From premier cuts of sashimi to specialty rolls bursting with flavor, these are the 10 best sushi spots in Orange County to try now.
SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa; PHOTO BY EDDIE SANCHEZ, HUNGRY IN LA
Cult sushi favorite SUGARFISH recently opened in Corona Del Mar, quickly becoming a hit among O.C. locals. The curated hand rolls, cut rolls and sushi are available à la carte or in curated Trust Me menus that allow you to taste a bit of everything.
Tucked inside Costa Mesa’s Lab Anti-Mall, this Michelin-starred sushi restaurant serves specialties ranging from A5 Japanese wagyu to pike eel with plum sauce. Make the experience even more memorable at chef Atsushi Yokoyama’s intimate omakase bar.
Hana Re chef Atsushi Yokoyama prepares delicacies like tsubugai. PHOTO COURTESY OF HANA RE
This unassuming Michelin Guide-recommended sushi joint offers an omakase-style dining experience and à la carte dishes that are undeniably delicious in Garden Grove. Think seared fatty tuna nigiri and perfectly prepared monkfish liver.
Tama Sushi has become a staple in the Huntington Beach community, serving specialty rolls, sashimi and piping hot ramen. If you’re a non-meat eater, fear not—this sushi spot also has a dedicated vegan menu.
Chef-owner Gino Choi’s renowned skills are well-recognized in Orange County, with his Santa Ana sushi spot earning Michelin Guide recognition. Take a seat at the intimate sushi counter, where each dish is plated with pure artistry, from well-loved uni pasta to shimmering seabream tamago.
The artful shima aji nigiri from Omakase by Gino; PHOTO COURTESY OF KNIFE & SPORK PUBLIC RELATIONS
Laguna Beach locals adore this Michelin-starred dining experience featuring ingredients flown in fresh from Japan. Stop by during lunchtime for the one-hour omakase, at night for the two-hour omakase or on Sunday evenings for a menu focused on nigiri.
Enjoy dinner with a twist at Momoyama, located in Fountain Valley. With well-deserved Michelin Guide recognition, this quaint restaurant draws sushi lovers with enviable cuts of albacore tuna, smoky cod and citrusy snow crab.
This chic Costa Mesa sushi spot exudes sophistication, from its sleek interiors to high-grade sushi and sake cocktails. While a variety of rolls, carpaccio, nigiri and sashimi reign supreme, the hot entrees, like hibachi filet mignon, are worth a try.
Starfish is a beloved O.C. establishment serving Asian coastal cuisine from Thailand to Japan. Its intercontinental flavors are highlighted in the lobster macadamia roll, crispy chicken spring roll and aloha poké, and locales in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach ensure Starfish is never too far from home.
Starfish's Ninja Roll; PHOTO COURTESY OF STARFISH CALIFORNIA
Hamamori Restaurant & Sushi Bar
This South Coast Plaza sushi stop has drawn patrons since 2007 for its elegant flavors. Fish is plated carefully to create photo-worthy dishes, like Japanese red snapper with lemon and Yuzu Kosho or the unique spicy tuna crispy pizza on a fried sushi rice crust.
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