We stopped by Botan Sushi after helping our son get settled into his apartment, and it turned out…read moreto be a great way to end the day. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly and quickly shown to an open table. Ordering was incredibly easy--we simply scanned the QR code, chose what we wanted, and placed the order right from our table. We ordered several maki rolls: the Spicy California Roll, Alaska Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, and Mars Roll. Everything was fresh and delicious, but the Mars Roll was definitely the standout for my son. He enjoyed it so much that he immediately ordered another one! What made the evening especially enjoyable was the hospitality. One of the owners was helping out that night, and she couldn't have been more welcoming--friendly, attentive, and always smiling. That kind of genuine warmth makes a difference. Great sushi, easy ordering, and wonderful hospitality. Botan Sushi is definitely a place we'll be returning to, especially whenever we're visiting our son in Irvine. Highly recommended!

Great value, price, and service…read more It's a colorful Anime-esk kinda place, with ample quiet space if you go early. The sushi could be wrapped tighter, indication limited experience, but tasty enough none the less for a strip mall.

Food was great. A little bit of a wait but use yelp waitlist!…read more Loved the chicken thighs Chicken gizzard Chicken skin

Our go-to yakitori place I like their chicken skin, liver,…read morechicken wings, & pork belly yakitori Mentaiko mazemen is on point Be there before 5pm or join their wait list (within 5-mile radius) or better yet, make a reservation ahead. Otherwise, you'll be waiting for 2hrs before they seat you since it's a small place. But with their food quality and excelletn service,, it's all worth the wait!

We had such a wonderful dinner at Anjin. Everything we ordered was delicious, but my favorites were…read moredefinitely the Kainomi, the Anjin Seaweed Salad, and the orange sherbet at the end. The Kainomi was incredibly tender and flavorful, and the seaweed salad was fresh, light, and perfectly seasoned. The orange sherbet was also such a refreshing way to finish the meal. I honestly wanted to try so many more dishes, but since there were only two of us, we could only order so much. Next time, I would love to come with a bigger group so we can try more of the menu. We came to celebrate a very special birthday, and it made the evening even more memorable. We both left very happy and completely satisfied. Thank you for such a lovely experience!

Anjin has been on my list for so long and I've always heard good things. I just couldn't bring…read moremyself to wait 2 hrs on most days. My wife and I decided to leave our names down and walked around antil mall/the lab. Our wait time ended being about almost 2 hours. The service here is pretty good, they are pretty attentive. You could tell they been around due to the furniture and style. Anyways, we absolutely enjoyed our meal. We ordered three al carte meats: marbled prime rib eye, boneless short ribs and the prime outside skirt. I can assure you the meat was so soft and tender. Quality at its finest. You can cook them either well done or my preference is medium. Very tender and melts in your mouth.. Their side dishes were good, the seaweed salad and the hot stone rice bowl. Make sure you to add those on your visit. I mean this place has 2k reviews, 2 hour waits, not much I need to say. This restaurant speaks for itself. I'm glad I finally had the courage to wait out the hangryness!

Nice spot for delicious Japanese food! We came early for dinner, so it wasn't crowded. It was…read morepretty calm inside. The workers were nice and friendly. We got the following: Tempura combo (average and good) Fresh cucumber in spicy soy dressing (loved this!!) Pork cheek with green onion sauce (really good!) Chilled soba with dipping sauce (delicious and filling) Garlic edamame (average and good)

Disappointed with our experience. Most of the yakitori came out burnt and the meat was bland and…read moredry. The chicken skin was super salty! The restaurant is quite small and the service was extremely slow. It was uncomfortably hot and stuffy inside since the AC wasn't working that day. Overall, not worth the price.

I used to come here back when Ikko held down this Baker Street spot for nearly two decades…read more 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.

I rarely complain about the parking or how many times the water glass was filled but this parking…read moreis 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

If I had to describe Gurume Sushi in one word, I'd say "underrated"!…read more It's located in a prime plaza that gets quite a lot of foot traffic and the restaurant has appealing exterior + interior decor. Despite all this, the place is half empty on a Sunday evening! It definitely deserves more, but until more people discover it, I'll happily enjoy the low-stress, no waitlist seating. The restaurant has a good assortment of items: nigiri, appetizers, bowls, soups, but the main thing I want to highlight are their specialty sushi rolls! Admittedly they are priced quite high, averaging in the low $20s, but it certainly meets its price in quality. We haven't tried them all yet, but the top 2 highlights are most definitely the OMG roll and the Hokkaido Gurume roll. Both of these are magical flavor bombs - ORDER THEM. Good sushi, no wait times, and Omomo boba right next door - what's not to like?

