i took my younger brother to this place when he went to college at UC Irvine, and whenever i muster the balls to spend the money, i'll take the drive to visit this great place (the bill between two people is often 200 dollars, food + drinks), although, we're big eaters, and if you're conservative, i imagine you can keep the bill under a 100 bucks between two.it's awesome. just amazing. the quality of their beef and the willingness of the staff to bend over backwards for you is just incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lex
I got chased out asking why my tip was $3 short of 20%. I would come spend that same amount at least 2 times a week! And they acknowledged saying i know your a regular but regulars usually tip more. Being a business owner myself i would be speechless knowing my employees were rejecting business due to a tip they expect!.My order came out to $272 with only 2 people . And just 2 of the plates were the highest priced meats on the list . If i didn't order those meats my bill would of been $110 . I Dnt think its fair they are basing it off the total and then basically harassing people based on a tip .
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Lawylin
This is the best Japanese bbq in my opinion in OC. It’s a relatively small restaurant so you have to get there early. The marbled beef ribs is a must but honestly everything here is great!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Prome Boneless Short Rib, Bibimba, Short Rib Soup, Wagyu Beef NY as-From Japan
M Kim
Not worth the wait. The meat quality wasn’t too bad but will not come back due to the service. We ordered two soups for the party that could be split into smaller bowls (server splits for us) we got the split 8 bowls and realized that they served us the wrong order. I let them know and server said they will remake the correct order.Few min later, server comes back and says if we want to finish eating the soups that was served by mistake on their end, that they will charge us. We gave all 8 soup bowls back that had already been split. I work with customer service too but how they handled their mistake was very petty. We have to wait longer for the correct order because they messed up and the soups are already split therefore just will be thrown away. How they chose to handle the situation is disappointing and petty and will not come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Geo
It's always good, but the wait is really long. Wish we could make reservations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Luisa Alvarez
Service was proactive and inviting ? and in simple words we'll be coming back every time we visit. Quality food and ingredients ???
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cam
It’s all good until they bring you the check and tell you that if you pay cash is cheaper vs. credit card. Yes, just like gas station!! I was furious that I had to pay $20 more on my bill for cc payment vs. cash! Not
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
kiyoshi tracy
Aloha from Hawaii. Best Japanese yakiniku restaurant in Oc. Never disappointed. You will probably wait 1 hour for a seat however it is worth it. They don’t take reservations. The freshest meats and produce money can buy. Service is excellent and the staff is super friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Prome Boneless Short Rib, Bibimba, Pork Cheek, Beef Carpaccio, Beef Tataki, Pineapple Sherbet, Beef Tartar, Egg Soup, Chicken Leg, Salad, Seafood, Tongue, Wagyu Beef NY as-From Japan
Lingling Wang
This place is hands down one of the best Japanese BBQ spots around OC. The meat quality is consistently outstanding, with the beef tongue being a personal favorite that always earns a spot on my list when I visit. The focus on the meat BBQ experience truly sets this place apart.However, I must note that while the meat here is exceptional, other main dishes like noodles or desserts don't quite reach the same level of greatness. Stick to what they do best – the BBQ.It's worth mentioning that getting here early is a must, as there is always a wait line.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Prome Boneless Short Rib, Tongue
Russ C.
The wait here is crazy for this tiny place! Great parking in lot in front of restaurant. Arrive and sign-in right away. The wait can be as little as 1/2 hour to 2-3 hours. The meat is so tender, tasty, cooked right at our table. We always start with the Kimchee and sometimes the salad. We continue with crispy rice and lead into The Ribeye #5 which is I probably the most popular meat. BottomLine, all the meats are good. All the staff are helpful and attentive filling up my Hot green tea and water. Been coming here for years with my Doctor friend. Always a solid choice for Japanese bbq style. Come and check it out just down the street from South Coast Plaza. Do some shopping and come on down for a snack.
The restaurant is cozy and warm . Service is also usually pretty fast moving as they're trying to keep up with their neverending wait-list. One of things about this restaurant I don't understand they're open at 5pm but when I come over a lot of people in front of me already on the waitlist?i don't know how people can make it? With dinner service starting at 5pm, you can always count on there being a wait after the restaurant opens. The later into the evening you go, the longer the wait, until peak hours settle down (past 8:30/9pm). The good news is that they're open late for folks that don't mind a late dinner or are hungry for a late night meal.If you're more about volume over quality, you'll want to go elsewhere. With that said, Anjin a good option to switch things up for a date night or hangout with friends.
Ivonne Koblick
The food couldn’t make it to the photos but here’s a video. Make yourself a favor and come to this place, this is the perfect late dinner ever ?? The service is also incredible, everyone is super nice and welcoming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Prome Boneless Short Rib, Wagyu Beef NY as
Tina C.
It's Aunty's birthday, and we had a party of 6 people. Our anticipation for a delightful evening was overshadowed by the restaurant's policy of adding names to the waiting list only when you arrive in person, causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience on this special occasion. It's incredibly frustrating that despite the restaurant opening at 5 pm, patrons are required to arrive as early as 4 pm in person just to have their names added to the waiting list. This practice not only feels unfair but also incredibly inconvenient for those who wish to enjoy a meal without dedicating an extra hour of their time just to secure a spot in line.
Ana Z.
Anjin speaks for itself it's one of those restaurants you gotta try at least once. I've been here a couple of times and it's always great quality and good food! There's basically a wait whenever you go so I suggest to go before it opens just in case there's a line.
