This place has been here for as long as I could remember. A small mom-and-pop family-owned business. Mid size, clean, and quite dainty. Vibe is relaxing. Staff (looks like grandparents) were very nice. Service is great. All orders are made and cook to order. Today, we ordered: 1) TAMAGO- sweet egg omelette 2) PHILADELPHIA ROLL- smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber wrapped inside-out in sushi rice and nori seaweed. 3) SHRIMP POPCORN - shrimp tempura on top of California roll drizzled with sweet sauce. 4) GYOZA Everything tastes wonderful. Servings are enough. Price ranges' $$. Highly recommend this place for sushi. read more

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First time trying this place today. I ordered the Dragon Roll. It was mediocre at best and what is up with their soy sauce? It nearly had the consistency of motor oil and it was flavorless.. Also, is there a wasabi shortage or what?? This place screams "WE ARE CHEAP" while they charge the customers exorbitant amount. It was very expensive.... I have eaten at a LOT of sushi places through the years and this one stands out as truly the worst of all of them. I would give one star but I will be nice and give it two just because......but yeah, stear clear of Kai Sushi and find someplace, anyplace else!! read more

Came in on a Wednesday night at 4:45pm with my wife and 3 kids. Absolutely no greeting from the lady up front. There was no one in the restaurant. Only thing the lady asked was "dine in?" I said "yes" and she gave me a rude look and glared at our kids like we're an inconvenience. Throughout our time seated we thanked her on multiple occasions. Never once did she even acknowledge our thank you, nor respond. Then we asked for hot sauce, she just walked away said nothing and brought it back. My 6 year old daughter asked very nicely and said please for a set of chopsticks. Again the lady just looked at her and walked away then brought a pair back. When my daughter said thank you she just turned around and said nothing. Another older couple came in and ordered and sat down, the lady was kind to them and talked to them. So what's the deal? Does she hate kids or families? We felt so uncomfortable during the entire meal and did not feel welcome at all. The saving grace was the food. Smaller portions but all the rolls we got tasted great. That's the only reason I'm giving 2 stars. I'm sorry but way too many great sushi spots that are very kind and appreciate your business. We will not be returning. read more

i'm not sure what all the reviews about bad service are for, every time i've come in here, it's the same couple running the store, and they are so sweet and kind. my pickup order is always ready on time and they always include ginger and wasabi with my roll! their krunch roll is my favorite crunch roll i've had thus far! and pretty cheap price for sushi, especially in this area of socal! i will 100% keep coming back here to support these great folks and their business. read more

Kai Sushi - my AMAZING krunch roll - Japanese Near Me - Orange, California

Very upset and will never come back to this place again for BAD SERVICE! I have been a loyal customer for almost a year, consistently returning for late lunch and always being an easygoing customer. Today, I came over and ordered a Ninja Roll, which cost $14.95 on the menu. I paid with $20 cash, intending the change as a tip. The "same" lady (mentioned in other bad reviews) told me that it was not enough for the mandatory 15% tip (??). I was confused and said sorry while pulling out another dollar from my wallet. I asked her if it was enough. She stared at my money and shrugged her shoulders. Omg?? At that point, it didn't matter. I told her that I had changed my mind and wanted to pay by card instead. She tried to stop me, but I quickly took back my cash (she had repeatedly asked me to pay in cash the last few times I came, and I did do that favor for her several times) and paid with my credit card. I gave her an automatic 15% tip and said I wouldn't be coming back anymore. I had already done her the favor of bringing cash to pay for my bill, but she demanded I tip her at least 15%. Tips are indicated as optional on Yelp, so why not, right? But anyway, she lost a regular customer. I don't mind going to another place for lunch from now on. Bye! read more

I usually order to go here. This time I ate here with my husband & son. When we were finished I went up to the counter to pay our tab. The lady questioned my tip. Which was so rude of her. I've never had somebody question why I'm leaving a certain amount. Not everyone has money for tip be grateful that you got something. I will never come back here. read more

