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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 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Eat's Sushi image 1
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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.

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

"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.

02
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.

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

"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.

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.

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

"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.

04
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.

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

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

"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.

05
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.

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

"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.

06
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.

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

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 fish here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"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.

07
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.

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.

Salmon appears in several forms here, including salmon belly sashimi and salmon teriyaki. The teriyaki portion is quite small, around 2 ounces, while the sashimi options include both salmon and tuna.

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 salmon sashimi here is beyond good."

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.

08
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.

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 sushi here is so fresh and perfectly prepared."

"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.

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.

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

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

"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.

10
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.

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.

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 fish here is super fresh and of good quality."

"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.

11
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.

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

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 fish here is so fresh and delicious."

"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.

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Costa Mesa, California

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