I went here for my birthday and I had Omakase experienced. This restaurant was a one-star Michelin back in the days. Not sure they are Michelin still. Parking quite difficult to find during weekend. I think they offer valet too but I’m not really sure though. This restaurant is a hole in the wall but good food.
Incredible service and food, absolutely deserving of their star!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nadya
Wonderful experience however the building is very difficult to find!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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
JONATHAN
Loved the idea of the experience. Left 4 stars because I didn't think the expense was worth it. Service was impeccable, dishes presented were beautifully prepared but very bland...wow factor was in color and presentation....table area was stark and spartan....I would do it again...somewhere else
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!
Excellent food let down by mediocre service and setting. Tap water?!?
Shari
We are not often disappointed by our omakase dining experiences but this one sadly missed the mark for us. I mistakenly made an online Resy at a table instead of the counter so that definitely impacted our enjoyment. My error though. The staff was lovely. The physical space was small which is typical of omakase places, but this one needs a refresh. The few appetizers to start were beautifully plated. The fish itself was inconsistent. The sashimi course was served as a small plate of 6 pieces. This may have been a result of us being at our own table vs served piece by piece at the counter. However, the quality just underwhelmed. There was an abalone course that was just too chewy for my liking. Some of the pieces (eel and uni) were quite good. The sushi course was one note. There was a small bite of wagyu which was yummy. Dessert was a nice citrus panna cotta and they presented it to me for my birthday which was a lovely gesture. Having been to Japan recently and having enjoyed some amazing omakase in LA and NYC where I live, this OC strip mall establishment just didn't measure up. At $250 pp it isn't the most expensive we have had and maybe there are better ones around. For me, Sushi Note in LA was far superior and recently Coral Omakase in NYC was a true star. Perhaps Rebel is the one to try. Either way, I would recommend researching other places. If you go, be sure to get the counter here as it may make a big difference in experience.
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.
ohshiiii!
Just amazing, gotta go check it out
Nice restaurants. Very authentic omakase
I went here for my birthday and I had Omakase experienced. This restaurant was a one-star Michelin back in the days. Not sure they are Michelin still. Parking quite difficult to find during weekend. I think they offer valet too but I’m not really sure though. This restaurant is a hole in the wall but good food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Omakase, Miso Soup, A5 Wagyu Beef, Clam, Sweet Shrimp, Uni Sea Urchin
Incredible service and food, absolutely deserving of their star!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful experience however the building is very difficult to find!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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
Loved the idea of the experience. Left 4 stars because I didn't think the expense was worth it. Service was impeccable, dishes presented were beautifully prepared but very bland...wow factor was in color and presentation....table area was stark and spartan....I would do it again...somewhere else
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!
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent food let down by mediocre service and setting. Tap water?!?
We are not often disappointed by our omakase dining experiences but this one sadly missed the mark for us. I mistakenly made an online Resy at a table instead of the counter so that definitely impacted our enjoyment. My error though. The staff was lovely. The physical space was small which is typical of omakase places, but this one needs a refresh. The few appetizers to start were beautifully plated. The fish itself was inconsistent. The sashimi course was served as a small plate of 6 pieces. This may have been a result of us being at our own table vs served piece by piece at the counter. However, the quality just underwhelmed. There was an abalone course that was just too chewy for my liking. Some of the pieces (eel and uni) were quite good. The sushi course was one note. There was a small bite of wagyu which was yummy. Dessert was a nice citrus panna cotta and they presented it to me for my birthday which was a lovely gesture. Having been to Japan recently and having enjoyed some amazing omakase in LA and NYC where I live, this OC strip mall establishment just didn't measure up. At $250 pp it isn't the most expensive we have had and maybe there are better ones around. For me, Sushi Note in LA was far superior and recently Coral Omakase in NYC was a true star. Perhaps Rebel is the one to try. Either way, I would recommend researching other places. If you go, be sure to get the counter here as it may make a big difference in experience.
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
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