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Tempura in Costa Mesa

Japanese food that masters tempura without the greasy, heavy batter that ruins the entire meal.

Based on 469 Opinions
+466
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Updated May 2026
01
Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa image 1
Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa image 2
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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.

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.

Chicken tempura stays crispy outside and juicy inside, best eaten before it soaks in the curry broth. Shrimp tempura ranks as one of the best, and the curry udon broth is light and flavorful, not too thick or salty.

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 chicken tempura curry udon is a tasty combination."

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.

02
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.

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.

Freshly fried to order, the tempura stays light and crispy with a soft interior. The kisu and maitake tempura stand out for their juicy texture and full 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 kisu tempura was perfectly crispy and the fish was so soft."

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.

03
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.

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.

Crab nugget tempura wraps crab in a shiitake mushroom with shiitake peppers. Calamari-shishito tempura offers an unusual twist. Vegetable tempura stands out as especially good.

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 vegetable tempura is especially recommended and so juicy."

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.

04
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.

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

Shrimp tempura comes out crispy and pairs well inside the Bikini Roll with spicy tuna and topped with salmon and tuna. The tempura adds a nice crunch to dishes without overwhelming the flavors.

People are saying

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

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

"The tempura here is fried crispy but not greasy."

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
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.

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.

Tempura comes out fresh and hot, with a crispy coating and tender inside. Varieties include pumpkin, eggplant, and okra, all cooked perfectly with a crunchy texture.

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.

06
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.

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.

Crispy tempuras come with a variety of veggies, including sweet potato that is kid-approved. The texture contrasts well with the chewy udon noodles.

People are saying

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

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

"The tempura here is so nice and crispy."

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.

07
Takumi Sushi image 1
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.

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.

Shrimp tempura appears in several dishes, including rolls with fresh veggies and quality fish. The tempura offers a nice balance of crispiness and flavor, complementing spicy and savory ingredients well.

People are saying

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

"The tempura here is perfectly crispy and warm."

"The Spider Roll is huge and satisfying."

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.

08
Mitsuwa Marketplace image 1
Japanese grocery store

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.

Vegetable tempuras like eggplant stand out alongside Sanuki udon with tempura. The tempura is consistently delicious and pairs well with simple udon dishes.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store has a huge selection of authentic items."

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

"I found the tempura dishes here to be delicious and simple."

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.

09
Koyi Sushi AYCE - Premium All You Can Eat Sushi image 1

Small, cozy sushi restaurant offers affordable all-you-can-eat options with fresh, high-quality fish. Atmosphere stays relaxed and casual with no loud music, creating a comfortable dining experience. Seating includes a traditional sushi bar and small tables, often crowded but intimate.

Sushi features a good sushi-to-rice ratio with rice cooked just right. Fresh sashimi and scallops stand out, alongside classic and creative rolls like a refreshing mango and salmon combo.

Freshness stands out with light batter and well-cooked pieces. The shrimp tempura is a notable highlight.

People are saying

"The Bottomless sushi options had a wide variety of fresh fish."

"The all-you-can-eat Japanese food here is worth the price."

"The tempura here has a light batter and is nicely cooked."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 12 PM to 4 PM at $24.95 per person.

2

The happy hour special includes all-you-can-eat rolls only, not the entire menu.

3

This month, buy 1 get 1 free sake or beer is available during happy hour.

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Costa Mesa, California

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