Walked by a thousand times before, thought it was time to try it. Pretty good, I'd come back. Ordered calamari, 2 specialty cocktails, volcano roll, and a yellow tail roll. The calamari wasn't good. It was very tough. My wife said I should eat the rest, but it just wasn't enjoyable to me. Also when the calamari came, they delivered the plate to us and we had no water or table settings yet. We just looked at each other like "so, hands???" lol The cocktails seemed unique and both were enjoyable. Both rolls were delicious, so the sushi itself was on point. The volcano roll was placed at our table literally on fire, which was a pretty cool experience. After about a minute it went out and we ate it. Only negative thing is that the table settings were absent and not ready for us to eat, and that the calamari wasn't good. Would for sure come back for the sushi though. read more

Robata Wasa - Volcano Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Irvine, California

It's a little bit pricey, but the sushi is of good quality and is well prepared. There is a good selection of Nigiri sushi and cut rolls. It's upscale as it should be for its price point. The service is very good. Cheers! read more

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This is a super nice sushi restaurant. The inside is really nice. We sat outside and it was very fun. They have a unique selection of rolls and delicious appetizers. I loved the freshness of the sushi and I will definitely be back for more!! read more

Robata Wasa is such a gem in Irvine! The atmosphere is modern, stylish, and perfect for both a casual lunch and a nice dinner out. The sushi is incredibly fresh and beautifully presented, with every bite tasting just as good as it looks. I especially loved their specialty rolls , packed with flavor and a great balance of textures. Service is so great. read more

Robata Wasa - Sushi Bars Near Me - Irvine, California

Wow! So I was here a year ago and had a much different experience than I did today! The first thing you see when you come in is a 3% price reduction if your pay cash, so I understand we are all struggling in this economy but to be reminded of it right when you walk in is unpleasant for me. Then I saw the menu prices, it was outrageous I won't be back. We got 3 items and no drinks it was 78.00!!!! Plus the real absolute finish was when I asked for hot sauce I was told I'd be charged 1.00! I mean it was just an unpleasant feeling to be nickled and dimed for every last thing. I spent 25.00 for a sushi roll and couldn't get hot sauce without a charge I felt awful the experience was just terrible and the server was not great either was not friendly at all! I had a poor experience overall and I hope the restaurant can carry on in this economy not sure I can't imagine the costs for them. But being here a year ago to now there was a huge difference and it was not a good one, when we came in on Friday afternoon it was also completely empty....good luck but I'm sorry I won't be back. read more

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Honestly, the service has always been nice and I would give more stars for that but I have to give Robata 1 star for food poisoning. I came back after stomach cramps, nausea, a fever and other symptoms I will not write in detail about to, but the fish that day was really off. We came in as a party of 15 and 5 of us had food poisoning. read more

Absolutely incredible sushi spot. The fish here is unbelievably fresh, and you can taste the quality in every bite. The yellowtail carpaccio was hands-down one of the best I've ever had so delicate, & buttery. It completely melted in my mouth and the sauce is to die for! Easily one of my new favorites. read more

Tomoko was our server and she was the best! Very friendly and took care of us well. The food was great and everything was fresh

food was pretty good, Tiff was so nice and great and gave us cute sticker. Restrant is pretty. read more

Robata Wasa - stickers - Sushi Bars Near Me - Irvine, California

Delicious food. Sushi is solid and the udon is surprisingly good! We get the udon whenever we here. In fact, if I'm in the mood for udon , I wouldn't mind stopping here and skipping the sushi. I'm surprised this restaurant isn't bigger. Lots of booth seats. The drinks are strong and taste good! read more

If ever sitting at the bar be sure to pay attention to your bill. Bar tender has a nasty habit of giving you someone else's bill to pay. This is the second time this has happened there. Mike is a great bar tender but Gabriella on the other hand might need some more training. I don't think I will be returning to this particular location anymore. Food was good. Ambiance chill. read more

