Managed to snag a reservation on 8/28 for Naisho. This was my first true omakase experience and it was amazing! I do not remember the sushi chef's name but he was a younger guy and just an amazing host. Had some great conversation with him and really just made the experience so enjoyable. The limited seating also means it's not so loud and you can still have an intimate time while sitting at the counter. The sushi itself was exceptional. All the flavors and pairings went so well together. I'm not the biggest fan of wasabi but decided it was a must to have an authentic dining experience and it was not bad. The fish was of course super fresh. A few of my favorites were the sea bass w okinawa sea salt, charcoal seared amberjack with kelp soy, and hokkaido snow crab with brûlée miso butter. After 16 pieces, I left feeling full, but not bloated. I would say my only gripe is how long the drinks took to come out. My cocktail did not come out until probably 1/3 or even half way through service. But, the welcome sake shot made up for that. read more

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I was really excited to try this place after seeing all the buzz on social media and drove almost an hour to visit shortly after they opened. Unfortunately, I left feeling like I didn't get to experience the restaurant the way it was intended. The space is intimate with a fun speakeasy feel, the chef was friendly, and the cocktails were great. We were offered a complimentary cocktail to start the evening which was nice. With the ambiance and setting, price is pretty attractive for a $100 omakase. It reminded me of Bar Sawa and Sushi By Scratch - intimate bar seating, friendly chef interactions, and complimentary cocktail / bites to start the night. The biggest issue for us was the pacing. Our nigiri came out extremely quickly, sometimes before we had time to fully enjoy the previous piece. The rice on our first few pieces was also overcooked, although they switched it afterward and it was noticeably better. I was also really looking forward to trying their drinks, but we didn't receive our first cocktail until we were already halfway through the meal - not because the drink service was slow, but because the pieces was coming out so quickly. I would have happily ordered another drink or two if we'd had more time. By the end of our course, there was already another party sitting at the booths waiting. We were seated close to 9 and finished around 9:30, so the entire experience was 30 minutes and felt extremely rushed. Since we visited shortly after opening, I'm hoping these were just opening growing pains, and perhaps they just wanted to accomidate as many people as they could. There's a lot of potential here, especially at this price point and the experience they're trying to create. Slowing down the pacing would make a huge difference and allow guests to actually enjoy the intimate speakeasy atmosphere they're going for. I really wanted to love this place and would be curious to experience it again once they've had more time to settle in. read more

Literally a hidden gem in a gourmet plaza of eateries in Costa Mesa. Once you walk inside the establishment, you embark into a small and intimate speakeasy, but once you go through the back room door, you will be warped into a 14 seat Omakase bar. Head chef Shimpei was the orchestrator of the restaurant and everything was beautifully executed. The service was impeccable and the drinks and courses were spot on exquisitely decadent! Not a big fan of their parking lot and the wait list to get in but it definitely is worth the wait if you are ever in town! read more

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The whole restaurant is attached to a plaza with medium difficulty parking. It is reservations mostly but you could attempt to get a spot when they open. I got the $100 omakase and it was worth it. It is very nigiri focused. The quality is very good and I enjoy this for a late lunch of early dinner. The bar seems to be quite enjoyable as well. My chef was highly knowledgeable and easy to talk to which I appreciated as a solo diner. I will be back! read more

Naisho Omakase - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Speakeasy but make it omakase. I love my speakeasies and when I heard it's an omakase for a great price. Count me in! This place is pretty hard to get. The reservations open up 2 weeks prior and starts at 9am. They get booked quickly! I heard you might get lucky with stand by waitlist when you come at opening also. We got the last seating at 9:30pm which seats you by 9:45pm and you wait for the other parties to start in a group. We sat down and the party next to us thought it was Highball so left. It is possible to get a late last minute opening that's for sure We chose The Journey $100 for 16 courses compare to the other $75. The difference is you get a welcome oyster, 2 extra nigiri and a handroll to end the night. The last two we got this time around were the crab and eel and both were very worth it. I really liked how they have a welcome shot and let you pick out your own shot cup! Pick the bigger one, it's the best ;) The welcome oyster was the perfect taste also. The end of the meal handroll was very crispy. My favorite were the black snapper, It was so smokey, ootoro, scallop, tuna and halibut. The nigiri's were very fresh and delicious. Our chef, Alex, he was so fun. I really enjoy his energy! He noticed I was eating with my left and would place my nigiri in the way that is easier to pick up. The waiter that took our drink order, Chris, was also super informative and helpful. I really enjoyed the experience and the food. Definitely recommend and we will be back! read more

