Closest I'll get to Japan in California. I've tried just about every katsu place in the area that…read moredoes the Japanese style omelette with it and this is as close to Japan as you can get. The curry is aromatic, the katsu is the perfect crunch, and I love their egg preparation. The curry isn't that spicy when you order it spicy but they have extra spices at the table. I'm usually able to stretch the meal into two because of how filling it is. 10/10

Reliably delicious curry. We especially love the Pork Katsu OmmeRice…read more Service is personable. Location a bit cramped, but tables were available.

Delicious but unique you should definitely come here. Fantastic burgers, fantastic fries, fantastic…read morecurry very good quality bathroom the service was very good in the atmosphere was also very good.

We were the only people there at 5:30 on a weekday. Fast…read moreservice and good food. Serving size is enough for one adult.

Food is always amazing! I love all the combos you can do with toppings…read more The only complaint is the cups. The plastic cups leave a bad taste to any drink you order and they smell. This is consistent in my last 5 visits. I wish they brought back glass cups for all drinks.

We are regulars here, but this particular time it was very hot! I know the weather has been warm…read morelately but we were sweating in there. Not sure if the AC is broken or we got sat at a very warm part of the restaurant but we were melting. Food is very consistent! I cycle between chicken and pork cutlet, usually with the omelette. This time I tried the fried chicken! It was boneless and very meat-y, not just flour! I recommend everyone to try that!

Stopped by around 7:30 PM on a Sunday and had a great experience. There was no wait to be seated,…read moreand the restaurant has a small parking lot with enough spaces available during our visit. Soft music played in the background, and the traditional Japanese decor gave the restaurant a warm, relaxing feel. Our server was friendly and respectful, and the food came out quickly and hot. We ordered the Pork Loin Katsu Curry and the Cheese Pork Katsu. The pork loin was cooked really well, with a crispy, golden crust and a tender, juicy interior. The curry was flavorful and comforting without being spicy, making it an easy choice if you prefer a milder Japanese curry. The Cheese Pork Katsu was also excellent. The melted cheese added a creamy richness that complemented the crispy pork well. Both meals also came with miso soup, which had a clean flavor, and a side of shredded lettuce with dressing that helped lighten up the richness of the fried dishes. Overall, everything was prepared well, the service was great, and the restaurant had a welcoming atmosphere. If you're looking for a reliable spot for Japanese curry and katsu, I'd definitely recommend it and would happily come back again.

We visited Kagura around 6 pm on a Friday and were seated and able to order immediately. The staff…read morewas kind throughout our meal. I ordered the Pork Katsu with Curry Meal Set, which came with miso soup, salad, and a few small sides including sweet potato. The curry itself was pretty good, and the katsu was very crispy, which was probably the biggest standout of the meal. The katsu is on the thicker side, and I personally prefer mine thinner. I find thicker cuts a little dense and tiring to eat after a while, although that really comes down to personal preference rather than anything being wrong with how it was prepared. The sides were fine as well, but nothing particularly stood out to me. Overall, everything was solid, but with so many Japanese curry options throughout OC, Kagura didn't stand out enough for me to go out of my way to come back. Nothing was bad by any means, and if you prefer a thicker, very crispy katsu, you may enjoy it more than I did.

Hands down one of our new favorite spots! What I love most is how approachable the menu is--it's…read moresimple without being boring, and the food quality is top-notch. Finding a spot where the food is great and the kids are completely happy is a win in my book. We'll definitely be coming back!

Quick Take: I'd recommend! The curry is really flavorful and amazing, with their combo being nicely…read morevalued for what you get at that price point. Vibe: This Japanese curry spot is relatively new compared to the Chipotle, Blaze Pizza, and Chick-Fil-A neighboring it inside the UTC plaza. The interior is very clean, nice, and simple, but I opted to eat outdoors with my friend since it was a warm summer night and the AC inside was actually blasting. The tables inside that aren't bar seating are directly underneath the AC vents, which make it feel colder than inteded by staff members most likely. Food & Drinks: The chicken was fully-cooked but still juicy, and the outside was golden brown and crispy. The curry was so delicious, and for the price of a combo, the value you get with the entire set (chicken katsu + rice + ginger + green onion + miso soup + curry + soda can) was great. I already said it, but it needs to be said that the curry was really delicious haha! Work-Friendliness: No outlets or wifi was available. However, bar seating looking out into the greeneries of UTC is nice. If you have a book to read or can do offline work for a little bit, then the bar seating is doable. Be warned that at night, however, you might see big rats roaming around UTC (which is not really within Kare Japanese Curry's control, but still worth mentioning if you want to dine outside at night). Getting There: Moderately busy parking lot, with the parking lot immediately next to Kare Japanese Curry being shared with Chik-Fil-A, Target, and Chipotle -- so it might be busy. If you're a UCI student, it's easy to walk over to Kare via an overpass from the flag poles. There's also an Anteater Express shuttle stop closeby for you to take. Service: Really kind staff! I was a bit confused with their combo deal. I misunderstood and thought that their combo deal would be the same price regardless of the protein that you get with the combo (chicken katsu is not your only option). So when I was going through the self-service kiosk they have up front, I took a little bit longer than expected. However, there was a staff member at the counter that was really nice and kind enough to patiently explain to me what the combo deal was. I really appreciated them since I felt a bit slow that night.

