“From the moment you step into Soba Izakaya MINAMI, you're not just entering a restaurant; you're embarking on a culinary journey to the heart of Japan. This isn't your run-of-the-mill Japanese eatery; it's a testament to the art of Soba and Yakitori, crafted with passion and precision.Let's talk about the star of the show: the Soba. Handmade from scratch with a level of care that borders on reverence, each bowl is a masterclass in texture and taste. The Curry Soba is a standout dish, a harmonious blend of spice and comfort that warms you from the inside out. It's not just food; it's a warm hug in a bowl.But why stop there? MINAMI's Yakitori selection takes you on a delectable detour off the beaten path. Among the jewels in their crown are the Squid legs - grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, succulent experience that leaves you craving more. It's a bold choice on the menu, and it pays off beautifully, showcasing their knack for elevating traditional dishes with a twist.The ambiance of the place, with its intimate setting and warm lighting, complements the meal perfectly, creating an atmosphere that's both inviting and authentically Japanese. The staff's attentiveness and knowledge of the menu add to the experience, making you feel both valued and enlightened.In conclusion, Soba Izakaya MINAMI is more than just a dining destination; it's a culinary treasure that beckons to be explored. For the lovers of Soba, Yakitori, and Japanese cuisine at its most authentic and innovative, this is your haven. As you savor each bite, remember: you're not just eating; you're part of a story - a delicious narrative spun with soba and skewers.“
“Really cute place, very cozy but not cramped. The server was new but very kind and asked their manager when they didn’t know the answer to something, which is always good. My dad and I got vegan ramens and they were delicious but I wish there was a spicy vegan ramen, too. Brother got the Miso ramen and enjoyed it. The vegan sushis (vegetable tempura and vegetable rolls) were pretty good. I have high standards for vegan sushi thanks to vegan sushi restaurants in the Bay area but for Orange County this is a sushi and ramen place with great vegan options.Vegetarian options: Vegan options (Vegan Ramen, Miso Soup, Fried Tofu, Edamame, Vegetable Tempura Roll, Vegetable Roll).Dietary restrictions: Vegan options (Vegan Ramen, Miso Soup, Fried Tofu, Edamame, Vegetable Tempura Roll, Vegetable Roll).“
“This is some of the best sushi ive ever had just in my life. I would recommend sitting at the bar and just talking woth the head chef hiro is amazing, very funny and entertaining guy. Definitely is a sushi spot i will continue to regular. Atmosphere was delightful always filled with people with fun conversations who are incredibly open, hiro and the other chefs bring the resturant alive with their conversations while serving sushi that will suprise and catch you off gard woth the flavors.“
“Pros:* Delicious Food; The sushi rolls were pretty stunning. I recommend the Bento Box.* Clean inside, relax vibe* Quick serviceCons:* N/AExtra:* Plenty of Parking* The service was questionable at first, but they were quick to help us when we motioned to them. They don't dote on you and are quick to help.“
“Came upon this quaint little sushi place and won the jackpot! The small place filled up very quickly but the service was quick to serve! Fish was fresh and interesting. We loved all of the food we ordered. We will be returning as soon as we can!“
“OMG! the best of the best. The flavors in the Broth is delicious. Tonkotsu is my favorite. Service can improve a bit, but overall can't expect the best because they are busy- and so worth it. I like the ambiance, chill and they have a good peach beer, ha!“
“I always recommend Yamame! The yaki soba and the rolls are amazing. The omakase menu is my personal favorite. The salmon belly and black cod sushi are my favorites. The presentation and quality of the omakase always impress me. The service is prompt and friendly and they go above and beyond to make you feel at home. Thank you Yamame family!“
“I have been to my fair share of Ramen restaurants, and I must say this one takes the cake for being the most aesthetically pleasing. It gives a vibe to the decor, from the bowls to the vase water, and even the chopsticks are mood.As for the food, I ordered a classic California sushi roll, which was excellent, along with their House Ramen bowl, which was fantastic. It had bok choy, egg, and pork. The pork was all tender and just delicious. Sometimes, when you go to restaurants for Ramen noodles, you’ll get a hit or miss, but I will say for this restaurant, there was no hit or miss; the Ramen noodle was just perfection.As for the drink, I ordered the Galaxy, which is butterfly peas, strawberry, lemonade, and mango jelly, and I think something else, but I cannot remember it was great. It was excellent.The service was good.I would say spending a moderate amount of money here for this restaurant, especially given the area it's in.Overall, 10 out of 10.“
