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Japanese food in Costa Mesa

The craving for a bowl of ramen or a bento box is impossible to ignore.

Based on 751 Opinions
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01
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Cozy spot offers fresh sushi with a family owned touch and authentic Japanese atmosphere. Skilled chefs prepare high-quality rolls like the dragon roll. Soft music and calm energy create a welcoming vibe for quiet chats.

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.

People are saying

"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.

02
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Small Japanese spot shines with fresh fish and specialty rolls that impress. Cozy vibe with warm yellow lighting and outdoor heaters makes dining inviting. Popular among couples and groups, it blends authentic taste with a relaxed atmosphere.

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

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so 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.

03
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Small, cozy sushi spot with a calming atmosphere and handcrafted yubu filled with fresh options. Exceptional sushi rice shines alongside real wasabi and yuzu ponzu. Space fits 8 to 10 people, perfect for intimate dining or takeout with a homey vibe.

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.

People are saying

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

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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Spacious layout suits family dining with cozy, warm vibes. Authentic tonkotsu ramen shines alongside tasty gyōza and vegan options. Noise rises when full, making chats tricky but food quality stays consistent.

Ramen here stands out for its authentic flavor and consistent quality across locations. The menu includes a delicious vegan ramen and tasty gyōza, offering great variety.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait outside for a table during peak dinner hours.

2

The price for a bowl of ramen is $16.

3

There is a vegan option available for those who do not eat pork.

05
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Small, lively spot with cozy Japanese bar vibes and tight seating creates a bustling feel. Known for authentic handmade udon with perfect texture, especially in tempura chicken curry and shabu shabu dishes. Popular for chicken karaage and solid soba, it draws a busy crowd often needing a wait-list.

Fresh udon noodles have a perfect texture that pairs well with broths like the tempura chicken curry and shabu shabu udon seasoned with ponzu. Chicken karaage and tonkatsu stand out as well-prepared dishes alongside solid soba options.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the udon, is delicious and bouncy."

Good to know

1

This dish is only available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is limited to 10 servings each day during dinner.

2

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

3

The restaurant operates on a wait list only, so arrive early to secure a spot.

06
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Small ramen spot serves authentic flavors like black garlic and vegan miso. Cozy space with laid-back vibe fills fast and features unique decor. Enjoy beer on tap with fast, no-fuss dining for a casual meal.

Ramen here stands out for its exceptionally good flavors and variety, including spicy black mushroom and black garlic ramen. Options range from traditional hot ramen to soupless dry noodles and cold ramen, all consistently tasty.

People are saying

"The ramen here is outstanding, truly the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Kashiwa Ramen offers a student discount for OCC students.

2

One bowl costs about $20.

3

The number of tables is limited, so expect a wait on busy nights.

07
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Small sushi bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with limited indoor seating. Enjoy premium fresh fish and affordable prices that make quality sushi accessible. Beautiful presentation of maki rolls and sashimi highlights the Japanese food experience.

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

People are saying

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

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.

08
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Sushi restaurant offers an intimate setting with fresh, delicate sushi and expert chefs crafting authentic bites. Enjoy a quiet atmosphere perfect for savoring high-quality Japanese food and excellent sake flights.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

09
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Small space with cozy seating and soft lighting sets a warm mood. Sushi is fresh and authentic, featuring creative rolls and traditional nigiri. The $39 omakase includes seven pieces plus miso soup and rice, all with great flavor and texture.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

10
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Open-space seating creates a lively, communal vibe with Showa-era style. Charcoal-grilled beef tongue offers authentic smoky flavor and tender texture. Unique dishes like gyutan balls with furikake and teriyaki sauce highlight the Japanese food experience.

Beef tongue bento box stands out with its tender, flavorful meat. Gyutan balls offer a soft and crunchy texture, served with furikake, kewpie mayonnaise, and teriyaki sauce.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the beef tongue, is flavorful and tender."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and expect a wait of 30-45 minutes on weekends.

2

The price range is US$20-30 per person for a meal.

3

There is limited seating in the food court, which can lead to standing while eating.

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Cozy spot with authentic decor and a quiet vibe. Sushi is fresh with generous portions like toro and uni. Outdoor patio offers a sunny, comfortable place to enjoy meals.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

12
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Small space with a cozy vibe draws young people and families. Ramen features chewy noodles and clean pork tonkotsu, plus vegan options that stand out. Unique serving of rice to soak sauce adds a laid-back touch to the experience.

Ramen here features chewy noodles and complex flavors with options like tonkotsu ramen that has a clean pork taste. Mazemen, a noodle dish different from ramen, offers a unique flavor profile alongside vegan ramen choices.

People are saying

"The ramen and mazemen here are excellent with chewy noodles."

Good to know

1

The place is small, so arrive early to avoid a wait.

2

Expect to wait during peak hours; a clipboard is available for the waiting list.

3

Arrive by 5:30 PM for the best chance of no wait.

13
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Enjoy fresh sushi with large fish cuts and perfectly cooked rice in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. Service is warm and quick, enhancing the experience. A patio area adds to the relaxed vibe, making it easy to have a calm conversation.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

14
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Japanese supermarket offers excellent sushi and fresh sashimi with a wide variety of authentic groceries. Vibrant atmosphere welcomes diverse shoppers, with staff ready to help translate labels. Parking is tough but prices and quality make it worth the visit.

Sushi and sashimi come in excellent quality and variety here. Options include salmon nigiri, fried horse mackerel, takoyaki, and fresh sashimi available for takeout.

