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Guide to Irvine

Japanese food

Japanese food that honors traditional preparation, instead of just offering a generic version of the cuisine.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House | Irvine image 1
Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House | Irvine image 2
Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House | Irvine image 3
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Enjoy all-you-can-eat A5 wagyu in a sleek, modern space with a lively vibe. Savor wagyu nigiri and fresh sashimi for authentic Japanese flavors. Self-serve bars with rice, curry, and milk tea add a unique touch to the elegant dining experience.

Wagyu nigiri offers a rich beef flavor balanced with perfectly seasoned rice. The sukiyaki broth is slightly sweet and savory, pairing well with high-quality meat. Fresh seafood and sashimi add to the authentic Japanese food experience.

People are saying

"The seafood here is ridiculously outstanding and incredibly fresh."

"The milk tea refills were surprisingly impressive."

"The Japanese food's A5 wagyu melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a table.

2

Children under 100cm eat free, while those 101-130cm pay half price.

3

The restaurant enforces a strict 90-minute dining time limit.

02
Maison De Croissant image 1

Small bakery inside an Asian grocery store offers fresh desserts like buttery croffles and crispy taiyaki with rich fillings. Cozy atmosphere invites enjoying treats with hot jasmine tea or milk teas. Orders may take longer due to focus on authenticity and freshness.

Taiyaki stands out with crispy edges and a variety of fillings like red bean, custard, and Nutella. Croffles pair well with hot jasmine tea, and milk teas complement the sweet treats.

People are saying

"The croffles and taiyaki here are amazing."

"You have to try these amazing, buttery croffle desserts."

"The coffee here is served with such warm and welcoming service."

Good to know

1

Orders can sometimes take a little longer due to fresh preparation.

2

The shop offers a variety of desserts including croissants, macaroons, and drinks.

3

Parking can be a bit difficult in the area.

03
Yasai image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant in a business park serves fresh sushi and authentic yaki udon with large portions. The menu includes vegetarian and seafood options, balancing health and flavor. Enjoy a chill, family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating.

Sushi and sashimi come super fresh with generous portions of fish. The menu offers a variety of options like bowls, combos, rolls, udon, and salads, including authentic yaki udon with noodles.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has delicious sushi and Katsu."

"The salad here is so fresh and light."

"The Japanese food here is super fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Yasai offers a variety of healthy options including bowls, sushi, and salads.

2

Portion sizes are generous, making it a good value for money.

3

Yasai provides vegetarian and seafood options for diverse diets.

04
Youngdabang image 1
Korean restaurant

Small Korean spot offers a quiet cozy vibe with soft K-pop tunes. Juicy tonkatsu shines among Japanese dishes, paired with classic tteokbokki and kimbap options. Tight seating invites casual meals in a clean, modern space.

Tonkatsu stands out with its incredible juiciness inside. Tteokbokki comes in original and squid versions, and kimbap includes a tonkatsu option. Tempura is available but less favored.

People are saying

"I loved the Korean food, especially the tteokbokki and kimbap."

"This Lunch Spot has quick, cheap, and tasty food."

"The Japanese food here has this thick, tender katsu with a golden, crispy panko crust."

Good to know

1

They don't take cash; only card payments are accepted.

2

Parking can be tricky, but there is ample space on weekends.

3

It operates like a fast-food place; order and pay upfront.

05
Omori Katsu & Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Enjoy crispy katsu with a rich sauce and savory tonkotsu ramen in a casual, welcoming food court. Portions are generous and prices reasonable, making it a great spot for authentic Japanese flavors.

Katsu here is thick and tender with a perfectly crispy outer layer and a rich, flavorful signature sauce. Ramen features a deeply savory tonkotsu broth that tastes like it has simmered for hours.

People are saying

"The curry katsu here is crispy and really tasty."

"The Japanese food's tonkotsu broth is rich, deeply savory, and velvety."

"The Tonkatsu is perfectly crispy outside and tender inside."

Good to know

1

Omori Katsu & Ramen is part of a food court, not a standalone restaurant.

2

Prices are reasonable, making it perfect for corporate lunch breaks or students.

3

The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

06
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1

Narrow space with tight seating creates a loud vibe. Younger crowd fills the room, making it lively but not quiet. Ramen shines with authentic tonkotsu broth and fresh noodles, paired well with crispy chicken karaage in big portions.

Ramen here stands out for its authentic tonkotsu broth and fresh noodles. The shoyu ramen and crispy chicken karaage come in generous portions and deliver solid flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best around."

"The vegan ramen here is delicious, with a creamy broth and fresh toppings."

