This is SUCH a Wonderful sushi place! Amazing atmosphere, great service and the sushi is super fresh! Highly recommend! Try the Ocean nigiri 👍🏻👍🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew Godman
The restaurant needs a bigger space but the small and family style atmosphere and great authentic sushi and fish is delicious and the best in Orange County, CA.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andre G
Always have the best experience with perfect food quality and service every time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jacob Parker
Really great sushi and service despite the rush. Enjoyed the strawberry sake. The sashimi and salmon scallop roll were tasty too. Quality experience. Enjoy the cozy vibe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Lindes
My car broke down and I was stuck in Southern California for an extra day. I needed a win. I happened to stay at the hotel across the street from Wafu, so my family and I just walked over for an early dinner. In all honesty, I wasn't expecting much. My boldest hope was for an above average roll. They beat my expectations by a mile. Their miso soup was flavorful, their spicy tuna roll was so clean and subtle, and their tempura was amazing! I'd eat my veggies so much more often if they were served like that! I was having a rough day, my family and I needed a win, and Wafu delivered. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rissa Liu
Absolutely love this place. I had the regular chirashi and pineapple sorbet, and both are amazing. I especially love the rich flavor of the sorbet. Shared the butterfly rolls with friend, and that’s pretty tasty too :P
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angela Treaster
We’ve dined here many times and always enjoyed it, which made this experience especially disappointing.
Everything was great until we received a spicy tuna with avocado roll that tasted spoiled. Both of us took a bite to confirm and asked for it to be sent back. We didn’t eat it beyond that.
When the bill came, only half of the roll was removed, which felt inappropriate given the quality issue. We were also charged $1 each time we asked for extra sauce, and no wasabi or ginger was provided — small things, but it added up to a very nickel-and-dime feeling.
When we questioned being charged 50% for a roll we didn’t eat, the manager told us that was their policy. She then spoke with the chef, who came out to our table and reprimanded us in front of the restaurant for sending the roll back, with a very dismissive “how dare you” attitude. Before we could finish explaining, he walked away.
To make matters worse, I became sick shortly after and had to leave the table due to stomach issues.
Food issues can happen — especially with sushi — but the way this was handled felt defensive and unprofessional. Unfortunately, this experience has made us reconsider returning, which is disappointing given how much we previously enjoyed this place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Tanay Singhal
Pros: authentic, most sushi tasted excellent Cons: uni was not fresh, service was slow
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Maryssa Briggs
I recently stopped by Wafu of Japan and left with a warm, satisfied smile. Here’s a quick snapshot of my experience.
Ambience - The spot is irresistibly cute. Soft lighting, cozy seating, and thoughtful Japanese decor create an intimate, welcoming vibe. It feels like a tiny, well-kept treasure tucked away from the city bustle. - The attention to detail in the presentation of each dish mirrored the cuteness of the space—delicate garnishes, playful plating, and a clean, inviting dining area.
Service - