Stone-carved sushi bar with backlit onyx counter creates a warm, intimate atmosphere. Chefs prepare food in front of diners, adding to the engaging experience. Early 2000s hip hop music plays, blending modern vibes with Japanese-inspired design.
Wagyu Yakitori stands out for its tenderness and balance. Chicken Yakitori also features alongside fresh, well-prepared options like the Wagyu & Shiitake Yakitori.
Sushi here features fresh, melt-in-your-mouth fish with world-class sea bream sashimi. The quality and authenticity create a sanctuary for the senses.
Good to know
Reservations are a must to dine at Mutsu.
Seating is limited, so arrive early.
Almost half of the menu was unavailable when I was seated.
Sleek design and minimalistic branding create an upscale and inviting atmosphere with perfect lighting and beautiful wall art. Spacious interior suits families, large parties, or intimate dinners with a calm, non-flashy vibe. Sake cocktails and exceptional hand rolls stand out alongside fusion dishes and quality grill options.
Chicken thigh and green onion yakitori come off the grill with a perfect char and juicy center. Yakitori is a rare offering here and pairs well with hand rolls and crispy rice tuna.
Sushi here features insanely fresh fish with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Hand rolls have crispy nori and perfectly seasoned rice, while Hotate Nigiri offers a silky, sweet scallop experience.
Good to know
Happy hour runs daily from 5:00-6:30pm with special menu items.
Parking is free for two hours with validation from the restaurant.
Validated parking is available on E 3rd St and Aliso parking.
Small Japanese restaurant offers authentic sushi and ramen with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Renovated space features positive vibes and smiles from owners and chefs, creating a cozy local spot that gets busy during peak hours.
Yakitori here stands out as delicious alongside tempura and sashimi. The flavors come through clearly and satisfy the craving for grilled skewers.
Small neighborhood spot serves authentic sushi with chef's special sashimi and fantastic ramen. Family-owned vibe with friendly people and great food.
Good to know
Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early to avoid long waits.
The restaurant gets busy during peak hours, especially on weekends.
Prices are reasonable, making it a great value for sushi and ramen.
Small, intimate bar-style seating with Asian-inspired decor creates a focused dining experience. Atmosphere feels sleek and inviting with dim lighting and a lively vibe despite the compact space. Fresh sushi and hand rolls prepare quickly in front of diners, emphasizing quality and swift service.
Tasty yakitori includes a standout shrimp skewer. The menu pairs fresh fish with solid hand rolls and a large variety of yakitori options.
Freshness stands out with bluefin and yellowtail sashimi that taste clean and flavorful. Sushi and handrolls come quickly, made right in front of you, offering a solid variety and consistently good quality.
Good to know
Reservations are not accepted; expect a wait during peak hours.
The restaurant has only bar seating, which may not suit larger groups.
Lunch specials offer great value, with deals around $24 for five hand rolls.
Japan-inspired interior creates a cozy, lively atmosphere with a stylish, inviting design. Large TV screens show NBA games, adding a sports-friendly vibe. The place draws a crowd seeking authentic Japanese izakaya experience with sushi, skewers, and sake.
Lots of yakitori options come grilled to order. The garlic lamb chop stands out as a flavorful choice. Yakitori pairs well with other authentic Japanese dishes like sashimi and stir fry.
Sushi here is incredibly fresh with top-quality nigiri and sashimi that practically melts in your mouth. The 5 Kind Tuna Lover Sushi Special is plated beautifully, and sitting at the sushi bar offers a great experience.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.
Happy hour runs from 5 to 6:30 pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.
Validated parking is available in the nearby lot with a restaurant receipt.
Izakaya-style restaurant offers an authentic Japanese atmosphere with friendly, calming energy and J-Pop and funk music at a moderate volume. The space feels tucked away and intimate, attracting those seeking Japanese comfort food with standout yakitori and good shochu selections.
Yakitori comes out crispy and delicious here. It stands out as a top choice alongside other dishes like karaage and fish head.
Sushi features super fresh fish with tender texture and perfectly seasoned rice. The Chirashi bowl offers a fresh mix of fish and toppings, while the Sushi Lunch combo includes very good sushi rolls.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.
Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-6 PM on weekdays.
Parking validation is available for customers dining at the restaurant.
Intimate Japanese izakaya with cozy atmosphere and refined design featuring heated patio and creative cocktail presentation. Lighting and lively soundtrack create an electric vibe that blends fun with attention to detail. Signature drinks come in animal-shaped mugs, adding a playful touch to the experience.
Every bite of the Yakitori hits with a sodium bomb flavor. It stands alongside dishes like Charred Sweet Potato and Wagyu Beef for a rich, intense taste experience.
Pressed sushi comes as perfectly formed rectangles with seasoned rice and torch-seared fish topped by bright green wasabi cream. The Seared Albacore pressed sushi stands out as a highlight, alongside fresh yellowtail sashimi and spicy tuna hand rolls.
Good to know
Reservations are required for dinner service, especially for peak hours.
A 4% service charge is added to all bills for operational costs.
Street parking is the only option available, and it can be difficult to find.
Downstairs setting with ukiyo-e curtains at tables creates privacy while the bar offers a cozy appeal. Atmosphere feels lively and warm, suited for dates and casual nights. Decor channels an authentic Tokyo izakaya vibe, blending traditional style with inviting energy.
Skewers come out mouthwatering and packed with flavor. Yakitori pairs well with other perfect drinking snacks like cheesy eel and agedashi tofu.
Sushi here stays fresh and avoids heavy seasoning or sauces. The uni-scallop sushi stands out as a highlight, and the selected sushi menu offers a solid variety to choose from.
Good to know
Parking can be validated in the plaza for only 3 dollars.
The menu offers a wide range of dishes including sushi, sashimi, and grilled meats.
Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and drinks offered.
Small space with beautiful decor and animal chopstick rests creates a cute atmosphere. Energy rises quickly as it gets crowded, with a great sake selection complementing the fresh seafood and standout dishes like Wagyu skewers and Japanese miso Caesar salad.
Grilled skewers shine with options like chicken fatty heart, chicken oyster, and duck meatball. Portions are small, usually 1-2 mini skewers per order, but flavors stay solid across choices.
Nigiri sake pairs well with a Hitachino Nest red rice ale. Sashimi comes with a nice presentation but can be small and inconsistent in size and quality.
Good to know
Parking at Tsubaki can be challenging; consider valet or street parking.
Reservations are essential due to the restaurant's popularity among locals.
Tsubaki adds an 18% service fee that is not a tip.