"I thought the ramen here was the best around."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking can be difficult during peak hours; consider arriving early.

3

A 16% service charge is automatically added to all bills.

07
Sushi Atelier - Asian & Japanese Food Delivery & Takeout Irvine image 1

Order window and small outdoor seating create a casual takeout vibe. Sushi shows incredible freshness and artistic presentation. Bold flavors and Slavic-style rolls attract those seeking high-quality Japanese food.

Sushi here stands out for its incredible freshness and high quality. The sushi is well-presented and offers a flavorful experience that rivals high-end restaurants.

People are saying

"The sushi here is incredibly fresh and high quality."

"These dinner spots reminded my parents of home."

"The Japanese food here is incredibly fresh and high quality."

Good to know

1

Sushi Atelier is a takeout and delivery-only sushi place.

2

The restaurant is open late and seven days a week.

3

Expect high-quality ingredients that rival top restaurants.

08
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Irvine image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Modern space offers a cozy vibe with thoughtful family design and beautiful décor. Enjoy premium Japanese dishes like marbled Wagyu ribeye alongside sushi and sashimi. A self-serve sides bar adds to the lively, engaging dining experience.

Sushi and sashimi come alongside marbled Wagyu cuts like ribeye and brisket. The menu blends premium Japanese dishes with BBQ, offering seafood, appetizers, vegetables, and sides.

People are saying

"Our server helped us cook the steak and gave great recommendations."

"The Wagyu here is melt-in-your-mouth delicious."

"The Japanese food here is amazing; the staff cooked it perfectly."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 1-2 hours during peak dinner hours.

2

Put your name on the waiting list early to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat option with high-quality dishes.

09
Nice to Meet You Skewer Hot Pot - Now AYCE image 1

Hot pot spot shines with all-you-can-eat skewers and a self-serve fridge full of fresh meats and veggies. Broths like sukiyaki bring rich Japanese flavors. Cozy space blends modern and traditional Chinese styles, perfect for groups and casual meals.

Three different broths stand out: bone broth, sukiyaki, and spicy miso. All taste delicious, with the sukiyaki broth especially rich and flavorful.

People are saying

"The soup bases here are rich, flavorful, and satisfying."

"The bottomless hot pot had amazing seafood like abalone and lobster."

"The Japanese hot pot broths are flavorful and customizable with three choices."

Good to know

1

Lunch special is available until 4 p.m. on weekdays.

2

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

3

Dinner costs $38.99 plus tax and tips, while lunch is $28.99.

10
Hako image 1
Tonkatsu restaurant

Small spot with an industrial look and cozy vibe gets lively at peak times. Tonkatsu shines with crispy breading and tender Hire-Katsu pork, paired perfectly with curry and classic sides. Casual, self-serve style keeps energy buzzing and seating comfy.

Tonkatsu stands out with perfectly crispy and light breading and a tangy, sweet katsu sauce. The Hire-Katsu filet pork is tender and thinner, offering a rare quality pork option. Curry pairs well with the tonkatsu, and sides include rice, pickled veggies, miso soup, and cabbage salad.

People are saying

"The curry katsu here is insanely good."

"The fish katsu is crispy, tender, and a must-try."

"The Japanese food, especially the katsu, is crispy with a juicy center."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a 15 to 40-minute wait during peak hours, particularly on Fridays.

3

Be cautious of peanuts in the sauce; call ahead for allergy accommodations.

11
Marugame Udon image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen and freshly handmade udon create a lively, casual dining vibe. Self-serve tempura bar offers crispy crab sticks and shrimp, adding fun and flavor. Quick service suits families and casual visits, making it a welcoming spot for Japanese food lovers.

Freshly handmade udon features chewy noodles and a savory broth with options like beef udon and Kitsune Udon with slightly sweet fish cake. Tempura selections include crab sticks, shrimp, sweet potato, and pumpkin, all with a crispy texture and good flavor.

People are saying

"I found the udon noodles to be perfectly chewy and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's curry with cheese katsu was fun and tasty."

"The Japanese food here, especially the udon, is perfectly chewy and comforting."

Good to know

1

Expect a 25-minute wait for takeout orders during peak hours.

2

Parking is usually available behind the bank next to 7-Leaves.

3

A 15% discount is available for UCI students with valid ID.

12
Dpot image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Shabu-shabu spot shines with all-you-can-eat buffet and fresh noodles. Family-friendly vibe with indoor and outdoor seating suits groups well. DIY sauce bar adds personalized flavors to the Japanese dining experience.

