4/16/26 Thank you so much Nicole for responding. Always impressed by the customer service. I can absolutely understand cost of goods as I our work experiences similar concerns. I'm sure we will be grabbing takeout again soon. Take care. 4/15/26 I've been getting these hand roll sets the last few months and they're usually pretty hearty for me- or maybe I'm sounding obnoxious for even mentioning this but I had to at least mention it now as it's changed how I'm receiving the takeout hand roll sets recently- Or maybe I'm just getting bigger ergo, my hand rolls are feeling like they're getting smaller. Maybe it's just me- I understand if prices on seafood are changing right now as gas prices are so inflated too, then I completely understand, got to factor in cost of the ingredients, but maybe at least fill the hand roll with a tinge more rice maybe, to give the illusion it is a hand roll? The hand rolls are about the size of my thumbs and I know I have unusually fat thumbs, but I don't remember the hand rolls being this small when I first started getting these a few months-ago. I know I won't stop ordering these anytime soon- but as you can see I'll be noticing the size again I am sure Other than that- staff are always wonderful. Takeout is great and everything tastes delicious. read more

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The counter fit all 4 of us. We made a quick call to reserve right before we started to walk from the boardwalk. The food came out fast and seems like they got lots of take out/delivery orders. The fish are fresh and tasty. The chirashi bowl is perfect with perfect amount of rice and seasoning. read more

Lil' Buddha's - Chirashi bowl - Sushi Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Ordered the Ramen and it was so dope! Perfectly balanced with wonderful base. Worth the visit! read more

Lil' Buddha's - Ramen with pork and flavored egg. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

We didn't realize there was two locations, we first went to the original location closer to the water, but the chef was out for the day so there wasn't any hot food. It was a bummer that the host didn't tell us about this second location, but fortunately I saw it on Yelp and was able to connect the dots. This location focuses on takeout and has a smaller dining space, we didn't have to wait on a weekend lunch. We orders 2 appetizers and 2 rolls to share and thought it was a good portion for 2 people for lunch. Their presentation is so pretty, they garnished with flowers. It is on the pricey side considering the portions, but it is understandable with the location and quality. My favorite roll was the Big MF roll, the soy paper is a good alternative to seaweed. ig: @cravingswithcat read more

Lil' Buddha's - Menu 2/15/26 (ig: @cravingswithcat) - Sushi Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Fish is very fresh. Service is very efficient and kind. It's a really small place so it feels homey. I like sitting by the window or the bar. They're a little pricey but it's Newport what else can you expect. I've gone a few times now and it's always been delicious! Thank you to the chefs and staff for many wonderful experiences! read more

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I've been going to their sister restaurant for years and was so excited when lil Buddha's opened up! It's the perfect stop for a quick bite or take out! I love that they have a different menu than the traditional Buddha's favorite but still same great quality! The location is super cute and a has a cozier ambiance! The service was awesome! The server was communicative about how long it would take to get my to-go order and even gave me my drink with a separate cup of ice!! I believe her name was Marissa and she was great! Amazing service! I got the bento box to go and it was a great portion! And a great deal to add edamame and a drink to it! I will definitely be back multiple times! read more

My husband and I stopped in for a sushi dinner on Sunday. We had such a nice time talking with the chefs. We had lots of laughs and they were so personable! Sushi was super fresh and we loved everything we ordered!! We went with their recommendations. It's super small inside (I think like seating for 6 at bar) and a couple of tables, but that provided a nice time to talk with whoever was at the sushi bar along with the chefs! Fun casual evening with great sushi! We will be back! BYOB read more

Changed my review from 3 to one after owner response was inconsiderate. Quality of fish is ok. You know a sushi place isn't going to be amazing when all of the fish in the refrigerator are already cut up in slices. So many better places nearby, wouldn't go back. Prices were still kind of high even though quality not great. Owner saying sliced fish in the refrigerator is normal unless omakase is 100% completely incorrect. I have 2500+ restaurant reviews on yelp including hundreds of sushi restaurants. Still surprising I know more than a sushi restaurant owner. Cutting the fish in advance dries out the fish quicker and a quality sushi restaurant would never do this. read more

