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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of El Camino Real

Japanese food

A craving for sashimi or a warm bowl of ramen hits differently when you know exactly where to go.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Waka Sakura Irvine image 1
Waka Sakura Irvine image 2
Waka Sakura Irvine image 3
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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.

02
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.

03
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.

04
Tokyo Central Irvine image 1
Japanese grocery store

Massive Japanese grocery store buzzes with bustling festive atmosphere and crowded aisles. Sushi rolls shine with delicious sashimi focus and affordable prices. Outdoor seating near sushi spot offers a quick meal option amid extensive Japanese food choices.

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.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a great food court with lots of ready-to-eat options."

"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.

05
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Irvine image 1

Open kitchen shows chefs crafting rich broth and homemade-style noodles. Unique dishes like green chili shio ramen and crispy fried chicken draw families. Digital waitlist eases busy times in this bright, authentic spot.

Ramen here features bouncy noodles that taste homemade and high-quality chashu with generous portions. The menu includes unique options like green chili shio ramen and rare finds such as seasonal Hiyashi Ramen.

People are saying

"The ramen noodles here are so bouncy and chewy."

"I loved the green chili shio ramen, it had just the right spice."

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen and chicken, is so delicious."

Good to know

1

During busy periods, there may be a wait to be seated or served.

2

If it's the weekend, be prepared to wait.

3

You should put your name down and keep your phone in your hand at all times because the wait can be between 10 minutes and an hour.

06
Taiko Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot with aged decor and a lively crowd during family dinners. Sushi bar seats six, offering authentic sushi with standout Wagyu sushi. Large, fresh fish make dishes special and keep flavors vibrant.

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.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has great lunch combos and bento boxes."

"I found the food to be very authentic Japanese."

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.

07
Miyabi Shabu and Grill image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant serves all-you-can-eat Wagyu with cozy, warm vibes and chill music. Shabu Shabu and BBQ grilling offer authentic flavors with meats like ribeye and spicy miso tonkatsu. Space splits into bar and seating zones for a relaxed dining experience.

Offers both Shabu Shabu and BBQ grilling with a variety of meats, vegetables, and broths. Shared ribeye with spicy miso tonkatsu stands out as a filling option.

People are saying

"The bottomless meats and unlimited vegetables were so fresh and high quality."

"The Japanese food here, especially the Wagyu shabu shabu, is a melt-in-your-mouth delight."

"The barbecue here is an affordable buffet with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The all-you-can-eat option is available, featuring a variety of meats and vegetables.

3

Expect longer wait times during weekends, especially for dinner.

08
Misasa image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese fast food spot serves freshly cooked katsu don and chicken katsu curry with rich flavor. Quiet atmosphere offers a break from the busy lunch crowd. Parking behind the mall adds convenience for visitors.

Katsu Don stands out with its freshly cooked preparation and a half-boiled egg on top, keeping the dish simple with katsu, rice, gravy, and pickled ginger. The Chicken Katsu Curry offers fantastic flavor and texture with generous portions, while the tempura bowl comes with miso soup and is priced around $13.

People are saying

"The Katsu Don here is freshly cooked with a half-boiled egg."

"I loved the pork cutlet curry; it was a go-to."

"The food, like the Katsu Don, is always freshly cooked."

Good to know

1

It's crowded during lunchtime, so plan to arrive early.

2

Finding parking can be challenging; use the back corner of the mall.

3

If you want to eat out and the price is below $15, this is a good option.

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El Camino Real, Irvine

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