Offers an all-you-can-eat shabu shabu buffet with freshly made noodles, especially ramen. Ends meals with soba and porridge for a complete experience.

People are saying

"The meats at this buffet, especially the rib eye, were super fresh and delicious."

"The bottomless drinks were served so attentively and quick."

"The Japanese food here has amazing broths and a great selection of meats."

Good to know

1

Dpot offers an all-you-can-eat menu for $35 per person.

2

Lunch prices are around $50 for two people, including tax.

3

The restaurant is closed every Sunday.

13
Waka Sakura Irvine image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Conveyor belt sushi with automated delivery offers a modern dining vibe. Fresh fish like premium scallop nigiri and quality salmon shine in the menu. Comfortable booths create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for easy conversation.

Freshness stands out with premium scallop nigiri that includes light sears or sauces enhancing natural sweetness. Sushi features quality fish like salmon and tuna, all priced reasonably, with freshly made tempura complementing the menu.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and high-quality."

"The Japanese food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"Parking was relatively easy and available."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-25 minute wait on Thursday afternoons.

2

The restaurant has a tight and chaotic parking situation during peak hours.

3

You can order six items at a time using a tablet or your phone.

14
Uoko Sushi and Japanese Cuisine image 1

Small space with authentic Japanese decor offers a lively, family-friendly vibe. Fresh, high-quality sushi shines with rainbow and spicy salmon rolls at great prices. Busy sushi bar adds energy, making it a popular spot for reasonable lunch specials.

Sushi here stands out for its freshness and quality, often compared favorably to sushi in Japan. The menu includes well-sized rolls like rainbow and spicy salmon, plus dishes like katsu curry, all served at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"You have to try the lunch special; it always fills me up."

"I felt like I was in Japan because of the authentic atmosphere."

"The Japanese food's hand rolls are fresh and consistent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

The $20 lunch special is a popular choice and offers great value.

3

Expect a wait during dinner hours; arriving early is advised.

15
Marufuku Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen shines with Kyushu broth and tender chashu pork. Cozy space buzzes with energy and offers dog-friendly seating outside. Popular sides like takoyaki and gyoza pair well with attentive service.

Ramen features a traditional Kyushu thick white broth with soft-boiled egg and chashu pork slices. Takoyaki and Gyoza also appear as popular side dishes with amazing flavor and attentive service.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The Tonkotsu Ramen broth is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

"The Japanese food here is really good and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to guarantee a seat.

2

The average price for a ramen bowl is around $20.

3

Parking can be limited during busy times, especially around lunchtime.

16
Yakamoz Craft Ramen image 1
Asian restaurant

Cozy restaurant feels like home with unique decor and a warm atmosphere. Rich duck ramen features tender duck and perfect noodles, while wagyu ramen offers a balanced beef broth. Ideal for quiet meals with friends or solo.

Rich duck ramen stands out with tender duck, perfect noodles, and flavorful wontons. The wagyu ramen offers a rich beef broth that balances fattiness without being oily, both dishes feature expertly cooked slices and a flavorful broth.

People are saying

"The duck ramen broth was delicious and not greasy."

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and artful."

"You have to try the duck ramen; it's exceptional Japanese food."

Good to know

1

Customers who wait over an hour receive vouchers for less busy times.

2

The restaurant is small, so plan ahead for seating arrangements.

3

Parking can be full on weekends, especially during lunch hours.

17
Somisomi image 1
Dessert shop

Small, modern dessert shop offers fresh taiyaki with fillings like custard and Nutella. Open kitchen adds fun, lively vibe. Limited seating pushes guests to enjoy treats in the nearby plaza, making it a crowded, inviting spot for Japanese sweets lovers.

Fresh taiyakis come out warm and crispy with fillings like custard, Nutella, and taro that balance sweetness well. Watching the taiyaki being made adds to the fun, and pairing it with soft serve ice cream creates a tasty, visually pleasing treat.

People are saying

"The warm, crispy taiyaki cones are amazing with the creamy soft serve ice cream."

"I loved how they topped the ice cream with a macaron."

"The Japanese food, especially the taiyaki with custard and Nutella, is delicious."

Good to know

1

Avoid peak times to prevent long wait times.

2

There are no seats inside, so plan to eat standing or take it to go.

3

Expect wait times of 20-25 minutes during busy hours.

18
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - Irvine image 1
Japanese curry restaurant

Japanese curry shines with deep savory flavor and customizable spice and toppings like crispy katsu. Cozy, casual seating feels cramped and the busy, loud space with music can challenge conversation. Service buzzers ensure quick staff attention.

