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    Mori Izakaya

    4.6 (1.4k reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Mori Izakaya Japanese Restaurant Photos

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    room big table
    Carol S.

    Located in a large plaza, this place has plenty of convenient parking. The restaurant is spacious with lots of tables, and they also have private rooms, so there's plenty of seating and the space feels open. The interior has a warm Japanese izakaya-style atmosphere with wood accents and vintage Japanese decor. We ordered the udon, chicken katsu curry, and yakitori. The udon broth was rich and flavorful, and the chicken katsu curry was satisfying. The yakitori was a little on the dry side, but overall, we had a good experience. Service was friendly. This was my first visit, and I was satisfied overall. I'll definitely come back again.

    Megan D.

    8.9/10 What was ordered: Beef short rib w/ soy, beef ribeye, lamb chop, pork belly w/ miso, pork belly w/ spicy, bacon asparagus, bacon enoki, garlic butter scallop, unagi, squid leg karaage, okomiyaki, and salmon sashimi. Overall everything was delicious. My favorite and most unique item was the lamb chop. It was so cute and tiny, which made it perfect for photos. The only critique I have is that one of the beef orders was a little tough to chew, I think it was the beef short rib. Other than that, everything was great and I would definitely come here again. Note: One thing about this spot that I'm not a fan of is the hosting situation. If there's a wait and you put your name down, the host won't give you a time frame of when a table will be ready. It's insanely inconvenient because how are you supposed to know if you're even willing to wait that long? It's also misleading because there are always so many open tables, but they don't seat people in those spots. Maybe they don't have enough employees, but it's frustrating to see empty seats while you're just standing there.

    Sushi platter
    Linda C.

    We came here for a friend's birthday since they have private karaoke rooms. I'm personally not a karaoke person but if you are, this spot is solid. The song selection was kinda weak but the sake selection definitely made up for it. My friend ordered a bunch of dishes for the room. My favorites were the tofu, mushrooms, and okra. Sadly they ran out of okra. If I come back, my order is already decided: okra x5 shiitake mushrooms x1 and a small bottle of nigori sake ($19)

    Miso
    Kimberly B.

    One of my top izakaya spots! Love bringing friends here and leaving satisfied in how delicious everything tastes. It was a quiet cozy night and not as busy, I came 2 1/2 hours til closing time but the food and service was still great. I was finally wanting to try the udon Mentaiko cream, but they said since they weren't as busy, they were going to close the kitchen early so they only had the happy hour menu available which was a bummer. Mori izakaya never skimps on freshness and bursts of flavors! Skewers: -Sirloin -garlic pork belly -spicy pork belly Potato croquettes and salad: -Crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside with the perfect balanced dipping sauce. -salad; unwilted crisp greens with a light sweet dressing California tuna hand roll was good, nothing special. It was definitely missing some sort of sauce or drizzle Gyoza: golden crunchy delight Miso -piping hot chefs kiss. Overall 9/10 highly recommend.

    Kurtis C.

    Came here for the second time last Friday night after work and it was just alright. The first time was good enough to consider coming back, but unfortunately I don't see myself coming back again. I ordered 4 pieces of yakitori to go along with a beer; just a little pit stop before going home to grab a bite and unwind for a bit. Unfortunately the yakitori took a long time to come out. I kinda wanted to nibble on something while drinking some beer, but it took so long I just decided to finish the beer instead. When it did come out, it was also a bit disappointing as well. The last time I came here the yakitori was much better. This time around it was dry and offensively under seasoned. Listen, I eat a lot of chicken breast for da gainz, so I fully expected the chicken tenderloin to be dry, but more wasabi absolutely would've helped. Even my favorite meatball with cheese was a letdown. Anyway, service was fine. The hostess was friendly and had a positive vibe about her. Unfortunately this makes it 0 for 2 for izakayas this month :( Guess I'll have to continue making the journey out to Fountain Valley for good yakitori then.

    Julia H.

