Izakaya Restaurants near Costa Mesa, CA

“This place is perfection. We've eaten here so many times and it just keeps getting better and better. Wonderful friendly attentive staff, and lovely lo-fi chillout music to relax to. Honestly one of my favourite dining experiences is at this restaurant. Long May they reign.“

“Came here with a group of four, one of whom being from Japan. We were all amazed by the variety and quality of food. It is presented as sharing plates and is much more than sushi. Daily specials were presented on a chalk board, but they had a set menu as well. The miso cheese was *chef kiss*. The service was excellent and friendly and we really enjoyed the atmosphere. Will be going back soon!!“

“Food is excellent here!! Must make reservation to enter. But if they tell you that tables are filled, ask for next available time frame. You won’t be sorry. It’s so good.“

“Wow everything we tried was top notch and service was amazing. Sesame tofu was a pleasant surprise that had everyone wanting more. Shabu shabu udon was seasoned to perfection and it even came with ponzu for the meat! Nabeyaki udon was spot on as well. You can tell they take care to make the dashi very well. Tempura chicken curry udon broth was also not too thick and not too salty, which was very pleasant too. Of course the chicken kaarage was super well seasoned and not heavily battered. Perfection. I’d love to come back to try more. Very few places do udon so well.“

“Super friendly staff and very attentive. Wonderful selection of Japanese small plates which are perfect for sharing while having a beer - Asahi of course. Went with my servers’ recommendations which did not disappoint.“

“Absolutely loved it here. The food was amazing. ❤️“

“On a perfect rainy day, I was craving nothing but delicious Ramen so I had to have the pork tongue Katsu Ramen but they have a special here that includes a spicy tuna or salmon roll for $19.99

I absolutely had to have this and my God, it was delicious environment was warm and when I got my food, I couldn’t wait.

I had to let it cool down a little bit because it was made fresh, but I loved it.“

“Service is wonderful. Everyone is friendly. It’s like going to my Obason’s to have dinner. Everything about this place is authentically Okinawan. Oishī“

“What a wonderful restaurant! The food here is incredible! We especially love the California Rolls and Japanese soda. When they prepare tuna it's quite a show and so much fun! What's best is how kind they are to children. My son has become friends with the owners/ staff over the years, and always leaves with a huge smile on his face. 5 stars!!!“

“Soooooo good. I can still get in here with no line, however, there will come a time…….when there will be a long wait!“

“The Yuzu Shio Paitan ramen here is absolutely amazing! The broth has a deep, authentic Japanese dashi flavor, and the yuzu adds a bright, refreshing aroma. It’s perfectly balanced and incredibly delicious one of the best ramen bowls I’ve had in the U.S.“

“First time coming here and the sushi is amazing! We a many appetizers and they were all great! From the Jalapeño shrimp, mussels, and deep fried rice with spicy tuna on top! Bomb! Service was amazing too! TONY IS THE BEST, got to meet him! 💜“

“Really nice place with some yummy food! Especially the avocado volcano!!“

“An Evening at Kin Izakaya: Where Tradition Meets Ambiance In the culinary haven that our city embodies, Kin Izakaya emerges as a sanctuary of authentic Japanese flavors combined with the convivial spirit typical of Japan’s iconic gastropubs. It’s here that tradition and modernity collide to create not just a meal, but an experience worth savoring. The moment you step through the doors of Kin Izakaya, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that’s both lively and intimately comforting. The ambient lighting, coupled with rustic décor and understated oriental motifs, offers a welcoming reprieve from the city’s hustle and bustle. The soft murmur of patrons engaged in animated conversation sets the backdrop for an authentic izakaya experience. Kin Izakaya’s menu is a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese fare and innovative culinary creations. The tapas-style dishes, perfect for sharing, encourage a communal dining experience. From the delicate flavors of their sashimi to the robust, savory notes found in their yakitori selection, there’s a delightful complexity in each dish presented. The agedashi tofu, with its perfect crispy exterior giving way to silken tofu within, is a testament to the chef’s prowess in honoring traditional flavors while serving contemporary palates.“

“the best sushi🍣 and service we been going there for years 😃“

“Everything was amazing to the food, the atmosphere and service!“

“Such nice service and delicious sushi, udon/soba, sake, yam fries, edamame and tempura! (pictured is the Tekka naki and Unagi and California , crunchy eel roll, and spicy tuna roll!“