“Top notch Sushi! I've been coming here since they opened and I'm in love with this place. First, Chef Masa is the nicest most friendly Chef there is, and all his staff are friendly and spot on with water refills and quick service. The fish he gets is some of the freshest and best quality out there. For cooked food Try the salmon collar. It's the melt in your mouth part of the salmons neck and cheek, and prepared expertly! Everything I've had, from the fresh oysters, the halibut carpaccio, the Takowasa, and Takoyaki, they spicy yellow tail lover roll and al the sashimi- has been perfect. Can't recommend enough !“
“Ate here per a passing suggestion from someone. We arrived shortly after opening, so getting a seat was easy. If I spoke Japanese then I would be able to order in Japanese. The menu is a good size. I had jidori chicken udon. I've never had udon before, but the dish was great, and the broth was clean without being oversoaked with grease. For the price, I wish there was more chicken. I asked for warm water (instead of hot), but I got cold (instead of icy) instead. Otherwise friendly and brightly lit place to eat some good and simple food.Parking: huge lot, impossible to not find parking“
Sushi • $$
“Yoshi was our server, and she was extremely nice to our large party that consisted of a bunch of wild kids. This past Friday night. The food was excellent. Enjoyed the sunset. Next time, Yoshi needs to have some saki with us. We'll be back!“
“This is an ideal place for those who watch their diet and eat right. A small cozy cafe for 4 tables with bar stools for a quick healthy, hearty snack. Friendly staff always fresh products, clean. We have visited many times and every time everything is perfect in taste and service. From minuses it is absence of a toilet and badly working internet at verazen.“
“The music and environment was chill. My group went on a Wednesday evening so it was not slammed.They have an all you can eat option but my girlfriend and I filled up on the shared ribeye option with spicy miso tonkatsu. It's a pricier option which adds up to about 50 per person including the sake.Our server was Gabby and she was attentive, kind, and knowledgeable about the menu!“
“This place is really really good. A hidden gem. The yellowtail carpaccio is YUM! So many delicious rolls and unique additions. Cucumber/seaweed salad=love. The freshness is soso good. The service is spot on. If you are not there before 5 be prepared to wait.“
“The food is quite good and seems really fresh. The staff is very friendly and efficient. The only problem we encountered was getting our mixed vegetables way before our entrees arrived. They would have been much warmer arriving with the main meal. Otherwise, all was good.“
“I went there the other day for the first time and had some sushi. It was probably one of the best sushi places in Laguna Niguel. It was very delicious. I ordered the dragon sushi, baked scallop and baked salmon. The service was fast. I highly recommend this location. I will definitely go back.“
“This is our family's weeknight sushi place. We bring the kids who absolutely demolish the crunchy rolls. My favorite is the yellow tail buffalo roll. The fish is always delicious and the service is always great. They take extra care of our kiddos. The Yoshi rolls are a personal favorite too. The price is fair too!“
“I did take out on a Wednesday night. I called ahead and was told it would be ready in 15 minutes. I arrived 20 minutes later. There were a few people waiting outside which was a good sign that this was a good place to eat. The dining room looked full. My food was ready along with several others in the rack. I can't really say much about the service here as I only did take out. The food however was great! The curry chicken tonkatsu was crispy and big. I liked the pickled radish. The price was good. The cheese tonkatsu was also very good. It tastes really good hot and fresh. Unfortunately since I did take out, it lost its warmth. I would recommend reheating it in an air fryer if you takeout for home. This place is great and I would definitely come back again.“
“Mom and Pop with very fresh and delicious food and the staff were very kind. The chef gave us a free Kaguya nigiri to try. With the prices being so low, I was a bit skeptical of the food quality but my girlfriend and I were very happily surprised that everything was delicious. I personally love the Lemon Drop roll.“
“Went for a lunch date with my son. It's a small place and the sushi is amazing. It's was so good. The specialty rolls are amazing. My son has an allergy to shrimp and they overheard us and offerd to make the roll we were looking at with no shrimp. We will definitely be back.“
“I've been here twice now for the AYCE and they have not let me down at all! Incredibly fresh and flavorful. Service has been great. Value is great. Get there before they open to add your name on the waitlist, this place is popular and fills up quick! Great place to hang out outside while you wait for them to open or for your table to be ready. Been here with a friend and my sister and they both agree this place rocks“
