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Top picks in Irvine

Japanese food salad spots

Made for those who want the precision of Japanese culinary techniques applied to their greens and refuse to settle for a generic salad.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Yasai image 1
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Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant in a business park offers extensive menu with large portions including vegetarian and seafood options. Atmosphere is chill and family friendly with outdoor seating available. Food balances health and flavor, featuring fresh sushi and tender meats.

Sashimi salads come with generous portions of fresh fish and make a filling lunch. Side salads are fresh and light, often served with dressed greens and cabbage.

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.

02
Nice to Meet You Skewer Hot Pot - Now AYCE image 1

Hot pot restaurant offers all-you-can-eat skewers with a self-serve fridge stocked with diverse meats and vegetables. Interior blends modern and traditional Chinese decor creating a warm, cozy atmosphere suitable for groups and casual dining. Sauce station and drink bar add customization and convenience to the lively dining experience.

Salad bar offers a wide variety of fresh options. The tofu salad stands out with its texture and flavor.

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

"The salad bar and dessert bar were remarkable."

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.

03
Dupont Centre Cafe image 1

Spacious restaurant with Far East-inspired decor offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming with a friendly vibe throughout. It attracts a diverse crowd looking for a high-quality dining experience near the airport.

Salads feature mixed greens, fruit, feta cheese, and salmon. The salmon berry salad stands out for its delicious flavor. A Thai salad with spicy mayo also pairs well as an appetizer.

Steak udon stands out with solid flavor, while the garlic parmesan fries and Buffalo Chicken salad add variety. Yaki Udon beef dishes appear average, with beef sometimes lacking tenderness.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's burgers and fries combo is worth the price."

"I tried the berry salmon salad; it was delicious."

"The Japanese food here has a really diverse menu."

Good to know

1

Parking is validated for free and is conveniently located next door.

2

Expect 30-cent beers all day on Thirsty Thursday.

3

The cafe offers daily specials and happy hour.

04
Fukada image 1
Japanese restaurant

Simple setup with clean, warm, and inviting atmosphere creates a comforting vibe. Orders are mostly to-go, but seating is available, leading to a rushed, food court-like energy. Reasonably priced, authentic Japanese food stands out with fresh spicy tuna don and chewy udon with crunchy tempura flakes.

Seafood salads feature thick slices of tuna and salmon tataki with classic wafu or tomato dressings. Large salads often come with generous portions of seared salmon or tuna, and their salad dressings are popular enough to buy for home use.

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

"I loved the avocado crab salad with tomato dressing."

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.

05
Dpot image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Shabu-shabu restaurant offers all-you-can-eat menu with fresh ingredients and a DIY sauce bar for personalized flavors. Indoor and outdoor seating create a family-friendly atmosphere with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Noise levels vary, sometimes making conversation difficult during loud gatherings.

Freshness stands out with impressively fresh vegetables at the salad bar. Quality meats complement the selection, making the salad bar a notable feature.

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

"The salad bar's vegetables were impressively fresh."

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.

06
Sagami image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers authentic Nagoya dishes with a sushi bar atmosphere and Japanese-speaking staff. Several tables fill with Japanese families and businesspeople, creating a genuine vibe. Seating is limited, and outdoor waiting space is available but can be uncomfortable.

Salads include a tofu salad served alongside hot appetizers like agedashi and chicken karaage. The Hana combo features a salad paired with sashimi, soup, and nigiri.

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 donburi had fragrant vinegared rice."

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.

07
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1

Narrow space with tight seating and hard surfaces creates a loud, fast-paced atmosphere. Mostly younger crowd fills the small room, making it unsuitable for quiet or intimate dining. Unique decor includes minimalist design with wood accents and a vertical garden.

Freshness stands out with the poke and salad offering crisp, clean flavors. The Cucumber Crab Salad serves as a refreshing starter, paired with a side salad dressed lightly and topped with shaved white garnish. Warm seaweed adds a chewy texture that contrasts well with the cold elements.

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."

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

"The tonkotsu ramen broth was savory and delicious."

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.

08
Yakamoz Craft Ramen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, cozy restaurant feels like someone's home with unique decor, vinyl records, and a view into the kitchen. Atmosphere is warm and intimate, suited for quiet meals with friends or solo. Attention to detail creates a comfortable, inviting vibe.

Salads feature refreshing dressings and flavorful ingredients like duck. Steak salad includes a small amount of beef, which may not be enough to balance the greens.

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."

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

"The steak salad doesn't have enough beef."

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.

09
All That Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Spacious shabu-shabu restaurant with self-serve ingredient and sauce bars and clean, well-organized cooking stations. Atmosphere balances family-friendly and bustling energy with comfortable noise levels and room to move. Offers varied broth and meat selections alongside sides and desserts, creating a lively yet inviting dining experience.

A wide variety of vegetables and side dishes fill the salad bar, creating a sensory overload of options. The potato salad and fried rice stand out among the choices.

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 salad bar here has so many fresh options and hot food too."

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.

10
Gelson's Irvine image 1
Grocery store

High-end European market style creates a relaxed and clean atmosphere with a warm, inviting vibe. Multiple bars including a cocktail, wine, and sushi bar offer spots to eat and socialize. Well-organized displays and impeccable cleanliness support a premium shopping experience.