Came here on a Saturday for late lunch. We were seated straight away…read more We ordered an assortment of dishes and loved the food. It was fresh and crisp. The only dish I personally didn't love was the soft shell crab. It was made well but lacked flavor without the sauce. Service was great and quick.

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.

9/27 -- 2:30 Takeout Order…read more I placed a takeout order and specifically requested extra salad dressing on the side, which I was willing to pay extra for. When I picked up my order, I even asked if the dressing was included, and I was told that they had put it in the bag. When I got home, however, there was only one dressing included. I called the restaurant to ask about it, and the employee told me that a regular takeout order does not come with dressing. If that is truly the case, does that mean the restaurant expects takeout customers to eat the cabbage without any dressing, while dine-in customers receive dressing with their meal? More importantly, if dressing is not included with takeout orders, the customer should be notified when placing or picking up the order--especially when the customer specifically asked for extra dressing and even confirmed it at pickup. I should not have to find out after getting home. On top of that, the katsu sauce container was only half-filled, despite being a 2-ounce sauce cup. Seriously? Even worse, I found a hair coming out of the sauce container, which is extremely concerning from a food hygiene standpoint. What made the experience even worse was the way my concern was handled over the phone. If you are working in customer service and someone calls with a legitimate question or complaint, there is no reason to be rude or dismissive. This was by far the worst customer experience I've had at Kagura. There were only two tables occupied when I visited, yet the restaurant couldn't even properly handle a simple takeout order. Very disappointing. The manager or owner should seriously consider providing additional hospitality and customer-service training to the lady staff. Regardless of whether there was a misunderstanding with the order, speaking disrespectfully to a customer is not an appropriate way to handle a complaint.

Hako has become a go-to spot for my family and friends. It is easily one of our favorite spots for…read morekatsu and curry in OC. We've been here plenty of times, and the food has always been incredibly consistent. What really makes their katsu stand out to me is how thin and crispy it is without sacrificing the flavor. I personally prefer thinner katsu, and Hako does it SO well. My go-to is the Curry Tonkatsu. The curry itself is amazing too, with mild and spicy options. Even the spicy isn't particularly hot, so I would recommend that one if you just want a little kick. They're almost always busy, so unless you come during an off time, I'd expect at least a little bit of a wait. Considering how good the food is, I completely understand why, and I'm willing to wait every time. If you don't want to wait for a table, their takeout is a great option too and everything comes neatly packed in its own little box. Overall, Hako is incredibly consistent and still some of the best katsu and curry I've had. If you love this kind of meal and you're in OC, this is a must-try.

order: - fish katsu…read more- cheese pork katsu One of the best katsu in oc! I lovee the mozzarella cheese the pork katsu. fish katsu was also so delish and crunchy, nothing seemed dry. So flavorful with the sauce and nice touch with the sides (pickled jalapeños, onions, and radish). However, I didn't like the miso soup, it was lukewarm and watery. The inside of the restaurant is small so we waited over an hour to be seated for a table of two. It was a Friday night so pretty busy.

I got the Premium Omakase, and it was hands down the best Japanese BBQ I've had. Every course was…read moredelicious, and the quality of the Wagyu was amazing. I swapped the edamame for the mushrooms and shishito peppers (there was a small upcharge), and it was definitely worth it. My favorite course was the Sukiyaki Wagyu. The garlic fried rice was also really good, and I loved trying all the different Wagyu cuts. We also had the spicy beef soup and finished with the matcha mochi. Overall, it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The food was incredible, the portions were perfect, and I can't wait to come back.

