I used to come here back when Ikko held down this Baker Street spot for nearly two decades. Following a local legend like Chef Ikko isn't easy, but the transition to K's Bistro (helmed by Chef Shoji Hijiya from LA's Kanpai) has been seamless. They refreshed the intimate space while keeping the high culinary standard alive. The nigiri was dialed in--pristine cuts, great knife work, and perfectly seasoned rice. A few standout dishes from our order: Seared Engawa w/ Caviar: Engawa is one of my favorite cuts of halibut in general, and this is a must-try. Not every place has it since it's just the fin muscle and there's only so much per fish. Lightly torched to render the rich fat, topped with caviar--it completely melted. Kamatoro: Incredible marbling with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Oyster with Uni and Caviar: Incredibly fresh, sweet, and clean. Truffle Chawanmushi & Beef Tongue: Silky smooth custard with great aroma, and the beef tongue was crazy tender. Wagyu Yukke & Wagyu Nigiri: High-end marbling, super flavorful, and a great change of pace between the fish courses. Nigiri (Striped Jack, Amberjack, Sweet Shrimp, Red Snapper): Simple, classic, and extremely fresh. Service was attentive, and the meal flowed naturally. Paired it with a cold beer and walked out thoroughly impressed. This location is still in great hands. Highly recommend. read more

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I rarely complain about the parking or how many times the water glass was filled but this parking is rough for the OC. You might almost think you were in LA. The lot is small and "sold the __ out" with cars on a Friday night. Street parking is piss poor ugly (pardon my French). If you are lucky enough to find anything you will be getting some legit exercise before dinner. The REVIEW: We did the $120 omakase for my birthday dinner. The chefs were great as were staff with excellent service and identifying dishes. The vibe nearly makes me feel I am back in Tokyo visiting my bro in one of those underground secret sushi restaurants. Some of the ones we had: -- red snapper -- amberjack -- best salmon ever maybe (melting butter salmon texture) -- blue fin tuna -- salmon roe with crab meat (had me all in for something I norm don't get excited about) -- scallop (fat and tasty) -- eel w/a sweet corn cake on plate? -- clam soup (yum) -- sweet shrimp (petite and tasty) -- black sesame ice cream (my choice) in an airy wafer two-piece to make an ice cream sandwich -- we vetoed other options because we did not need so much uni read more

Good food for the price. They have both omakase and regular menu. You can also do both (what I do). read more

K’s Bistro - Crab - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

We came back and this time I got pictures, we brought family for yet another birthday. What better way to celebrate than with fresh sushi and great service. We came for more omakase and it did not disappoint. So happy with a small quiet environment for our special day. The lighting was low and the vibe was intimate. We were happy to come back for yet another great meal and even more memories. read more

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On our recent visit we had the chirashi for $28. We expected large cuts of sashimi slices over seasoned rice, but what we had was very disappointing. Small chopped pieces of raw fish served with a large spoon! The restaurant seats only18-20 customers and it can get uncomfortably loud since we are all seated in close proximity. read more

Wow! It felt like a cozy restaurant in Japan. The sushi was quality as the sashimi was cut thick and the rice underneath was small with a hint of wasabi. Had the miso black cod and shrimp and vegetable tempura. The tempura batter was light and cooked perfectly. The miso black cod was good sized and was perfectly marinated. This place is pricey but worth it. The place is small, clean and the ambiance is nice. Don't let the parking lot fool you because it's filled with bar patrons from next door. Service was good. Will return again. read more

K’s Bistro - Miso black cod w ginger - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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We had lunch a few times already. Lunch menu is a lot more affordable than the dinner menu. $25 to $30 We got the sushi combo and the chirashi bowl. Both dishes were fresh and delicious. Plenty of parking. Service was friendly. read more

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Came here with the family to celebrate our wives and they didn't disappoint. We had the omakase weekend special and every dish was fresh and exciting. Their presentation, explanation of each piece of art was well delivered and they really elevated our Mother's Day event. Awesome staff, extremely professional and cleanly restaurant provided a wonderful dining experience! read more

Where do my boyfriend and I go for a romantic date night? K's Bistro. Where do we go to celebrate a monumental milestone? K's Bistro. Where do we go when we're craving high-quality sushi late at night? K's Bistro. We absolutely love the ambiance, dim lighting with jazz playing softly in the background. The staff is always warm and welcoming. A special shoutout to the sushi chefs for consistently providing the best service and sushi experience. And the sushi, wow. The fish is always fresh, and the sushi rice is perfectly prepared every time. Whether you're craving sushi, planning a cute date night, or celebrating a special occasion, please do yourself a favor and visit K's Bistro. read more