J C
Food was good though I think it’s overrated.Not as good as a expected.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Prome Boneless Short Rib, Bibimba, Pork Cheek, Beef Carpaccio, Beef Tataki, Crispy Rice, Cucumber, Tongue, Wagyu Beef NY as
i took my younger brother to this place when he went to college at UC Irvine, and whenever i muster the balls to spend the money, i'll take the drive to visit this great place (the bill between two people is often 200 dollars, food + drinks), although, we're big eaters, and if you're conservative, i imagine you can keep the bill under a 100 bucks between two.it's awesome. just amazing. the quality of their beef and the willingness of the staff to bend over backwards for you is just incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I got chased out asking why my tip was $3 short of 20%. I would come spend that same amount at least 2 times a week! And they acknowledged saying i know your a regular but regulars usually tip more. Being a business owner myself i would be speechless knowing my employees were rejecting business due to a tip they expect!.My order came out to $272 with only 2 people . And just 2 of the plates were the highest priced meats on the list . If i didn't order those meats my bill would of been $110 . I Dnt think its fair they are basing it off the total and then basically harassing people based on a tip .
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
This is the best Japanese bbq in my opinion in OC. It’s a relatively small restaurant so you have to get there early. The marbled beef ribs is a must but honestly everything here is great!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Prome Boneless Short Rib, Bibimba, Short Rib Soup, Wagyu Beef NY as-From Japan
Not worth the wait. The meat quality wasn’t too bad but will not come back due to the service. We ordered two soups for the party that could be split into smaller bowls (server splits for us) we got the split 8 bowls and realized that they served us the wrong order. I let them know and server said they will remake the correct order.Few min later, server comes back and says if we want to finish eating the soups that was served by mistake on their end, that they will charge us. We gave all 8 soup bowls back that had already been split. I work with customer service too but how they handled their mistake was very petty. We have to wait longer for the correct order because they messed up and the soups are already split therefore just will be thrown away. How they chose to handle the situation is disappointing and petty and will not come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
It's always good, but the wait is really long. Wish we could make reservations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service was proactive and inviting ? and in simple words we'll be coming back every time we visit. Quality food and ingredients ???
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It’s all good until they bring you the check and tell you that if you pay cash is cheaper vs. credit card. Yes, just like gas station!! I was furious that I had to pay $20 more on my bill for cc payment vs. cash! Not
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Aloha from Hawaii. Best Japanese yakiniku restaurant in Oc. Never disappointed. You will probably wait 1 hour for a seat however it is worth it. They don’t take reservations. The freshest meats and produce money can buy. Service is excellent and the staff is super friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Prome Boneless Short Rib, Bibimba, Pork Cheek, Beef Carpaccio, Beef Tataki, Pineapple Sherbet, Beef Tartar, Egg Soup, Chicken Leg, Salad, Seafood, Tongue, Wagyu Beef NY as-From Japan
This place is hands down one of the best Japanese BBQ spots around OC. The meat quality is consistently outstanding, with the beef tongue being a personal favorite that always earns a spot on my list when I visit. The focus on the meat BBQ experience truly sets this place apart.However, I must note that while the meat here is exceptional, other main dishes like noodles or desserts don't quite reach the same level of greatness. Stick to what they do best – the BBQ.It's worth mentioning that getting here early is a must, as there is always a wait line.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Prome Boneless Short Rib, Tongue
The wait here is crazy for this tiny place! Great parking in lot in front of restaurant. Arrive and sign-in right away. The wait can be as little as 1/2 hour to 2-3 hours. The meat is so tender, tasty, cooked right at our table. We always start with the Kimchee and sometimes the salad. We continue with crispy rice and lead into The Ribeye #5 which is I probably the most popular meat. BottomLine, all the meats are good. All the staff are helpful and attentive filling up my Hot green tea and water. Been coming here for years with my Doctor friend. Always a solid choice for Japanese bbq style. Come and check it out just down the street from South Coast Plaza. Do some shopping and come on down for a snack.
Restaurantji Recommends
The restaurant is cozy and warm . Service is also usually pretty fast moving as they're trying to keep up with their neverending wait-list. One of things about this restaurant I don't understand they're open at 5pm but when I come over a lot of people in front of me already on the waitlist?i don't know how people can make it? With dinner service starting at 5pm, you can always count on there being a wait after the restaurant opens. The later into the evening you go, the longer the wait, until peak hours settle down (past 8:30/9pm). The good news is that they're open late for folks that don't mind a late dinner or are hungry for a late night meal.If you're more about volume over quality, you'll want to go elsewhere. With that said, Anjin a good option to switch things up for a date night or hangout with friends.
The food couldn’t make it to the photos but here’s a video. Make yourself a favor and come to this place, this is the perfect late dinner ever ?? The service is also incredible, everyone is super nice and welcoming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Prome Boneless Short Rib, Wagyu Beef NY as
It's Aunty's birthday, and we had a party of 6 people. Our anticipation for a delightful evening was overshadowed by the restaurant's policy of adding names to the waiting list only when you arrive in person, causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience on this special occasion. It's incredibly frustrating that despite the restaurant opening at 5 pm, patrons are required to arrive as early as 4 pm in person just to have their names added to the waiting list. This practice not only feels unfair but also incredibly inconvenient for those who wish to enjoy a meal without dedicating an extra hour of their time just to secure a spot in line.
Anjin speaks for itself it's one of those restaurants you gotta try at least once. I've been here a couple of times and it's always great quality and good food! There's basically a wait whenever you go so I suggest to go before it opens just in case there's a line.
Food was good though I think it’s overrated.Not as good as a expected.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Prome Boneless Short Rib, Bibimba, Pork Cheek, Beef Carpaccio, Beef Tataki, Crispy Rice, Cucumber, Tongue, Wagyu Beef NY as