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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 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Takumi Sushi image 1
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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.

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 tempura here is perfectly crispy and warm."

"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.

02
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.

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 sushi here is so fresh and perfectly prepared."

"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.

03
Sanuki Seimen Mugimaru image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Yellow oven stands out in a bustling space with long lines. Udon noodles have perfect texture and freshly boiled quality, served in a light, tasty broth. Tempura offers crispy, freshly made varieties, enhancing the overall experience.

Soup has an excellent, authentic flavor that stands out. The broth is just perfect for udon dishes.

Udon here has a fresh, chewy texture that stays firm and never gets slimy. Tempura comes out crispy and hot, with a crunchy coating and tender inside. The beef udon stands out as rich and authentic, reminiscent of Japan.

People are saying

"I thought the udon noodles had the perfect texture."

"The tempura here is perfectly crispy and delicious."

"The udon here is fantastic, with a great chew and authentic soup."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of udon dishes at reasonable prices.

2

Expect fast service, making it a great option for a quick meal.

3

The average bill does not exceed $100 for a group.

04
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.

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

"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.

05
Eat's Sushi image 1
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.

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

"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.

06
Gyutan Tsukasa U.S.A image 1
Japanese 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.

People are saying

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

"The beef curry here is rich, savory, and so good with rice."

"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.

07
Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

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 udon here is delicious and bouncy, just like in Japan."

"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.

08
Kashiwa Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

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

"I found the ramen here to be outstanding and flavorful."

"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.

09
Ramen Tatsunoya image 1
Japanese restaurant

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 broth to be rich and authentic."

"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.

10
Ramen Nagi image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines traditional and modern vibe with a fun, lively atmosphere. Seating includes long communal tables and a large outdoor patio, creating a somewhat cramped but energetic environment. Popular spot with customizable ramen options and a steady flow of diners.

Highly customizable ramen lets you pick soup richness, noodle firmness, and spice level. Shrimp soup blends a veggie base with milk for a clean taste. Bone broth style soups offer solid flavor profiles.

Highly customizable ramen lets you adjust soup richness, noodle firmness, and spice level. The Black King ramen features a rich, flavorful broth. Side orders like fried chicken and gyoza complement the meal well.

People are saying

"The ramen here is delicious, especially the original."

"The Japanese ramen here has such a delicious broth."

"The ramen soup base was thick and coated everything well."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because the restaurant is very popular and there may be a wait.

2

Expect a 40-minute wait during peak hours, especially around lunch.

3

There is plenty of free parking available near the restaurant.

11
Kakurega image 1
Sushi restaurant

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

"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."

"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.

12
SkyBay Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

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

"The sushi here is super fresh and delicious."

"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.

13
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Cafeteria-style setup with handmade noodles visible in an open kitchen creates an authentic Japanese vibe. Seating is tight and crowded, making the space feel small and sometimes uncomfortable. Loud modern music contrasts with the otherwise cozy and lively atmosphere typical of a busy mall location.

Soups feature a unique savory flavor with options like dashi broth and fish miso soup. They often include chewy noodles, beef, and fresh ginger, creating a tasty and hearty experience.

Fresh, traditional udon stands out with great flavor and reasonable prices. Veggie and sweet potato tempura add tasty options, while chicken katsu curry and tonkatsu offer solid Japanese dishes.

People are saying

"The udon here is so good, perfectly chewy and flavorful."

"The soup here is savory and uniquely flavored."

"The Japanese food here, especially the udon, is amazing and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Happy hours are Monday to Thursday from 2 to 5 pm.

2

The restaurant is located on the lower level of a large shopping mall.

3

Seating can be limited during busy hours, so arrive early.

14
Kagura Costa Mesa image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers authentic katsu dishes with fresh, crispy pork served in a cozy, warm atmosphere that feels like a Japanese home. The space features simple decor and isolates outside noise, though it can be quite loud inside due to food preparation sounds.

Miso soup offers a flavorful and rich taste. It comes at a good price point of $20 including rice, entree, and small sides.

Katsu here is light, crispy, and tender, prepared just like in Japan. The tonkatsu sets come with miso soup, rice, and sides at a good price point, offering generous portions and authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I think this tonkatsu is some of the best outside of Japan."

"This Japanese food's fried pork cutlet is juicy, tender, and perfectly crispy."

"The tonkatsu here is light, crispy, and tender."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the strip mall, but spaces are small and tight.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The meal cost is around $20, including miso soup, rice, and small sides.

15
Le Shrimp Noodle Bar (South Coast Plaza) image 1

Small noodle shop offers intimate, cozy atmosphere with warm lighting and visible kitchen action. Energy is lively but sometimes loud due to nearby busy spots. Known for shrimp broth-based ramen, it attracts those seeking flavorful, quick meals in a modern, casual setting.

Soups feature a deep shrimp flavor and include options like chicken and shrimp, shrimp ramen, and vegan ramen. Laksa soup stands out with its creamy, tasty broth and fresh ingredients.

Shrimp ramen features a flavorful broth and homemade noodles with delicate textures. Options include a Signature Trio Shrimp Ramen, shrimp ball ramen, and vegan or tofu ramen for variety.

People are saying

"The shrimp noodle soup has a really tasty, deep shrimp flavor."

"I found the shrimp soup to be really delicious."

"The Japanese food's shrimp broth is super flavorful and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a 30% discount from Monday to Friday, 2:30 to 5 pm.

2

The restaurant automatically adds a 20% tip if no custom tip is selected.

3

Ordering is done via a QR code system, which is efficient but may require good internet.

16
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.

Miso soup here has a nice flavor and is generally not too salty, though sometimes it can be overly salted. Complimentary onion rings often come after the soup.

Fresh sushi arrives daily with a focus on premium quality and variety. The all-you-can-eat option includes crispy gyoza and multiple sushi rolls, all served with attentive service at a fixed price.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's bento boxes offer great value and variety."

"I enjoyed the miso soup; it had a nice flavor."

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.

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Costa Mesa, California

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