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Guide to Costa Mesa

Tempura

Made for those who appreciate the technical precision required to achieve the perfect, light crunch of tempura.

Based on 469 Opinions
+466
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Updated May 2026
01
Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa image 1
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Udon noodle restaurant

Small, lively spot offers authentic handmade udon with a cozy Japanese bar vibe. Shrimp tempura stands out, crisp and juicy, best enjoyed before soaking in the light curry broth. Tight seating adds to the bustling, popular atmosphere.

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 soba noodles here are house-made and chewy."

"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
Wafu of Japan image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with cozy seating and soft lighting creates an intimate vibe. Crab nugget tempura offers a unique twist with shiitake mushrooms and peppers. Atmosphere stays relaxing and authentic, focusing on food quality over luxury.

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."

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

"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.

03
Sanuki Seimen Mugimaru image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Yellow oven shines in a busy spot with long lines. Udon noodles boast perfect texture and fresh, light broth. Tempura is crispy and fresh, featuring pumpkin, eggplant, and okra with tender insides.

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 soup here is excellent and very authentic."

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
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Cafeteria-style spot offers handmade noodles in a cozy but crowded space. Crispy sweet potato tempura pairs well with chewy udon. Loud music adds energy to the lively mall vibe.

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 soup here is savory and uniquely flavored."

"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.

05
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot offers fresh sushi and light tempura with juicy kisu and maitake. Skilled chefs prepare each dish with care. Soft music and a relaxed vibe make it perfect for quiet meals.

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

"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.

06
Eat's Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese spot shines with authentic decor and crispy shrimp tempura that adds perfect crunch. Warm yellow lighting sets a cozy atmosphere for couples and groups. Outdoor seating with heaters and nearby ice cream shop boost the relaxed vibe.

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."

"I found the sushi here to be high quality and affordable."

"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.

07
Mitsuwa Marketplace image 1
Japanese grocery store

Indoor space mimics an authentic Japanese market with a lively vibe. Vegetable tempuras like eggplant tempura shine alongside simple udon dishes. Large food court and beer garden offer unique Japanese eats and a bustling atmosphere.

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."

"I loved browsing the food court and trying all the different stalls."

"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.

08
Takumi Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy Japanese spot shines with fresh sushi and a quiet atmosphere. Shrimp tempura is crispy and flavorful, pairing well with spicy rolls. Outdoor patio offers a sunny, heated space perfect for small groups.

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.

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

Small sushi spot shines with fresh fish and affordable all-you-can-eat deals. Shrimp tempura is light and crispy, cooked just right. Cozy vibe with intimate seating keeps dining calm and relaxed.

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 dinner spots here have great sushi rolls, but limited nigiri options."

"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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