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    Izakaya Osen

    4.3 (2.1k reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    Izakaya Osen Reservations

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    IZAKAYA OSEN ATMOSPHERE

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    Moderate noise
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    $80 premium chirashi
    Janice T.

    Izakaya Osen in Irvine is my go-to spot to kick off my Disneyland vacations. The reservation system on Yelp makes it easy to book a table and the parking validation makes parking a non-issue. The ambience is pretty cozy. We've sat at the sushi bar and it was cool watching the sushi chefs assemble rolls and nigiri. The tables offer more space for food and the patio has heat lamps so seating outside isn't an issue. There's small private rooms for larger parties that looked great. I'm not a big omakase/nigiri fan so I stick to the rolls and appetizers but my friend frequently orders the raw fish. My go-tos are either the Fresh Roll (if I want something lighter) or the Rainbow Roll. For appetizers, the tuna pringles are good but a bit pricey. The only dish I've tried and wasn't a big fan of is the Japanese Rib-Eye Steak Tobanyaki (sauce was too sweet and the steak was a little overcooked). Service is always pleasant. This last visit, our waitress (unfortunately I forgot her name!) was particularly awesome. When my friend asked her about the 6 piece omakase, she admitted that she normally doesn't recommend that people order it because of the portion size. We appreciated her honesty and her recommendations. We decided to try the pork belly kushiyaki per her suggestion (it was delicious) and my friend went with the 8 piece omakase (it ended up being the perfect amount). The food came out at a nice pace though there was a bit of a wait for the omakase (we were told ahead of time that it would be around a 20 minute wait). Everything tasted great and the waitress even threw in a free matcha cake dessert since "she was feeling nice." I would recommend this place to anyone who wants a nice dinner and fresh, high quality sushi. This was my third visit and I'll continue to support this establishment. I'll have to be more strategic to make sure I'm hungry enough to order their hot pot rice bowls next!

    Juan F.

    Stopped here for lunch from our drive back from SD. We had been to their Silverlake location and this one feels a tad fancier. Service was good and the restaurant was clean. Food came our fairly quickly and everything tasted fresh. They validate parking as well so thats a plus.

    Omakase bowl
    Candyce P.

    OMG Hands down the best sushi I've had in OC! I've had this place bookmarked for years and finally got the opportunity to go -- it did not disappoint. We came on a Sunday for lunch and there was no wait. The restaurant itself had ambient and dim lighting. The fish here is so fresh and the flavors of each dish melded perfectly together. The seasoning on the rice was so good too, it had the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and saltiness. And the temperature of the rice paired well with the raw fish. Every dish we had was 10/10 and I would 100% come back!! It is totally worth the price. This might be my favorite restaurant in OC now! What we ordered: - Osen roll - Miso crab salmon - Omakase bowl - Premium chirashi

    Cool bartender
    Felix Y.

    This was my first time trying this sushi spot, and I was a little unsure at first, but I'm glad I gave it a try. I came in for dinner and was told the wait would be about 20 minutes, so I sat at the bar and ordered a quick appetizer and a beer. The bartender, Steeve, was great. He explained how everything works and recommended some popular items on the menu. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere is quiet with a nice, dim setting. I will definitely be back

    Beef tongue
    Megan O.

    Came here cause I was craving skewers and wanted to try a new place. The cuts of meat were pretty big, but I thought the overall yakitori skewers were bland and a bit dry. The soft shell crab was crispy and cooked well. It didn't come with the typical ponzu sauce, which I think is better. The rock shrimp had extra crunchy bits to mimicking rock texture I think, I would thought it would taste better with more sauce. Flavor was great just not enough. Service was okay, but they're busy. And it's a pretty casual spot to hang out with friends. Kind of small restaurant so better to booked ahead online just in case. Parking lot is small, so might take sometime to find street parking on a weekend.

    Beef tantan nabe
    Morgan K.

