From sushi to Asian fusion, these O.C. restaurants turn food into art.
1. AnQi Bistro
Smoked salmon on avocado crostini at AnQi Bistro
This ultrachic bistro is a longtime South Coast Plaza favorite that serves chef Helene An’s beloved Asian fusion fare in a fashion-forward setting. An’s approach to gastronomy is simple: Food must taste good while also being good for you, which is why each dish crafted at AnQi features top-quality ingredients. Order the everpopular garlic noodles and An’s decadent roasted crab (the Dungeness crustacean is served out of the shell to make indulging easy-breezy). 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679, anqibistro.com
2. Gem Dining
Focused on Asian fusion cuisine, this culinary jewel from chef Viet Nguyen has been shining bright since its opening in 2019. A pandemic pause has brought the Fountain Valley favorite back with exciting new dishes like Tai snapper crudo, squid ink tagliatelle and a sticky toffee pudding that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. 10836 Warner Ave., Fountain Valley, 657.660.4812, gemdining.com
3. Little Sister
The inviting dining room at the new Little Sister at Irvine Spectrum Center
A new addition to the Irvine Spectrum Center, Little Sister bowed in April thanks to chef Tin Vuong. Its menu teams both Western and Eastern influences together to create palate pleasers like Balinese fried meatballs, chili-salted baby octopus and shaky shaky beef, plus plenty of rice paper rolls, seafood dishes, and noodle and rice options. 896 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.800.8798, dinelittlesister.com
4. Nobu Newport Beach
This two-story restaurant at Lido Marina Village pairs waterfront views with wow-worthy cuisine from chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The Newport Beach location is home to Nobu’s one and only Grand Cordon bar, where a cocktail-driven omakase awaits. Round out the experience with Nobu favorites including the black cod with miso, rock shrimp tempura with creamy spicy sauce, and monkfish pate with caviar. 3450 Via Oporto, Ste. 101, Newport Beach, 949.429.4440, noburestaurants.com
5. NOVA Kitchen & Bar
NOVA Kitchen & Bar’s signature toro tartare with caviar, creme fraiche, dashi soy and gold leaf
By combining the five elements— wood, fire, earth, metal and water—NOVA Kitchen & Bar produces a magical dining experience that goes big on both flavor and presentation. Begin the journey with the five-element dumplings stuffed with spinach, spicy pork, crab and pork, or octopus and pork. From there, try shareable plates like the dan dan noodles or miso cod, which is marinated for three days to achieve top taste and tenderness. End the evening on an electric note with the strawberry panna cotta, served with strawberry sorbet, Pop Rocks and matcha powder to elevate your senses. 12361 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, 714.696.0888, novaoc.com
6. OMakase by Gino
Shima aji nigiri at OMakase by Gino
Experience an exquisite symphony of artful seafood and sushi dishes at OMakase by Gino, a hidden gem in Santa Ana where chef-owner Gino Choi showcases a 17- to 18-course prix fixe menu at his intimate 10-seat sushi bar. With only two seatings per night, the dining adventure sells out months in advance, and for good reason—Choi utilizes fish flown in fresh from Japan. 304 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 657.231.6008, @omakasebygino
7. Sushi Ii
Chef Susumu Ii artfully prepares dishes at Newport Beach’s Sushi Ii.
Master chef Susumu Ii began his journey when he was 18 and hasn’t stopped since. At Sushi Ii, his omakase-style menus include three experiences: Oribe, Bizen and Karatsu. Each omakase is carefully curated to reflect chef Ii’s dedication to achieving absolute perfection. A la carte sushi options are also available for diners wanting to choose their own adventure. 100 W. Coast Highway, Ste. 202, Newport Beach, 949.287.6268, sushi-ii.com
8. Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku’s chirashi mixed sashimi donburi rice bowl
This Fashion Island staple is dedicated to serving contemporary sushi with highquality ingredients. Order the deluxe sushi plate to feast on yellowtail, tuna, salmon, shrimp, albacore, and baked crab or spicy tuna cut rolls, plus scallop, fulk and toro jalapeño cut rolls. 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.706.3622, sushiroku.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Knife & Spork Public Relations; Courtesy of Outshine PR; Courtesy of Sushi Roku; Courtesy of Little Sister Irvine Spectrum Center; Courtesy of Slique Media; Courtesy of House of An