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Had a great time celebrating our anniversary here! This place gets booked with reservations, and i overheard over a 2 hour wait- so do plan accordingly!! This restaurant itself is giving speakeasy vibes, with no storefront. Instead its inside the Highball bar, so follow the storefront for that and ring the bell! Service was so wonderful, with the chefs engaging with each guest to explain the pieces. They give you a complimentary sake to start off. I love how they have unique cocktails that follow the notes of the overall menu. My partner got the highball, which was really whisky forward. While I got the Ms. Wednesday mocktail, super refreshing and had a spiced rim to it! We got the 16 set- All the pieces were really good, per usual I loved the chutoro and salmon pieces, but I was also blown away with their smoked piece as well! To end off the meal we decided to get the uni toast, which was so good! It ran to be $20, but was probably the sweetest uni Ive ever had! They also gave us complimentary sake to celebrate, but our server noticed I had a mocktail and gave me a non-alch shot instead! Super caring service! I didnt feel too full after the meal, but rather satisfied! Compared to other omakase places, the nigiri pieces are on the smaller side, but nonetheless everything is very thought out. From the warm and seasoned rice to the toppings that compliment the fish. Highly give this place a try! read more

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Finally got a rez after sitting on opentable notifications for weeks! They have a 12 for $75 and 16 for $100. We did the latter and added the uni toast at the end. I also got the Chu-Hi-Yumi highball that had elderflower syrup and a candied grape on top (tanghulu style). Drink was nice and strong but not super memorable -- definitely on the sweet side. As for the actual courses -- all the ingredients are high quality and well prepared. We had one sushi chef for 4 people so there was a lot of care and attention to detail along with some light conversation. (Shout out to Shin Pei). No soy sauce is needed with any of the nigiri and there is ginger on the side. A lot of the nigiri is either charcoal seared before serving and/or topped with house made seasonings like a wasabi caramelized onion, dashi gelee, or an orange zest honey. I will say a lot of their nigiri combinations lean on the sweet side which I still enjoyed but might turn off purists. The rice is also moderately seasoned. For the classy atmosphere, focused service, and quality ingredients, I think this meal was a great value. You get the full omakase experience and fun speakeasy vibes. Next time I would just do the 12 course for $75 (all my favorite pieces were in both sets, get the other one if you are hungry). The uni toast is extra but worth it. Along with the caviar it was a flavor explosion. read more

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The food was very good and well presented. My party chose the adventure with 16 courses. I thoroughly enjoyed 14/16 courses. I was not a fan of the ocean trout but the rest were delicious. The highlights to me were the crab, tuna, and miso cod. Alex our chef was excellent. Funny, entertaining, and personable. My partner added the uni toast which she enjoyed. Overall, a great experience, especially at its price point. Although the food was delicious I hope their portions change or a course is added because my partner and I did leave a bit hungry and we're not big eaters. read more

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Been super excited to go here and have been trying to get a resy there for months! Ambiance is very classy and nice. It's behind a bar and gives an upscale feel. I did get a little upset that I told the server I'm allergic to unagi and they didn't replace my piece when I saw they were preparing the unagi i realized that's likely mine in there I had to flag the server down to remind them and they went to tell the sushi chef and then the sushi chef just gave my piece to my partner. I then asked if they usually replace the item and the server said yes they usually do and had to go to the sushi chef again. He then did another piece for everyone and I was still confused and he explained that he just gave everyone another piece. Although it was nice it still kinda felt jipped because my partner got 2 extra pieces and everyone else got an extra piece and I just had 12. Wished they would've just replaced my piece like almost everywhere else would've. Fish quality I think was average different there for the experience rather than the amazing fish quality. Nothing really melted in my mouth and not having Uni is pretty surprising at a omakase especially getting the higher option between the menus But I think for the price a good value and the overall experience feels like a much more expensive omakase but likely a one time thing for me! read more

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First Omakase experience and it was beyond what I could've expected...we were in Cali for our anniversary and my husband found this exclusive restaurant only 5mins away from our hotel. We were lucky enough to come early and get added to the waitlist. We were seated at 8pm and our "Itamae" was Alex. We opted for the 16 course for $100/pp. It included eel, black snapper, trout , halibut, shrimp, snow crab, tuna, amberjack, yellowtail and ended with a blue crab hand roll. Love, love, love the ambiance. Music was on point and the staff is very attentive and personable. Would highly recommend if you're able to get in. Enter freely they've been approved. read more