Our whole family absolutely loved Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa! The adults loved it, the kids loved it,…read moreand we're already talking about coming back. Their noodles are made in-house, with a wonderfully chewy texture, and their Kansai-style broth is made with Hokkaido kelp and bonito flakes. Here's what we ordered: Sesame Tofu Silky, smooth, and creamy with a rich sesame flavor. A light and delicious way to start the meal. Fried Squid Leg Crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy inside. So addictive and perfect for sharing! Kakuni - Braised Pork Belly Tender, juicy pork belly with a savory-sweet Japanese flavor. It practically melts in your mouth. Cheese Curry Udon One of our favorites! Thick, chewy udon covered in rich Japanese curry and creamy melted cheese. Warm, comforting, and SO satisfying. Shabu Shabu Udon Tender slices of beef with chewy homemade udon in a warm, savory broth. Simple, comforting, and delicious. Tempura Zaru Soba Refreshing cold soba noodles served with crispy tempura. I love the combination of cool, chewy noodles and hot, crunchy tempura. Nabeyaki Udon A steaming bowl of comfort food! The flavorful broth and chewy udon make this such a cozy and satisfying dish. Suki Beef Curry Bowl Savory-sweet sukiyaki-style beef with rich curry over rice. Every bite is packed with flavor! Katsu Bowl Crispy, tender katsu served over rice--simple, hearty, and definitely kid-approved! Honestly, we ordered so many different things and there wasn't much left on the table! This is definitely a great family-friendly spot. Free Parking!

There was a line when we went around 7pm on a Saturday but it's a pretty small place. The karage…read morewas well priced ($10)for the giant juicy pieces! The curry udon ($17) was classic, well made and I loved the texture and chew of the udon it was perfectly cooked. I thought the udon broth itself was a little runny since I personally prefer thicker curry udons but this was still really yummy and I highly recommend supporting local businesses!!

Trying to limit my order to Tempura Zara Soba, but can't do it. Finished one plate and then…read moreordered a second, curry pork with rice only. They were good as usual. I have been coming here for about 30 years. The three Japanese ladies are all retired now. There is a Japanese man running the front. They have the best business in the food court. Ray out.

Its located inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace. Its one of the stalls specializing curry dishes. Price…read moreis reasonable, many options to choose from. After checking out the ramen still, emded up getting the chicken curry. My chicken was kinda thin so it was very crispy at the thin side, very dry shall I say. Curry had great flavor, plenty of rice. Rice was very good, sticky, glutinous and bit of sweetness as you chew in them. I should have ordered the salad for extra $. Next time. You order at the counter, take a seat and once ready, they will call ypu a number. When you are done, leave everything on the table. I could have left few $ for cleaning people

Good as always. Expensive but some great beef tongue. Love the thick cut…read more Ask for red pepper flakes if you want to spice up your food.

Located inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace, Gyutan Tsukasa offers charcoal-grilled beef tongue at an…read moreaffordable price. Staff were friendly, and I got my food 10 minutes after ordering. There is plenty of seating in the food court for a quick sit down meal. I opted for the 12-piece Gyutan set, which cost around $35. They offer a generous portion of rice, served with their gyutan soup. Their pickled veggies were a nice palette cleanser. Onto the beef tongue, it was delicious. I wish the pieces were thicker slices. Whether they give portions by weight or just pieces, it was disappointing when some pieces were drastically smaller than others. Flavors were pleasant with the beef tongue taste, but lacking a touch of salt. Overall, Gyutan was good! Would definitely come back to enjoy quality beef tongue. The meat was tender, and the meal was filling.