A few weeks ago, me and my lady were trying to figure out where to eat -- and as usual, she couldn't decide. I tossed out a few ideas, all "no's," until I mentioned sushi. That's when she finally said, "yeah, I'm down." Since we were near Irvine Spectrum, I checked Yelp and found Robata Wasa. The reviews looked great, so we decided to give it a shot. We got there around 7:30 on a Friday night and were seated in about 20 minutes -- pretty quick for a busy night. Our server Vivian was absolutely amazing from the moment we sat down. Super friendly, easy to talk to, and she just had that good energy that makes you feel welcome right away. I asked her what drinks she recommended, and she didn't miss a beat -- suggested the lychee martini. Me and my lady both ordered it, and she was spot-on. I also tried the espresso martini, and that one hit perfectly too. When it came to food, we told Vivian to just bring out whatever she thought was best, and wow... she did not disappoint. The garlic edamame was packed with flavor -- probably the best I've had anywhere. Then came the squid ink uni pasta, and man, that uni was so fresh it tasted like it came straight from the ocean that day. The spicy tuna roll was perfect, and the volcano roll came out literally on fire -- such a cool presentation and crazy good flavor. What really made the night though was Vivian's service. She checked in on us at the right times, made sure everything was perfect, and you could tell she genuinely cared that we were having a good experience. It wasn't just great service -- it felt like being taken care of by someone who loves what they do. All in all, Robata Wasa blew us away. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were top-notch, but Vivian honestly made the whole night. Me and my lady left saying, "she's the reason we're coming back." 10/10 -- amazing food, even better service. If you go, ask for Vivian -- she'll make your night. read more

Ryōshi Plate 10/10- honestly one of the best poke bowls I've ever tried! The presentation was absolutely stunning with all the ingredients arranged in these beautiful colorful stripes - it almost looked too pretty to eat. Everything in this bowl was incredibly fresh. The poke-style marinated sashimi literally melted in your mouth and had such amazing flavor, while also being incredibly fresh. The ikura was also so fresh and I loved how it added these perfect little bursts of saltiness throughout the bowl. The avocado was perfectly ripe and added this amazing creamy element, while the cucumber and seaweed salad gave such a satisfying crunch factor. I really appreciated how they added micro greens which made everything taste even fresher and added such a nice pop of color. All the components worked so incredibly well together and created the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The portion size was super generous - this bowl was actually so filling! Such a beautiful and delicious bowl that really exceeded my expectations and was plated perfectly. This is a seasonal special so I highly recommend trying it soon if you're in the mood for a poke bowl as it's exceptional. The service was also incredible. Instagram: @hungrytamale read more

Robata Wasa - Ryōshi Plate Instagram: @hungrytamale - Sushi Bars Near Me - Irvine, California

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I've had Robata Wasa on my list for a long time, so I was genuinely excited for the chance to finally slip away for a solo visit and enjoy a quiet moment. Unfortunately, the experience didn't quite meet the expectation. The hostess seated me between two large families with infants and strollers, which made the space feel cramped--not just for me, but for everyone involved. I kindly asked to switch seats, and although she seemed a bit frazzled, I didn't want to cause a fuss, so I offered to move to the bar, which ended up being a better fit. Service was fairly quick and courteous, and I appreciated that. I didn't want to overthink my order, so I went with a sushi combo and an order of Hokkaido uni nigiri. The food was okay--not bad by any means, but for the price, it just didn't leave a lasting impression. I really wanted to enjoy this visit, but overall it felt a bit underwhelming. read more

Robata Wasa - Sushi Bars Near Me - Irvine, California

Had the greatest experience getting dinner after shopping at Irvine Spectrum! The service was so good everyone was so welcoming and the miso cod WAS AMAZING!! Love the vibe of this place will be coming again :) read more

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robata wasa is the kind of place you go when you want a refined yet approachable japanese dining experience! the atmosphere is intimate and modern, making it perfect for date nights or a special dinner. everything feels thoughtfully prepared, from the fresh sashimi to the small plates meant for sharing. service is attentive without feeling overbearing, and the pacing of the meal makes it easy to enjoy each dish. overall, it's a great spot if you're looking for high-quality japanese food with an elevated, cozy vibe! read more

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The ambiance and location is nice. The service was a bit underwhelming despite the restaurant being half full. We ordered a variety of appetizers and rolls. They were solid but not beckoning a return trip soon. read more

I was expecting more from this restaurant. Very fancy looking, loved the vibes. Service was ok. Our server was nice and friendly. They have an ok selection on sushi but not a wide variety. The bento boxes were very pricey. My husband had the Udon Beef Ramen and he really loved it. The gioza was nice and crispy. I had the Angel Hair Specialty roll and it was good but was expecting more flavor/spiciness. Very pricey. Not sure if I'll come back here since I've tried better sushi places. read more

Robata Wasa - Angel Hair - Sushi Bars Near Me - Irvine, California

Definitely a place to bring the family!! Beautiful atmosphere glass windows making it soundproof, service is excellent and the food is just out of this world. read more

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I've been here quite a few times. Always a good meal at Robata Wasa. Food is well prepared & sushi is fresh. Reservations are pretty easy to get. I docked one star because our server was a bit rude one of the times I went. She seemed to want to get us in & out as quickly as possible even though it was a weekday night & the restaurant wasn't extremely busy. But, I know this wasn't the norm. Staff are usually friendly. Maybe she had a date or had to get home & couldn't leave until we left? Regardless, this is a go-to spot now when I'm at the Spectrum & craving sushi. read more