    Food is always amazing here! The menu is huge but they have so many yummy things to offer. You might think that sushi and skewers are the must try's, but the beef tantan nabe is hands down our favorite dish here. The location is very nice with indoor and outdoor seating. They have some areas inside that are more secluded for slightly larger parties. Service is always great and they validate your parking for the parking garage right behind the restaurant. Great spot for an upscale Japanese meal with a fun and different menu!

    Sushi and sashimi lunch combo Bluefin tuna don
    Steph W.

    So fresh and delicious! Didn't know they had a lunch menu, everything tasted great! Food is served with miso soup, good amount of tofu. Waiter was attentive. Spacious with bar seating also. It is validated parking garage so don't forget to get your ticket scanned on the way out. I'd be back to try the other stuff!

    Michael Y.

    Was able to return to another one of my favorite sushi spots for OC restaurant week. They had a special 8 course menu for $150 that looked too good not to try. It did not disappoint. The premium sashimi and nigiri course were outstanding. They have the fresh grated wasabi if you need it but honestly, the fish stood out by itself. Loved the ankimo/uni/scallop with truffle too. They were busy on this Friday night but it gave the ambiance a good energy. They also gave us a fried calamari to apologize for one of our courses running behind. Wasn't necessary but it was delicious. Servers were efficient

    Premium Sushi Hachi Mori and Premium Chirashi
    Caitlin V.

    My friend and I went here on a weekday and it wasn't too busy. We each had our own order of their Premium Sushi Hachi Mori for $60 and shared their Premium Chirashi for $80. The waiter looked at us and said that it was going to be too much food. Little did he know that we're foodies who love to eat. We finished everything! So fresh and flavorful. And the presentation was beautiful, like a work of art. True artistry. I almost didn't want to eat it. I'd definitely come back and get everything I ordered again. Park in the structure and get it validated before you leave.

    Fern H.

    I had a fantastic experience at Izakaya Osen and would absolutely give it 5 stars. We went for their Restaurant Week / omakase-style offering, and overall it delivered serious value. In Orange County, spots operating at this level of quality and presentation are usually priced noticeably higher, so the cost here felt very fair for what you're getting. It's one of those places where you leave feeling like you didn't get ripped offwhich is rare in the high-end sushi scene around here. The meal itself was excellent across the board. Everything was fresh, well-executed, and thoughtfully plated. The standout for me was definitely the salmon belly and the otoro--both were incredibly rich, buttery, and just melted in your mouth. Those bites alone made the experience memorable. I ended ordering an extra Otoro after the fixed menu had concluded. The tuna was from Spain and it was absolutely delectable. Aggressive Italian HAND GESTURE worthy. If I had one small critique, it would be that I wish there was a bit more variety in the sashimi or nigiri portion of the omakase. It was high quality, no doubt but a slightly broader selection would've taken it to the next level. That said, the overall experience, flavor, and value easily outweigh that minor note. Great food, solid pricing for the OC market, and a spot I'd confidently recommend to anyone looking for a quality sushi experience in Irvine.

    Janice L.

    The Premium Chirashi Don was absolutely stunning, packed with the freshest sashimi, uni, ikura and even gold leaf. Every single piece melted in your mouth. And the pickled sides that came with it? Such a beautiful and thoughtful touch. To finish things off, a matcha lava cake with matcha ice cream that I honestly could not stop thinking about. This place flies in their fish directly from Japan daily and you can absolutely taste the difference. It is the kind of meal that reminds you why food is one of life's greatest pleasures.

    Toro uni bowl
    Stephanie B.

    I keep telling myself I will explore more of the menu, but my heart and stomach belong to the Toro Uni Bowl. It has become my absolute favorite for a reason. The quality of the fish here is next-level. Everything is incredibly fresh--the fatty tuna melts like butter and the uni is rich and sweet. What really elevates the experience is the stack of crispy seaweed wraps they provide on the side. It essentially turns your dinner into a make-your-own handroll party. There is something so satisfying about crafting that perfect bite yourself. The interior is sleek, clean, and has that perfect fancy-looking vibe that makes it great for a nice night out. Logistics are also a breeze since there are plenty of parking spots in the attached garage. They even validate for 2 hours, which is plenty of time to enjoy your meal without rushing. I am sure the rest of their offerings are top-tier, but I am so hooked on this bowl that I haven't managed to try anything else yet. If you are a fan of high-quality toro and uni, this is a must-visit.