People are saying

"The sushi and sashimi here are exquisite and better than expected."

Good to know

1

Parking at Shoppers Harbor can be difficult, especially during peak hours.

2

Bento items are available around 10:30-11:00.

3

Shoppers Harbor has a huge selection of Japanese groceries and Hawaiian fare.

15
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Spacious store offers fresh fish and daily made sushi with authentic bento boxes. Bright seating areas with microwaves invite enjoying hot food like tonkotsu ramen. Large sake selection and hand-drawn signs create a Tokyo market feel for a genuine Japanese food 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.

People are saying

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

16
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Indoor space mimics an authentic Japanese market with a lively, energetic vibe. Food court shines with Sanuki udon and Santouka ramen, drawing crowds for standout dishes. Open dining and specialty shops create a bustling, modern atmosphere.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

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Small spot shines with exceptionally fresh sushi and creative rolls like smoky crispy rice varieties. Calm vibe pairs well with a good sake list. Regulars love the melting sashimi and inventive combos 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.

People are saying

"I considered this my favorite place for sushi."

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.

18
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Western-style seating blends with a traditional Japanese vibe in a lively, noisy space. Charbroiled dishes and thick cut beef tongue shine alongside premium sashimi and sushi. Casual dining thrives amid an energetic crowd and authentic flavors.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

19
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Enjoy authentic Hokkaido ramen with rich broth and tender pork in a busy Japanese market food court. Expect a bustling atmosphere that fills quickly during lunch. Perfect for quick meals with bouncy noodles and satisfying toppings.

Broth stands out with rich flavor and a perfect saltiness in the shio ramen. Noodles are bouncy and toppings include quality pork cheek, making the ramen authentic and satisfying.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

The location is very crowded, so seating may not be guaranteed at busy times.

2

During busy hours like dinner, it might be hard to find parking and seating for groups.

3

Despite the lunch rush, the wait was only 10 minutes on Saturday.

20
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Bright, open space buzzes with a lively atmosphere. Sushi boasts high-quality fish and creative omakase that rivals Tokyo. Dining feels like a Michelin-starred experience, perfect for Japanese food lovers.

Sushi here features very high quality fish with every sashimi piece melting in your mouth. The omakase offers a wide variety of flavors and creative presentations, making it a standout for sushi lovers.

People are saying

"I've had some of the best sushi I've ever experienced here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy weekends.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

21
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Shabu-shabu spot shines with fresh sashimi-grade salmon and Wagyu short rib for Japanese food lovers. Cozy patio and late-night vibe make it great for casual dining and dates. Parking is easy, adding to the relaxed, clean atmosphere.

Fresh sashimi-grade salmon and truffle-infused edamame start the meal with bold flavors. Rich dishes like Wagyu short rib and ramen noodles come alongside prime ribeye, while velvety mango mochi ice cream finishes it off.

People are saying

"The Japanese food service here is friendly and makes you feel at home."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is honored until the last minute before it ends.

2

Seating is limited, so write your name on the iPad upon arrival.

3

Parking is plentiful and available for guests.

22
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Small sushi spot serves generous portions of tasty rolls like Hawaiian tempura at great prices. Clean, cozy space suits small groups but may feel tight. Spicy edamame and miso soup make solid starters. Occasional outside noise from construction.

Generous portions of quality sushi come at good prices here. The Hawaiian tempura roll and spicy edamame stand out, and miso soup is a solid starter.

People are saying

"I loved the sushi here; every roll had a unique flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $30 for two rolls and appetizers.

2

The restaurant is small, so larger parties may face wait times.

3

Prices have increased since the last visit, affecting overall value.

23
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Poke bar features an open layout with fresh ingredients for a cool, peaceful vibe. Yuzu ponzu salmon bowl shines in Japanese food offerings. Friendly service and fun music add to the warm energy.

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.

People are saying

"I loved building my own Japanese food bowl with fresh ingredients and good sauces."

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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Small sushi bar with intimate seating offers a 10-course omakase blending traditional technique and artistic flair. Chef grates fresh wasabi on site, enhancing flavors. Minimalist, serene setting invites focus on wagyu beef and sushi.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

25
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Fast-food style Japanese eatery offers authentic katsudon and tonkatsu set with salad and soup. Quick service suits busy lunch breaks in a hectic food court with limited seating. Daily specials and bento boxes provide variety at reasonable prices.

The menu features authentic katsudon and a lean tonkatsu set with plenty of salad, soup, and rice. Udon noodle soup and bento boxes stand out with thick, tender meat and satisfying flavors.

People are saying

"The katsudon here is the most authentic Japanese food I've had."

Good to know

1

Miyabi Tei offers a variety of Japanese food options in a food court setting.

2

Expect to receive your order within 2 to 5 minutes.

3

They accept both credit cards and cash for payment.

26
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Japanese-Chinese restaurant serves enormous portions with a wide variety beyond ramen. Signature dishes like chanpon ramen and mentaiko fried rice highlight quality and affordability. Pork chashu in ramen is exceptional, making it a standout choice.

Ramen stands out with pork chashu that many find exceptional. The menu includes chanpon ramen, gyoza, and Mentaiko fried rice, offering a variety beyond just ramen. The pork katsu curry is a simple breaded pork piece, not a traditional cutlet.

People are saying

"The ramen here is amazing, especially the chashu pork."

Good to know

1

Aoki No Chuuka offers a wide variety of food besides ramen.

2

The portions are enormous, making it a good value for the price.

3

Aoki No Chuuka is an affordable Japanese-style Chinese restaurant.

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