My wife and I randomly decided to try a new sushi place and have been on a fairly poor run recently. This time, while staying at Marriott's Newport Coast Villas, we decided to try Botan Sushi, which is on their discount list. The very first thing we noticed...it's in the middle of the UC Irvine area and that caused some concerns. However, it is only about 10 minutes from the Marriott. Then, you enter the restaurant. It is absolutely beautiful inside. So clean and pretty, but there was nobody there. So, is this when the shoe drops and we get sushi that is just ok??? First up...the menu and a starter dish. The menu has great pictures and description as you can see in the photos. A little starter dish of pickled cucumbers was brought out...these were crazy good and my wife now wants me to replicate them so we can eat them whenever!!! The sushi: we ordered a newly listed Sunshine Roll and Crispy Rice, and picked the Dragon roll to start. When they were delivered it blew our minds. The rolls were huge and filled with a lot of fish, not just all rice. And the taste??? Just absolutely loved every bite. Because they were huge, sometimes they would fall apart and you end up just eating 1 or 2 of the roll ingredients. This is where they really shined. Even the 1 or 2 ingredients separated were delicious! The Sunshine roll has such a fantastic fresh flavor. The Dragon roll was sweet and spicy at the same time which was perfectly paired with the sweetness of the Sunshine roll. The Cripy Rice was seasoned and fried absolutely perfectly. They two were huge. We meant only to have those 2 rolled and the crispy rice as a starter but it was completely filling! We love our sushi and without a doubt, Botan Sushi is going to become a cravings run from our home up in Hawthorne down to Irvine and whenever we are in the OC. Go try it! The staff is very attentive and nice and I can't wait to explore their Ramen that a family who came later had, and the Yakisoba if it is still there as a special. Both looked incredible. read more

Our dining experience at Botan Sushi in Irvine was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere that made it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal. The appetizers were absolutely outstanding--beautifully presented and full of flavor. The sushi itself was incredibly fresh, expertly crafted, and truly a testament to the chefs' skill and attention to detail. Every dish we tried exceeded our expectations. What made our visit even more memorable was the impeccable service. Our server, Anna, was simply wonderful. She was attentive without being intrusive, consistently refilling our waters, and ensuring every detail of our experience was perfect. Her kindness, professionalism, and genuine warmth--paired with her lovely smile--made us feel truly valued as guests. My husband and I both agree that this was one of the best dining experiences we've had. Between the incredible food, the talented chefs, and the outstanding service, Botan Sushi has earned a permanent spot on our list of favorite restaurants. We will absolutely be returning to Botan Sushi in Irvine and highly recommend it to all of our friends and family. read more

I just noticed this place on a whim with my friend after playing heads or tails to decide what to eat for dinner and I'm so glad I called correctly. This place has been around for about a year now but it's very new and quite nice. The menu was very nicely organized and all the options were so good, my friend and I spent a good amount of time trying to decide what we were going to get! We ended up going with some fried chicken and baked sushi roll dishes, which were great (could have just as easily gone for any of their platters or bento boxes as they are priced very fairly). The staff were very accommodating and friendly as well -- they even gave us some drinks and dessert on the house! Do yourself a favor and come visit this restaurant, you won't be disappointed. read more

Came here during lunch time. The store was not busy. We wanted to order all you can eat. Upon arriving the waiter served someone else who came after us. Then when we ordered it took almost 1 hr just to get our first round of food and it was not coming consistently. Since we only had an hour lunch we had to leave given the time and all you can eat is limited timed to 120 minutes. Service was extremely slow to get our food. Sadly we will not be coming back. 1 hr to get the first round that took up most of our lunch time/all you can eat time. I have never had that kind of service at ayce. DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU WANT FAST SERVICE AND LUNCH! And their reviews are lies! They ask you to write a review so you can get a free ice cream. read more

This is my boyfriend and I's go-to AYCE sushi spot!! They have the freshest fish with the cutest decor. Their eel nigiri is my favorite. More top contenders that I would recommend are the salmon nigiri, yellowtail jalapeno, and spicy salmon hand roll! If you're looking for a delicious specialty roll, I'd recommend the dancing dragon! The ambiance is always so warm and welcoming and their staff is quick and polite. The ayce time limit is 2 hours BUT!! you'll never get close to the time limit because the food comes out extremely quickly. If you're in the Irvine area, this is the #1 sushi spot!! PS I didn't take a pic of the eel nigiri because we were too excited to eat it!! read more

The AYCE is a great deal compared to a lot of other pricey restaurants in Irvine. Their AYCE menu covers almost everything on their regular menu, with the only limit for sashimi (4 per person) which I lowk think is pretty fair. One serving of sashimi was 3 thick pieces and I went with a pretty large group and we were all stuffed by the end. We had the option to do 4 rounds but we couldn't even get past 2. Don't make the mistake of ordering too much (I've learned my lesson lmfao). The rolls all came out fast and delicious. The servers were very kind and checked up on us to bring extra ice water, sake glasses, ginger/wasabi. Will be coming back for sure. read more