    Omakase: Chawanmushi (Japanese steamed egg custard, grated black truffle, charcoal unagi, salmon roe)
    Tiffany P.

    We tried the Osen Omakase during O.C. Restaurant Week. Since we ordered two omakase sets, you'd assume everything would come out perfectly matched, right? Enter: the chawanmushi plot twist. One arrived noticeably taller and fuller than the other... like, very noticeable. After a bit of back-and-forth, the staff did replace it, but it definitely took some convincing. That aside, the omakase itself was not bad, but definitely pretty bites. Nothing felt especially unique or wow-level memorable. Still, the sushi bar has a cute, intimate vibe that makes it a nice pick for date night or a cozy outing. Tip: make a reservation. The place gets packed, even on the weekdays. Overall, a pleasant experience with a small hiccup.

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    Page 1 of 53

    Izakaya Osen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Izakaya Osen

    Is corkage available with fee? If so, is whiskey allowed? Thank you.

    You might have to call the place, although there's no guarantee you'll talk to anyone who actually knows.… Read more

    Do you allow dogs?

    We are friendly dogs

    Do they do anyfor birthday?

    Matcha cake with ice cream

    Banquet room for 60?

    For 60. I don't think so

    Do you offer a full bar?

    Yes we have hard liquor

    Is kid welcome?

    I don't see why not, although the restaurant gets pretty packed so maybe go before the rush.

    Is there tatami style seating here?

    No, but there are private side rooms for groups.

    Do you have omakase?

    No, however we do have course menu for a party of 16 or more. Thank you

    Is this place Japanese owned or Korean owmed?

    Korean owner.

    All u can eat?

    I am sorry. We are not all u can eat.

    What time is Happy Hour? I heard they have one but don't see details listed on their website.

    Are the rooms for a party of 6 or more do they charge you for it?

    No you can make reservations. But we cannot guarantee room. Please call restaurant request please

    Do you have any booths?

    We do have semi private rooms but we don't have a booth seating

    Are outside birthday cakes allowed? If so, do you charge a cake cutting fee?

    Yes, we do take birthday cakes with no extra charge

    For dress atire, is casual clothing okay? Also, is omokase still an option?

    I wouldn't go w a cutoff or straight from the beach, but I think nicer jeans and a tshirt is ok, it's probably about half and half there in terms of business attire and regular/nicer clothes!

    Is there parking for the restaurant?

    Yes, you may park at the attached parking structure and the restaurant will validate parking.

    Can they accommodate for a gluten allergy?

    Do you have non-dairy dessert option yet?

    Unfortunately they don't at this time

    I need a quieter spot in your restaurant for a lunch meeting. I see that you have private rooms. Are those available for reservations during lunch? (party of 4)

    Yes. You need to reserve them.

    How is the restaurant with food allergies? My allergy is a less common ingredient in Japanese food.

    Hello Jennifer, can you please clarify your question?

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    Izakaya Habuya Okinawan Dining

    Izakaya Habuya Okinawan Dining

    4.4(1.1k reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$
    Healthy dining
    Hipster vibe