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We came to K's Bistro on a Saturday night to celebrate my sister's birthday and got the special omakase. We made reservations in advance and were seated at the bar in front of the chef. The appetizer and the uni toro ikura bowl were definitely the highlights of the meal. The hokkaido uni was SOO fresh and sweet. The edible flowers made a nice touch to the uni toro ikura bowl. The quality of the fish was amazing, I would definitely come back to K's Bistro if I'm ever craving for omakase. It was truly an impeccable experience. read more

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I visited for lunch and found the establishment to be a charming, intimate setting. The service was exceptionally professional, courteous, and polite. The two sushi chefs were also very friendly. The restaurant's traditional Japanese aesthetic, reminiscent of Japan, was quite appealing. For lunch, I ordered the omakase, which was priced at one hundred dollars. I also added an extra appetizer, which, in retrospect, was unnecessary given the generous portions included in the omakase set. The sushi was excellent, very flavorful, and beautifully presented. I thoroughly enjoyed every dish. I highly recommend this establishment, but I strongly advise making a reservation due to its limited seating capacity. read more

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Exceptional delivery on quality and experience. Interiors is modern with moody lighting- perfect for a date night or elevated dinner out. Servers were super friendly and attentive. Some of the freshest fish ive had at any sushi spot in OC or LA. They also carry selections from Japan that you rarely see elsewhere which makes the menu more unique. Its hairy crab season so it was great to see they offered that as well. Prices are definitely on the higher side but you can taste the quality in every bite. You get what you pay for. read more

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We've been to so many omakase sushi bars all over the world and K's Bistro is one of the best. For $150, you get IMMENSE value. And there are no compromises on quality. Here I might have had one of the best bites of tuna I've ever had. Chef added mustard to it. Mustard! And it transcended the bite. And.. not one bite of uni and caviar, two! Run to this place. Sit on the bar. Get the $120 or $150 omakase, and get ready for one of the best culinary experiences in the OC. read more

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5 star all around! It's rare to find Japanese restaurants that are Japanese owned and operated now. This is a gem!! Came for lunch and got the sushi omakase for $25, with added tempura, salad and udon or soba for $8. Crazy good deal for the quality and variety. So delicious!! The sushi melts in your mouth. They have tempura matcha salt and homemade wasabi. These are usually only at high end places. Even gave us a sweet birthday dessert. Our server was super sweet and kind. Can't wait to come back!! read more

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Excellent fresh fish, truly outstanding service and a beautiful interior. The restaurant apologized for being out of a few items due to the holiday, but there were plenty of delicious options. read more

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Stumbled upon this place about a year or two ago and it has not disappointed since. The omakase menu includes a nice mix of cooked items and nigiri. Both the staffs and the chefs are personable. Parking is limited in the plaza, but can always turn to The Camp as an alternative. read more

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Parking is in a shared lot so had no issue finding any. Inside is a small intimate space very nice ambiance. We had no reservations & were sat right away. Our server was fast & friendly. We sat at the bar which was fun to watch them make the sushi. We got the miso soup which was good, the blue fin tuna, salmon, & some other fish I forgot the name of which was delicious. Prices were a bit high but great quality fish. read more

Omakase sushi set $120 Started with 2 kinds of appetizers: scallop steamed egg and seared sashimi with caviar 6 kinds of nigiri including medium fatty tuna Best dish of the set is uni ikura rice Sweet shrimp is also on the menu anago and tuna cut roll Clams miso soup Ice cream sandwich with choice of matcha, sesame and vanilla Overall decent price for the omakase tho price did go up thanks to inflation. $150 and $200 omakase sets are also available. Service was great. Preferred to sit at the sushi bar but it was full. read more

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K's Bistro is one of our favorite places for both lunch and dinner. The sushi is outstanding--easily some of the best we've had in Orange County. Every dish is beautifully prepared, and you can really taste how fresh the fish is. The restaurant is small, but it has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit enjoyable. The chefs are incredibly creative, and we always look forward to trying their unique specials and beautifully crafted dishes. If you're looking for high-quality, fresh sushi in Orange County, I highly recommend K's Bistro. read more

i didnt know what to expect when i arrived to the restaurant esp with its unassuming storefront. its easy to miss bc there arent windows or anything. but im glad it is because it felt like a hideaway! the sushi bar is very brightly lit but we sat at the tables. it was a little more dim over there. service was really good. they are very attentive and time the meal perfectly for omakase. the food was delicious! i loved every piece of sushi and the wasabi in each piece wasnt too overpowering or heavy. high quality fish and amazing flavor combinations from the chef! definitely a memorable omakase experience to celebrate special occasions! read more

