Wonderful experience however the building is very difficult to find!
cc
very disappointed w the dishes—nothing was special or memorable. the chef was also completely mute and while we showed great enthusiasm and excitement for each dish. he made no comment and seemed like he really didn’t want to be there. this made for a very lackluster experience. especially for the pricing, quality of the dishes. due to the fact that this area doesn’t have many omakase competitors they don’t care to try very hard but my friend i were were truly disappointed and underwhelmed. would never consider going back even if they cut their prices in half
Andrew Lim
Hana re is one of Orange County’s most exclusive and exceptional dining experiences. Tucked behind the LAB Anti-Mall, this Michelin-starred sushi counter offers a serene, minimalist setting with only a handful of seats, making each visit feel highly personal and immersive. Chef Atsushi Yokoyama leads a seasonal omakase journey that blends traditional Japanese technique with artistic presentation and world-class ingredients.
The multi-course tasting menu features highlights like pristine sashimi, whelk shellfish with caviar, and perfectly marbled A5 Japanese beef—each dish thoughtfully paced and presented with care. The sake pairings are refined and well-matched, and the staff provides knowledgeable, attentive service throughout the evening.
Everything here is intentional, from the atmosphere to the smallest garnish. It’s a high-end experience, both in price ($250/pp) and execution, but for sushi purists or those seeking a special culinary moment, Hana re absolutely delivers. Reservations are required, and the restaurant has a strict cancellation policy.
Hana re is probably Costa Mesa's best Japanese restaurant and is perfect for anniversaries, celebrations, or a special night out
Millie Kwan
We had a phenomenal experience at Hanare Sushi! It is a little challenging to figure out the location. We arrived in the rain during dusk and without the window in the side of the building, the door to the restaurant looks like a utility room door. So look for the small box by the door that holds the Japanese paper listing their name. When you walk in, there are a couple of tables in front and then you see the amazing sushi bar that seats up to 8 prior at a time. The omakase is 10 courses including a waygu beef course and dessert. The dishes were inventive and the fish was very fresh. I experienced alternates to the shrimp and hairy crab that are pictured since I have crustacean allergy, but they were aware of this so I had clam in place of sweet Santa Barbara shrimp, halibut chawan mushi in place of shrimp, and unagi with foie gras rather than hairy crab. Great watching the chef prepare the sashimi and sushi at the bar. You can see that he set the large piece of toro on top of the bar while he was cutting the slices for nigiri. Definitely worth the experience so do go!
Datuk David Chong
Excellent food let down by mediocre service and setting. Tap water?!?
eric hsiao
absolutely worth the michelin star. came here for wifes bday and did not disappoint. the omakaze was absolutely on point. its a very intimate spot with only 8 seats at the bar and couple small tables lay across the restaurant, but the magic happens at the bar. the live mini crab is a nice touch. we paired our food with white wine from japan, dont miss it and worth the price
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hoyong Choi
I recently had an amazing experience at Hanare Omakase! The whole vibe was intimate and authentic, but the real standout for me was the wasabi. They actually grated it fresh from the root right in front of us, which gave it a clean, slightly spicy flavor that totally elevated each piece of sushi. Every course felt thoughtfully crafted, and the fish was incredibly fresh—each bite felt like it had its own story. If you’re into sushi and want something that feels both traditional and special, Hanare is definitely worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Phu Phan
The food is good but not impress. The first time I see the small crab in real life but it didn't taste as I thought. The place is small, only 8 or 10 seat at the bar so be sure to make the reservation ahead of time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Omakase
Leesa Yim
I had high hopes for the omakase meal. There were some dishes I thought didn’t have much flavor at all, like the tiny crab, it was interesting to eat, but lacked any kind of taste. All other dishes/sushi and sashimi were okay. I suppose they presented each sushi with the appropriate accompaniments. I probably would not recommend it to others or will I go back.
The only staff/server was attentive and knowledgeable and and made the experience pleasant.
For omakase diners, this is a hidden gem that should be found more often...with the popularity of omakase dining today, where some restaurants can be repetitive in their offerings, Chef Atsushi explores combinations of ingredients to create unique flavors in the omakase realm...small, intimate and warm, we always feel welcome here...Hana Re is offers a quiet respite after a day of shopping at South Coast Plaza
anthony ianozzi
Very special place. Actually don't want anyone knowing about it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Zinger Learns
Fantastic dining experience, definitely Michelin star worthy.This is a small and in many ways understated restaurant with very limited seating. The experience is intimate and cozy, with the chef preparing and describing each dish.The sushi bar experience is definitely more of a show than the couple of tables they have.There is only one dining option which is a fantastic omakase.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase
Amazing omakase place. We had a 10 course dinner consisting of various dishes including meat, fish, and soup. The restaurant only seats 6-8 people which creates an extremely intimate and unique experience. The fish was very fresh, mostly flown from Japan and the upside for me of visiting this restaurant was trying Japanese dishes that I would never think to order and probably are not available at any regular sushi restaurant. It's very clear why this place earned a Michelin star. Will be going back for certain.