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A 16-course omakase for just $100? Yes, it actually exists. I found out about Naisho when I was swiping through my reels on Instagram, and this is probably the only time that these influencers were not lying about the quality of the food. Naisho really live up to its hype. Naisho absolutely exceeded expectations. Every course was thoughtfully prepared, the sushi was fresh and beautifully executed, the service was warm and attentive, and the intimate ambiance made the entire experience feel special from start to finish. The only downside? Getting a reservation feels like winning the lottery. If you can snag a seat, it's absolutely worth the effort. Reservations opens 2 weeks in advance at 9am Pacific Time. Good luck scoring a reservation to this beautiful gem! read more

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What a rad experience! My party of 4 was lucky enough to snag a Friday night 5pm reservation (they book out 2 weeks before with reservations opening at 9am - SET AN ALARM!). We were walked to the back of Highball and whisked away through a beautifully disguised door into this gorgeous speakeasy chef's table that sat 14 people. My party of 4 was on one end, which made it easier to chat and see one another. Our server Athena was so helpful, friendly, and attentive - you really felt like your party was the only one in the room and had her full attention. I love that she learned our names, was witty and offered amazing and educated recommendations for cocktails. Our main sushi chef was so fun too. A little quiet and hard to hear at times, but maybe that's just our mid-40s-concert damaged-ears for you. Every piece of nigiri was expertly crafted and seasoned. The presentation included a description of the fish and where it was from. (We even were hand fed one round!) The cocktails were delicious and unique and paired very well with all the fish. I'm already salivating at thinking about coming back. For the add-ons, the only one that felt like a "must" was the uni/caviar toast. You can skip the others and not feel like you're missing out. read more

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This spot is a must try!! The service was amazinggg, both the sushi chef and our waiter was so sweet and made the experience wonderful. We got super yummy drinks, recommended by our server. They also gave us complimentary shots at the end as a treat for my bf and i's anniversary, which were delicious. Favorite bites of the night was definitely the crab w miso garlic butter, amberjack w/ shishito peppers, chutoro w/ green onion. The flavor combination pairs perfectly with their fish choose. I recommend getting the 16 course for $100, it's definitely worth it. Everything was insanely delicious and well thought out. The Chefs are all very experienced, and explained that this restaurant kept their pricing reasonable because they believe that Omakase should be something everyone should be able to enjoy. It's definitely harder to get a reservation, but if you are on Open Table at exactly the time it drops, you will get it! They also have waitlisting list options if you check their website it has more info. read more

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In a small strip mall, you would t think a great sushi place is in it. ITS AMAZING!! Parking lot is small but in evening they have complimentary valet. Located in corner, you ring the bell to be let into the bar area. It's small but very charming. You walk into hall where restrooms are located. You push the red wall to enter into a larger eating space. The design is good because the have sitting area to have cocktail as earlier seating finishes up. Once seated you are given complimentary sake. Sushi chefs are social and very engaging. This place also delivers a show that is incomparable to other places. Service is amazing. Food is out of this world. Small in portion but taste is far out weighing portion of food. Come here for quality, amazing taste, fancy show in sushi making and the amazing people. If you want amazing taste and royal treatment, this is your place read more

Naisho Omakase - Complimentary sake!!!! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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First of, getting reservations was very challenging. Once you get past that you're good :) We got the 16 coursomakase and it was delicious!!! Staff was very knowledgeable and customer service was exceptional! Sushi was fresh as well. 16 course omakase included: Oyster Seattle Spain sea bass Halibut from south Korea Scallops from japan ocean trout from Norway yellow tail from Japan Amberjack from Japan Blue fin tuna Baja Ca Sweet shrimp with ginger on top Canada Stripe Jack from Japan Smoked oblack snapper Toro ban Blue fin toro Snow crab with garlic butter Black cod from Canada Eel Blue Crab hand roll Also tried a few cocktails and they were good too. The sushi is a very fun experience and highly recommend! read more

