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Local picks in Costa Mesa

Seafood spots

A Japanese seafood spot that sources fresh catches instead of relying on frozen inventory.

Based on 616 Opinions
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01
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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.

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.

Fish in the chirashi bowl has a warm, oily texture and tastes very fresh. Nigiri offers a high-quality selection with some of the best fish around.

People are saying

"I've had the best, most authentic Japanese food here."

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

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 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.

Fresh fish and sushi come with perfectly balanced vinegar in the rice. The sweet shrimp features crispy heads filled with roe, adding a unique texture. The mountain hand roll combines fresh fish, avocado, and crispy seaweed for a keto-friendly bite.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is incredibly 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 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.

Fresh fish stands out with a clean taste and firm texture. Creative sushi rolls and fresh oysters add variety, while a special fried shrimp with sauce offers a flavorful twist.

People are saying

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

"The seafood 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.

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.

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.

Fresh fish stands out with high quality and excellent presentation. Rolls feature flavorful toppings that complement the seafood well.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is so flavorful and fresh, I can't wait to try it all."

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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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.

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.

Seafood here is very fresh and used in sushi like the bikini roll with salmon, tuna, and tempura shrimp. The Fire Island roll combines shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, and jalapeรฑo for a balanced heat and flavor. Fried shrimp heads add a crunchy touch.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh, especially the sashimi."

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.

06
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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.

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.

Fish arrives fresh from Japan and shows world-class skill in preparation. Every bite features high-quality fish and crisp vegetables that melt in your mouth.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it practically melts in your mouth."

"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.

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 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 fish stands out with an extensive selection suitable for sashimi and sushi. Pre-packed seafood and hot deli options offer quick meals, all kept fresh with ice cubes at the entrance.

People are saying

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

"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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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.

Fish comes wild caught and fresh from Japan with generous portions. Some dishes include bold elements like shrimp heads in miso soup for a full seafood experience.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh, like nothing I've had before."

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
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Small sushi bar seats about 8 people, creating an intimate atmosphere where the chef prepares and explains each dish. The setting is minimalist and serene, with occasional noise from nearby conversations. Fresh wasabi is grated on site, adding a distinctive flavor to the omakase experience.

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.

Incredible fresh fish stands out in every dish. The menu shows inventive seafood preparations and adapts well for allergies with thoughtful alternatives like clam and halibut chawan mushi.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's amazing."

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.

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Japanese restaurant offers fresh sushi with large fish cuts and perfectly cooked rice in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The space feels welcoming and calm, allowing easy conversation without loud music. A patio area adds to the relaxed vibe.

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.

Big cuts of fish with little rice stand out in their sushi. The fish is consistently fresh and high quality, with options like buttery cooked eel and a Shrimp boat with Masago and Quail egg.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is so fresh, with good-sized cuts of fish."

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.

11
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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.

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.

Freshness stands out with raw oysters and premium sashimi requiring a minimum order of two pieces each. The menu includes homemade fish cake, tuna sashimi combo, red snapper carpaccio, and freshly fried oysters.

People are saying

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

"The thick cut beef tongue here is 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.

12
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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.

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.

Fresh fish stands out with chunks of spicy tuna and a variety of endless toppings. Signature bowls feature dynamic shrimp and generous portions of quality seafood.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is so fresh and thoughtfully assembled."

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.

13
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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.

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.

Fresh fish selection includes bluefin tuna and other sushi-grade fish at reasonable prices. The seafood section offers a wide variety of beautiful, fresh fish alongside quality meats.

People are saying

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

"The food court offers a great variety of Japanese eats."

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, unassuming space focuses on exceptionally fresh sushi with creative rolls like smoky and crispy rice varieties. Atmosphere stays calm with a good sake list complementing the meal. Regulars appreciate the melting sashimi and inventive combinations 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.

Fish quality varies a lot here. Some cuts are soft and melt in your mouth, showing high quality and good preparation, while others are tough and taste bad.

People are saying

"I considered this my favorite place for sushi."

"I ate deliciously; the seafood here is the best."

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.

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Bright, open space with a lively atmosphere influenced by mall surroundings. Offers fresh sushi and creative omakase comparable to Tokyo standards. Known for high-quality fish and a setting that resembles a Michelin-starred restaurant.

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.

Fish looks extremely fresh with excellent quality noted, especially in the shrimp sushi which tastes super delicious. However, staff show mishandling of seafood storage that risks cross-contamination.

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.

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