*Lil' Buddha ~~ Simply Down the Street* The word "Buddha" means "awakened one" and refers to someone who has attained enlightenment and spiritual awakening. It is a title used in Buddhism to describe a person who has achieved the highest state of being. I'm not a Buddhist, but spiritual...so I'll briefly enlighten you. Been going to Lil' Buddha's big papi, Buddha's Favorite, right down the street, ever since it anchored on the harbor of Lido Peninsula...and if you're interested in reading my 5-star review? Check it out once you've sailed on from here. Came for a late family lunch for four. We only needed a little pick-me-up prior to an early dinner resy...and for a sushi lover like me? This always does the deed. It's a lil' neighborhood sushi joint with a small intimate sushi bar. There's also counter seating along side two walls and the glass window facing the street. If you were to order takeout from Buddha's Favorite, this is where you come for pickup. The decor is stylish yet simple and the lighting is too...with a cool cozy vibe inside. The service is outstanding and the team behind the sushi counter is friendly & welcoming. The fish was fresh and the sushi rice was pretty good -- slightly undercooked, which happens sometimes at lunch time. I went with 2 of my favorite handrolls... 1) Negi-Hama: for those who don't know, negi means "cut-up/chopped up" in Japanese. Hama is short for Hamachi = yellowtail. It's a very traditional roll with simply yellowtail and green Japanese green onions. It's prepared simply by thinly chopping up the yellowtail along with the green onions, then mixing it all together into a handroll. Unfortunately, the very happy & friendly Rookie Sushi Chef who was serving us at the sushi bar, had no idea what it is. Strike One. Then he had to ask me what it is & how it's prepared. Strike Two. What I received was good, but he didn't listen carefully to my instructions and lesson...and I was served a layer of thickly chopped hama with a layer of green onions. He gets an A for effort. I know there's more pressing things going on in the world...But still, Strike 3. 2) Salmon Skin: was good but I've had better and shall spare you the details other than they don't offer bonito shavings/flakes inside the handroll...and that's a make or break thang. Wifey enjoyed her Blue Crab Roll which was only 5 pieces. Dad & Stepmom enjoyed their yellowtail sushi and a cut crunchy roll. And miso soup to warm their souls on a cold beachy day. Bonus points for the beautiful edible flower presentations. Prices for some of the items are reasonable...but others might seem a bit steep. But so are most sushi joints nowadays. And remember, this is Newport Beach on Lido. All in all it was a good quick lunch and will most definitely return...and give my Lil' Buddha belly a chance of redemption with ScottoSan's Handjob. {{{Grandslam Still A Fan}}} To be continued... Sayonara For Now read more

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Came here after a Long Beach day. Very yummy sushi & the staff was very kind and quick service. Definitely would be back again

10/10 Found this cute little gem and decided to sit down for lunch. The inside is small and quaint with 4 chairs at the bar, two in front of the windows and 4 high top chairs. Even with it being small it didn't seem cramped. It was very clean and open. The girl taking our order was super sweet and attentive. I got the "I like it raw" roll and the California roll with no shrimp and real crab. It's a 4$ up charge for real crab instead of imitation but totally worth it because it made the roll even better. The fish quality is great and they have some really cool rolls with all the OG's. Service was fast and the green tea was splendid. Definitely recommend read more

Lil' Buddha's - "I like it raw roll" and "rainbow roll" w/ real crab. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

. Sorry. Subpar... smallest space ever... owner clearing dishes before customers even settle check...basic. Come here if you like California rolls and imitation crab Edited: owners reply speaks volumes ... it's grocery store 'sushi' at Nobu prices... read more

cutest sushi spot! we drove past and ordered a bento box, edamame, and sunomono . service was so friendly i can't wait to come back and dine in ! food is delicious . very glad we passed by today :) highly recommended checking this place out read more

Wow! Little place but if you come early, like I did, you get the place to yourself. Bento box is filled with nice mix of tempura, roll, spicy tuna on rice, teriyaki chicken with rice. And miso soup. On top of that, you must have the Blue Crab handroll on soy paper. Then I ordered salmon and yellowtail sushi and the pieces melted in my mouth. Sushi chefs are friendly and the wait staff are awesome! Great sushi! read more

I was excited to try this place. It is small and I think set up for more quick, to go place. Service was quite friendly and I learned they have a main restaurant so this is more focused on pick up food orders. Nevertheless, the menu was a full menu. Ordered some sushi and a roll. It was ok, but I felt it's a bit on the pricier side, I was not blown away, it was OK. But, if you are in the area wanting quick food. I think this place will suffice. The no rice roll I got was prepared beautifully. But, maybe I will try them again as I now understand what they are trying to do. read more

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First time trying Lil' Buddha's and it was a good experience! It's a cute little sushi spot in Lido Village that just opened up. It's a small restaurant, only a few seats at the sushi bar and 6 other seats inside. We started with: Yellowtail jalapeño sashimi 10/10, nice thick pieces of fish, quality taste and fresh flavors Chili garlic edamame 10/10, really good with just the right amount of spice. Rock shrimp tempura 8/10, nice and crispy shrimp. I like when it's coated in sauce but these weren't. Still tasty! Miso soup 10/10, really good miso soup that tasted better than your typical miso soup. Rolls: Salmon and avocado roll 10/10, a good basic roll and the salmon tasted so fresh. Beagle roll 10/10, almost like a cali roll mixed with a crunchy roll. Great flavors! Overall great place, friendly service and quality food! read more

