Costa Mesa's 5 best spots for high-end Japanese fare

Costa Mesa's 5 best spots for high-end Japanese farePhoto: Hanare Sushi/Yelp  
Hoodline
Published on July 24, 2018

Looking for a decadent Japanese meal near you?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best high-end Japanese restaurants around Costa Mesa, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings.

1. Shunka

Photo: Phillip H./Yelp

Topping the list is Shunka. Located at 369 E. 17th St., Suite 17, the spot is the highest-rated upscale Japanese restaurant in Costa Mesa, boasting 4.5 stars out of 573 reviews on Yelp.

Shunka features seafood straight from Japan, with sushi and sashimi offerings like uni, sea bream, fresh octopus and inada (Japanese amberjack or yellowtail).  

Yelper Michelle L., who reviewed the spot June 19, wrote, "The food, the chefs, the service, the atmosphere — top notch! Shunka has become my favorite sushi spot in the OC, I'm so sad that I didn't find it sooner!"

2. Ikko Japanese Cuisine

Photo: Christopher Y./Yelp

Next up is Ikko Japanese Cuisine, situated at 735 Baker St., Suite C. With four stars out of 878 reviews on Yelp, the sushi bar and Japanese spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking to indulge. 

On the menu, expect to see starters like sea urchin and scallop with truffle, fried purple yam with curry salt, and seared homemade fois gras with pate and miso cabernet sauce. 

"I really enjoyed the fatty tuna and foie gras," said Yelper Joe T. "This reminded me of my previous visits to Japan. I would definitely stop in here again when I am in the area."

    3. Hamamori Restaurant & Sushi Bar

    Photo: Julie K./Yelp

    Hamamori Restaurant & Sushi Bar, located at 3333 Bear St., Suite 320, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the high-end spot four stars out of 431 reviews. 

    According to its website, the Japanese eatery is helmed by chef James Hamamori and features "sushi gems:" signature bites of sushi and sashimi, artistically presented with minimal ingredients.

    "The way the chef mixes the different types of fish with cheese, fruits and sauces is out of this world," shared Yelper Charles N. "I've never had sashimi this way before. Ever! I love the lobster with uni ... the way it blends perfectly in presentation, but even more in my mouth. And the uni, seaweed with cucumber salad was so delicious."

    4. Hanare Sushi

    Photo: Hanare Sushi/Yelp

    Hanare Sushi is another much-loved, pricey go-to featuring premium sake and chef's omakase with upgraded and seasonal dishes.

    Fresh seafood offerings range from wild yellowtail and live jumbo sweet shrimp to Japanese scallops and golden eye snapper. 

    Yelper J H., who reviewed the restaurant May 19, wrote, "Had the weekend omakase. ... The food was excellent; especially the abalone soup, ootoro and kohada sushi, and the crispy fried crab. The Matsusaka steak was yummy. The presentation was beautiful for all the dishes." 

    With 4.5 stars out of 102 Yelp reviews, head over to 2930 Bristol St. to see for yourself. 

    5. Sushi Shibucho

    Photo: Betty L./Yelp

    Check out Sushi Shibucho, which has earned four stars out of 253 reviews on Yelp. Treat yourself by heading over to 590 W. 19th St. to indulge in omakase-style fresh sushi and sashimi. 

    Yelpers praise the spot's authenticity and fresh seafood offerings. "My boyfriend and I did omakase and the fish was just incredible," wrote Yelper Tianna M. "We had everything — halibut, mackerel and even squid imported from Japan. Very simple presentation, but full of flavor."