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.
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.
"I've had the best, most authentic Japanese food here."
"This is my favorite authentic Japanese lunch spot."
Good to know
The restaurant is family-owned and operated, enhancing its authentic atmosphere.
Lunch specials offer great value and are a must-try.
Weekly specials feature traditional Japanese dishes.
Small, intimate space with cozy Japanese bar vibes and tight seating creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. The place draws a busy crowd often requiring a wait-list, reflecting its popularity. Known for authentic handmade udon and soba, it offers a genuine taste of Japanese hometown flavors.
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.
Lines form quickly during lunch, making it a busy spot. The lunch combo offers a smaller portion and costs nearly the same as ordering items separately.
"The Japanese food here, especially the udon, is delicious and bouncy."
Good to know
This dish is only available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is limited to 10 servings each day during dinner.
Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.
The restaurant operates on a wait list only, so arrive early to secure a spot.
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.
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.
"I had a fantastic experience with the amazing Japanese food here."
"This lunch spot has really fresh and delicious fish."
Good to know
SkyBay Sushi is closed from 3 to 5 PM daily.
There is plenty of parking available in the lot.
Lunch prices are lower than dinner prices.
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.
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.
"The Japanese food here, especially the miso soup and tempura, is really good."
"The lunch spot had fresh, delicious sushi and creative rolls."
Good to know
Parking is very limited in this area, so carpooling is best.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.
The omakase price is $39, which is lower than typical prices.
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.
Lots of lunch options make it easy to find something for everyone. The menu suits groups, including kids, for a quick midday meal.
"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."
"The sashimi at this Lunch Spot is impeccably fresh and generously portioned."
Good to know
The wait can be up to 2 hours long for 2 people, so I recommend RSVPing or arriving early.
There was a large parking lot available for guests.
Expect an hour wait on the weekend.
Small ramen restaurant offers authentic, flavorful ramen with options like black garlic and vegan miso. Casual, cozy space fills quickly and features unique decorations creating a laid-back vibe. Beer on tap complements the fast, no-fuss dining experience.
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.
Small size makes it easy to grab a quick lunch. Known for bowl of ramen served well for lunch or after work.
"The ramen here is outstanding, truly the best I've ever had."
"This Lunch Spot has richly flavorful ramen."
Good to know
Kashiwa Ramen offers a student discount for OCC students.
One bowl costs about $20.
The number of tables is limited, so expect a wait on busy nights.
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.
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.
"The Japanese food, especially the yubus, is so flavorful and filling."
"The Lunch Spot here is so flavorful, I loved it."
Good to know
The lunch combo includes a free cup of miso with orders of three yubus or more.
YUBUYA offers a variety of yubu fillings, including vegan options.
Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.
Open-space seating in a food court with several Japanese eateries creates a communal atmosphere. Charcoal-grilled beef tongue offers authentic, smoky flavor with tender, juicy texture. The environment combines Showa-era Japanese street style with a cozy, lively vibe.
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.
"The Japanese food, especially the beef tongue, is flavorful and tender."
"This Lunch Spot's charcoal grilled beef tongue is tender and smoky."
Good to know
Reservations are not accepted, and expect a wait of 30-45 minutes on weekends.
The price range is US$20-30 per person for a meal.
There is limited seating in the food court, which can lead to standing while eating.
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.
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.
"The Japanese food court has so many delicious options, like ramen and tempura."
"It gets so crowded at this lunch spot, parking is a problem."
Good to know
Parking can be chaotic, especially during peak hours.
The food court opens at 11am, offering a variety of dining options.
Unique Japanese products are available that are hard to find elsewhere.
Ramen restaurant inside a Japanese market food court offers authentic Hokkaido ramen with rich, flavorful broth and tender pork. The atmosphere is busy and crowded, especially during peak hours, making seating a challenge. Quick lunch visits are common, with a casual, bustling vibe.
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.
Quick service stands out with only a 10-minute wait even during the lunch rush. Offers fast ramen that suits a good lunch option for those on the go.
"The ramen broth here is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced."
"This Lunch Spot's ramen is delicious, especially the rich broth and spicy soup."
Good to know
The location is very crowded, so seating may not be guaranteed at busy times.
During busy hours like dinner, it might be hard to find parking and seating for groups.
Despite the lunch rush, the wait was only 10 minutes on Saturday.
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.
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.
"I loved building my own Japanese food bowl with fresh ingredients and good sauces."
"This lunch spot's food is really good and fresh."
Good to know
There is plenty of parking available at the door.
The store is always very clean.
Expect a variety of options for customizing your poke bowl.
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 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.
"I loved the wide selection of Japanese food and snacks here."
"The sushi here is so fresh, it's the best lunch spot."
Good to know
Prepared bento is marked down 20% after 7 PM daily.
Tokyo Central Costa Mesa closes at 10 PM every day.
Parking can be limited, especially during peak hours.