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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Costa Mesa

Fish and salmon spots

A salmon dinner that is prepared with actual care instead of being treated like a generic protein option.

Based on 641 Opinions
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01
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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.

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.

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

"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.

02
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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.

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.

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

"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
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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.

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.

Salmon dishes show freshness with visible fat streaks indicating quality. Options include soy marinated, spicy salmon, and seared varieties, each offering distinct flavors and textures.

People are saying

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

"The seared salmon and soy marinated salmon are favorites."

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.

04
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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.

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.

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 fish here is super fresh and delicious."

"The salmon sashimi had an amazing truffle flavor."

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.

05
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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.

Fish comes out tender and bursting with taste, especially the Swai with sweet chili glaze and crispy fish sandwich. Options like fish and chips, shrimp tacos, and clam chowder offer fresh grilled fish with great value.

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

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

"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.

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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.

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.

Smoked salmon features prominently, especially in the salmon skin salad with delicate daikon radish sprouts and crispy salmon skin pieces. Dinner options include fresh salmon alongside other seafood like yellow tail and bluefin.

People are saying

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

"The salmon skin salad is made with care and precision."

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.

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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.

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.

Flame-cooked salmon comes with a charred exterior and a rich teriyaki glaze. The fish tastes fresh and natural, with charring that adds depth without overpowering.

People are saying

"The fish here is always so fresh."

"The charred salmon teriyaki was a standout dish, flame-cooked and perfectly glazed."

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.

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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.

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.

Pressed salmon sushi offers a tasty bite. Salmon appears in the sashimi platter alongside uni, toro, and scallop. The salmon skin roll stands out as delicious.

People are saying

"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.

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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.

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

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 salmon here melts in your mouth like butter."

"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.

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Costa Mesa, California

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