Nice local place in a strip mall. Friendly service. Delicious food that came out quick. Moderate prices. Lots to choose from. Limited seating. Plenty of parking. read more

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Food was good. Thick slices of fish. Decor cute, but kind of cheesy. Service bad. We were the ONLY table in there and they took 15 minutes to make 2 margaritas and one old fashion. Tried to get a dirty martini.... They don't have olive juice? We asked and apparently they dump all of their olive juice so they sit there dry...? As soon as the bill was dropped off they literally said "we need you out by 10" twice. It was 9:50 on a Saturday night. The waters came out in glass pitchers, but they were dirty and the water was warm and tasted bad. Overall, skip this spot and go to Sushi on fire for better service, better fish, and actually reasonable prices. $19 for a simple spicy tuna is criminal read more

Excellent little place i was in the area and glad I came they have a good amount of fresh rolls i did get an order of the yellowtail nigiri and always a plus when the fish is bigger than the rice. The Ono Ono fresh roll was my favorite really good little hidden gem read more

I stopped here one night after an appointment in Orange. It was late and close to closing, so I was the only seated guest, but I noticed they get a lot of to-go orders. It was an older couple, I'm guessing it was the owners. They were friendly. Everything I had was fresh. I also ordered the hot tea, and the woman told me it was her own special blend. It was delicious and I drank the whole pot before leaving! Thank you for a great dinner! read more

Kai Sushi - Sushi burrito, Paradise Roll, Yellowtail, and Hot Tea. - Japanese Near Me - Orange, California

The food tasted good but was not freshly made. I had the chicken bento box. I got sick from eating here last night. I just read other reviews of people getting sick. Oh wells, we live and we learn. Service was just alright. Be prepared to pay for hot sauce. They charged me .50 cents for one small container of hot sauce. The place was empty and the food was prepared too quick, I immediately regretted ordering chicken. read more

GREEDY FOR TIPS!!!I walked in on a Thursday evening to a very empty restaurant no greeting or anything!I asked for water cups were still soapy and warm water when the woman brought out food I said thank you no response from her I asked for hot sauce and a fork just attitude and an annoyed look on her face and she just keeps staring at you eat the whole time made me feel uncomfortable when it was time to pay I had to walk up to the register I decided to leave small tip even though she didn't deserve anything and with attitude told me 4$ is a little tip she's rude and greedy!!! read more

Wednesday August 13, 2025 I visited KAI Sushi in Orange with my wife and our baby. It had been years since we been there. After months of not being able to eat sushi due to her pregnancy, my wife asked me to take her there. I remember the place had a great ambience, was clean and most important good food. We got there around 7:30pm, the place was empty, only the owner and a cook were there. We placed our order and waited at our table. About 20 min later a girl came in and placed an order for 1 single sushi roll and asked if she could eat it there, the owner of the restaurant said "no, we close soon" (service hours are from 10am to 9pm) It was only around 8pm. In my opinion she had plenty of time to eat 1 sushi roll before 9pm. Our food arrived at our table. At first glance it looked good, the taste was good but when we asked for hot souse the owner made a face and gave us just a tiny saucer for the 4 rolls we had ordered. That was something we were willing to overlook. We finish our food and I went up to the register to pay for my meal. My total for 4 rolls and 2 can sodas came up to $69.50. I pay $70. The owner with a very demanding tone as she game me my ¢50 change asked "you don't leave tip?". I said I'll leave it at the table. I only had $2 cash in my wallet so I asked my wife if she had any cash on her. She said she had a $10 in the car, I asked my wife to wait by the table. I placed the $2 on the table and stared to walk to exit and go to the car to get the other $10. Before I could set a foot outside I hear the lady saying to my wife in a very upset tone "only $2!! That's it $2?!? You pay $70 and only give $2" My wife looked at me as if asking for help. I said "excuse me? Why are you upset!" I never told her I was gonna go get more money from the car. "That all I have in cash, I'm sorry. But if you don't want them that's okay too". She extended her hand and said "here, you go now, never come back" as she handed back my $2. Now I understand why the place was so empty, when in the past was always busy. First, telling a customer that she can't eat there because they are closing soon, when she had more than one hour till closing time. Second, demanding a tip. I always tip and my intention was to do that, but I guess she didn't have the patience to wait and find out. As she requested I will never go back to that place. There's a lot of sushi restaurants better than KAI in OC, find one, be happy and stay away from KAI. read more