    Happened to be in the area. Stopped by due to the good reviews. Place was clean and by too loud. Service was good and food came out pretty quickly. Would get the + 1. Chicken thigh shio 2. Liver 3. Pork jowl: + 4. Pork belly: + 5. Spicy squid 6. Corn 7. Gizzard 8. Skin 9. Heart 10. King mushroom 11. Rib eye cap: + 12. Scallop with garlic butter 13. Shishamo 14. Eel 15. Fried potato Mentaiko mayo 16. Fried oyster Some of the meats are a bit dry or tough to eat. Overall 3.25

    Raven R.

    Came here for dinner. The place is popular on weekends on expect a long wait. Parking lot is spacious. Place is clean and decorations are lovely. Our server wasn't very friendly and acted a little inconvenienced when we would ask for things. The pacing with how items came out was a little off. We ordered rice to go with our skewers and it came right away, but the skewers took a long time to come out so the rice was cold by the time everything else started getting to our table. The table next to us was complaining about the service too. They took a while with the check when we asked for it, and the server just plopped it on the table and walked away wordlessly which was kinda rude. It took another 20 mins for someone to pick up our credit cards, and more time to give it back so we were just sitting awkwardly. Drinks- My mango highball was sweet and refreshing. It has a good amount of alcohol. Food- The chicken heart was dry, possibly overcooked. The garlic butter scallops were tender and juicy with a good garlic flavor. The beef rib eye overcooked and tough. Pork belly was juicy. Chicken skin was crispy and my favorite. Asparagus and shitake mushrooms were fresh. Meatballs with cheese tasted like cheeseburger, very juicy and flavorful. They were out of a lot of things on the menu. Experience was not good overall. Service was terrible, and food items were a hit and miss.

    Shrimp and scollops
    Victoria G.

    My boyfriend and I went to MORI Izakaya for dinner after leaving Disneyland, and it was our first time visiting. We ordered a variety of dishes including ribeye and pork skewers, chicken hand rolls, scallop and shrimp skewers, lamb chops, and yellowtail belly sushi. Everything was delicious and did not disappoint. The restaurant was very clean, the service was great, and the staff made our first experience there a really enjoyable one. Every dish was flavorful and well prepared, especially the skewers and sushi. It was the perfect dinner spot after a long day at Disneyland. We will definitely be coming back!

    Chicken Skin Skewer, Beef Short Rib Soy Skewer, Fried Aji
    Kelly W.

    Happy hour! Prices listed below March 2026 Spicy Tuna Handroll - $7 each Tako-wasabi - $7 Fried Aji - $10 Everything else was regular priced. Highlights were the tako-wasabi and the yellowtail carpaccio. Yummm!!

    Monkfish liver
    Cindy W.

    A new favorite Japanese restaurant in Anaheim. Parking is plentiful. When entering the restaurant the setting is clean and inviting. It has a modern feel with nostalgic Japan. The menu has plenty of selection from Sushi, Yakitori, cooked food, beverage and spirits. It was incredible that each dish we order, it was good. We ordered a few share items for two and was happy with each dish. The yakitori was delicious and flavorful. The favorite was the mentaiko creamy udon. Service is incredible. They were very attentive and friendly. Highly recommended great for all occassions. Would come back again!

    Zien T.

    The food was decent, and the ambiance was nice. It's a bit on the pricey side, with a tapas-style menu featuring sashimi, skewers, chicken wings, and small plates. A pitcher of beer costs around $30, and skewers are typically $4-$6 each. Service was average, and the atmosphere is kid-friendly. Food came out a bit slowly--they missed one of our dishes, and after a long wait, we decided to cancel it.

    Salmon Skin Roll
    Christina J.

    First time at Mori Izakaya. I've passed by so often but haven't been able to visit until yesterday. I was there by myself and was immediately greeted warmly by the bar staff when I walked in. She explained the menu well and walked me to my table. Service was fast, I didn't have to wait long to get my food. The food was amazing!!! My salmon skin roll was filled with flavor and the yakitori are just - wow, the beef was so juicy and tender, and the chicken skin was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfectly seasoned too! The restaurant is spacious so it's good for large parties. I'll definitely come back with a party so I can try more food!