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After enjoying pre-cocktails I was called in to be seated at the sushi bar. They started with a refreshing cold sake. I opted for the full experience and did the 14 sushi omakase course. I enjoyed the unique ways they prepared the sushi and the homemade soy marinades. Amazing service. Servers were very informative and knew their stuff. They deserve a 5 star rating as the combo of tasty food, knowledgeable staff and unique drinks made it a home run for me. I'll definitely be back as long as I can get in as it's a challenge to get a reservation through open table read more

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Amazing experience and we can't wait to go back. Ethan welcomed us in - it was a bit of a tricky situation because they only allow reservations for parties of 4, but we had 5. Our group made 2 reservations and requested to be seated together, which they accommodated no problem (thank you guys so much!). Chris was our server, attentive, friendly, and super timely with all of our drink delivery. If you are even a little interested in cocktails, PLEASE do not skip them! Our group got 2 rounds of drinks and they were all so well balanced, unique flavor profiles, and they had a special mark to identify drinks specifically intended to pair with the fish you were getting. Highlights from the drinks for us were the Koryoku, Clover Club, and Cantaloupe Island. Finally, star of the show, and winner of our hearts: Chef Yoshi. The care, attention, and craft in every dish was so present in everything Chef prepared for us. The flavor combinations, the textures, the journey of the tasting menu - every bite left us speechless (or mumbling "oh my god" to each other over and over). Special thanks to Chef for his bonus Japanese lessons to help us in what we've been practicing!!! ありがとうございます。 It sounds like their menu rotates seasonally, so we're so excited to come back again! read more

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Honestly this was an amazing expense! We did the 12 course and thought it was good but if you're coming hungry then even the 16 course is worth it! The service was great, the entire staff was super sweet and all the chefs explained each piece in the course. The experience is meant to be exclusive and private ish so I really enjoyed that. I think there's only 14 seats available. It's intimate and honestly great. Lots of chatter happening and the drinks were amazing too! I know it's tough to get a reservation but it is worth it. The sushi was honestly mouthwatering and some of the pieces even surprised me. Everything was fresh and the chef even explained where the fish came from which was a great touch. They were even generous with refilling the ginger lol. I would come back for sure! read more

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We have been trying to get a res from Naisho for weeks, and finally got one on a Saturday. Their reservation opens daily at 9am, and it is 2 weeks out. There is no signage of Naisho from the outside. Just ring the door bell of Highball and someone will check you in. The speakeasy style and the limited seating elevated the whole experience. Once inside you go through the bar area and through 2 doors you enter the 14-seater sushi bar. Luckily we were seated in the center of the bar and had Chef Shimpei as our chef. We chose the 16 course omakase ($100) and cocktails ($16-$20). You get to choose a sake cup for a sake on the house before the meal. I thought that was a nice gesture. Chef Shimpei explained every nigiri served. Each piece was masterfully prepared with attention and a little twist. The 16-course omakase included: Oyster with radish ponzo sauce Seabass from Spain Halibut from Korea Scallop from Hokkaido Salmon with sweet vinegar kelp Hamachi AmberJack with toasted shishito Tuna Chu toro with house made wasabi Yellowtail with salted Kombu Black snapper Otoro with seared charcoal Snow crab with miso butter Cod with black truffle Eel with burnt honey and orange Crab hand roll We even got a complimentary drink because the bar was backed up and our cocktails were delayed. At the end of the dinner, we noticed that some people were getting caviars and uni, so we asked about them and ended up getting both the uni toast and tuna tartar as add ons to our meal. They were $20 a piece. Overall it was a fun dining experience. Even though the nigiris were smaller in size, I like the concept of having variety of courses without breaking the bank read more

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FYI, you have to ring the doorbell for service. We stood there for several minutes before realizing this. You walk through Highball to get to Naisho. Dinner service is quick. Since there are 3 seatings, you have less than 1.5 hours to get through the omakase and drinks. 16 courses for $100-totally worth it. It's all nigiri/small bites. Ours consisted of oyster and nigiri. I was blown away by some of the flavors. Some that stood out are the unagi with honey and orange zest, toro with pickled onion, and shigoku oyster. Once we finished our 16 courses, we ordered more nigiri and a couple of the off-menu items (toro, uni toast). Amazing dinner, for sure. Drinks were pouring. We got a few cocktails which came from Highball--very well crafted. Some were a little smoky for my taste but still tasted great. Strong. The chefs and servers were all super friendly and fun. The vibe was light and easy. I enjoyed the entire experience and am looking forward to coming back. SOON. read more