“Visited this place during the weekday for dinner. It was super crowded and had a lively ambience. The food service is quick and the food is amazing. They also have sushi bar which you can sit on if you like to watch the chefs making sushi.They do not have a lot of vegetarian options. We ordered Tofu with rice, avocado sushi roll and mango lady sushi roll. The food was delicious. The waiter was not able to understand English and so had to run back a couple of times to make sure the request was correctly entered.Overall we had a great experience and will surely visit again.Vegetarian options: Not a lot of vegetarian options. They do have 5 sushi rolls which are vegetarian and a couple of other dishes. That's it.“
“Fantastic restaurant. The Orion beer, the white corn, the peanut tofu, and the carpaccio are the highlights. The takoyaki, sukiyaki, and ramen were also great. Lots of new flavors. Very friendly.Dietary restrictions: Okinawan cuisine focuses on pork.Parking: Plenty of parking.Kid-friendliness: It’s a very small restaurant. I wouldn’t bring kids here.“
Japanese • $$
“Quaint & Authentic Japanese restaurant. Try to sit at the bar for the best experience. I highly suggest the Sweet Shrimp (amiebi) with no wasabi. You want to experience the full taste of fresh shrimp.Parking: Parking is a bit tough sometimes due to so many businesses crammed into one location. Worst case you have to park at IHOP and walk“
“We absolutely LOVE Sashimi. The sushi is always so fresh and SO DELICIOUS. The best I’ve ever had. We are greeted like family and treated like royalty every time we go in. Steve always remembers us and our preferences. I can’t say enough positive wonderful things about the beautiful, kind, talented people that work at sashimi. We are in love!“
“I got the salmon and ribeye. The ribeye was bland, but the salmon was much better. The salmon was seasoned well and was tender and tasted fresh. That being said, I think this entree was overpriced. I also tried the chicken karage curry - the chicken tasted frozen, and the curry was more salty than what I am used to. The food was brought out quickly and was hot and sizzling. The selection of teas was cool - I like their tea.“
“Very quaint place, delicious food. I had their signature roll, it was very different, I enjoyed it. My husband and son got the udon noodles, and my daughter a chicken bowl. We also ordered stem dumplings, amazing! ? I think we just found our sushi “
“Sushi Yaki has been my go-to spot for a quick dinner after long, difficult work days. I work nearby and I'm so grateful I can simply walk over. There's nothing more comforting than having a nice meal in a humble, dependable shop like this.Props to the older couple running the place because I've never had a negative experience. The food is consistently good and the service is reliable.“
“Excellent fish! If looking for crazy rolls with lots of sauces this is not your place. If you just want excellent fish you're in the right place. Only a handful of tables and seats at the sushi bar so reservations are suggested.Parking: Tons of parking.“
“First time here. I had the chicken curry, it was very good.Note to the owner. You should consider changing the name. I have driven by many times, but I always thought it was a nail salon spa type of place. My wife actually figured out it is a sushi place.“
“Came in for a quick poke bowl on my way to tour some homes in Mission Viejo. Staff was friendly and helpful. The poke quality was good and the available toppings were good.Avocado was extra but a must. Free miso soup.I will definitely come back when I’m in the area.“
“This is a wonderful place to enjoy healthy food. You can choose from bowls, plates, combos, rolls, sushi and rolls, udon, and yaki udon, salads, or sides. The portions here are quite generous, the rolls are fresh, and the meat is tender.If you want to try authentic udon with noodles, make sure to order the yaki udon.The service is very pleasant, and they will always recommend something to your taste. The menu is extensive, so you'll definitely find something to your liking here.“
“Poke Tiki in Laguna Niguel, CA Yay we found a yummy poke spot right by our place this weekend. We came here for lunch and it didn't disappoint. There were endless options for everything from bases to proteins to toppings and sauces! We'll definitely be back! There are multiple locations: San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine, Tustin, Orange, Costa Mesa.“
“We have been coming to sushi bear since it opened for years now and not sure if there's been a change in ownership last few years but quality continually slides down with the taste and menu options have shifted from unique to basic. Kind of disappointed with our last visit, but the staff was nice. If you're a basic rolls kind of customer then this is the place.“
