Looking to try the top izakayas around?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best izakayas in Costa Mesa, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture when cravings strike.
1. Meiji Seimen
Topping the list is Meiji Seimen. Located at 1113 Baker St., Suite E, the joint is the highest-rated izakaya in Costa Mesa, boasting 4.5 stars out of 490 reviews on Yelp.
The traditional Japanese noodle house features a full array of udon, soba noodles and broths made fresh daily using ingredients directly from Japan.
Japanese beer and sake are on offer as well, along with izakaya favorites like grilled beef tongue, chicken tempura and fried tofu.
2. Takaya Yakitori Izakaya
Next up is Takaya Yakitori Izakaya, situated at 891 Baker St. Look for generous sake and beer selections, as well as the spot's specialty yakitori skewers, with options like garlic chicken, pork belly and quail egg. (See the menu here.)
With four stars out of 219 reviews on Yelp, the izakaya has proven to be a local favorite.
"Great izakaya!" shared Yelper Greg S. "Yakitori offerings were awesome —freshly grilling up every part of the majestic chicken. Super fresh uni and daily special sashimi were delish!"
3. Izakaya Hachi
Izakaya Hachi, located at 3033 Bristol St., Suite D, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the izakaya, sushi and beer bar four stars out of 180 reviews.
The spot — with an additional outpost in Torrance — specializes in seasonal bincho (grilled and skewered) dishes, hot pot soups and Japanese small plates like beef sashimi, marinated octopus, grilled edamame and steamed chicken dumplings.
A variety of alcoholic beverages are on offer as well, including Japanese beer, specialty sake, white wine and lemon soju (vodka). (You can check out the full menu here.)
