Iyasaka Restaurant Bar
$$ • Izakaya, Japanese, Wine BarsAbout Iyasaka Restaurant Bar
Iyasaka Restaurant Bar Reviews
21 ratings
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A small izakaya in the OC area that's well worth a visit. The food was excellent and stood out compared to some of the more well-known izakayas nearby. With warm hospitality and a well-executed menu of classic izakaya dishes. It’s a place you really can't go wrong with.
Best Japanese food I've had in years!
One of the best authentic Japanese cuisines in Orange County, Iyasaka is a delightful continuation of the famous Kitayama in Newport Beach, complementing their renowned recipes. It’s a must-visit if you enjoy authentic, unpretentious Japanese food.
We started with a chef-recommended fried potato, perfectly diced and infused with truffle oil, served in a basket. Our hostess also recommended the Ika Shumai (steamed squid dumpling), which was steamed to perfection and served...read full review
We started with a chef-recommended fried potato, perfectly diced and infused with truffle oil, served in a basket. Our hostess also recommended the Ika Shumai (steamed squid dumpling), which was steamed to perfection and served...read full review
Hours
| Monday | 6PM - 2AM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 6PM - 2AM |
| Thursday | 6PM - 2AM |
| Friday | 6PM - 2AM |
| Saturday | 6PM - 2AM |
| Sunday | 6PM - 2AM |
Iyasaka Restaurant Bar is a hidden gem and authentic izakaya in Orange County. It is a tiny, unassuming place with a great and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a late night hangout or after dinner drinks, and it stays open till late. The restaurant specializes in fried, steamed, and boiled food, offering many unique menu items with fun twists on classics. Dishes are prepared in unusual and enjoyable ways.
The food is amazing, absolutely delicious, absolutely perfect, and very well executed. Everything is top notch quality. Specific praised items include the braised pork belly, tomato salad, braised beef tongue, and various mackerel sushi like the signature mackerel sushi and the Battera, which is noted as one of the best. Other favorites are the agedashi tofu wrapped in seaweed, chicken cartilage with plum, chicken gizzards, stuffed chicken wing, rice with salmon and roe, pressed salmon sushi, eihire, pressed mackerel roll, corn tempura, and bamboo sushi. There are also great plant based or vegan options. Prices are really super reasonable.
The service is attentive and friendly, with servers described as the sweetest and careful in explaining the small plates. The experience feels like eating in Japan and is highly recommended as an alternative to other izakayas.