    Desiree S.

    This place has such a nice vibe. I've never been to an Izakaya before so I'm excited to try this spot. I loved how it looked. Every thing seemed to be made of wood. The figuring is perfect. Not super dark. There severs and host are very informative and friendly. And they serve quickly. Food looks beautiful. The chirashi is so delicious. The fish is so fresh. The rib soy marinated yaki Tori was juicy and flavorful. Tako yaki is delicious. The food is just amazing. Best first time experience.

    Shrimp tempura, gyoza, chicken thigh skewer, katsu don, soba, shrimp shumai

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    21 days ago

    The service was impeccable and I was enthralled by the atmosphere. Would recommend the Gochi nut

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    Felt perfect for large groups! especially the VIP room! would highly recommend this place. Kevin did an amazing job being our server

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    Page 1 of 35

    Mori Izakaya Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Mori Izakaya

    Do they offer gift certificates?

    What is the general noise level of Mori? Like do I need to yell to have a conversation?

    No, it's pretty quiet. They place music but you can still have a conversation in your normal voice.

    Is there a private area for birthdays party of 8?

    Yes, they do have a private area.

    Is this place Korean owned?

    It would seem so

    No sushi on the menu?

    We have Sasimi and Sushi menu.

    Do you take reservations?

    Yes please reservation via our web site. https://www.moriizakaya.com/reservations

    View All 9 Questions

    Izakaya Takasei

    Izakaya Takasei

    4.0(1.2k reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $$

    I just moved to the area and wanted to check this place out. What a great decision that was! This…read moreplace is legit! The menu is huge and prices are very affordable. They give you the option to sit at a booth or sit on the ground like they do in Japan. I'll definitely be coming back. Mistibi!

    // Food: Tonkatsu / Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice / Beef Udon / Skewers…read more Stopped by for happy hour on a Friday night, and left with a belly full of good food. I came with a large-ish sized group so I was able to try a little bit of everything, and honestly it was all pretty good. If I were to come back I would definitely order the Beef Udon again as well as some of the meat skewers including the meatball and the steak with ponzu. // Restaurant: Our servers were attentive and quick with refills. They did miss one of the menu items that we ordered, but they quickly got the order in and the food came out nice and hot. Inside they have traditional Japanese seating (shorter tables, you sit on the ground) as well as tables that can accommodate large and small groups alike. // Notes: Prices are about what you would pay at other izakaya's. From the outside it definitely does not look like much, and the area is kind of sketch but it is def worth a visit!

    Photos
    Izakaya Takasei - Tell me that this isn't a thing of beauty.  I dare you.

    Tell me that this isn't a thing of beauty. I dare you.

    Izakaya Takasei - Sake ikura bowl

    Sake ikura bowl

    Izakaya Takasei - Yakitori (chicken, meatball, asparagus, and okra) plus agedashi tofu, yaki udon, and iidako karaage (baby octopus)

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    Yakitori (chicken, meatball, asparagus, and okra) plus agedashi tofu, yaki udon, and iidako karaage (baby octopus)

    Izakaya Osen

    Izakaya Osen

    4.3(2.1k reviews)
    12.6 mi
    $$$
    Outdoor seating
    Full bar

    Found my new favorite sushi spot in Costa Mesa. We did the $100 Mother's Day omakase and I was…read moreblown away by the value. Every course was delicious and the fish quality was top-tier. Beyond the freshness, I loved the creative touches--they clearly put a lot of thought into the garnishes and sauces. The service was attentive, and the restaurant has a great energy. For $100, this felt like a steal compared to other high-end omakase spots in OC. Everything was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented.