Food. The worst Sushi I have had in a very long time. Frozen fish thawed and served on a bed of daikon. Miso soup had no seaweed. Too much vinegar on the seaweed salad. No fresh salad. When I complained, they did reduce the bill by 30% I would rather have eaten fresh sushi. Bartender was also serving the tables. Did not even serve me water. Will never ever go there. read more

Robata Wasa delivers upscale sushi, robata, and elegance under one roof -- easily deserving a full five stars. From the moment you walk in, the restaurant mixes modern Japanese styling with warm energy and attentive service. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared, and reservations are easy to manage. I started with the sashimi salad, loaded with tuna, salmon, and yellowtail atop greens--bright, clean, and flavor-forward. Then came the volcano roll, a masterclass in texture and heat--it added a welcome kick without overpowering. I also tried skewers off the robata grill--like grilled saba and shishito peppers--smoky, juicy, and fantastically seasoned. Service was seamless: servers checked in at the right moments, recommended standout rolls, and made the meal feel curated just for me. While prices are on the premium side, the quality, presentation, and flavor absolutely earn it. Yes, seating can be cozy--and I'd skip the tempura udon next time--but these are small notes in an otherwise delicious experience. Bottom line: Robata Wasa is easily one of the best sushi/robata experiences in the Spectrum. Great vibes, curated cocktails, and consistently fresh, creative dishes make this place a clear 5-star go-to. I'll be back--and bringing friends next time! read more

Food was good. We requested to sit in a booth and they denied us. They had a reserve Marker on it but they were only like at 25% capacity, which was weird. By the he time we ate and had out meal, the booths still were empty. Also they charge 3% more for using your credit card. Isn't it part of doing business than charging customer additional fees at the end of the meal and it's printed small on the bottom of the receipt. We won't be coming here again. read more

Robata Wasa - Receipt charging additional fees. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Irvine, California

Located in Irvine Spectrum next to black dot coffee. Decided to get some lunch. Service fast. Friendly host. They have indoor and outdoor seating area and also bar. We ordered: Natsu salmon roll - its their summer special, we like it, it's refreshing Sashimi roll - its ok, nothing special Chincaron salmon skin salad - we like it a lot except they overly dressed the salad. Vegetable tempura - nicely crispy not oily Squid ink uni - it taste like Alfredo, nah. We got mochi ice cream for my d birthday. Overall ok. read more

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My family always enjoys eating at Robata Wasa. They have delicious sushi rolls with some different and unique flavors not offered at other sushi restaurants, and the classic rolls too. I tried the udon for the first time recently and it was so yummy. The service is always great, and they're willing to accommodate my six-year-old with thinner sliced rolls, which we appreciate Tiffany was especially friendly last time we were there, and we can't wait to go back! read more

Squid Ink Uni Pasta: This is an iconic item that uses an uni cream sauce but I found it to be a little too watery and the uni was subtle. What I do recommend is... Mentaiko and Shrimp Cream Pasta: This was the superior pasta and it's a spring 2024 seasonal item so you have to try it before it's gone. The shrimp were so plump and succulent and the mentaiko cream sauce was so good. Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice: I highly recommend ordering this as an appetizer. They were some of the biggest ones I've seen and they stayed crispy. RW Sashimi Platter: A great sharing plate for the table or maybe for just one person if you're in the sushi mood. Unagi Don: I love eel and although the slices were thin, they seasoned it well. Salmon Oyako Don: Oyako means parent and child in Japanese so this dish features salmon sashimi and salmon roe over rice and I loved it. Toro & Yellowtail Belly Sushi: I saw another review saying the toro was incredible so I had to order it myself. I wish the slices were thicker but he was right, it was delicious. I also added on a yellowtail belly because why not? The service was so nice and my whole party felt welcomed and well taken care of. The food came out in rounds but with a good pace in between. We went on a Monday night so neither the inside nor outside seating area was crowded but I can imagine it being crowded during the weekends. read more

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I went here with my family since we happened to be in town to meet up with a couple of friends. We were at the Spectrum on a Saturday around 12 PM and there was no wait. Was seated immediately and they accommodated us with booster seats for our 2 boys. Our waitress was extremely gracious and kind. I had put a kids' bento and the chicken karaage appetizer ahead of time with her as I got a table before my husband and kids could make their way from the leafy playground a little ways' away. We also ended up adding a crunchy roll, the Fishnet roll, and the beef don (beef sukiyaki with rice) to our order. We did feel like we waited a bit longer than expected for the rest of our food, which made me glad that our waitress asked if I wanted to put anything in ahead of time so that by the time I was joined at the table by the rest of my family, my boys were able to just eat right away. The one boys' bento was perfectly portioned for my boys. They're 1 and 3 (with my older one always extra picky), so the teriyaki chicken, salmon, rice, the tamago, and edamame was just enough for them to share. They were a little rowdy so my husband scarfed down his crunchy roll, and sort of enjoyed his beef don but we both were slightly rushing through our food to keep the kids entertained as long as possible. Lol. Great service, convenient location, and food was good. Nothing to complain about, but also nothing that stood out. Bill was a bit steep also in my opinion, but again - it was convenient and the quality was a bit better than other comparable places I suppose. read more