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My gf and I have been trying to get a reservation here for SO LONG since it just opened up and we FINALLY got one for our anniversary! Parking was pretty easy for a Sunday night 8pm reservation but usually it is absolutely chaos here. However, there is valet. FIRST Look for High Ball! Check in with the front of house and they'll walk you through this super cool speakeasy into a beautiful omakase dining area. Water tasted delicious and filtered. As expected at a Omakase restaurant. Cocktails are incredible though. They do such a great job with all of them! We loved all 4 drinks we got. Can't go wrong with any of them really. MUSIC was BANGIN ALL NIGHT! Seems like they looked through my playlist on Soundcloud or Spotify haha. We got the 16 course and I HIGHLY recommend it for $100 SERVICE was amazing! Chef Alex and Mino were fantastic! Everyone was very attentive with our drink service. All of the fish was absolutely delicious. TRUST THE SUSHI CHEFS! Everything was carefully curated and I could tell they put a lot of thought process on which condiment should go with which fish. I definitely appreciated the craft. Overall, if you're looking for a pretty affordable $75 or $100 Nigiri Omakase with amazing drinks DEFINITELY recommend checking Open Table. Sometimes other Omakase you do get the side dishes like Chawanmushi, side salad, soups or pickles but there wasn't anything like that which I was a little sad about. I always love seeing what other unique things they create. However I know that part takes a lot more prep and coordination with the back of house. Definitely makes sense with their business model how they're able to tend to so many customers because they're turning and burning tables with fast nigiri service. You can add on UNI for some toast and udon I think. I didn't get it but from what it saw it looked good! However, I'm not too much of a Uni person so we opted out. Implementation thoughts for the restaurant (even though I know it's a lot of work and it depends on how big the kitchen is): - Dessert - Would have loved to be able to get a nice little palate cleanser at the end or a candle for an anniversary! read more

Previously, I've attempted joining the waitlist at 5:30pm in person, but it is long and estimated a dining time around 9:30pm. Instead, my boyfriend and I tried booking reservations through Open Table. But that was very challenging just like everyone shared in the reviews. We had the 16 course and started with sake and oysters. Then proceeded into nigiri. They served: sea bass, halibut, scallop, ocean trout, yellow tail, marinated tuna, amberjack, striped jack, chu toro, red snapper, black cod, ebi, snow crab. Each nigiri course was served differently and hopefully highlighted each fish. My favorite was the amberjack with roasted peppers, because it had a spicy kick different than wasabi. In addition, I enjoyed the striped jack when normally I wouldn't. The scallops and ebi were decadent and creamy too. Somewhere in the middle of service we received a marinated heirloom tomato slice. Then we ended service with a handroll! We didn't order additional items, but if I had the chance to return, then I would most likely try. I also appreciate their beverage menu with cocktails compared to other restaurants that only serve sake. Their detailed menu also recommends drinks for omakase. I had the koryoku which was really fragrant from the shiso leaves and fruity from the kiwi. My boyfriend drank kushiyaki which is spirit forward, but one of a kind. It was savory and roasty. Overall, I enjoyed the charismatic chefs efficiently preparing nigiri. They were friendly and engaging in our conversations. The omakase is great value for majority nigiri courses, but I do prefer some variety like chawanmushi. I think if you prefer variety or uni, then do 12 courses and order additional items. read more

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Tough to get reservations here but managed to snag one Monday night at 9:15p It's in the back of the speakeasy High Ball. Cute back room with good decor. It is chilly in here though. Smelled very faintly fishy in the restaurant but that's expected. Good priced omakase for $100 16 courses. There's no appetizers or anything and they did not close with a tamago nigiri. Pieces were a tad on the smaller size but tasted good. Many of the courses were seared. Stand out was the halibut which I've never had before and trout which looked and tasted kind of like salmon. In the beginning they give you a complimentary sake shot and the owner? Also gave us another towards the end. The cantaloupe island cocktail was very tasty. A bit on the sweeter side and the banana flavor really came through. Overall this is a decent omakase spot if you're ever craving it read more

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Naisho is a fantastic hidden gem tucked away behind a speakeasy called Highball. Both are intimate spaces, so they limit reservations to 4 people max at both Naisho and Highball. Note there's a 1-hour dining time limit, though we stayed past ours. The value here is hard to beat. Omakase start around $250, but Naisho is more affordable (because portions are smaller). The base price is $75 for 12 nigiri, or $100 for an oyster, 14 nigiri, and a handroll. We upgraded at the end of our meal and added Uni toast with caviar for an extra $15, which was fantastic. Overall, I enjoyed Oscar's humor and service and great value for the price. The experience was definitely worth the drive! read more