MrMM
Have been here a handful of times and the experience has always been satisfying. Fresh ingredients crafted by a passionate cooking chef with great skill in preparing courses with balanced Eastern and Western influences.
Wonderful experience however the building is very difficult to find!
very disappointed w the dishes—nothing was special or memorable. the chef was also completely mute and while we showed great enthusiasm and excitement for each dish. he made no comment and seemed like he really didn’t want to be there. this made for a very lackluster experience. especially for the pricing, quality of the dishes. due to the fact that this area doesn’t have many omakase competitors they don’t care to try very hard but my friend i were were truly disappointed and underwhelmed. would never consider going back even if they cut their prices in half
Hana re is one of Orange County’s most exclusive and exceptional dining experiences. Tucked behind the LAB Anti-Mall, this Michelin-starred sushi counter offers a serene, minimalist setting with only a handful of seats, making each visit feel highly personal and immersive. Chef Atsushi Yokoyama leads a seasonal omakase journey that blends traditional Japanese technique with artistic presentation and world-class ingredients.
The multi-course tasting menu features highlights like pristine sashimi, whelk shellfish with caviar, and perfectly marbled A5 Japanese beef—each dish thoughtfully paced and presented with care. The sake pairings are refined and well-matched, and the staff provides knowledgeable, attentive service throughout the evening.
Everything here is intentional, from the atmosphere to the smallest garnish. It’s a high-end experience, both in price ($250/pp) and execution, but for sushi purists or those seeking a special culinary moment, Hana re absolutely delivers. Reservations are required, and the restaurant has a strict cancellation policy.
Hana re is probably Costa Mesa's best Japanese restaurant and is perfect for anniversaries, celebrations, or a special night out
We had a phenomenal experience at Hanare Sushi! It is a little challenging to figure out the location. We arrived in the rain during dusk and without the window in the side of the building, the door to the restaurant looks like a utility room door. So look for the small box by the door that holds the Japanese paper listing their name.
When you walk in, there are a couple of tables in front and then you see the amazing sushi bar that seats up to 8 prior at a time. The omakase is 10 courses including a waygu beef course and dessert. The dishes were inventive and the fish was very fresh. I experienced alternates to the shrimp and hairy crab that are pictured since I have crustacean allergy, but they were aware of this so I had clam in place of sweet Santa Barbara shrimp, halibut chawan mushi in place of shrimp, and unagi with foie gras rather than hairy crab.
Great watching the chef prepare the sashimi and sushi at the bar. You can see that he set the large piece of toro on top of the bar while he was cutting the slices for nigiri.
Definitely worth the experience so do go!
Excellent food let down by mediocre service and setting. Tap water?!?
absolutely worth the michelin star. came here for wifes bday and did not disappoint. the omakaze was absolutely on point. its a very intimate spot with only 8 seats at the bar and couple small tables lay across the restaurant, but the magic happens at the bar. the live mini crab is a nice touch. we paired our food with white wine from japan, dont miss it and worth the price
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently had an amazing experience at Hanare Omakase! The whole vibe was intimate and authentic, but the real standout for me was the wasabi. They actually grated it fresh from the root right in front of us, which gave it a clean, slightly spicy flavor that totally elevated each piece of sushi. Every course felt thoughtfully crafted, and the fish was incredibly fresh—each bite felt like it had its own story. If you’re into sushi and want something that feels both traditional and special, Hanare is definitely worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is good but not impress. The first time I see the small crab in real life but it didn't taste as I thought. The place is small, only 8 or 10 seat at the bar so be sure to make the reservation ahead of time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Omakase
I had high hopes for the omakase meal. There were some dishes I thought didn’t have much flavor at all, like the tiny crab, it was interesting to eat, but lacked any kind of taste. All other dishes/sushi and sashimi were okay. I suppose they presented each sushi with the appropriate accompaniments. I probably would not recommend it to others or will I go back.
The only staff/server was attentive and knowledgeable and and made the experience pleasant.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Great omakase
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
For omakase diners, this is a hidden gem that should be found more often...with the popularity of omakase dining today, where some restaurants can be repetitive in their offerings, Chef Atsushi explores combinations of ingredients to create unique flavors in the omakase realm...small, intimate and warm, we always feel welcome here...Hana Re is offers a quiet respite after a day of shopping at South Coast Plaza
Very special place. Actually don't want anyone knowing about it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic dining experience, definitely Michelin star worthy.This is a small and in many ways understated restaurant with very limited seating. The experience is intimate and cozy, with the chef preparing and describing each dish.The sushi bar experience is definitely more of a show than the couple of tables they have.There is only one dining option which is a fantastic omakase.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase
Amazing omakase place. We had a 10 course dinner consisting of various dishes including meat, fish, and soup. The restaurant only seats 6-8 people which creates an extremely intimate and unique experience. The fish was very fresh, mostly flown from Japan and the upside for me of visiting this restaurant was trying Japanese dishes that I would never think to order and probably are not available at any regular sushi restaurant. It's very clear why this place earned a Michelin star. Will be going back for certain.
Have been here a handful of times and the experience has always been satisfying. Fresh ingredients crafted by a passionate cooking chef with great skill in preparing courses with balanced Eastern and Western influences.
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