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I wouldn't recommend this place. The customer service is a bit rude/stuck up. I suppose this is the attitude to be expected on a Friday at 11:30am with no one around. I ordered a lunch special because I wanted to give this place a try. The food is average and portions are smaller than usual. I understand inflation is hitting us all but I'm basically getting a kids meal at an adult lunch meal price. Just go somewhere else for food. Rude customer service with mediocre food is what you'll get here. read more

I found this meal average for the cuisine, nothing special about it or outstanding to share. Was not bad but not great. I had higher hopes. Staff was very nice and accommodating, restaurant was nicely decorated, appeared clean. read more

Kai sushi is such a yummy place! My boyfriend and I love coming here because it's right down the street. The owners are so kind and always do their best to be quick since it's just them doing it all! Price and quality are great! read more

Food and service is always nice n friendly. Food is soo good. Plenty of seating. Their Bento Box had terriyaki chicken and rice, spicy tuna roll 4pc, salad, tempura, and miso soup read more

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Picked up lunch for my daughter and I, and the sushi was good! There was only one waitress during lunchtime, but I felt like we still got our food in a fairly quick manner. I believe it took us about 15 minutes. read more

I was in the area and wanted something to eat nearby so I came across this place. This place is so cute, little hole in the wall. The food was delicious! Definitely recommend it. The workers were really sweet too. read more

Good healthy food! I had lunch with my daughter at Kai's Sushi today. My daughter ordered ninja special roll, and I ordered combo A with chicken teriyaki, California roll, and miso soup. We both enjoyed our food. Sushi was very good with superb quality of tuna and salmon and the rice was perfectly cooked. Great service, too, and the price was good for what it was worth. I told my boss and my coworkers about it, and my boss already knew about the restaurant. She said it gets pretty busy there, and she agreed about their good food. We would definitely eat at Kai's again! read more

Kai Sushi - Ninja Roll - Japanese Near Me - Orange, California

This place is a gem! I've only been here twice in the last month and I've been impressed both times. When you arrive, you're greeted by a nice lady at the counter who takes your order. Both my boyfriend and I have gotten poke bowls and the fish is fresh! The serving size is also decent keeping me full for hours. This time around, the lady at the counter was kind by giving us complimentary miso soups! Can't go wrong with that. I'm excited to come back again! P.S. The restroom is located in the back behind the counter and through the kitchen. read more

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It's family run business, food is delicious here and the owner lady is very friendly and nice all the time. I always come here when I am craving for sushi. read more

Delicious sushi! Wonderful service! Beautiful ambiance! This was my favorite go-to sushi spot when we lived near the area, but I still make it a point to drop by every now and then whenever I need to fulfill my sushi craving. Everything I've tried so far is so flavorful, fresh and amazing! The staff members are just the sweetest and so friendly!! Highly recommend if you're in the area! read more

I have been coming to eat at Kai sushi for a little over a year. My son and I make it a point to come and eat here because he loves their sushi and his name is Kai. Our experience has always been pleasant, and the guy who works there has always been so kind and treated us with so much respect. Which is why we always come back. But this evening I decided to have a meal at Kai sushi. I ordered the house special with garlic edamame. I was going to dine in and was asked to pay before I got my food, which I thought was a little odd, but I just paid. The lady working there brought my order, and didn't come back, she didn't ask me if there was anything else I needed, she just kind of ignored me. She did make it a point to bring over my receipt and remind me that I needed to tip when I was done. I was thrown off by the request being that I hadn't finished my food yet. As I was leaving she asked me to leave a tip, when I told her I wasn't going to leave one, she proceeded to harrass me and get angry with me and ask me why I wouldn't leave a tip. I have never been harrassed like that. It made me so sad. I will not be going back. read more

