Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Irvine

Japanese seafood

Made for those who prioritize the freshness of their catch and seek out Japanese preparations that highlight the integrity of the seafood.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
User
User
User
Updated
01
Hako image 1
Hako image 2
Hako image 3
View all

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.

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.

Fish katsu stands out with its perfect crispiness and crunchy texture. It pairs well with curry and offers a lighter take on fish and chips.

People are saying

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

"The fish katsu seafood is crispy, crunchy, and not greasy at all greasy."

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.

02
Uoko Sushi and Japanese Cuisine image 1
Uoko Sushi and Japanese Cuisine image 2
Uoko Sushi and Japanese Cuisine image 3
View all

Small space with crammed tables and a busy sushi bar creates a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere. Authentic Japanese decor and family-oriented vibe make it feel like dining in Japan. Popular spot known for fresh, high-quality sushi at reasonable prices, especially during 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.

Fish arrives fresh and cut to perfection, often shown whole to prove quality. Sweet Shrimp (amiebi) comes highly recommended without wasabi for the best taste.

People are saying

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

"The seafood 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.

03
Gelson's Irvine image 1
Gelson's Irvine image 2
Gelson's Irvine image 3
View all

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.

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.

Freshness stands out with consistently fresh and delicious fish. Staff offer expert advice on fish types and cooking methods, making the seafood section reliable and informative.

People are saying

"I loved the sushi here; it looked delicious."

"I noticed the seafood here was really fresh."

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.

04
All That Shabu image 1
All That Shabu image 2
All That Shabu image 3
View all

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.

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.

A wide variety of fresh sliced seafood like fish balls, crawfish, clams, mussels, scallops, and shrimp is available. The seafood options stand out alongside a good mix of meats and vegetables for the pot.

People are saying

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

"I found a good variety of seafood and vegetables for the pot."

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.

05
Mitsuwa Marketplace image 1
Mitsuwa Marketplace image 2
Mitsuwa Marketplace image 3
View all

Japanese grocery store offers authentic products and a small food court with diverse options like tonkatsu and ramen. Atmosphere feels friendly and vibrant, attracting shoppers seeking unique snacks and fresh sushi. Claw machines add a playful touch to the shopping 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.

Fresh sushi and sashimi-grade seafood stand out with a fantastic selection. The organic seafood includes some imports from Japan and is known for high quality but comes at a higher price.

People are saying

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

"I found the seafood here to be of high quality, with a fantastic selection."

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.

06
Oishi Shabu Shabu image 1
Oishi Shabu Shabu image 2
Oishi Shabu Shabu image 3
View all

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.

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.

Fresh seafood stands out with excellent salmon served in shabu style. A wide selection at the salad bar includes seafood, vegetables, and appetizers, offering plenty of variety.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is high quality, with prime meats and Wagyu options."

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.

07
Gurume Sushi image 1
Gurume Sushi image 2
Gurume Sushi image 3
View all

Trendy sushi restaurant with modern decor and an exhibition-style kitchen behind glass. Atmosphere stays quiet and intimate with spacious table arrangements that avoid crowding. Sushi and sashimi come fresh and well-regarded, complemented by a fantastic sake selection.

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.

Freshness stands out with fish that melts in your mouth and flavors that pop. The omakase features Uni, caviar, truffle, and premium cuts like tuba toro and salmon toro prepared with care and no burnt marks.

People are saying

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

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

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.

08
Tokyo Central Irvine image 1
Tokyo Central Irvine image 2
Tokyo Central Irvine image 3
View all

Massive Japanese grocery store with bright, clean interior and extensive food sections creates a bustling, festive atmosphere. Crowded aisles and shoulder-to-shoulder pedestrian traffic make navigation challenging. Outdoor seating near the sushi restaurant offers a place to eat, while indoor seating is unavailable.

Sushi rolls come delicious and reasonably priced with a strong focus on sashimi and sushi options. Prepacked bento and hot foods offer quick meals, while the hot bar and sushi section provide a wide selection of Japanese dishes and ingredients.

An incredible assortment of fresh seafood fills the selection, including sushi-grade fish and well-prepared crab and shrimp tempura. Ready-to-eat meals and Asian snacks complement the wide variety of seafood products.

People are saying

"The staff here is super kind and always cracks jokes."

"The seafood selection here is incredible and beautifully prepared."

Good to know

1

Parking is extremely challenging, with tight spaces and high demand.

2

Expect long lines, especially during peak hours and grand opening days.

3

Hot food selections may be limited, with some items frequently empty.

09
Sushi Rev image 1
Sushi Rev image 2
Sushi Rev image 3
View all

Conveyor belts deliver a steady stream of fresh, thick sushi in a bright, modern space with minimalist design. The atmosphere stays relaxed and clean, with small seating and some hardwood chairs. Diners can order from tablets or pick plates directly, creating a casual, efficient experience.

Sushi comes fresh and cut perfectly with large portions and a variety that includes truffle sauce on some pieces. The conveyor belt setup is sleek and adds a fun, energetic vibe to the experience.

Fish comes in big, generous cuts that are consistently fresh and thick. Plates cost around $3.75, offering high quality seafood for a revolving sushi setting.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and beautifully presented."

"The seafood here is surprisingly high quality for conveyor belt style."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 1-2 hours on weekends, especially during peak hours.

2

Most plates cost $3.75, making it reasonably priced for sushi.