Had a meal near UCI and randomly found a Japanese restaurant. The prices were very reasonable, and the food was great! Tried three types of sushi, and they were all delicious! Highly recommend the Volcano Baked Roll! Generously topped, with a warm, crispy layer on top--amazing texture and flavor! Also loved the cucumber roll without rice--it was super refreshing and light, perfect for a clean palate. They also offer bento boxes, which are perfect for solo diners. Options include fried chicken, pork cutlet, salmon, or beef, paired with rice, California roll, and vegetables. A balanced and satisfying choice for a solo meal. read more

This Japanese restaurant exceeded my expectations. The fish was incredibly fresh, and every piece of sushi was carefully prepared with great attention to detail. The presentation was beautiful, and the flavors were well balanced. The restaurant was clean, comfortable, and had a welcoming atmosphere. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was perfect throughout the meal. Service was prompt without feeling rushed. Overall, it was an excellent dining experience, and I would highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys authentic Japanese cuisine. I will definitely return again in the future. read more

Botan Sushi delivers a consistently enjoyable dining experience with fresh ingredients and thoughtful presentation. The fish tastes clean and high quality, and the rolls strike a nice balance between creativity and tradition. Service is friendly, attentive, and efficient without feeling rushed. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great spot for both casual meals and small gatherings. Prices are reasonable for the quality you receive. Overall, Botan Sushi is a reliable choice when you're craving well-made sushi and a comfortable, welcoming environment. Highly recommended overall. read more

Botan Sushi provided a clean and comfortable dining environment with attentive and efficient service. The menu was clear and easy to navigate. The fried rice was well prepared, evenly cooked, and properly seasoned, with a balanced flavor and texture. Portions were appropriate and presentation was neat. The food arrived in a timely manner and was served hot. Pricing was reasonable for the quality and portion size. Overall, Botan Sushi delivered a consistent and satisfying dining experience with reliable food quality and a straightforward, pleasant atmosphere. read more

I had a great experience at this sushi restaurant. The fish was fresh, tender, and full of flavor, with each piece prepared beautifully. The nigiri and sashimi stood out for their balance and quality, while the specialty rolls offered creative combinations without being overwhelming. The staff were welcoming and attentive, always ready to recommend dishes and explain details. The atmosphere was clean and comfortable, making it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions. Definitely a place worth revisiting for authentic, high-quality sushi. . read more

Had a great experience here today. The poke was fresh, flavorful, and well balanced, with generous portions and high quality ingredients. Everything tasted clean and satisfying without being too heavy. The service was friendly, attentive, and efficient, making the visit very comfortable. The atmosphere was relaxed, bright, and welcoming, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. Overall, this is a solid spot for good poke, pleasant vibes, and reliable service. I would definitely come back again. Highly recommended for anyone nearby looking for quality food. read more

Absolutely amazing sushi spot! Everything from the moment we walked in to the last bite was perfect. The fish was incredibly fresh, the rolls were beautifully presented, and the flavors were spot on. You can really tell they take pride in the quality of their ingredients and the care they put into each dish. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome right away. Service was quick without feeling rushed, and the atmosphere was clean, cozy, and relaxing -- a great place for both casual meals and special occasions. read more

The Experience: Walking into Botan Sushi felt like stepping into a serene oasis. The ambiance perfectly blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern twist, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere. The Food: The sushi was extraordinary. Each piece was meticulously crafted, showcasing the chef's dedication to quality and authenticity. ‍ The Service: The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food, offering excellent recommendations and ensuring a top-notch dining experience. read more

Botan Sushi is a masterclass in understated elegance. From the moment you walk in, the minimalist decor sets a serene stage for the main event: the fish. Each piece of nigiri is a testament to freshness, with rice seasoned to perfection at just the right temperature. The Otoro literally melts on the tongue, while the signature rolls offer creative, balanced flavor profiles without being over-the-top. The service is attentive yet unobtrusive, making it the perfect spot for an intimate, high-quality dining experience. read more

Fantastic service with friendly and attentive staff. The restaurant has a fun modern style with stunning light fixtures and playful lighting decor. The serve wear is beautiful and interesting shapes - great quality. The sushi rolls and seaweed salad I had were delicious and the chefs made them so quickly! I didn't have to wait long at all. Can't wait to come back and try more! If you are celiac, they do NOT have gluten free soy sauce, but have several options that can be made gluten free. (Simply without sauce!) read more

Really enjoyed this place. The sushi was simple, well made, and nicely balanced without feeling overdone. We tried a mix of rolls and everything tasted clean and satisfying. The portions were just right, and the presentation was thoughtful but not flashy. The atmosphere felt relaxed and comfortable, making it easy to enjoy the meal without rushing. Staff were friendly and attentive in a natural way. Overall, it's a solid spot for good sushi when you want something dependable and easygoing. Would happily return. read more

Really loved it here!! From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcomed. The staff was friendly without being overbearing and checked in at just the right times. The interior was super cute and cozy, with thoughtful decor that created a relaxed and inviting atmosphere perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Everything felt clean and well organized, adding to the overall comfort. It's definitely a spot I'd happily return to and recommend to friends. read more

This place is seriously a dream. The design is super unique -- think lots of flowers, soft colors, and that cute, Instagram-worthy , makes you want to snap a pic before you even sit down. It's beautiful without being over-the-top, and it really adds to the whole dining experience. Beyond the looks, the food is fresh and delicious. The sushi melts in your mouth, and everything we ordered came out beautifully presented. You can tell they care about quality, and the prices are surprisingly affordable in Irvine read more