Last night, my wife, daughter, and I celebrated my wife's 37th birthday, and what an incredible…read moredecision this turned out to be. While searching for reservations, I came across Manpuku Japanese BBQ. I honestly didn't know much about it, but a handful of photos immediately caught my attention. Something about the presentation, atmosphere, and quality of the food made me curious enough to give it a shot. I was fortunate enough to secure a reservation the day before and sent the restaurant a message letting them know we would be celebrating my wife's birthday. Right away they were accommodating, responsive, and excited to help make the evening special. Parking was probably the most difficult part of the entire experience. We happened to get lucky and grabbed a spot just as another car was leaving. If not, I believe there is additional parking available nearby, but thankfully we didn't have to worry about that. Walking into the restaurant was my first surprise. For some reason, I expected a large bustling dining room. Instead, Manpuku felt intimate and welcoming. The soft lighting and wood accents created a cozy atmosphere that felt perfect for a special occasion. The restaurant was also spotless, with clean and organized dining areas and grilling stations. Instead of seating us at a traditional table, we were escorted to a private-style dining area where we removed our shoes before stepping into the seating space. It immediately made the evening feel unique and added to the intimate atmosphere. Now let's talk about our server. Hannah was outstanding. Since it was our first visit, she walked us through the menu, explained the different cuts, discussed preparation methods, asked about allergies, and provided recommendations throughout the evening. She was knowledgeable, professional, and personable, making us feel genuinely welcomed. Her attention and care helped make my wife's birthday dinner memorable. For our meal, we selected the A5 Wagyu Omakase. The experience started with beautifully presented appetizers, including Uni and Beef Sashimi, Seared Beef Sushi, Japanese salad, kimchi, and several small bites. The seared beef sushi was rich and buttery, while the Uni paired wonderfully with the beef. The A5 Wagyu selections were the highlight of the meal. Chuck short rib, culotte, chuck roll, and inner skirt each offered distinct textures and flavors, all showcasing the richness and tenderness that make A5 Wagyu special. The quality was evident in both the presentation and taste. And then there was the A5 Umami Rice. Despite being part of a Wagyu-focused meal, it stood out as a flavorful and comforting dish that kept everyone reaching for another bite. The drinks were refreshing and paired well with the meal. One thing that made the evening even more special was being able to share the experience as a family. Between the intimate atmosphere, attentive service, and excellent food, it felt like more than just dinner. To top everything off, the staff surprised my wife with a birthday dessert presentation complete with a candle and thoughtful decoration. Seeing the smile on her face while celebrating alongside our daughter made the moment even more meaningful and reflected the hospitality we experienced throughout the night. For anyone considering the A5 Wagyu Omakase, come hungry. While the presentation is elegant, the experience includes multiple courses and a generous amount of food. By the end of the meal we were completely satisfied and felt that the experience justified the price. Exceptional service, quality ingredients, excellent food, and an intimate atmosphere made for a memorable celebration.

A staple in the Tustin community that I've personally been enjoying since 2008; this gem for…read moreOkinawan dishes is still consistent in their approach on serving fresh and delicious dishes in a setting that always feels grounded and local. I always tend to gravitate more towards their seafood offerings and this time is no different as I enjoyed the fried squid, grilled mackerel, tuna cheek and shrimp musubi but what I love about this place is its constant new offerings and this time, they were offering fried chicken skin, so of course, had to give that a go as well and it was DAMN delicious with its savory bursts of flavor that was seasoned well. This place is small and cozy with a great artist, almost punk rock vibe that I've always loved and the staff, especially the owner feels more like relatives serving you food rather than employees so that's what separates a corporation from a local gem, Support your local businesses folks and enjoy this treasure of a restaurant!

I read online that you could add yourself to the list ahead of time, which saved us a lot of…read morewaiting time. I read others have waited long periods of time just to get seated. The restaurant is small and intimate, and the decor is amazing! During our visit, my boyfriend and I ordered: - white corn tempura with truffle salt - yellowtail sashimi - Okinawa margarita - mountain yam mentai cheese - beef sukiyaki bowl - takoyaki - shikwasa juice - Maccha tiramisu I read many people raving about the white corn tempura, but we felt that it was just alright. The yellowtail sashimi was delicious, and I loved that they included yuzu kosho sauce. It's been a favorite of mine since I tried it in Kyoto. The Okinawa margarita was pretty strong, but it was good. We really liked the mountain yam mentai cheese as it was full of flavor. The beef sukiyaki was good, but we wished there was more beef. I think the dish also needed a little more flavor. The drjnks: The Okinawa margarita was pretty strong, but it was good. I really liked the shikwasa juice as it reminded me of calamansi juice, which is one of my favorite drinks! I'd definitely go back to try other items from the menu.