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Japanese seafood spots in Santa Ana

A craving for fresh seafood finds its match in a Japanese meal.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Koco Sushi image 1
Koco Sushi image 2
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Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi spot with a cute manga mural and amazing air conditioning. Atmosphere feels quiet and intimate, with a mom-and-pop vibe despite occasional loud phone ringing. Space is tight, about the size of a walk-in closet, offering an authentic, understated experience.

Fresh seafood and excellent sushi quality stand out here. The menu offers a great selection of authentic Japanese dishes including sushi platters, bento boxes, and chirashi, all at reasonable prices.

Seafood features super fresh, tender slices of fish with pronounced flavors. The menu offers a variety of great cuts that taste soft and sweet.

People are saying

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

"The sushi here is fresh and absolutely phenomenal."

"The seafood here is so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and requires paid meters nearby.

2

Expect to find metered street parking in the downtown area.

3

The restaurant is usually not crowded, so seating is often available.

02
Omakase by Gino image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern sushi restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere with top-tier sushi featuring unique touches like house-made soy sauce from aged Spanish mackerel. The experience demands advance reservations due to high demand and delivers carefully prepared dishes with fresh, melt-in-the-mouth fish.

Twelve plates of sushi showcase fresh sashimi that melts in your mouth, paired with standout dishes like chawanmushi and uni pasta. The omakase includes appetizers, sushi, sashimi, and desserts, complemented by a good selection of sake, beer, and wine.

Unique fish like white salmon feature prominently, with the chef explaining the fish of the day. The nigiri highlights mouthwatering flavors that melt in your mouth.

People are saying

"The food here is beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious."

"I had one of the best omakase experiences ever."

"The seafood here is mouthwatering and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must because they’re usually booked up at least 2 months in advance.

2

Omakase dining costs $275 per person.

3

The table size may be small for larger groups, accommodating only 8-10 guests.

03
Sushi Murasaki image 1
Sushi restaurant

Traditional omakase spot offers authentic Japanese sushi with world-class sashimi and freshest fish. Ambiance shifts from silent and awkward to loud during peak hours, creating a unique dining rhythm. Located in an unpretentious setting, it attracts those seeking quality over trendiness.

Freshest sushi features melt-in-your-mouth nori and perfectly cooked rice. Chefs deliver authentic omakase with real wasabi and world-class sashimi in a classic, comfy setting.

Fish shows excellent quality and freshness. Garnishes and seasonings stay fresh and flavorful without overpowering the seafood. The texture feels melt-in-your-mouth and delicate.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and expertly prepared."

"The food here just melts in your mouth."

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

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $450 for two people for a 9-piece omakase.

2

Lunch options include a chirashi for $38 or a 12-piece nigiri platter for $40.

3

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible.

04
Gokumi Ramen & Yakitori image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen and bar seating facing the skewer grill creates an authentic Japanese izakaya vibe. Atmosphere is cozy and lively, often featuring DJs and groups enjoying themselves. Sake selection is notable, complementing the well-crafted yakitori and ramen offerings.

Yakitori stands out with authentic skewers like beef tongue and chicken heart, prepared by an amazing chef. Tonkotsu ramen and fresh sashimi pair well with sake, all offered at great prices.

Oysters stand out with options like fried oysters and those from the yakitori menu. Shrimp comes cooked just right, not overdone, and ramen includes a shrimp ramen variety alongside others.

People are saying

"The yakitori here is some of the best I've had outside of Japan."

"The yakitori here is some of the best I've had outside of Japan."

"The shrimp ramen broth was excellent, rated 10 out of 10."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

3

Expect to spend over $100 for two people on average.

05
Ponzu Japanese Sushi Bar image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small sushi bar with modern chic décor and an energetic vibe that suits lively crowds. Atmosphere ranges from cozy yet vibrant to loud and bustling, not ideal for quiet dates. Popular for high-quality sushi and creative dishes, attracting both casual diners and special occasion groups.

Sushi here is fresh and each bite feels like a culinary masterpiece. The wagyu sushi comes lightly seared in a smoke chamber, offering a unique flavor experience.

Fresh fish stands out with a wide selection including fatty fish options like salmon belly and toro. The Sashimi lunch special offers superb presentation and flavor, and special rolls come with generous fish portions.

People are saying

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

"I thought the sushi here was amazing and impressive."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's my favorite spot."

Good to know

1

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

2

Expect a 20% automatic gratuity for parties of six or more.

3

Prices can be higher than nearby sushi spots, so budget accordingly.

06
ONDO - Korean Tofu & Pot Rice image 1

Bright, modern space with open concept and minimal decor creates a calming atmosphere reminiscent of Kyoto. The vibe is clean and intimate, offering a fresh take on Korean dining. Music plays softly, enhancing the relaxed, homey feel.

Ramen here tastes just like authentic Japanese versions with fragrant tonkotsu broth and Premium Black Ramen standing out. Fresh sushi rolls and tasty gyoza complement the menu, with weekday combos offering good value for casual ramen days.

Seafood pancake features a generous amount of seafood and stands out for its flavor. Shrimp come ready to eat, and dishes like cheese tteokbokki and seafood pancake suit large groups well.

People are saying

"I loved the soft tofu soup, it was so comforting."

"The seafood pancake is generously sized and packed with seafood."