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I'm so happy I was able to get a reservation at Naisho. I took my husband here for his birthday, and it was the perfect way to celebrate. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, the entire experience was a 10/10.The cocktails were absolutely incredible. We ordered the Koryoku and the Cantaloupe Island, and both were crafted with so much care and attention to detail. They were easily some of the best cocktails we've had.The chefs not only delivered exceptional nigiri but also made the experience fun and engaging. We chose "The Moment" omakase, and it was the perfect amount of food. By the end, I was completely satisfied and pleasantly full. The 12 pieces of nigiri were outstanding, with each bite melting in your mouth. The seared crab nigiri at the end was an unforgettable finish and easily one of my favorite bites of the night.This omakase experience truly transported me back to Japan. The quality, atmosphere, and attention to detail were exceptional, especially for the price. I can't wait to come back. If you're looking for a memorable date night or special occasion dinner, make Naisho your next reservation. Highly recommend! read more

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One of the best omakases in OC! Literally can't get anything better for the price and quality. There is a 14 course option for $75 and 16 course option for $100 - an amazing deal. Reservations are a little tricky to get. They open 2 weeks in advance at 9am. I highly recommend going on their website for more detailed instructions. The inside only seats about 14 so it's a very intimate and personal experience. The chefs prepared each and every course in front of you and explain where each piece was from. Each bite was beyond delicious and beautifully presented. There are also additional courses you can add on for extra charge (highly recommend the uni and caviar toast; it is served on Hokkaido milk bread and is to die for!) You can also order any of the drinks offered at Highball. Each drink was delicious and you can tell so much thought and care went into curating the menu. This place is hyped for a reason and if you're lucky enough to grab a reservation you will not be disappointed. Everything was amazing from the food, drink, staff and service. read more

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Naisho exceeded my expectations and is easily one of the best value omakase experiences I've had. At $100, it's an excellent price point, but it's important to remember that this is still a traditional sushi omakase. Each course is served as a single piece (mostly nigiri), so grab a Taco Bell pre-game or just order more courses if you're particularly hungry. Reservations are highly recommended, though securing one can be a challenge. Check-in takes place at Highball, the storefront of Naisho. There's a bell to ring upon arrival, but seems like it may go unnoticed sometimes as I ended up waiting quite a while once until a staff member came out. Since Highball is often full, you may not be able to grab a seat while waiting for your reservation, so try not to arrive too far in advance. Once inside, the experience feels intimate and personal, with only a handful of seats surrounding the counter. Chef Shimpei and the staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about their craft. Each course is presented with care, and the pacing allows you to fully appreciate the progression of the meal. The fish was exceptionally fresh, the rice was perfectly seasoned, and every piece offered its own balance of texture and flavor. What stood out most was the emphasis on quality ingredients and technique. I also enjoyed hearing Chef Shimpei share stories throughout the meal, including the thought and effort that went into developing the drink menu. My favorite drink so far has been the Melon Bar, though it's worth noting that beverages come from Highball, so they can occasionally take a little longer to arrive. I couldn't have been happier each time I've visited. For the price, the value is outstanding. It's difficult to find an omakase experience in Orange County that delivers this level of quality, service, and atmosphere without spending significantly more. Whether you're new to omakase or a seasoned sushi enthusiast, Naisho is absolutely worth a visit. I'll definitely be back. In fact, I'll be there again tonight! read more

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Hidden speakeasy style omakase tucked inside Naisho Omakase within The Highball. The experience starts with a locked door where you ring the bell to enter. We didn't have reservations but luckily grabbed seats during their 5:15 pm window for the 7:30 pm seating. The omakase lasted about 1.5 hours. We chose the $100 16 course menu, which included an oyster, a few white fish selections, and a blue crab handroll. I was surprised uni was not included and instead offered as a $20 add on, so we tried both the uni toast and uni noodles. I also liked that guests get to choose their own cup to drink sake with the chef, which added a fun and personal touch to the experience. Service was amazing and our chef, Oscar, was very friendly and hospitable. However, most of the nigiri pieces were very small and overly seasoned. Out of the 16 courses, my favorites were the dry aged tuna and ocean trout. Overall, I enjoyed the ambiance and hospitality more than the food itself. read more