Potato salad stands out as a highlight. The salad bar offers fresh options and stays tidy. Dressings are excellent and complement the made-to-order salads well.

Sushi bar offers a variety of fresh sushi with a welcoming staff including Brandon, Annie, Jill, and Tomo. A small wine bar and restaurant complement the sushi section, alongside salad, hot, and soup bars.

People are saying

"This grocery store has high-quality produce and an amazing deli."

"I found amazing deals at their wine bar."

"The salad bar is kept fresh and tidy."

Good to know

1

$2 off share plates available on select days.

2

$2 off all draft beers on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

3

The store offers a wide selection of high-quality produce.

11
Hako image 1
Tonkatsu restaurant

Small restaurant with an industrial look and warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere that can get loud and crowded during peak times. Seating is comfortable and well arranged, supporting a buzzing energy. The vibe feels casual and self-serve, attracting a steady flow of diners.

Cabbage salad comes as a fresh side with meals. Salmon sashimi salad offers a light, flavorful option among the dishes.

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

"The pork katsu is crispy, juicy, and not greasy at all."

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.

12
Oishi Shabu Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Robot servers deliver meats with a playful touch, adding fun technology to a modern, clean dining space. Each diner has an individual induction cooker, creating a calm, authentic Japanese atmosphere. The open kitchen and upscale decor enhance the experience, making it suitable for casual meals and quiet conversations.

Variety stands out with seafood, vegetables, and appetizers at the salad bar. The buffet adds sides like takoyaki, gyoza, seaweed salad, oranges, and fried rice.

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

"The meat quality in the salad was high, especially the beef."

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.

13
HiroNori image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small indoor space feels cramped with limited seating, while large outdoor patio offers ample room and a pleasant atmosphere. Noise rises near the ordering area, but outdoor seating remains lively and clean. Casual setting emphasizes comfortable chairs and mostly outdoor dining.

Cucumber salad features fresh cucumbers but leans mild on flavor. Crab salad offers a crisp seafood touch. Side options include kelp salad alongside edamame and fried mushrooms.

Ramen here stands out for its tonkotsu broth and vegan sesame ramen with charred broccolini. Options like shoyu ramen and pork rice bowls complement the menu with consistent, rich flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was really good and had lots of toppings."

"The ramen here is really good, with lots of toppings."

"The broth was rich, flavorful, and piping hot."

Good to know

1

HiroNori Craft Ramen does not accept cash; bring a card or electronic payment.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during busy hours with limited outdoor seating.

3

A 10% service charge is automatically added to all bills unless waived upon request.

14
Pokeworks image 1
Restaurant

Cozy restaurant offers clean and inviting atmosphere with free Wi-Fi and outside seating. The vibe stays fun and lighthearted even when busy, making it a comfortable spot for a relaxing meal. Large portions and a unique menu set it apart from other poke places.

Customizable bowls often come with a base of rice and salad, letting you pick proteins and toppings. The seaweed salad usually tastes great but can be hit or miss.

Build-your-own poke bowl offers lots of customization with a classic sauce that completes the dish. The chicken teriyaki plate from the new menu is flavorful and pairs well with the fresh poke bowls.

People are saying

"The poke here is fresh, delicious, and amazing."

"I loved the poke burrito, it was jam-packed with delicious ingredients."

"I love filling my bowl with rice and salad."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

2

Expect poke bowls to cost over $16 each.

3

The restaurant maintains a high level of cleanliness.

15
Bay Poke - Irvine image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small indoor seating contrasts with shared outdoor seating that fills quickly during peak times. Fresh fish and generous portions define the menu, which includes crispy katsu and tasty gyoza. Parking can be scarce, reflecting steady demand for this simple poke spot.

Salad comes as a refreshing side paired with crispy chicken and savory gyoza. It balances the dish with a light, fresh contrast to the crispy textures and fries.

The chicken katsu plate features crispy, tender, and juicy chicken with a perfectly matched katsu sauce. The dish includes savory gyoza and a refreshing salad, complemented by miso soup and jasmine green tea.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the katsu, is crispy, tender, and juicy."

"The crispy chicken and savory gyoza made the salad a well-rounded dish."

"I thought the poke was delicious and very fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually very scarce during lunch hours.

2

Finding outdoor seating during peak meal times can be difficult.

3

Seating outside is shared among all restaurants in the center.

16
Niko Niko Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a modern, clean interior with a small, intimate space that can get busy and a bit loud. The atmosphere shifts from quiet to lively depending on the crowd. Sushi features fresh, high-quality fish with large, flavorful rolls and some standout dishes like tuna sashimi and wagyu.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and include options like ginger dressing and sunomono. Meals often add miso soup, rice, and orange slices, with extra dressing available on request.

Sushi here features big, fresh rolls and sashimi like bluefin tuna with crispy kale chips. Bento boxes come with super-sized portions and sides like spicy garlic edamame add bold flavor.

People are saying

"The sushi here is spectacular and very tasty."

"The food here is so tasty and beautifully presented."

"The salads here are fresh with great ingredients and extra dressing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is fairly small and can fill up during busy times.

2

Niko Niko Sushi was super busy on New Year's Eve with to-go orders.

3

Each Bento Box includes rice, miso soup, salad, pickle, and orange slices.

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