Love that this place exists. Great for when you want to grab some sushi really quick for lunch. Staff were friendly. Justin our server had a great attitude and was attentive. Ok, so we were the only ones there at the time but I'm sure he's usually like that. We had the yellowtail sashimi, ono sushi, red snapper sushi. a seaside roll (scallops on a cali roll), tako sunomo salad, sweet shrimp, and the surf and turf roll (wagyu on a lobster roll). All tasted delicious. $146 later! Yup, there's always that. Cons: I'm 5'2" and I seriously could have used a booster seat in their low seating chairs. Oh, and another comment, be sure to flip through all the pages of the paper menu. For some reason, appetizers and small plates are towards the end of the booklet. Not their fault, but unfortunately they hadn't received their shipment of blue crab yet when we were there around 12:30 today/Saturday. We always love Buddha's Favorite for dinner. It's one of our favorite sushi spots in Newport, although the parking sucks. And we love that this place is here for a quick lunch. Yes, we will be back! read more

Lil' Buddha's - Surf and turf roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

The food was delicious the service was absolutely great and the waitress was so kind the ambiance was great and pretty.if you are looking for a great sushi restaurant i highly recommend lil buddhas. read more

Lil' Buddha's - The bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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First time in Newport and first time reviewing on Yelp!! The lady there Arianna was phenomenal. I didnt know what to order and she picked the best suggestions! Def will come back . Thanks Buddahs and Thank YOU Arianna for the service! read more

Such a great spot! Love it! We ordered for a work event and everyone loved! Super fresh and very delicious!

Great food but forgot to add our carpaccio sauce when we ordered takeout ): sushi was delicious though, would go back read more

Lil' Buddha's - California roll Spicy tuna crispy rice Salmon avocado roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Holy wow! This was so yummy! We were in and out in about 20 mins. When we called to check the wait time, they let us know there is no alcohol at this location. Which we were a-ok with. Very quaint spot with the friendliest staff. FRESH, FRIENDLY, FAST & FABULOUS!!! read more

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Fresh salad and tasty miso soup! Baked salmon roll was nicely presented. Wife thought the sesame chicken in the bento box was a little over sweet but the other items were tasty. Service great and friendly. Comfy little space for a mostly take-out spot. No booze. read more

Had a little date with myself and my service dog and loved every thing about this cute restaurant. The baked hand roll lobster was SO DELICIOUS. Just loved sitting there and watching the sunset . The staff so kind and friendly. This is my new local sushi place read more

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Service was great, sushi was great, good vibes and great music playing throughout the place and friendly employees! Definitely recommend

We came here and it's a really nice place with good service but the only issue is the quality of the food... I got the yellowtail hamachi which was great except for the yellowtail having an unchewable piece which I had to spit out because it was rock solid. read more

Great food and service! Everything we ordered was incredible and to perfection! I highly recommend this restaurant!

This was the perfect little stop while on the peninsula during the day. Has the full menu of the dinner restaurant and the sushi/sides were delicious! There is minimal seating inside or takeout but the service was fast and friendly. read more

My favorite sushi place finally has a to go spot!!! The service is always amazing and you HAVE to try their lil Buddhas exclusives. The wagyu burger, chicken sando and ramen are to die for!! read more

I wasn't planning on leaving a review, but then I saw the owner's responses and it made me laugh. The food here is good, we usually order for pick up. I recommend the spicy tuna crispy rice and the big MF. read more

Food was fantastic and Sandra our server was great! I didn't mind at all they don't serve alcohol!

Lil' Buddha's has authentic, AMAZING Japanese food! The Fireball roll is absolutely delicious and the garlic edamame is out of this world. We ate there for my birthday dinner and will most definitely be back. Excellent customer service. Arigato gozaimasu!!! read more

Lil' Buddha's - Fireball roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Great find, the big store has always been great, super glad I found it's mini-me.. food is fantastic.

oh my god death bed meal this was amazing highly recommend bento box. definitely will come again

We love Buddhas sushi near blue water grill. We equally love their new Lil Buddhas on 32nd. It has the same menu with the option to eat in or take out. We have been going here for pick up to eat at home. Like buddhas Favorite, the staff is friendly and professional and the service is fast! read more