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.
Mina R.
Good service and excellent food. Fresh as you can get for OC. Each grain of rice was plump and comforting.
Charles Russell
This has been my favorite sushi restaurant for more than 20 years. The lunch omakase we recently had was fantastic.
For twenty years I have had the opportunity to enjoy a truly amazing Sushi experience. This was the first Omakase sushi restaurant in Orange County and as far as I am concerned still the best. There is thoughtful preparation placed into each course using only the finest fish. The owners are kind and appreciate each of their regular customers. Don't let the small strip mall full you. Step through the door and you may as well be in Japan.The iced green tea is to die for. The blue crab hand roll is a highlight. The tuna course is spectacular with amazing blue fin tuna typically served three ways. If your lucky golden eye snapper will be on the menu. If your looking to go somewhere and gorge yourself on non-traditional Japanese style sushi like California rolls then don't waste your time. Sushi Wasabi is for the true connoisseur looking for a traditional Japanese dining experience.
Philip M.
Probably the best authentic sushi spot in the Tustin/Irvine area. Yes the to-go and reservation method is very interesting and kind of annoying but you have to understand, they only have one sushi chef. However, I really appreciate they try to keep everything authentic as possible. Always love the quality of food and service here.
J T.
This had to be one of the strangest experiences I've ever had.I went to Sushi Wasabi for lunch today, and when I walked in I immediately felt strange as the sushi chef looked at me like, "Did you wander into the wrong place?"I waited a minute or so before a woman came from the back and asked me if I had a reservation.I thought that was a weird question as I looked over and saw that 4 out of the 6 tables were taken, but the sushi bar was wide open.I explained that I did not have a reservation for lunch, and she told me, "Sorry... we are busy and can't serve you."Wait... what?There were a total of 8 other people in the restaurant, and no one waiting for take out, so why couldn't they serve me?When I asked about sitting at one of the open tables or at the sushi bar, I was told that I couldn't.I then saw a notice on the counter for ordering takeout, and so I naturally asked if I could order sushi to go, but was once again told no.When I asked why, they told me that I would have to order a day in advance for a takeout order as it takes too long.Again, what???None of this makes sense to me, and it was clear that I wasted a drive over there for lunch.I am still 100% confused at the entire experience, but one thing that I am 100% certain of is that I will never go back there again.From the moment I walked in to the moment I left, nothing made sense and I was made to feel very, very unwelcome.Save yourself time and aggravation and just go someplace else!
Allyson T.
Amazing! Everything was so fresh. Service was great. They only serve omakase, which was affordable and delicious! This little whole in the wall sushi place does not disappoint.
Soogie K.
I was somewhat disappointed this time and truly miss sitting at the bar where it's a slit second before the sushi or sashimi comes off the knife and into your mouth. But this may have been a singular "off" night as I had yet to experience a mediocre experience at my favorite OC sushi restaurant. It was good, it just wasn't phenomenal, which was my expectation. It was just ordinary that evening. I am always excited to take friends and watch their astonished expressions because it is usually melt-in-your-mouth, super fresh, highest quality, best omakase in OC. Being I am such a self-proclaimed sushi "snob", it was just okay on my last visit. The crab handroll was a bit fishy and the sushi just a tad bit "fleshier" as opposed to melty. The restaurant only seats a maximum of maybe 20 guests at tables (since the sushi bar isn't open yet since Covid). There are so very few consistently extraordinary sushi places in the OC, that on this particular night, it didn't meet my expectations. However, I am of course, willing to give them another try and hope that it truly was a one-off night. I will change my review if I change my mind next time I visit. I pray it was just that night because to me, it is incomparable besides going to LA, that compare.
john g.
Don't judge a book by its cover. We decided to try this place because my wife found it on Yelp and we were in the area. The establishment is located in a strip mall with a convenience store, auto zone, and another restaurant. Initially when we pulled up I was skeptical because of the location and the way the outside looked.There is nothing fancy about the decor but it's clean.Upon entering we were greeted by a nice lady - likely one of the owners who told us that it was Omakase only.If we were ok with that then we could sit. The chef went to work immediately. We were incredibly surprised wi the the quality of the fish and the flavorful preparation. After multiple rounds we left satisfied and pleasantly surprised. The prices are not cheap but I think the food was well worth the price. I recommend this spot - come with an open mind and an empty stomach.
Dinner omakase because that's ll they have. ordered miso soup and very generic. they had some sweet sushi and I dont care for those at all. no sweet gish for me.
Kristin P.
Excellent authentic sushi. Best I've had in Orange County so far. Love the blue crab handroll. Reminds me of Sugarfish! Will be coming back in a couple of weeks for another amazing dinner!
Helen W.
Great small mom and pop establishment. When you walk in, you feel like you are going to someone's home. Go here for a wonderful experience!
John Y.
It's a nice small Japanese sushi restaurant and there's no sushi bar but only omakase sushi set eating at the table . It's very much Japanese style and traditional Japanese taste. I can go every day for my dinner!
Rebecca L.
This place doesn't look like much from the outside but you'd be surprised at how delicious the food taste. My friend ordered the dinner omakase for us. We left with happy tongues and bellies. I really really enjoyed the blue crab handroll. I'm practically salivating now just thinking about it. Go on, don't hesitate. Make that reservation. Your tastebuds and mind will be blown.