When you go into this place you order at the front counter to order and food is brought to you. Upon entering, the gentleman working the front was very courteous and helpful and helped me right away! It was my first time here so I asked what some of their most popular rolls were. He was so kind in explaining each of them, even asking if I had a preference for baked or raw rolls. I ended up choosing one of the ones that he had recommended (the SLUR roll) and the PA Shrimp rolls which has received really good feedback on Yelp. The SLUR did not disappoint!! It was Soo good and definitely hit the spot! For someone who is usually scared of salmon I wasn't sure how it would be, but I trusted his recommendation and it was spot on! So good!! Definitely ordering this again!! The PA Shrimp rolls were okay. The shrimp on top was really good and had a good sauce on it, but the roll felt bland in comparison and like it was a separate dish. I think if the sauce from the PA Shrimp rolls had enough to cover onto the roll itself I think it would have been much better. Also would love if the roll portion was cut a little thinner so that you could get a taste of both the roll & shrimp in one bite. The roll base was too thick to really get both flavors so it was a one or the other type deal. Ambiance is very cute! Nice music playing. Price of (2) rolls was typical for a sushi place. Would definitely come back here again for the customer service and SLUR rolls!!! read more

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For the life of me I don't get 4.5 star rating! We came in the middle of the day - we were the only people there. Nobody to greet us. We had to call 3 times while people in the kitchen were looking at us being "busy". The service is below basic. The menus are dirty and so sticky I had to wash my hands after touching them. Yuk! And what eating joint doesn't have their drinks on the menu?! Really?! Not to mention their kid of 3-4 running around screaming her head off. If you want a 3rd world country feel - this is the place! Everything about this place felt off in a bad way. So we didn't risk eating there and left. Yuk! read more

I've been a long time returning customer at Kai Sushi! The service is the most friendly, quick and accommodating. I believe it's just the family running it which makes me happier to support. Food always comes out flavorful and fresh, thank you Kai sushi :) read more

Kai Sushi - California Roll- no avocado, extra cucumber. - Japanese Near Me - Orange, California

Ambiance: The restaurant was very, very clean--spotless, in fact. It was decorated beautifully and gave off a very chill, relaxing vibe. I'd say the style was modern. It is a small restaurant, but there is plenty of seating capacity. Food: I am not exaggerating, and I have eaten a lot of sushi: This was THE BEST sushi I have ever had. I got the Tiger Woods Roll, and the Lunch combo "E". They have their lunch special 11am-3pm M-F. The roll was absolutely packed with fresh fish, the eel was perfectly done and flavorful. The tempura shrimp inside was so crispy it had an ASMR-esque crunch. It had mounds of roe on it. The sushi rice was so meticulously rolled and cooked so well that I did not have a SINGLE grain of rice fall off of any of my sushi, and that's with my mid-tier chopstick abilities. The presentation of the food was breathtaking. Please see my photos because my description won't do that justice. Mind you, mine was a TO-GO order that was beautiful. A review below mine stated they had to wait 35 minutes for their food. I did not have to wait that long, but after eating it, I would've happily waited that time. The chef makes every item fresh and made to order. They are family-owned; the husband cooks, and the wife is the cashier. They are very hard workers. Prices are more than fair for the quality. This is not fast food; so everything is made to order. It is FRESH. I wish I could give this place 6 stars, so so amazing and underrated. read more

