japanese-style sushi crafted by a chef trained in Japan. The menu stays true to tradition with fresh, made-to-order pieces and highlights like chirashi and futomaki.

Fish here is high-quality and fresh, delivering a melt-in-my-mouth texture. The sushi reflects authentic Japanese style with sublime flavor and careful preparation.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I ever tasted."

"I thought the sushi here was the best I ever had."

"This fish is the best sushi bar in Orange County."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy weekend evenings due to limited seating.

2

Expect a traditional edomae style of sushi, emphasizing quality and freshness.

3

Pricing is moderate, generally lower than high-end omakase but higher than casual spots.

04
YUBUYA image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi spot with a calming atmosphere and homey vibe. Chef handcrafts each yubu carefully, offering seasoned tofu pockets filled with various options. Space fits about 8 to 10 people, making it ideal for takeout and intimate dining.

Rice and sushi rice stand out as exceptional here, paired with real wasabi and a splash of yuzu ponzu on each bite. The menu includes donburi, nigiri, sashimi, and vegan options, plus a free miso soup with meals.

Freshness stands out with high quality fish served alongside sweet tender tofu and flavorful toppings. Each roll features delightful fish that complements the rice and seasoning perfectly.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the yubus, is so flavorful and filling."

"The seafood here is so flavorful and fresh, I can't wait to try it all."

"The fish here is so fresh and high quality."

Good to know

1

The lunch combo includes a free cup of miso with orders of three yubus or more.

2

YUBUYA offers a variety of yubu fillings, including vegan options.

3

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

05
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.

Fresh fish and top notch selection define the sushi here. Specialty rolls offer extremely tasty options, and gluten-free soy sauce is available.

Fresh fish shines with sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture in sashimi and seared sushi. The yellowtail collar offers a firm yet fatty bite, simply seasoned and packed with protein.

People are saying

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

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish here is super fresh and delicious."

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.

06
Kakurega image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers an intimate, stylish setting with dim lighting and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere despite occasional buzz. The space feels cozy with an open, relaxing floor plan. It attracts those seeking authentic, high-quality sushi with expert chefs and imported fish.

Sushi here is simple, fresh, delicate, with well-prepared small bites and great sake flights. The California roll stands out as very good, and the overall quality ranks among the highest in the area.

Fish comes from Japan and shows world-class skill in preparation. Slices for sushi and sashimi are high quality and fresh, making each bite melt in your mouth.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it practically melts in your mouth."

"I found the Japanese food here to be the best I've ever had."

"The fish here is of the highest quality, truly outstanding."

Good to know

1

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

2

Lunch sets offer great value, typically priced around $15.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during dinner hours, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.

07
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.

Sushi here features very fresh fish and generous portions with options like toro, uni, and ikura. Creative Japanese-American fusion rolls come in 4-piece sets, offering variety at reasonable prices.

Fish comes in super fresh and high quality. Portions on sushi are exceptional, with options like the bikini roll featuring salmon, tuna, and tempura shrimp.

People are saying

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

"The tempura here is perfectly crispy and warm."

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

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.

08
SkyBay Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi bar with limited indoor seating offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that balances elegance and comfort. Fresh fish and premium sashimi stand out alongside affordable prices, attracting those seeking quality sushi without fuss.

Sushi here features premium, fresh fish with beautiful presentation. The maki rolls and sashimi stand out for their size and flavor.

Fish here is consistently very fresh and of excellent quality. The flavor blends well with the fusion of seasonings, making the sushi delicious.

People are saying

"The sushi here is super fresh and delicious."

"I had a fantastic experience with the amazing Japanese food here."

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

SkyBay Sushi is closed from 3 to 5 PM daily.

2

There is plenty of parking available in the lot.

3

Lunch prices are lower than dinner prices.

09
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.

Sushi features fresh fish imported from Japan served with perfect balance between cold fish and warm rice. The omakase experience shines with a variety of sushi including shrimp nigiri and fried heads, prepared right in front of you for immediate enjoyment.

Super fresh fish arrives never frozen, served with care to keep the balance between cold fish and warm rice. A wide variety of white fish and rare types appear, all with consistently high quality.

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 fish here is always super fresh and high quality."

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.

10
Hana re image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi bar seats about 8 people, creating an intimate atmosphere where the chef prepares and explains each dish. The setting is minimalist and serene, with occasional noise from nearby conversations. Fresh wasabi is grated on site, adding a distinctive flavor to the omakase experience.

A 10-course omakase offers a blend of traditional Japanese technique and artistic presentation. Fresh wasabi grated from the root adds a clean, slightly spicy flavor that lifts each sushi piece, including a standout wagyu beef course.

Fish arrives incredibly fresh and is handled with great care. Dishes showcase top quality fish with inventive preparations that highlight freshness.

People are saying

"The Omakase journey featured pristine sashimi and world-class ingredients."

"The omakase Japanese food was an excellent, authentic journey."

"The fish here is so fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance due to limited seating.

2

Parking can be difficult to find during weekends, so plan accordingly.

3

The omakase experience costs around $250 per person, excluding tips.

11
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 comes out fresh and authentic, with both creative rolls and traditional nigiri. The $39 omakase offers a filling seven-piece selection, plus miso soup and rice with good flavor and texture.

Fish comes from Japan and is wild caught and freshest. Portions are generous, though preparation can feel average compared to traditional sushi.

People are saying

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

"The Japanese food here, especially the miso soup and tempura, is really good."

