Clicky

Call Or Text Us Anytime 949-613-5517

Your Orange County

7 Best Sushi Spots in Orange County You’ve Got to Try

7 Best Sushi Spots in Orange County You’ve Got to Try

If you’re anything like me, sushi cravings are serious business. Luckily, Orange County has some absolutely incredible spots that are worth every bite!

I pulled together a list of my go-to favorite sushi restaurants — a mix of hidden gems and places everyone should try at least once. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect omakase night or just want a solid spicy tuna roll, there’s a place here with your name on it!

Table of Contents

Hana re – Costa Mesa

If you’re up for a real treat, Hana re is something special. It’s a tiny, 10-seat sushi bar tucked inside The LAB Anti-Mall — a super intimate place to get authentic and traditional dishes. Sushi Chef Atsushi Yokoyama puts together a beautiful 10-course omakase, and honestly, every dish feels like a work of art. It’s a Michelin-star experience that feels personal, not stuffy. I definitely recommend trying the toro, often likened to the A5 wagyu of the sea, and the unagi with foie gras. So delicious!

 

Ohshima Japanese Cuisine – Orange

Traditional sushi lovers rejoice! This spot is a local favorite for a reason, because Ohshima is all about fresh, distinctive Tokyo-style sushi, and their omakase is packed with things you don’t see every day — like blowtorched black cod and cherry salmon. It’s cozy, low-key, and a must if you like your traditional and top-notch sushi. I recommend the 10-piece omakase at $66. It’s a great deal and you get try out different cuts of sushi! Definitely one of my favorite sushi restaurants in Orange County!

Hamamori Restaurant and Sushi Bar – Costa Mesa

If you’re ever shopping at South Coast Plaza and get a sushi craving, Hamamori is the perfect place to get delicious sushi, and one of the best California-style sushi restaurants! It’s a little fancy, without being pretentious, and the toro and uni sushi are unreal. Plus, they’ve got an amazing wine list if you want to sip something special alongside your meal. And if you happen to stop by to dine in, I would try out the American wagyu and soft-shell shrimp. So good!

Gen Kai Sushi – Dana Point

Gen Kai has been around forever, and it’s just one of those places that always hits the spot. Super friendly vibe, really good sushi, and a menu that’s easy to love — from simple California rolls to their famous Crazy Genkai roll, it’s the perfect spot for a casual night out. I recommend trying out the Crazy Genkai roll and the spicy tuna. You seriously can’t go wrong with anything you get here! Expect fresh fish, sushi rice, and a good time!

Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar – Lake Forest

Yuzu feels fresh and fun, and they do a really good job balancing traditional sushi with some creative twists! Everything tastes super fresh, and the specialty rolls are the kind of thing you’ll start craving again the next day. It’s upbeat and lively, great for a date night or dinner with friends. If you’re in Lake Forest, I recommend getting the Uni Oysters, Orange Blossom roll, and crispy rice toro appetizer.

Nana San – Newport Beach

Nana San is a straight-up gem if you’re serious about nigiri. It’s not the biggest sushi spot in Newport Beach, but the quality is next level — every piece is beautifully done. It’s a little under-the-radar, but once you find it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation. I definitely recommend trying the fresh sashimi and nigiri! And of course, nothing beats a conventional spicy tuna roll!

Izakaya Osen – Irvine

If you want something a little more laid-back, Izakaya Osen has the best of both worlds: awesome sushi and a casual izakaya vibe. You can grab some sashimi, share a few rolls, and maybe try a few small plates too. What makes this place so fun is that it’s always lively and a great place to hang out! If you happen to be in the area, I recommend trying out the toro uni bowl. So good!

 

Quick Tips:

These places can get busy — especially Hana re and Nana San. So, if you can, you should definitely make a reservation or try to go early! But honestly, these places are all worth the wait! I’m always in the mood for Japanese and Okinawan cuisine, and lucky for me, Orange County has so many great sushi restaurants… and of course, you can’t pass up a good sushi bar!

Eating sushi in Orange County is a dream come true for food lovers—there are so many incredible options to choose from, whether you’re into traditional nigiri, creative rolls, fresh grilled fish, or sashimi. From cozy hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale sushi bars with omakase experiences, the variety is unreal, and the quality is top-tier. But if you’re craving something other than sushi, you’re in luck—there are plenty of other amazing places to grab a bite. Check out this list of the best lunch spots in Orange County to discover even more delicious eats!

Subscribe to Our Weekly Events Newsletter

Picture of Howard Chung

Howard Chung

Hey Orange County, I’m Howard Chung! I'm here to share weekly information about the best events, restaurants, shopping and activities in and around Orange County, California. Plus, the best hiking, biking, health and wellness options, new hot spots, and more! Click below to follow us.

Search For Homes

BLOG

Real Estate

Your Orange County

Facebook Instagram Youtube
Search

Contact

Your Orange County
Orange County, CA
DRE #02181112
Keller Williams Realty
949-613-5517

Address

27941 La Paz Rd.  Ste. C
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

I agree to be contacted by Your Orange County via call, email and text. To opt out, you can reply “stop” at any time or click the unsubscribe link in the emails. Message and data rates may apply.

Equal Housing Opportunity

LET US KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP

Never miss a thing in Orange County!

Get a FREE list of fun, local events delivered to your inbox weekly!

I agree to be contacted by Your Orange County via text, call & email.
To opt-out, reply ‘stop’ to [email protected].

Skip to content