Excellent, fresh Omakase.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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.
Good service and excellent food. Fresh as you can get for OC. Each grain of rice was plump and comforting.
This has been my favorite sushi restaurant for more than 20 years. The lunch omakase we recently had was fantastic.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bluefin Tuna Ootoro, Hand Rolls, Sushi, Omakase Nigiri Set, Sashimi
For twenty years I have had the opportunity to enjoy a truly amazing Sushi experience. This was the first Omakase sushi restaurant in Orange County and as far as I am concerned still the best. There is thoughtful preparation placed into each course using only the finest fish. The owners are kind and appreciate each of their regular customers. Don't let the small strip mall full you. Step through the door and you may as well be in Japan.The iced green tea is to die for. The blue crab hand roll is a highlight. The tuna course is spectacular with amazing blue fin tuna typically served three ways. If your lucky golden eye snapper will be on the menu. If your looking to go somewhere and gorge yourself on non-traditional Japanese style sushi like California rolls then don't waste your time. Sushi Wasabi is for the true connoisseur looking for a traditional Japanese dining experience.
Probably the best authentic sushi spot in the Tustin/Irvine area. Yes the to-go and reservation method is very interesting and kind of annoying but you have to understand, they only have one sushi chef. However, I really appreciate they try to keep everything authentic as possible. Always love the quality of food and service here.
This had to be one of the strangest experiences I've ever had.I went to Sushi Wasabi for lunch today, and when I walked in I immediately felt strange as the sushi chef looked at me like, "Did you wander into the wrong place?"I waited a minute or so before a woman came from the back and asked me if I had a reservation.I thought that was a weird question as I looked over and saw that 4 out of the 6 tables were taken, but the sushi bar was wide open.I explained that I did not have a reservation for lunch, and she told me, "Sorry... we are busy and can't serve you."Wait... what?There were a total of 8 other people in the restaurant, and no one waiting for take out, so why couldn't they serve me?When I asked about sitting at one of the open tables or at the sushi bar, I was told that I couldn't.I then saw a notice on the counter for ordering takeout, and so I naturally asked if I could order sushi to go, but was once again told no.When I asked why, they told me that I would have to order a day in advance for a takeout order as it takes too long.Again, what???None of this makes sense to me, and it was clear that I wasted a drive over there for lunch.I am still 100% confused at the entire experience, but one thing that I am 100% certain of is that I will never go back there again.From the moment I walked in to the moment I left, nothing made sense and I was made to feel very, very unwelcome.Save yourself time and aggravation and just go someplace else!
Amazing! Everything was so fresh. Service was great. They only serve omakase, which was affordable and delicious! This little whole in the wall sushi place does not disappoint.
I was somewhat disappointed this time and truly miss sitting at the bar where it's a slit second before the sushi or sashimi comes off the knife and into your mouth. But this may have been a singular "off" night as I had yet to experience a mediocre experience at my favorite OC sushi restaurant. It was good, it just wasn't phenomenal, which was my expectation. It was just ordinary that evening. I am always excited to take friends and watch their astonished expressions because it is usually melt-in-your-mouth, super fresh, highest quality, best omakase in OC. Being I am such a self-proclaimed sushi "snob", it was just okay on my last visit. The crab handroll was a bit fishy and the sushi just a tad bit "fleshier" as opposed to melty. The restaurant only seats a maximum of maybe 20 guests at tables (since the sushi bar isn't open yet since Covid). There are so very few consistently extraordinary sushi places in the OC, that on this particular night, it didn't meet my expectations. However, I am of course, willing to give them another try and hope that it truly was a one-off night. I will change my review if I change my mind next time I visit. I pray it was just that night because to me, it is incomparable besides going to LA, that compare.
Don't judge a book by its cover. We decided to try this place because my wife found it on Yelp and we were in the area. The establishment is located in a strip mall with a convenience store, auto zone, and another restaurant. Initially when we pulled up I was skeptical because of the location and the way the outside looked.There is nothing fancy about the decor but it's clean.Upon entering we were greeted by a nice lady - likely one of the owners who told us that it was Omakase only.If we were ok with that then we could sit. The chef went to work immediately. We were incredibly surprised wi the the quality of the fish and the flavorful preparation. After multiple rounds we left satisfied and pleasantly surprised. The prices are not cheap but I think the food was well worth the price. I recommend this spot - come with an open mind and an empty stomach.
Restaurantji Recommends
Dinner omakase because that's ll they have. ordered miso soup and very generic. they had some sweet sushi and I dont care for those at all. no sweet gish for me.
Excellent authentic sushi. Best I've had in Orange County so far. Love the blue crab handroll. Reminds me of Sugarfish! Will be coming back in a couple of weeks for another amazing dinner!
Great small mom and pop establishment. When you walk in, you feel like you are going to someone's home. Go here for a wonderful experience!
It's a nice small Japanese sushi restaurant and there's no sushi bar but only omakase sushi set eating at the table . It's very much Japanese style and traditional Japanese taste. I can go every day for my dinner!
This place doesn't look like much from the outside but you'd be surprised at how delicious the food taste. My friend ordered the dinner omakase for us. We left with happy tongues and bellies. I really really enjoyed the blue crab handroll. I'm practically salivating now just thinking about it. Go on, don't hesitate. Make that reservation. Your tastebuds and mind will be blown.