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Found this hidden gem last night and we were impressed. The fish was fresh and every dish was well prepared. This place deserves more attention. We'll be back! read more

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Love this place. The food is so fresh and good. The nasumiso is phenomenal for anyone who likes mushrooms and eggplant. The carpaccios are all in a deliciously flavored sauce. Small and quaint place. You can call ahead for reservations. They have a parking lot but Parking can be tough at times so give yourself an extra few mins to park. read more

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Another 5 star experience at K's Bistro! The staff is always warm and welcoming. Mako is one of a kind. The best sushi chef west of the Mississippi!! My wife and I always have a great time coming here. Had the bluefin carpaccio, blue crab cut roll, rainbow snapper, red snapper, Takowasa, amberjack belly, salmon collar, fresh scallop and baby fried river crabs tht were out of this world. coming back again real soon. Nice cozy setting at the sushi bar. read more

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If you're looking for premium omakase or high-end nigiri in OC, K's Bistro in Costa Mesa is the real deal. As someone who's been to dozens of sushi spots across OC, LA, and the Bay Area, this is easily one of my all-time favorites. The vibe genuinely feels like a small, authentic sushi chef's restaurant in Japan -- intimate, cozy, and focused on craftsmanship rather than flash. It's not ideal for large groups, but that's part of what makes the experience feel so special. I tried a variety of incredible cuts, including golden eye snapper, halibut, red snapper, Spanish mackerel, and amberjack -- all beautifully presented and truly melt-in-your-mouth. The A5 Wagyu was unbelievably tender, and the bluefin tuna carpaccio with real truffle shavings (not truffle oil) completely blew me away. You can taste the difference immediately. The service is just as impressive as the food -- from the servers to the sushi chefs. Everyone is attentive, welcoming, and makes the experience feel personal and elevated. Whenever I'm in OC and feel like treating myself to high-end nigiri and omakase, K's Bistro is always at the top of my list. If you're a sushi lover or want to impress someone with a truly refined Japanese dining experience, this place is a must. read more

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Came here to celebrate both my friend's birthday and mine, and it turned out to be an amazing experience. I ordered the $120 omakase, and it was well worth the price. Every dish was delicious, with perfect timing and portion sizes. These days, it's hard to find places (Especially Japanese restaurants) that truly deliver for the price, but this one absolutely does. Both the chef and our server are Japanese, and the experience genuinely felt like dining at a restaurant in Japan. A rare find and a real standout. We mentioned it was our birthdays, and they surprised us with a thoughtfully decorated birthday dessert, which was such a nice touch. Highly recommend. read more

K’s Bistro - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Ambiance, 10 out of 10. The music is light and this place is quite unique. Service, 10 out 10. On point. Food: presentation is everything! Two rolls, 2 skiers, oysters x 2 sets, sashimi, saki from a fancy karate, I mean read more

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Had dinner for my Birthday at K's. There is a head chef change coming. I honestly will miss Mako. Things change and move forward. Will review after my next visit A+ to management. It hard to be good Cheers! read more

K’s Bistro - Birthday surprise! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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A happy Yelp find, Sushi K's Bistro was a wonderful discovery. Be sure to RSVP for this popular spot, as the intimate space fills up quickly, and the shared parking lot can be limited. The outstandingly fresh ingredients shone through in every dish, from the first bite to the final snow crab hand roll. We loved the Hokkaido uni, toro, and the ikura served in a shot glass. A standout was the Monk fish liver--incredibly fresh, lightly warmed to a buttery perfection with no fishiness. The drink selection was ideal, with a perfect beer list and unique options like the yuzu sake. Sitting at the bar to watch the chefs in action made the experience even more enjoyable. We will definitely be back. read more

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Delicious omakase, fish portion to rice ratio is perfect. Perfect spot for date night. read more

K’s Bistro - Omakase - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Small and cozy atmosphere that makes it feel personal. The food was delicious as well. You can tell each piece of nigiri is made with care. The service is awesome as well. Came here twice and never disappointed. read more

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This place is excellent for a special occasion with a small group or a romantic evening. They have a great variety of premium dining options. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. I would recommend the Chawanmushi (egg custard). The price was also very reasonable for the high level of quality and service that you get. It's a small restaurant so would recommend making a reservation in advance. read more