    Great place to go with friends if you want to try some unique dishes, but just be prepared--it is…read moredefinitely on the pricey side. Some of the fish is genuinely high-quality and worth the tag, but the cost across the board is what keeps it from being a perfect 5/5 for me. Pro Tip: They do validate parking, which is a huge plus! Beef Tantan Nabe -- 5/5 This was my favorite thing here! It's creamy, delicious, and I've never actually had this dish at any other Japanese restaurant. A must-order. Miyabi Tai Carpaccio -- 5/5 So yummy. It has a great combination of flavors and the fish was buttery, it literally melted in my mouth. Toro Roll -- 5/5 Super tasty. They put real gold on it, which felt so extra, but it was actually a great-tasting roll. Blue Crab Hot Pot -- 4/5 This was really good, and I especially loved the char on the rice. Maguro Kajime -- 3.5/5 This was just okay. It wasn't bad, but it felt a little expensive for what it was--taste-wise, it was just whatever. Final Thoughts: Overall, all of the dishes were solid, but you're definitely paying for the experience.

    Photos
    Izakaya Osen - Sashimi Omakase

    Sashimi Omakase

    Izakaya Osen - Omakase Bowl

    Omakase Bowl

    Izakaya Osen - Fresh Roll

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    Fresh Roll

    Izakaya Habuya Okinawan Dining

    Izakaya Habuya Okinawan Dining

    4.4(1.1k reviews)
    10.9 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

    Akashiro

    Akashiro

    4.6(276 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$

    It's a Saturday and husband was ready for sushi. I had another place in mind, but they didn't take…read morereservations and we're not about to chance it and wait. So we found this place and it was in the same vicinity and yay, they took reservations. Made reservations same day for a 18:30 seating. Service is impeccable. We were welcomed with hot towels, and this impressed me: when our server asked if we wanted cold or hot water. Love it! We opted for hot, better for digestion :) Our libation: Kubota sake - semi dry, rich, clean Our dishes: Assorted sashimi (16 pcs) - omakase. No soy sauce needed. Chef prepared with delicious flavors in mind. Tiger scallops - served in a what appears to resemble petrified wood, carved into a long boatlike dish. Hokkaido shrimp, cilantro oil, chilaquita (Peruvian onion relish), sweet potato crisp, smoke aji Amarillo (Peruvian yellow chili) Leche de tigre (rich emulsion of limes, Peruvian spices and chilis) - A complexity of flavors that comes together so completely. Eat with spoon. The delicate potato crisp finishes the bite with a little crunch. Udon picante - bell peppers, quinoa and 2 jumbo shrimp. Love the heat level. Comfort food at its best. Salmon parmesan - Nikkei sushi - seared salmon, parmesan bitter, eel sauce , arare, lime. Amazing. O toro sushi - the fattiest cut of tuna. Eat as is. Again chef prepared. No added seasoning required. Parri maki - fried shrimp, cream cheese, seared tuna topped with chimichurri, aji amarillo, chalaquita, ponzu. Food experience was enhanced by their impeccable taste in music. Super chill, soft beats stream the restaurant. With its perfect lighting too sets all the good moods for us. Don't wait for this fine dining experience of Japanese and Peruvian fusion. Note: when they ask if you want soy sauce, say No, thank you. It would be a shame to kill the taste of a beautiful dish with any added sauce. Kampai! Salud!

    Overall, an amazing dining experience! The fusion of two cultures is executed…read morebeautifully--combinations you wouldn't expect somehow come together perfectly. The fish quite literally melts in your mouth, and every dish is top-notch, from flavor to presentation. The staff is wonderful--so polite and attentive, taking the time to explain each dish and what it entails. The chef is incredibly kind, and you can truly feel the passion and care he puts into every plate. I highly recommend sitting at the bar for the full experience, where you can interact directly with the chef. We've been here twice now, revisiting a few favorites and trying some new dishes the second time, and everything has been consistently outstanding. The cebiche is an absolute must-try, and you can't go wrong with anything in the Nikkei section--we've tried most of them, and every single one delivers. Would 1000000x recommend coming here for any occasion.

    Photos
    Akashiro - Nice mural

    Nice mural

    Akashiro - Chutoro and Salmon belly

    Chutoro and Salmon belly

    Akashiro - 3 bluecrab hand roll

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    3 bluecrab hand roll

    Mori Izakaya - izakaya - Updated May 2026

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