"The ramen here is flavorful with perfectly springy noodles."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers ramen dishes at reasonable prices.

2

Tonkotsu ramen is $11.99 for dine-in during the promotion.

3

Galbitang special BOGO 50% from Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

07
FAKA'S Island Grill image 1

Decor reflects Hawaiian island style with vivid colors and LED lighting creating a lively atmosphere. Located inside a food hall, it features a single cook working efficiently while others are quiet. Generous portions and reasonable prices complement the energetic vibe.

Chicken katsu stands out with its perfect crunch and a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The dipping sauces, especially the Sweet & Spicy Sauce, add a flavorful kick to the dishes.

Shrimp dishes stand out with sweet and spicy garlic sauce and a buttery texture. Options like the Maui Wowie Shrimp and garlic chili shrimp come fried without shells and pair well with chicken katsu.

People are saying

"The sweet chili garlic shrimp here is the best seafood I've ever tasted."

"I thought the chicken katsu was the best I'd ever tasted."

"The chicken katsu here is awesome, especially with the sweet chili sauce."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging in the area, so plan accordingly.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

3

The restaurant is located inside a food hall with multiple dining options.

08
king eel sushi bento image 1

Small restaurant offers cozy and peaceful atmosphere with bar and diner seating. Sushi is fresh and high quality, featuring a great variety of rolls. Clean environment supports a wallet-friendly dining experience.

Fresh sushi stands out with king eel and eel rice as highlights. The Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen offers a rich, large portion at a good price for a quick meal.

Fish comes out delicious and very tasty. Crunch shrimp roll stands out as amazing. Rice and fish sometimes lack flavor, with rice often mushy.

People are saying

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

"I found the sushi here to be delicious and affordable."

"The seafood here is delicious and very tasty."

Good to know

1

Meals cost around $15 per person, making it wallet-friendly.

2

Convenient for lunch if you work or live nearby.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment.

09
Raku Sushi & Teriyaki image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy space fills with bright sunlight and loud music, creating an easygoing vibe. Fresh, affordable sushi and ramen draw regulars seeking generous portions and varied menu options. The atmosphere feels intimate and casual, with a distinct hole-in-the-wall charm.

Sushi here is fresh and features unique, creative combinations like the tempura spicy tuna roll. The ramen options include a notable vegan ramen and a rich black ramen, both well-prepared and flavorful.

Fresh fish stands out in the seafood offerings. Rolls come very large with ample fish and non-rice fillings. Some sushi uses minced fish, showing a more Americanized style.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and quick."

"The seafood rolls here are outstanding and packed with fillings."

Good to know

1

Ordering online at Raku Sushi & Teriyaki is quick and easy.

2

Generous portions are served at Raku Sushi & Teriyaki.

3

Prices at Raku Sushi & Teriyaki are affordable and fair.

10
Ami Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with good vibes and moderate noise levels. Fresh fish and large salmon portions define the menu, featuring standout rolls like the baby lobster and Baja yellowtail. Prices remain reasonable, and the place often has available seating without wait.

Fresh fish and delicious sushi come out fast with friendly service. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid spot for Japanese food.

Fresh fish features prominently with rolls like spicy tuna and shrimp tempura. Portions offer good value, though rice sometimes overpowers the fish flavor.

People are saying

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

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

"The seafood here is so delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

They have a buy one get one 50% off promotion during happy hour.

2

There was free parking available.

3

We walked into Ami Sushi with no wait and a table was available.

11
Taibat Noodle House 泰巴特清真面馆 image 1

Noodle shop offers a clean, cozy interior with Islamic calligraphy adding unique decor. Atmosphere stays family friendly and chill, attracting people who come specifically for the experience. QR code ordering adds a modern convenience uncommon in similar spots.

Authentic ramen and braised beef noodle soup stand out here. Shrimp tempura and calamari come with seasoned breading, though the tempura lacks spice even when requested extra.

Shrimp dishes like Shrimp Tempura and Calamari feature perfectly cooked seafood with seasoned breading. The Shrimp Fried Rice uses light, flavorful rice that pairs well with the juicy, well-seasoned shrimp in the chow mein.

People are saying

"I found the Halal food here to be super flavorful and delicious."

"The Japanese food's broth was amazing, rich and flavorful."

"The seafood here is fresh, delicious, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

All meals are halal and prepared with care for halal practices.

2

The kitchen is clean and well-maintained.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

12
Kaisen Kaiten image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Conveyor belt sushi setup offers fast-paced dining with mostly bar seating packed closely together. Atmosphere feels busy and casual, suited for small groups or solo diners. The space is cozy and simple, emphasizing a relaxed vibe over modern design.

Freshness stands out with large pieces of raw fish and no fake fishy taste. The rotating sushi bar offers quick service and consistently tasty hand rolls, especially the shrimp tempura and salmon.

Freshness stands out with large pieces of raw fish and top quality selections like oysters, hamachi, and mackerel. Sushi balances fish and rice well, and shrimp tempura hand rolls add variety.

People are saying

"The revolving sushi bar for Japanese food is really fun."

"The fish here is really fresh and surprisingly affordable."

"I found the seafood here to be pretty good and affordable."

Good to know

1

Prices are very reasonable, especially with daily specials.

2

Happy hour offers discounts on select items.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during peak hours.

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