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Me and my family came to this restaurant and automatically the attitude that the lady gave was very judging, she did not greet us or anything at all, not even a smile, I dress alternatively so I'm assuming she didn't like that. There were a few other customers in the restaurant, and they were all dressed normally, and she was being very kind to them and giving them all smiles and was starting conversations with them, but with us, she was very rude and every time we thanked her she just ignored us, and when we asked her for hot sauce, she just walked away quickly and placed it down very rudely on the table, so obviously since the service was very bad, we were debating if we should tip or not because of how she was acting, but we of course still did tip her because we're not the kind of people to not leave one,, but we spent $60 and just decided to tip $4 and then she started to harass us and say $4 is such such a small tip for three people and she wouldn't give us back our receipt and kept staring at the screen like she was trying to tip herself more. I read the reviews here after and learned she harasses anyone who doesn't leave her a tip she's satisfied with, if you come here, make sure you tip good or be ready to get yelled at and harassed, i've never experienced such bad service or greediness for a tip like this in my life. The cups for water also still tasted like soap still and the water was warm, and she served our food in plastic containers even though we dined in, definitely not deserving of a higher tip. read more

Walked in with my sisters and no one greeted us then the lady their informed us they are close . They close at 9 and it was only 8 so she did not want to seat us . After a few seconds she changed her mind when we wanted to leave. Sat us down and the table was dirty with hair on it. We order and the food didn't even look like the pictures. She never came back and checked on us . She hanged out check and walked away. Went to pay in the front . I did not leave a tip but that did not stop her from running after me and asking for a tip and asking how much we will give her ? Never again worst experience and customer service ever!!! read more

All Japanese food from this restaurant is sooooo delicious! It is family-owned, great customer service and like I said before delicious & scrumptious Japanese food!!! If you want to try some great Japanese food, come to this restaurant and try it out! You will not be disappointed! read more

Disgusting! Ordered the chicago roll. The tuna ontop was like beef jerkey old, stiff and left a strong awful taste in your mouth. The inside even worse I couldn't even finish a piece it was literally that bad! read more

Our favorite place to get sushi! It never disappoints. The staff is so nice. Can't recommend this place more!

The sushi here is delicious! I have gotten a few different rolls, and I really like the Sunshine Roll. The people who run the restaurant are very kind. The restaurant is clean as well. Definitely my go to spot for sushi in Orange! read more

Food is amazing! Ambiance is nice and cozy. Service is also amazing! I love coming here when I'm craving sushi.

Yummy! We live coming here. Sushi is great and the kids love it. No gluten free soy sauce. Very fresh

I've been a customer since 2019, but today has ended that patronage permanent. When it's lunch time on a Monday, who has 35 minutes to wait for their order? That was the expectation today, as I went to order their A combo, chicken teriyaki with half a California roll. At time of order I was discouraged by the counter person to choose something else, explaining that just a few minutes earlier they'd taken an order with the chicken and quoted a 35 minute wait. Why on earth would the chef fail to par grill chicken in pre-opening prep, so that just the final heating is necessary at time of order? Their food hasn't disappointed in the past, but service has always been a bit awkward and inefficient - I was at the front trying to order for right minutes prior to being encouraged to change my choice. Looking around there were two occupied tables and both were waiting for food, it was 12:20 at the time. If you've got all the time on your hands, and patient as Job then by all means, when you do get food it's quality. I, set an hour aside for lunch and today walked out without an order because of their lack of planning. read more

Tip is included in the price. Just note. This place is great with a nice sense of humor & entertainment having menu items named after things that make orange county great. Try it. You won't be disappointed. My baked salmon roll was off the charts! read more

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Slow inattentive service , can't tell if they are trying to give you space or if they're just really just busy. But it was hard to get the check. Over done tempura. Vinegary salad dressing. Pretty standard sushi. Family owned so I think the ratings are inflated because we know there's better priced and better quality sushi places other than here. :((( but they're nice It's true they harass you for tip. I saw it happen. read more

After ordering my sushi, I had Door Dash deliver my food. The driver never delivered my sushi I called the restaurant and they remade my sushi and the owner delivered it herself. You can't.ask for better service and delicious food. read more