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I love a good Omakase and when word got out almost instantly after they opened, I had to give it a try. I was first drawn by the value. $100 for 16 courses? In today's economy?? Sign me up! The omakase bar is speakeasy style, behind another bar. One thing that stands out immediately is the service. Every single chef is friendly, entertaining and informative, the servers are attentive and prompt. It feels every bit as if you're hanging out at a classy party as much as you are dining. To top it all off, the playlist is perfection. The head chef curated a playlist of all the late 90s/early 2000s bangers. Back-to-back-to-back, every song had the attendees smiling, laughing and toasting all night long. Now for the food. The craftsmanship they put into each item is noticeable and they will explain what they're putting together as they make it. All the nigiri were good but the tuna stood out far and above the others. Perfect texture and that rich buttery melt-in-your-mouth goodness that a superb tuna nigiri is known for. On top of that, the handrolls also really bring it home. The quality of the fish is exquisite and you'll be happy to know that the entirety of the 16 courses is filling as well. There have been other omakase places I have been to where I am hungry by the end of it but my hunger was satisfied at the end. Overall, an amazing night, thank you to the staff! read more

Naisho Omakase - Tuna - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

First time trying it out and it was a great experience. Chef Shimpei was a delight and has his loyal customers following him out to this location which was a great sign of a great chef. Take my advice here, if they offer you a sake cup at the beginning, choose the biggest one . Sushi was very delicious, offering their unique twist to a familiar fish. The bar is what you expect when going to a nice omakase spot. Sleek and tasteful. Since they are still busy with being a new restaurant you are limited to your 1.5 hour time slot. I do wish I could have continued to order more sushi at the end and drink at the bar. We were offered to continue to drinking in the booths behind. If you don't have reservations I believe you can get there early at 5 to get on the list at 5:15 when they take names down for seats. Absolutely worth trying out! read more

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This place is so chic! We were so lucky that someone had a cancellation for 4, so we were able to get in. You get two options, and we opted for "The Journey." It truly was a journey. It was 16 pieces and everything was so delicious. I can't pick my favorite. Chef Alex is an artist. We got to pick our own sake glass (you get an assortment of choices, all super cute). We got a taste of a summer sake and it was soo so good (I don't like sake). Our drinks were so soo sooo good! This was an amazing experience and highly recommend it to anyone, specially if you are a first timer. Everyone is so nice and is happy to explain to you what is going on. Don't forget to go with the flow, compliment your chef, and enjoy the journey! read more

Naisho Omakase - Crab - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Naisho is just absolutely amazing! Chef Shimpei showcases his signature talent and hospitality at this new 14 seat omakase experience in Costa Mesa. As expected, all the nigiri pieces are absolutely delish and melt in your mouth with perfect texture and flavor! I also love the reverse speakeasy concept where the bar is the storefront and the hidden "secret" is the restaurant in the back. The interior is beautifully done and tastefully decorated. The whole experience is about an hour long, and they have multiple seatings each night that you can book through OpenTable. There's 2 options, a 12 or a 16 course, but going with the 16 course option is a no brainer. You can also opt for additional supplements including the Uni Toast for an additional charge if you're hungry for some more at the end. There's a parking lot that has free valet parking. When you get to the storefront and you see a sign with the name "Highball," you're in the right place. Ring the doorbell and give it a minute or two if they're don't open the door immediately. Whether you're an omakase aficionado or a sushi beginner, you'll love Naisho. Chef Shimpei is among the best in the business, and you'll crave his sushi all the time. An absolute MUST TRY...5 stars and a million thumbs up!! read more

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Naisho Omakase was so so good. Great portions and I love the chef choice. We didn't have to think he just kept feeding us. We were so full but still had room for dessert! Great location to enjoy fresh sushi and celebrate birthdays or anniversaries. We were first to arrive so it was quiet. Make sure to make reservations before going as it does fill up. Great for small gatherings as restaurant has limited seating. read more