“Sushi over the years has changed. It used to be about Japanese people running the place, now its about the right person for the job. I had a lot of problems here, in which Don and Hiro addressed. Alberto the chef is really good at what he does he is also very kind. I had my sushi tasted a bit fishy this time around, and there was, "other,'' problems but a great place is not about having great food all the time, but the service. They really take the time to change and adapt. This is one of the best features about this place. I really think anyone coming to Yama should be honest because they do accommodate. Their customer service is very good in terms of compliance, Lee is a great waitress and because of her I can come back here. Their water levels of chlorine was high but Don said it was the Macha product. When I asked for hot water, with more investigating it was actually the water source. However they promptly fixed the issue and when I came back around. It was great. Green Tea was very good. They really took efforts to address the problems that I was having. Not to mention, Kenny the son whom has great interpersonal skills help mediate any situations although he studies all day and night working part time to help his father Don run the restaurant. This is a gem of a place and deserves more recognition. Good family owned business and its right next to the lake, can't compare to the local sushi places, this place is the most consistent. Chefs treat this job as life or death! They're all sweet men!Dietary restrictions: Poke bowl, Henry made it dangerously salty. Came back and wanted to get it from Hiro because that was what the waitress recommended, but seemed to busy. However I got the Poke bowl again and it came out little fishy this time and couldn't finish it. The Toro handroll was also on the fishy side. But still good, didn't get sick.“
Japanese • $
“After visiting dana point caves, I was craving for a poke, so we did a spontaneous poke run at this mom & pop shop in san juan capistrano which ended up being rly nice :) restaurant was located in a very quiet area so we were the only patrons (aka introvert heaven). We ordered the large which comes with 5 proteins, with an extra scoop of spicy tuna bc didn't realize the first scoop would be mixed in the poke haha. I love how avocados are included in all the toppings and not counted as "extra" lol I'm used to being very extra so it was nice not having to be. Everything tasted fresh and service was warm & friendly. So glad we made the visit on our way back home!“
“We walked in and got seated immediately. We enjoyed all our food. The calamari was notably crispy and light and perfectly salted. The Gu Fries was cheesey and had a complimenting soy glaze the complimented the saltiness of our ramens. The service was unhurried and efficient. The vibe of the space was consistent with the theme. I tried their mandarin sorbet and it was disappointing but still a good pallet cleanser. We really enjoyed our dinner there. This continues to be our annual stop in Laguna for a late ramen.“
“The best sushi spot I have ever been to. That includes Japan, New York, California, Hawaii. This place is an absolute treat. It's also the epitome of don't judge a book by its cover. To some of the lower rating reviews, you have to understand how this place works and how special every single course is to appreciate it and then you'll get why they can't sit you right away or provide you takeout right away. The owners are the best and every single ingredient is top notch. I have been coming for years and can't ever get enough. It's a relaxing place with a very warm and comforting energy.“
“Delicious and experience, definitely worth going in a group so you can try a few different cuts of meat. We tried the spicy miso and pork bone broth with a perfect mix of flavor and spicy.I personally love being able to try small portions of a lot of different things, so this was perfect. Wygu beef, aged Angus and short rib - delicious“
“Very friendly owner and staff, their costumer service is very good! The food is fresh and amazing, these new owners made the best changes and the food is unbelievable! I highly recommend this restaurant and make sure to try the popcorn roll!!! ?Parking: It’s free and easyKid-friendliness: It’s a very kid and family friendly restaurant.Wheelchair accessibility: It’s wheelchair friendly.“
“We decided to do the lunch omakase. This was the items we went thought for our omakase lunch: 1. Red snapper soup ; 4.5/5 2. Jelly fish , oyster and crab 5/5 3. Scallop, shrimp and monk liver 5/5 4. Tuna 4/5 5. Lobster : first time trying raw lobster. It was a wonderful experience 5/5 6. Fish hamachi 4.5/5 7. Fish kampachi 4.5/5 8. Fish halibut with truffle oil 5/5 9. Fish salmon 5/5 10. Seared black cod 4.5/5 11. Uni 4/5 12. Cooked fish miso chillean seabass 4/5 13. Bowl of course steam egg with lobster and truffle oil; love this 5/5 14. Green tea cheesecake: this was just average 3/5 I would highly recommend trying out the omakase. It was a wonderful experience. I have come back here multiple since then to try out the rest of their menu and love the baked lobster roll, wagyu fried rice , Salmon sashimi, sashimi special roll, grilled yellowtail collar, miso Chilean seabass and the lunch special sushi set.“
