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Local picks in Costa Mesa

Fish lunch spots

A lunch spot where the fish is the main event rather than a hidden ingredient in a heavy sauce.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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01
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 1
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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.

Lunch offers set meals like the chicken karrage lunch set with rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. Prices stay reasonable and parking is plentiful for both lunch and dinner.

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

"This is my favorite authentic Japanese lunch spot."

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
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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.

Lunch offers a large variety of options with lunch specials that cost less than dinner. The atmosphere is quiet with few people around during lunchtime.

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

"This lunch spot has really fresh and delicious fish."

"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.

03
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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.

Friendly service stands out during busy lunch hours, making the experience smoother. This spot fits well into a regular lunch rotation with a welcoming vibe and consistent quality.

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

"This lunch spot's food is really good and fresh."

"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.

04
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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.

Lunch combos come with daily deals and reasonable prices. Specials include udon with options like unagi, creamy onion, seared salmon, and spicy shrimp, but portions may be light for some.

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 fish here is so fresh and high quality."

"The Lunch Spot here is so flavorful, I loved it."

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
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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.

Lunch features combo specials like 5 pieces of nigiri sushi paired with a spicy tuna roll. Both lunch and dinner times offer good lunch specials with solid variety.

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 lunch spot had fresh, delicious sushi and creative rolls."

"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.

06
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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.

Lots of lunch options make it easy to find something for everyone. The menu suits groups, including kids, for a quick midday meal.

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 fish here is super fresh and delicious."

"The sashimi at this Lunch Spot is impeccably 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.

07
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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 seafood and healthy sushi stand out as lunch options. The spot offers a great selection of Japanese food and ready-to-go lunch items including sushi and sashimi bento plates.

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

"The sushi here is so fresh, it's the best lunch spot."

"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.

08
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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.

The lunch area features a food court with more tables, cutting down wait times. Packed to-go lunches offer quick options, and the spot suits group lunches well.

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

"It gets so crowded at this lunch spot, parking is a problem."

"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.

09
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Cozy restaurant blends Tuscan atmosphere with modern decor and bold graffiti art. Warm, inviting vibe suits romantic dinners and casual brunches, with dog-friendly patios featuring heaters and blankets. Guests enjoy authentic Italian dining paired with attentive service.

A well-thought-out prefix lunch menu offers solid options alongside a more casual lunch selection. Daily happy hour adds a relaxed vibe during lunchtime.

Fish comes in both incredibly fresh Crudo flown from Japan and a course that falls flat.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's Italian food is the best I've eaten."

"The fish here is attentive without being intrusive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets busy.

2

Happy hour is available daily with a casual lunch menu.

3

A $35 corkage fee applies if you bring your own wine.

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Mexican restaurant offers American Mexican seafood with a focus on fish tacos that remain fresh and delicious. Atmosphere is themed and clean, with options for dining inside, outside, or to go. The place stays quick and affordable, attracting a steady but not crowded flow of diners.

Lunch breaks often include meals here due to its location in the same plaza. Meals cost around $6.78 and can be filling enough to force finishing even tricky items like a taco.

Fish tacos come with huge portions of fresh fish and a tasty sauce. They serve as a classic quick taco treat with enough fish on one taco to fill three.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were the best."

"I found the tacos here to be pretty good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant maintains cleanliness and has clean bathrooms.

2

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

3

Dining options include inside, outside, or to go.

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Costa Mesa, California

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