Loved the food and the interior of the place Highlights of our visit included the Yellowtail Jalapeño, Chirashi Bowl, the Makunouchi Bento (featuring salmon, chicken, egg, and a variety of sides), and Albacore Sashimi. The only thing from me is that it was a little pricey for sashimi dishes we tried. Other than that, it's a great restaurant at Irvine Spectrum. read more

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I came last year at it was 5/5. I came back today and almost everything was as delicious as I remembered! Salmon and yellowtail sashimi were amazing. We had eel nigiri and it just melted in our mouth! It was so good. The crispy rice with spicy tuna was my favorite!! I could eat only that forever and be happy! The bluefin tuna was also really good, but I remember it being phenomenal during my last visit. Something about today's visit had it taste very faintly of tap water, but couldn't figure out where that taste would be coming from. Texture though, was buttery and amazing . Which then brings us to the water. The drinking water also had a faint tap-like taste which was easily covered with lemons. I had a miso soup side and that was AWFUL! Couldn't taste any other flavors. The tap water flavor was way stronger in this for some reason. It was overpowering and made it inedible. I had two other friends tasted to make sure I wasn't going crazy, but they also said it tasted very badly. Something with the waters going on there. It needs to be filtered. read more

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I came here after seeing the pictures of the food. I tried the crispy salmon skin salad, the crispy tuna rice and the mentaiko squid ink pasta. Of those 3, the salmon skin salad is actually really nice. But the crispy tuna rice was just ok, and the squid ink pasta has a very mild flavor, so you don't really taste anything, and the pasta itself is chewy and soft, unlike what a pasta should be like. Overall I'm quite disappointed with the pasta. Add to that the high price and this becomes just a regular restaurant with nothing going for it. It's not bad but not special read more

Great restaurant and decor. The food here is a bit off for my taste. Sushi is mediocre and they don't have an extensive list of fish, it's very basic. read more

My husband and I decided to stop in to Robota Wasa for dinner. It had cute outdoor seating and a little area inside for dining. My husband ordered the Makunouchi Deluxe Bento box and really liked it. The shrimp could have been deveined a little better, but it came as a whole shrimp, shell and all. I ordered the salmon and lemon pepper roll and the baked salmon roll. Both rolls were fresh and tasty. Our server was also very friendly. Overall we had a good experience. There was a long wait though, so next time we will make a reservation. read more

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Quick service, we came here after shopping on a weekend and we were able to get seats immediately! Food was decent, fish was good, beef bowl could have had more beef but overall tasty! read more

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Came here for date night and loved it! The fish was super fresh, especially the sashimi, and the appetizer items had amazing flavor. Chill atmosphere, good service, and a fun spot to check out at Irvine Spectrum read more

Robata Wasa - Sushi Bars Near Me - Irvine, California

The food and service is always great! Tomoko took care of us and was very kind and helped make great suggestions on what to order. Great experience overall and will be back! read more

we went here on sunday night. tiff & jae were so amazing!!! incredible experience! thank you guys

Went in for a quick dinner and the food was amazing. Our server Andrew was very attentive and explained the menu very well and guided us to good suggestions such as the spicy tuna crispy rice and the spicy yellowtail tataki. Ambiance is also really pretty and intimate/cozy, so perfect for date nights. read more

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Great service, fast and prompt. Fresh fish for sure. The restaurant gives off a really ambient vibe which is super cute for a dinner date. We loved the sashimi and nigiri set, both were amazing. We tried to uni pasta, but honestly it was quite small in portion so it wouldn't be a top pick. read more

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Tiff is such a great server! Easy to talk to, reads the table well, and she knows her stuff. Jose, the manager, was also very warm and welcoming. Both ooze hospitality lol. We'll definitely be back! Hope to see them again :) read more

Robata Wasa is one of my favorite restaurants! The sushi is delicious! I love the pan seared miso salmon and the bento boxes! The service is incredible all the waiters are helpful and nice! The ambiance is beautiful, I celebrated a friend birthday there and they made it so special! read more

Robata Wasa - Sushi Bars Near Me - Irvine, California

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