Hear ye, hear ye! Let it be known throughout the realm that I have discovered a tavern of such…read moreexcellence that bards ought compose songs in its honor and kings should send their finest knights to partake in its bounty. From the moment mine companions and I crossed the threshold, we were greeted with warmth and cheer, as though we were cherished guests returning home from a long and weary journey. Upon our departure, the farewells were equally heartfelt, leaving us with the feeling that we had dined not amongst strangers, but amongst dear friends. The atmosphere within was calm and comforting, familiar in a way that soothed the soul. In a world filled with noisy feasting halls and chaotic marketplaces, this establishment stood as a peaceful sanctuary where one might rest and enjoy a most noble meal. The serving folk were nothing short of extraordinary. Attentive without hovering, quick of wit, and brimming with personality, they carried themselves with the sort of genuine hospitality that cannot be taught by any guild or academy. Every interaction felt sincere and full of heart. Now, let us speak of the pan-fried gyoza, for I fear words alone may fail to capture its greatness. These glorious parcels arrived golden and crisp upon the outside, yet tender and delicate within. Each bite tasted as though it had been crafted by hand moments before reaching the table. Were I granted a chest of gold, I would gladly spend it all upon another plate. And lo! The White Peach Seltzer. Good people, I have sampled beverages from many corners of the kingdom, from noble feasts to humble roadside inns, and never in my years have I encountered a seltzer so divine. It was refreshing beyond measure, kissed with the perfect essence of white peach. Had a celestial spring existed in the heavens themselves, I imagine it would taste much the same. Perhaps most admirable of all was the story behind this fine establishment. The keepers spoke of their history and journey with such authenticity and pride that one could not help but feel invested in their success. Nothing felt rehearsed or hollow; their passion was as real as the food upon the table. I departed with a full belly, a joyful heart, and a solemn vow to return many times henceforth. This shall become one of my regular gathering places, and I shall recommend it to all wandering souls seeking comfort, hospitality, and a feast worthy of legend. Five stars. Five crowns. Five royal decrees of approval. "Should destiny guide thee to this ramen house, enter without hesitation. Thy taste buds shall sing songs of victory long after the meal is done."

I love the Kitakata chain, but for some reason the food at this location tasted pretty plain to me…read more I got the wonton ramen; the broth and wontons didn't have any flavor :( The service was great, though! Our server was very attentive and friendly.

My wife and I were looking around for a good bowl of Japanese ramen noodles, and this place popped…read moreup as a place we hadn't tried before, so off we went for lunch. We had actually expected just the usual soup ramen place, but later discovered that, although a view varieties of ramen noodles are offered on their menu, their specialty was in fact the dried version of a bowl of soup ramen noodles, or what our server referred to as a bowl of "reverse" ramen noodles, better known as Mazemen noodles.... sounded really yummy so far as I have always preferred dry noodles to soup ones. So, my wife went ahead and ordered a bowl of spicy California Tonkotsu ramen noodles, and I went with the Saitama Chicken Mazemen noodles..... and some handmade spicy wonton and fried Karaage Chicken on the side. Our food came out pretty fast, super hot, super fresh, and super delicious! I tried some of my wife's soup ramen, and yes, had great flavor... not too salty, and perfectly medium firm ramen noodles. As for my Mazemen noodles....woweee!.... this was my first time trying Mazemen noodles, with a large board on the wall with instructions on how Wadaya's Mazemen noodles should be eaten. When the instructions were followed, I dug straight in and...mmmmm good! The combination of ingredients in the bowl.... peppered ground chicken, scallions, chives, poached egg, minced garlic, fish umami, and seaweed flakes.... when all tossed together just made for an amazingly delicious bowl of noodles! I really loved and enjoyed it so very much! The Chicken karaage and spicy wontons were very delicious too and went great with our noodles. Other than that, very cute and cozy ambiance... like a little Japanese ramen place, service was excellent.. our server was so nice, so friendly, so attentive, and so helpful.... this made for just the perfect lunch! This place may not be as high profiled as other more popular and well known brands of ramen places, but it's definitely one of the best we've ever tried, and we'll definitely be back soon.

We were looking for a ramen option before headed to the airport, and we followed Yelp community's…read morerecommendation (trusting HI fellows once more!). To my surprise, it was a good experience that we had. The shop was small, but the staff has a workflow nailed down. The parking was not too terrible on a weekday evening -- I was worried about the warnings, so we parked on the street. When walking to the hotel, I saw that there were many open spaces in the parking lot! We had the chicken cartillage and the calamari for appetizers. The cartillage was good, but portion was quite small. Some additional seasoning/salt would have also made it much better! The calamari was definitely VERY different from other places, but I liked the batter texture. What I loved about the ramen here is that they let you customize from the noodle size, texture, spice level, and the salt level! I always prefer the thicker noodle type, so I found it comforting to be able to request it at no extra charge. Beware there is extra charge for Spice level 4 & 5! I had the Garlic Tonkotsu ramen, which was flavorful and not too salty/creamy. My fiance had the Tan Tan ramen at level 5 spice, which he thought it was not spicy (it was for me!) and not as flavorful as what I ordered. Overall, I would definitely revisit this shop next time I'm in Oahu!