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Top picks in Costa Mesa

Japanese soup spots

You are looking for the specific comfort of a Japanese soup. You know exactly what you want, and you aren't interested in anything else.

Based on 641 Opinions
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01
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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.

Miso soup offers a flavorful and delicious taste with a satisfying texture. The dinner set includes an amazing soup that complements the meal well, sometimes featuring bold elements like the shrimp head.

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."

"The miso soup here is so flavorful and delicious."

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.

02
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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.

Starts with tasty miso soup that has a rich, flavorful broth. Extra servings of miso soup are often provided.

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."

"The soup here is outstanding and the service is great."

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.

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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.

Miso soup comes in comforting bowls that pair well with sushi rolls and salads. Each person gets their own serving, making it a steady part of the meal.

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."

"I enjoyed a comforting bowl of miso soup."

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.

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.

Soup features a tasty, not overly salty miso base. Udon noodles come chewy with crispy tempura fried shrimp in a warming broth.

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."

"The sushi rolls are creative and have a super rich taste."

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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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.

Miso soup offers a comforting and classic start. It often comes with meals like the Beef Teriyaki Bento box, pairing well with rice and salad.

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."

"The miso soup was really comforting and classic."

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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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.

Chef crafts the soup base with care and concentration. Offers authentic Japanese ramen in various styles, including dipping soups served generously from the start.

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."

"I experienced the best ramen soup in Southern California."

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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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.

Soups include miso soup, clam soup, and unique options like mochi in soup. Meals often come with soup as a side, complementing dishes like chicken karrage and king mackerel.

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."

"The soup here is fresh and tastes amazing."

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.

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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.

Soup features a hot savory broth with thin slices of meat and vegetables cooked just right. Udon soups come with handmade noodles and options like katsu curry with fried pork cutlet or beef, often enhanced by a spicy sauce that adds depth beyond heat.

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."

"The handmade udon soup has a delicious broth and great texture."

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.

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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.

People are saying

"The beef tongue soup was delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"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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Spacious Japanese restaurant with many booth tables and a layout suited for family dining. Atmosphere feels cozy and warm but can get loud when full, making conversations challenging. Known for authentic, rich tonkotsu ramen and a menu offering pork and vegan broths.

Soup ranges from well-balanced flavor and moderate saltiness to occasional unpleasant odor and a taste like spoiled lard. Ramen soup stands out as delicious and satisfying alongside potstickers.

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

People are saying

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

"This ramen soup is so delicious and has a great Japanese flavor."

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.

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Fast-food style Japanese eatery inside a busy food court offers reasonable prices and quick service. The atmosphere is hectic and noisy, with limited seating available. Menu features typical Donburi dishes and daily specials, appealing for a casual lunch break.

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.

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Costa Mesa, California

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