“This sushi is sooooo fresh. Daily fish deliveries. The sushi chefs have created amazing yet traditional sushi sublely dressed to perfection. I don't dare dip these in wasabi soy for fear of masking the flavor perfection. Most memorable on this visit was Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper). My Japanese-born girlfriend loves this place, enjoys her conversation with the sushi chef, and happily declares this is not "California Sushi"“
“This is a good neighborhood joint. It's not fancy, but the food is solid and the staff is attentive and friendly. If you go regularly, they'll remember your name.The have indoor seating (sushi bar and tables) and a small covered patio. They have fun hand-lettered signs with specials. Halibut carpaccio was one the specials tonight.If you go for lunch, they've got bento box specials that are tasty too.RECOMMENDParking: This is in in a large shopping plaza with a big parking lot. Parking is never a problem.Kid-friendliness: They don't have a kids menu or specific option for kids. If your kid likes sushi or teriyaki or tempura, then your kid would do okay here.“
“Lovely place. You can tell a lot of locals come for a good reason. The sushi is a very good quality, fresh. The Miso Soup is the best I've had in my life.The service was perfect. The ambience is fine it needs some upgrades but I'm fine with it. Good prices.All in all a good recommend.“
“First time at the restaurant. Did not know what to expect. Looked at the menu and was rather pleasantly surprised at the robust selection. Tried the Tonkatsu Miso ramen and it was delicious. My wife had the Salmon Bento box and was pleasantly surprised. And my kids loved the Macarons for dessert. Would highly recommend and will come back again“
“My culinary journey led me to Khan Sushi, and what a delightful surprise it turned out to be! Under the new ownership, this unassuming spot in South Orange County has become my go-to sushi haven.Why Khan Sushi Stands Out:1. Freshness Beyond Compare: The fish here is a revelation. Each bite transports you to the ocean—vibrant, succulent, and bursting with flavor. It’s evident that quality is their top priority.2. Sushi Mastery: Tim, the chef, is a true artist. His precision and passion shine through every roll. Whether it’s a classic California roll or an inventive specialty, each piece is crafted with care.3. Unbeatable Variety: Khan Sushi trumps all other sushi joints in the area. From sashimi to creative maki rolls, their menu covers the spectrum. Vegetarians and seafood lovers alike will find something to rave about.4. Tim’s Personal Touch: Tim isn’t just a chef; he’s a host. He greets regulars by name, remembers their preferences, and ensures every meal is flawless. His dedication to customer satisfaction is commendable.5. Consistency: I’ve been a loyal patron for 6 months, and not once have I been disappointed. Every visit is a symphony of flavors—a perfect harmony of taste and texture.In summary, Khan Sushi is more than a restaurant; it’s an experience. If you’re seeking fresh, expertly prepared sushi in South Orange County, look no further. Tim and his team have perfected the art of sushi, one roll at a time.Thank you, Khan Sushi, for consistently delivering perfection on a plate! ???“
“We were hungry, didn't know what we wanted, and stopped in here. I am so glad we did! Very good service and fantastic food. I loved the spiralized radish that the sashimi was served on. It provides a delicate crunch that compliments the fish. The Korean BBQ tasted great. We also had the Crazy Roll but I forgot to take a photo because I was distracted by the yumminess of everything.“
“First time trying this sushi place and let me tell you...... if you haven't been, you're losing out. From the Japanese greeting to the cozy atmosphere and most importantly the sushi. The delicious fresh sushi was beautifully presented with attention to detail. The service was attentive and with a smile. What a treat! We will be back.“
“By far the best sushi in OC if not all of SoCal. You can spend alot more going to other "high end" sushi spots. The quality of fish at Jizake is on par with the best of the best - same goes for the skill of chefs they are on par with the best of the best.BTW in the pic we loaded the blue fin up with Kizami, chef didnt serve it like that (for all concerned sushi aficionados).Only recommendation to Jizake is please bring back Karatamba!“
“A HIDDEN GEM LIKE NO OTHER!!Very reasonable prices, DELICIOUS and AUTHENTIC food, FAST service.A complaint i Will address for the owner is about the business and its operation… i have worked in food industry and i frequently travel to find the best food joints.. so i say this as advice more so than complaint.. CUT THE MENU IN HALF. Focus on all the best sold items. Cost of goods is too high today to be offering 50 items on a menu. Sushi IS LITERALLY THE BEST IN TOWN. Focus on that and cater to the newer crowds available in the area. This business is so successful!Vegetarian options: Vegetable yakisoba was super yummy!“