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Top picks in Costa Mesa

Nigiri sushi

The precision of raw fish pressed over vinegared rice is the only thing that satisfies.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated May 2026
01
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 1
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 2
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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.

Sushi here features fresh, top-notch nigiri with a fish selection that rivals authentic Japanese spots. The quality stands out as unmatched in the area, offering a genuine taste that recalls sushi from Japan.

Freshness stands out with incredibly fresh fish that melts in your mouth. The toro and salmon nigiri offer rich, flavorful bites, and the chef crafts custom options on request.

People are saying

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

"This sushi is the best I've ever tasted, so fresh."

"The nigiri here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

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
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 sushi options stand out with incredible quality and a wide variety to choose from.

Sweet shrimp and uni nigiri stand out with their freshness and creamy texture. Assorted nigiri like salmon, yellowtail, and eel come with perfectly balanced vinegar rice and consistent quality.

People are saying

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

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

"The nigiri here is so fresh, especially the uni."

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
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 like toro, uni, and ikura. Creative Japanese-American fusion rolls come in 4-piece sets, letting you try more varieties at reasonable prices.

Freshness stands out with nigiri like toro, uni, and unagi all tasting clean and vibrant. Ordering single pieces lets you build a custom platter featuring generous portions of jumbo scallops and madai.

People are saying

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

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious, especially the rolls."

"The nigiri here is so fresh, especially the buttery yellowtail."

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.

04
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 here features authentic nigiri and creative rolls not commonly found in Japan. The fish is very fresh and the preparation is precise, delivering excellent taste and quality.

Creative and authentic nigiri options appear, with perfectly seasoned rice and fish in most pieces. Some nigiri can taste waterlogged, affecting texture.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and perfectly prepared."

"I experienced authentic sushi with fresh, delicious ingredients."

"The nigiri here is so fresh and perfectly seasoned."

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.

05
Shunka Sushi & Japanese Cuisine image 1

Sushi restaurant offers traditional Japanese interior and a fun, inviting atmosphere. Skilled chefs prepare authentic, fresh sushi with phenomenal omakase experiences. Small portions and reasonable prices attract both sushi connoisseurs and newcomers.

Sushi features fresh fish imported from Japan served with perfect balance of cold fish and warm rice right in front of you. The omakase options at the sushi bar include a variety of fish like toro and bluefin tuna, offering an authentic experience.

Shrimp nigiri comes with fried heads for extra crunch. Toro nigiri offers a rich, fatty bite. Quality varies compared to earlier visits.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is exceptional, practically melting in your mouth."

"The sushi here practically melts in your mouth."

"The Nigiri here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, so plan to arrive early.

2

Omakase is available and offers a great value for the quality.

3

Expect to pay around $40 for a combo meal with green tea.

06
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.

Offers premium all-you-can-eat sushi with fresh sushi delivered daily. Nagiri and sushi rolls come at a fixed price of $38, backed by amazing service and consistent quality.

Large pieces of fish sit atop a small amount of rice, creating a perfect fish to rice ratio. Both the rice and fish receive careful preparation, making the nigiri stand out.

People are saying

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

"The sushi here is so fresh and the fish to rice ratio is perfect."

"The nigiri has a perfect fish to rice ratio."

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.

07
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 right. The menu includes all the classic sushi items plus many creative options.

Nigiris come out fast with perfect fish to rice ratio. Bluefin tuna, scallop, salmon, surf clam, and yellowtail nigiris stand out for their generous portions of fish and careful preparation.

People are saying

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

"The all-you-can-eat sushi menu felt worth the price."

"The AYCE menu here is a pretty decent sushi deal."

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.

08
Izakaya Hachi image 1
Izakaya restaurant

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 stand out alongside nigiri sushi and rolls that many prefer over sashimi. Pressed salmon sushi offers a tasty option among the classic Japanese dishes like hot pot and skewers.

Nigiri sushi and rolls stand out as really good here, preferred over sashimi. The eel nigiri is solid but just serviceable.

People are saying

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

"I loved the yakitori skewers and salmon sashimi for dinner."

"The sushi and rolls here are really good."

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.

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Costa Mesa, California

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