Japanese curry here features deep, savory flavor with options to customize spice levels and toppings like crispy katsu, cheese, and vegetables. The Chicken Katsu Curry stands out as a notably rich dish.

People are saying

"I loved customizing my Japanese food with spice levels and toppings."

"I found the curry here to be simple and delicious."

"The Chicken Katsu here tastes just like the CoCo's I had in Japan."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets busy in the evenings.

2

Expect long wait times during weekends and lunch hours on weekdays.

3

The kitchen closes at 9:50 PM, despite a 10:00 PM closing time.

19
All That Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Spacious shabu-shabu spot offers self-serve bars and personal pots for cooking with broths like Sukiyaki. Family-friendly vibe blends with a bustling energy and clean, organized stations. Frequent tempura Chinese pumpkin side adds a tasty touch to the meal.

Shabu shabu features personal pots for cooking with a choice of broths like Sukiyaki and Yukgaejang. Tempura Chinese pumpkin is a frequently refilled side that pairs well with the meal.

People are saying

"I loved the shabu shabu buffet with its great variety of meats and ingredients."

"You get all-you-can-eat meat with unlimited toppings and broth."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was excellent and attentive."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat price is $35.99 per person on weekends.

2

Reservations require the entire party to be present.

3

Expect long wait times on weekends; arrive early around 4:30 PM.

20
Otoro Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi shines with exceptional freshness and thick sashimi cuts. Upscale vibe blends with elegant atmosphere and pleasant music. Expect long lines and a noisy space before opening.

Sushi here stands out for its exceptional freshness and thick sashimi cuts that take multiple bites. The omakase and chirashi bowls deliver consistently high-quality fish across all preparations.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I experienced."

"The Chirashi bowl was packed with fresh, thick cuts of fish."

"You can pick two entrees for lunch combos around $28."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least a day in advance, as they do not accept same-day reservations.

2

Expect over an hour wait for lunch during peak times.

3

Parking is challenging and compact; arrive early to secure a spot.

21
Gurume Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Trendy sushi spot offers fresh sushi and artful rolls in a quiet, intimate setting. Modern decor and a glass kitchen add style. Enjoy fantastic sake alongside authentic Japanese dishes like miso black cod and uni don.

Fresh sushi features artful rolls and fish that melts in your mouth. The menu includes authentic Japanese dishes like miso black cod, uni don, and teriyaki salmon with very good sashimi quality.

People are saying

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

"The seafood omakase here is a once-in-a-year experience."

"This Lunch Spot offers great deals and good value."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is advised due to busy hours, especially by 6:30 pm.

2

Lunch specials are available daily until 4pm, with deals around $25.

3

Omakase 10 pieces are priced at $50, offering a premium experience.

22
MAJI CURRY - Award Winning Japanese Curry image 1

Small space with a cozy atmosphere and customizable spiciness makes it great for heat lovers. Japanese curry here boasts deeper flavors and generous portions like katsu meat. Seating suits pairs, but it can feel cramped and loud when busy.

Japanese curry here has deeper and more complex flavors than many other spots. The menu offers a good range of comfort food with generous portions like the katsu meat.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese curry here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The kids menu has nice non-curry options."

"I found the Japanese food to be the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The dine-in area is tiny, so arrive early to secure a seat.

2

Add your name to the waitlist via Yelp to minimize wait times.

3

Outdoor seating is available for those who prefer it.

23
Fukada image 1
Japanese restaurant

Simple setup offers a clean, warm vibe with mostly to-go orders and some seating, creating a rushed, food court feel. Authentic Japanese dishes shine with chewy udon noodles topped by crunchy tempura flakes and large salmon teriyaki plates. Prices stay reasonable for generous portions.

Chewy udon noodles come with crunchy tempura flakes that add texture. Large, thick salmon in the teriyaki plate pairs with a perfect sauce. Donburi options include unagi and katsu don with generous portions.

People are saying

"The udon here is comforting with a flavorful, clean broth."

"The salmon teriyaki takeout plate had a large, thick piece of salmon."

"The Japanese food lunch combo offers insane value for the price."

Good to know

1

Fukada operates as takeout only, with limited seating available.

2

Parking at Fukada is very easy and accessible.

3

Prices at Fukada are reasonable, with lunch options under $20.

24
MooMoo Hot Pot image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Spacious hot pot spot offers one-person-one-pot design and a self-service bar with fresh ingredients. Rich Sukiyaki Broth delivers authentic Japanese flavor, perfect for meat lovers. Cozy, clean space with private rooms suits small groups or dates.