    Can't believe this was our first time eating at Habuya -- such a hidden gem and totally worth the…read morewait! We joined the Yelp waitlist about 30 minutes after opening and waited around an hour to be seated. Since it was prime-time Saturday dinner and the restaurant is tiny, the wait made sense. Pro tip: come 30 minutes before opening or join the waitlist early if you can! White Corn with Truffle Salt -- 5/5 A must-order. I wasn't expecting much, but it was absolutely perfect and so good with drinks. Pork Cutlet Curry -- 4/5 Classic katsu curry flavor, but the breading was a little on the harder and darker side. Maybe just a bad batch, but still really good. Bluefin & Salmon Sashimi -- 5/5 Order it with the pickled wasabi. It melts in your mouth -- SO good. Purple Sweet Potato Fries -- 4/5 A great appetizer and perfect for snacking with drinks. Beef Sukiyaki -- 5/5 Served with a soft-boiled egg, tofu, mushrooms, and kimchi. I usually don't love sweet beef with kimchi, but this was perfectly seasoned. The BEST. Saving the best for last -- the owner and her team are the sweetest ladies. They work fast, check in often, and you can really tell they care about their customers becoming regulars. Best izakaya in OC! Thank you, Habuya, for a wonderful dinner.

    Authentic, super delicious izakaya food!! Totally worth the wait. Wife and I had a great time. We…read morestuffed our faces. Service was great. Quirky music. Small space. Will absolutely come back! Our absolute favorite dishes were the Atkin Mackerel and Shrimp Curry. Highly recommend them. The only dish that was mid was the Chicken Karaage - we'll skip this dish next time.

    Photos
    Izakaya Habuya Okinawan Dining
    Izakaya Habuya Okinawan Dining - Chicken wings

    Chicken wings

    Izakaya Habuya Okinawan Dining - Purple Yam

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    Purple Yam

    Takaya Yakitori Izakaya - Uni handroll

    Takaya Yakitori Izakaya

    4.2(398 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    This place serves some of the best yakitori I've had in a while. Portions are fair, prices are…read morereasonable, and the vibe is casual and laid-back, just like a cozy Japanese izakaya. Staff is friendly and efficient. If you love grilled skewers and authentic Japanese street food, this spot is a must-try. I left full and already want to come back. Highly recommended! BUT reservations only!

    Let me preface this: I've been to Takaya more times than I've admitted to my wallet. The food?…read moreStill excellent. AUTHENTIC AND REASONABLY PRICED yakitori. The kind of flavor makes you question why you ever spent $8 on yakitori at Osen (no shade, just facts--my bank account has a lil celebration when I go to Takaya instead). The cartilage still slaps. The Orion on draft saves my dry, sad soul. I come here for small victories in life, like "woot I didn't cry this week" or "I made it through Monday with minimal spiritual decay." So yeah--Takaya has been my go-to for joyful moments. This time, though? The food was still great. The service? Shockingly rude. And I say that with all the restraint of a culturally repressed millennial who usually just eats the bad experience and leaves quietly. Now, I'm Japanese. I don't walk into American Japanese restaurants expecting omotenashi to descend from the sky like sakura petals. We're in Costa Mesa, not Kyoto. I get it. Expectations are calibrated. But this? This was rough. Like, rough by American standards. Like, "I've been treated with more warmth at a DMV in NYC" rough. We were rushed to order, like we'd interrupted a hostage negotiation. The tone was clipped. The energy was "please leave yesterday." And then, just to tie it up with a little bow of bewilderment, we were loudly told "two-hour seating, OKAY!" at the 1.5 hour mark like we'd tried to squat there and build a second life. Spoiler: we were not. We were calm, like law-abiding grilled meat enthusiasts. Realistically, how crazy can a few PhDs and my quiet rice plant of a partner be?? It wasn't a language issue. It wasn't cultural misunderstanding. It was just... needlessly unpleasant. And it stung more because I've had so many lovely experiences here in the past. So yeah. Three stars. Because I'm not out to tank a business. The food still delivers. But next time? I'll be ready. Probably with a legal pad to prove we're on schedule.

    Photos
    Takaya Yakitori Izakaya - Inside of restaurants

    Inside of restaurants

    Takaya Yakitori Izakaya - Sashimi, avocado salad

    Sashimi, avocado salad

    Takaya Yakitori Izakaya - Inside view

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    Inside view

    Izakaya Osen - sushi - Updated May 2026

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