"The fish here is incredibly fresh."

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.

12
Pokeworks image 1
Poke bar

Poke bar offers an open layout with comfortable seating and a small outdoor area. The atmosphere stays peaceful and cool with fun music and warm energy. Fresh ingredients and a wide variety define the food experience here.

Poke bowls stand out here, especially the yuzu ponzu salmon bowl rated highly. Sushi and service also get positive mentions, though opinions on poke quality vary.

Fish comes in fresh chunks with good quality and generous portions. Bowls include about nine scoops of fish and feature spicy tuna among other options.

People are saying

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

"I thought the poke here was the best I ever had."

"The fish here is always so fresh."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the door.

2

The store is always very clean.

3

Expect a variety of options for customizing your poke bowl.

13
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.

Fresh fish and sashimi trays stand out with daily made sushi and baked goods. Ready-to-eat options include tonkotsu ramen, niki udon, and authentic bento boxes alongside a wide selection of Japanese snacks and beverages.

Fresh fish comes already filleted and packaged for convenience. The selection includes sashimi-grade fish and options suitable for making sushi and poke bowls.

People are saying

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

"I loved the wide selection of Japanese food and snacks here."

"I loved the fresh fish selection 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.

14
Sushi Town image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers fresh sushi with large fish cuts and perfectly cooked rice in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The space feels welcoming and calm, allowing easy conversation without loud music. A patio area adds to the relaxed vibe.

Sushi features fresh fish and perfectly cooked rice with well-balanced portions. Service is quick and warm, and dishes come with fresh wasabi enhancing the flavor.

Fish comes in super fresh and big cuts that often outweigh the rice portion. Raw fish shows high quality, while cooked eel tastes buttery and rich.

People are saying

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

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The fish here is so fresh and buttery."

Good to know

1

Saturday is busy, expect a wait to be seated.

2

The average bill is about $60 per person.

3

Parking can be inconsistent, plan accordingly.

15
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.

A great food court offers udon, ramen, and many Japanese dishes. The Sanuki udon with tempura and Santouka ramen with toroniku soy sauce stand out. Sushi comes in both pre-made and for homemade rolls.

Fresh fish comes in a wide variety with many sushi-grade options at reasonable prices. The fish and meat department offers good quality selections that are consistently fresh.

People are saying

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

"The Japanese food court has so many delicious options, like ramen and tempura."

"You'll find lots of beautiful, fresh fish 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.

16
Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant image 1

Small, unassuming space focuses on exceptionally fresh sushi with creative rolls like smoky and crispy rice varieties. Atmosphere stays calm with a good sake list complementing the meal. Regulars appreciate the melting sashimi and inventive combinations that define the menu.

Sushi here features exceptionally fresh fish with creative sushi rolls like Greg Teal and Dream rolls. Sashimi melts in your mouth, and sides like crispy rice and crunchy tempura add texture.

Fish quality varies greatly. Some cuts are soft and melt in your mouth with high quality, while others are tough and poorly prepared with bad taste.

People are saying

"I considered this my favorite place for sushi."

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

"The fish here is so soft and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant specializes in sushi with a variety of fresh options.

2

Prices are generally high, reflecting the quality of ingredients used.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

17
Izakaya Hachi image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Western-style seating fills a space with a traditional Japanese vibe and a nearly closed-off kitchen view. Noise levels run loud to very noisy, often making conversation difficult amid lively gatherings. The atmosphere suits casual dining with authentic Japanese touches and a busy, energetic crowd.

Charbroiled dishes and thick cut beef tongue stand out alongside premium sashimi and pressed salmon sushi. Nigiri sushi and rolls offer delicate flavors that highlight authentic Japanese techniques.

High-quality fish shines in the tuna sashimi combo and red snapper carpaccio. The homemade fish cake adds a unique touch, while sashimi orders require at least two pieces per fish or seafood.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food here is served by friendly and attentive staff."

"I loved the yakitori skewers and salmon sashimi for dinner."

"You have to try the thick cut beef tongue; it's cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during busy times, even with available tables.

3

Parking can be challenging due to valet restrictions; arrive early for a spot.

18
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 fish and sushi feature prominently, including Sinaloan sushi with salmon, mango, and jalapeรฑo. The menu blends Japanese and Mexican flavors with items like ceviches, chipotle roll, and trumpo tacos.

Fresh fish and sushi stand out with a great selection in the meat and fish section. The fish tacos near the sushi spot and dishes like Seabass ceviche highlight the variety available.

People are saying

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

"You can get delicious Mexican-style sushi here."

"I tried several delicious fish ceviche flavors here."

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.

19
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.

Fresh sushi arrives daily with a focus on premium quality and variety. The all-you-can-eat option includes crispy gyoza and multiple sushi rolls, all served with attentive service at a fixed price.

Fish comes in super fresh and high quality cuts, especially notable for an all-you-can-eat spot. Nigiri features a perfect fish to rice ratio with large fish pieces and minimal rice.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's bento boxes offer great value and variety."

"The fish here is super fresh and of good quality."

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.

20
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.

Sushi features a good sushi-to-rice ratio with rice cooked just right. Fresh sashimi and scallops stand out, alongside classic and creative rolls like a refreshing mango and salmon combo.

Fish comes fresh and buttery soft with a smooth texture. The small rice ratio lets the quality fish shine in every bite.

People are saying

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

"The all-you-can-eat Japanese food here is worth the price."

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

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.

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