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Naisho Omakase is the newest cool sushi experience in town! The brainchild of Chef Simpei is a reverse speakeasy concept, where the restaurant is hidden behind the Highball bar. We were lucky to grab the last 2 seats at the elegant 14 seat sushi counter, since reservations on Open Table are nearly impossible to get. There are two choices on the menu, 12 piece for $75 or 16 piece for $100 which was the way to go. The size of the nigiri was bite-size and perfectly balanced with warm sushi rice. There were 3 sushi chefs and we got Chef Alex who has been a sushi chef for 25 years. Every piece of "The Journey" was delicious, from amberjack and amaebi to chutoro and miso-butter crab. I love uni (not included) so I got an uni toast with caviar as an add-on. I appreciated that they served a complimentary sake shot before the meal and hot sencha was refilled with a new cup. Service was above and beyond. There are three seatings starting at 6pm, 7:30pm and 9pm and Chef Simpei told us he changes up his music playlist each seating. Great vibe, ambiance, food and service - definitely will be back! read more

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Arrival & Bar Naisho sits in a modest Costa Mesa strip mall--unassuming, but quietly credible if you know the area's Asian food scene. Parking, miraculously, was easy. Entry is via a doorbell, speakeasy-style--on-brand for "Naisho" (内緒 = secret). The host greeted me by name (always a nice touch when it feels a little magical and a little suspicious), and led us to the bar. The space leans dark, moody, and softly art deco. The bartenders were knowledgeable and confident, walking us through a menu heavy on spirit-forward cocktails (whisky, gin, sake). A lot is pre-batched, which explains the range. There's also a thoughtful non-alcoholic and tea program we didn't explore but appreciated in principle Dining Room and Ambiance We were greeted by Chef Alex who was warm, charismatic, and served with masterful simplicity. The room is elegant without trying too hard: gorgeous minimalist tableware, pristine glassware and a well-spaced 14-seat counter. Music hit the rare "Goldilocks" zone--present but never intrusive. Food Some bites were genuinely outstanding, and Chef Alex carried the experience with charm and ease. Midway through, he made a rice snowman for a little girl--completely unnecessary, completely perfect. Fish quality is elite and I've noted some standouts below * Seared toro: melt-in-your-mouth, borderline unfair. We ordered an encore. * Unagi with truffle salt + orange zest: absurdly good. * Bluefin tuna had slightly overpowering scallion--great fish doesn't need a loud supporting cast. We noted some slight repetition in toppings--subtle, but worth addressing for variety over 16 courses. Drinks While we didn't get to try their drinks menu extensively, I did order their recommended old fashioned substitute which was really delectable, albeit strong (forgetting the name). I liked that they serve it with a big ice cube and you DIY pour it yourself to control the intake. They have an extensive teas and spirit free menu for the Gen Z / millenial non drinkers. Loved the quirky prescription shot glass -- great touch read more

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What an incredible experience! It is a journey to be able to get a reservation to this spot but if you can snag one do it without hesitation. The atmosphere is very intimate, a 14 seat counter with 2 chefs diligently curating your next bite. They also keep the atmosphere fun and had us laughing throughout the night. We selected the $100 16 course option and each bite was absolutely incredible. Some of the freshest seafood I've ever had and each fish was perfectly paired with a sauce or topping that made the bites magical. Not a drop of soy sauce was needed! I highly recommend this spot and if you partake in their drinks know they are also off the charts no matter what you select read more

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Awesome omakase at a good price. Went for a weekday dinner. There's a strip mall parking lot for the restaurant. Had an rsvp and checked in with the host (you ring a doorbell and they come outside to assist) - ended up waiting about 10 minutes as our seats were not yet ready. You walk through their speakeasy and to the back room - which is a minimalist sushi bar seats around it. The background music had all the hits when I was in high school. The servers and chef greeted us and it was on. They serve a complimentary sake to start while you look through the menu. There's 2 menu options (both omakase) - everyone in your party will have to order the same option: - 12 piece nigiri sushi ($75) - 16 piece w/ shellfish ($100) There's an awesome cocktail menu but was taking it easy on the drinks this week, so opted for water. The pieces came out fairly quickly. The chef was very good about explaining each piece, the garnish, and sauce that goes with it. The pieces were not large, but it was a good fish to rice ratio. Each piece was really good - especially the unagi (which I don't tend to like) - they hit it with orange and honey vs the normal eel sauce. Was legit. The vibe felt good with the pace and energy of the staff and nearby customers - so felt it could easily have been a party if some drinks were flowing haha. Overall - would def come back. You do need reservations and they're tough to come by (it's a small place), but you will be rewarded with an affordable, well made omakase experience. read more

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