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Hidden Gem Alert This spot is very small .5 tables & the sushi bar so make reservations! Service is impeccable! Interior is very understated & clean. This is a great date night idea. The basic Omakase is $100.00 the premium with Japanese Fish is $150.00. It's actually a lot of food & the best value imo. I got the basic & our friends got staters & rolls. The small bowl that comes with Omakase was Ikura & Uni with a small dollop of caviar & it was so heavenly ! My favorite pieces of the 8 sushi was the Japanese scallop . The rice was cooked to perfection, all the fish was cold& the presentation was top tier. I'll definitely be back here ! read more

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I Had Suchhh a Wonderful experience at K's. It was so nice to be around the chef and observe them make some splendid servings w a delicate touch : the most truest experience you can get in America w the essence of the Japanese cultural exp. The restaurant itself for some intangible reason gave cozy but in polarity a spaciousness that overall added to the exp of intimacy and community. I love this place, The Cuts straight from Japan are a MUST TRY. So soft and fresh, no aftertaste that left me feeling discomfort. And the Servers!!! Shoutout to their knowledge and connection to the chefs, I loved hearing their interactions as I enjoyed my special solo meal - I didn't feel alone in this exp whatsoever I shall be back on special occasions to this restaurant - a wonderful spot for a treat or a date in my opinion ~ it jus has that nice vibe read more

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Amazing fresh top tier sushi, uni, sweet shrimp, oysters! Friendly and attentive waitress. Thank you for letting us celebrate birthday. We will definitely be back and highly recommends this place! read more

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Amusing Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives says "If its funky, we'll find it." Uh, okay. So find me a run of the mill strip mall in Costa Mesa next to a kinda upscale dive bar cocktail bar and you'll find the best sushi-focused Japanese food anywhere in the United States...........? We found K's by accident and believe it's meant to be. Truly exceptional, not just good, everything. Master class in sushi preparation, exceptional service, and I would put K's up against any Michelin star Japanese restaurant anytime. Simply said, if you're within an hour and never ate here, you should probably make the trip. read more

The food was amazing ! Def will come back here. The pricing is worth it. The place is a bit small, so I would recommend reservations read more

K’s Bistro - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Sushi chefs Chi and Yumi are amazing and authentic! Service is phenomenal! The presentation of dishes is artistic! The fish is fresh and exceptional. This is real Japanese sushi- no CA fusion here. If want the real deal come here!! Downside- it is a small place. Reservations a must!! read more

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K's Bistro is my wife's and my go-to omakase spot. Small, intimate, and unassuming, like having your own little hidden sushi den. The fish is consistently some of the best in town, and the late hours make it the place to be when that serious sushi craving hits. When you want an elevated, no-frills, top-tier omakase experience, this is it. read more

K’s Bistro - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

KS Bistro is a hidden gem that completely exceeded my expectations. The staff was attentive, which made the whole dining experience even better. The food was absolutely delicious. You can tell a lot of care goes into each dish. We ordered some nigiri, the dragon roll, sake sampler and added the shishito peppers and wow. Everything was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. The sampler had great variety and made it easy to try a bit of everything. If you haven't been to KS Bistro yet, definitely give it a try. It's one of those spots you'll find yourself coming back to again and again. read more

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Talk about a hidden gem. It's so hidden, you can't really see it from the street and don't let the 152 reviews dissuade you from trying it. This place is so good. Believe me, I had my reservations when I saw that there's only 152 reviews and when I drove into the parking lot and saw it from the outside, I had serious doubts. But boy, was I wrong. The parking can get tricky at night because of the bar that's next door. As you walk in, it's very small. There's only 4 small tables (for parties of 2 or 4) and a sushi bar that seats about 8 people. We were lucky to get a table on a late Thursday evening and while it wasn't packed, it was pretty full with a good rotation of customers coming in and out. I'd recommend reservations, especially on a weekend. They have so many different types of unusual fish in addition to their traditional staples. The freshness and quality of their fish is just amazing. If you don't want to do a full omakase and rather leave room for other things to try, definitely go with their 5 or 8 piece Chef's Choice. And, you can let them know if you have any preferences and they'll cater to it...amazing! Their non-sashimi items (i.e. Kushi aka skewers, beef tongue, home made tofu, pickles) were also really good too. We also got a Rainbow roll which was good...don't get met wrong but there's not much you can do with a sushi roll that would make it super amazing. They have a "Today's Special and Recommendation" menu that has new/variation of things and highlights that change from day to day. So I'd definitely save the $ and room for other non-roll items next time I visit. read more

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