3

Reservations are not accepted; join the online waitlist within a 4-mile radius.

10
Dada Shabu Shabu image 1
Dada Shabu Shabu image 2
Dada Shabu Shabu image 3
View all

Shabu-shabu restaurant with individual hot pots and a fully stocked self-serve buffet featuring seafood, vegetables, and cooked dishes. Atmosphere feels cozy but cramped, often busy and hectic with tables arranged back-to-back. Popular for authentic Asian flavors and a variety of dipping sauces, though seating can be tight for larger groups.

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.

Fresh seafood appears in the all-you-can-eat buffet alongside a variety of vegetables and meats. The food bar offers seasonings for broth, tempura, and a shaved ice station for dessert.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is so fresh, I definitely recommend trying it."

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.

11
Jinbei image 1
Jinbei image 2
Jinbei image 3
View all

Small space with about a dozen tables and sushi bar seats creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Calm music plays quietly, supporting a chill vibe. Fresh fish and authentic Japanese flavors stand out, especially in sushi and chirashi dishes.

Sushi here stands out for its freshness and excellent fish to rice ratio. The menu offers authentic Japanese dishes like chirashi, karaage, and tonkatsu, all served with generous portions and great flavor.

Fish quality stands out as super fresh and buttery soft. The sushi offers a great fish to rice ratio, and the limited 10 seafood rice bowl is popular and tasty.

People are saying

"I experienced the best sushi I have ever had in Orange County."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during busy hours.

2

Arrive early to secure a spot, especially for the lunch special.

3

The lunch special offers three dishes daily, limited to ten orders.

12
Mokkoji image 1
Mokkoji image 2
Mokkoji image 3
View all

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy modern atmosphere with mostly bar seating and limited tables. The vibe is hip and lively, especially during peak hours with a notable wait time. It stands out for high-quality shabu shabu featuring various broth choices and a live drama show element enhancing the dining experience.

Shabu shabu stands out with various broth options like spicy miso, pork bone, and sukiyaki. The menu includes surf and turf with spicy sukiyaki sauce, plus starters like garlic shrimp and desserts such as mochi ice cream.

Freshness stands out with fish and vegetables. The seafood plate features half a lobster, scallops, salmon, and shrimp with a flavorful sauce.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the shabu shabu here; it's a great Japanese food option."

"The seafood here is so fresh and tender."

Good to know

1

Sign up for the waitlist on Yelp to avoid a 20+ minute wait, especially on weekends.

2

Mokkoji gets really busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

3

Reservations are recommended as tables are held for only 5 minutes.

13
Dpot image 1
Dpot image 2
Dpot image 3
View all

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.

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.

An extensive buffet offers fresh crab, shrimp, and mandu alongside a wide range of seafood and vegetables. The bar stays fully stocked with sauces and condiments for customizing dips and flavors.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is served with incredibly attentive and prompt service."

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.

14
Sagami image 1
Sagami image 2
Sagami image 3
View all

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.

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.

Fish comes straight from Japan, making it incredibly fresh and flavorful. Dishes like the deluxe Chirashi bowl feature sweet uni and thick cuts of fish, paired with fragrant vinegared rice in the seafood donburi.

People are saying

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

"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.

15
Niko Niko Sushi image 1
Niko Niko Sushi image 2
Niko Niko Sushi image 3
View all

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.

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.

Fish shows incredible freshness and high quality across dishes like omakase chirashi and sushi combos. Grilled skewers and seafood yaki udon also highlight the outstanding flavor of the seafood.

People are saying

"The sushi here is spectacular and very tasty."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

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.

16
Kiyo Sushi & Sake image 1
Kiyo Sushi & Sake image 2
Kiyo Sushi & Sake image 3
View all

Japanese restaurant offers simple elegant decor with a chill, authentic vibe and a packed, lively atmosphere. Fresh seafood imported from Japan features prominently, with high-quality sushi and sashimi drawing a crowd. Sake presentation includes a special dispenser that adds to the experience.

Fresh sashimi and sushi stand out with well seasoned rice and large, fatty fish in the chirashi bowls. Lunch options like the sushi and udon combos offer great value with premium quality ingredients.

Freshness stands out with fish imported from Japan and consistently high quality seafood. Live shrimp, uni, and fatty fish in the chirashi lunch highlight the fresh seafood selection.

People are saying

"I found the sushi and sashimi here to be the freshest and most delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

The lunch special offers good value, typically under $15.

17
Taiko Japanese Restaurant image 1
Taiko Japanese Restaurant image 2
Taiko Japanese Restaurant image 3
View all

Interior shows aged decor with a cozy atmosphere and a Japanese vibe. Dining area fills with a friendly, lively crowd, especially during family dinners. Sushi bar offers limited seating, and the place features large, fresh fish in its dishes.

Sushi here stays perfectly fresh and leans authentic when you know how to order. The Wagyu sushi stands out as a unique and tasty option. The sushi bar seats about six, keeping the vibe intimate.

Fresh fish stands out with large size and quality. The sweet shrimp boat offers a rich mix of crab, shrimp, and fried head. Sushi and chirashi bowls feature notably fresh seafood at affordable prices.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is so fresh and tasty."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh, especially the fish."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be easily made at Taiko Japanese Restaurant.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for the price at Taiko.

3

Prices for bento and sushi bowls range from $16 to $25.

Discover more

Irvine, California

Area guide