Rich, sweet-savory Sukiyaki Broth stands out with authentic Japanese flavor, ideal for cooking meat. Broth options include spicy beef tallow and pork bone, all delivering superior quality compared to typical all-you-can-eat hot pot spots.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's like it came straight from the ocean."

"The Wagyu hotpot was so tender it practically melted."

"The Japanese Food here, especially the A5 Wagyu and seafood platter, is top quality."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available on weekdays from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM for $28.99.

2

The all-you-can-eat hotpot menu offers an impressive variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and organization.

25
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen here boasts a creamy broth with standout options like Shio Ramen and toroniku curry. Quick service and affordable prices make it a great spot. Convenient market seating and easy parking add to the experience.

Ramen features a super flavorful broth with options like Shio Ramen and toroniku curry ramen that balance spice well. Rice pairs nicely when dipped in the soup, and smaller ramen sizes suit lighter appetites.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, has a soup that's not too greasy nor salty."

"I found the ramen here to be great and quick."

"The ramen broth here is super flavorful and pretty good."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back of the plaza with direct access.

2

The ramen place is located inside Mitsuwa.

3

Lately, there is no wait at the Irvine location.

26
Oishi Shabu Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Robot servers add a playful tech vibe to a modern dining space with authentic Japanese hot pot. Enjoy all-you-can-eat meats and crispy chicken wings in a calm, upscale setting perfect for quiet meals.

All-you-can-eat hot pot features constant broth switching and high-quality meat. Crispy chicken wings and Takoyaki stand out alongside excellent tonkotsu and miso soups.

People are saying

"The bottomless prime meats and vast buffet were amazing."

"The Wagyu beef menu here is so tender and delicious."

"The Japanese food here offers an amazing all-you-can-eat hot pot experience."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat lunch special is $25 on weekdays, including Fridays.

2

Dinner prices are $33.99 on weekends for all-you-can-eat.

3

Parking is available in an underground structure, but can be hard to find after 6pm.

27
Mitsuwa Marketplace image 1
Japanese grocery store

Japanese grocery store shines with fresh sashimi and a vibrant food court serving flavorful ramen and curry. Shoppers enjoy unique snacks and playful claw machines that brighten the atmosphere. Sweet treats like mochi donuts complete the experience.

Fresh sashimi and sushi-grade seafood stand out in the seafood section. The food court offers flavorful ramen and curry, alongside onigiri and bentos. Mochi donuts and pastries add sweet options.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store has amazing mochi donuts and Royce chocolate."

"The food court options here are amazing and plentiful."

"I found the Japanese food here to be amazing and vibrant."

Good to know

1

Mitsuwa Marketplace does not accept EBT.

2

Expect limited seating during peak times.

3

Mitsuwa offers unique items like Joice Chocolate not found elsewhere.

28
Dada Shabu Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Enjoy fresh ingredients in cozy, busy shabu-shabu spots with authentic Asian flavors. Individual hot pots and a fully stocked buffet offer seafood, vegetables, and tempura. Tight seating suits small groups but adds to the lively, hectic vibe.

Exceptional shabu shabu features fresh ingredients, excellent meat quality, and a variety of broths and sauces. A fully stocked food bar offers tofu, seafood, tempura, and a shaved ice station for dessert.

People are saying

"The shaved ice dessert station had so many ingredients and combinations."

"The buffet has so many fresh ingredients and combinations to try."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh with tons of delicious options."

Good to know

1

The price for a weekday all-you-can-eat lunch is $28.99, including a drink and dessert.

2

Dinner prices are $39.99, which may be considered pricey by some.

3

There is a 90-minute dining limit for all guests.

29
Sagami image 1
Japanese restaurant

Authentic Nagoya dishes shine with fresh sashimi and hitsumabushi eel served in a sushi bar setting. Japanese-speaking staff and a crowd of locals create a genuine vibe. Limited seating means outdoor waiting can be uncomfortable but adds to the experience.

Sushi here features fresh sashimi and tender bluefin toro with a precise, focused sushi counter experience. The hitsumabushi stands out with eel on rice served with dashi, alongside izakaya dishes like mountain yam omelette and chicken karaage.

People are saying

"The unagi don here is the best Japanese food I've had."

"I found the Japanese food here to be the most authentic I've had outside of Japan."

"The seafood here is amazingly fresh, much of it from Japan."

Good to know

1

Sagami requires ordering an additional dish per person due to a new rule.

2

There is an outside area at Sagami where dogs are permitted.

3

The unagi bowl costs $30, while the premium chirashi special is $50.

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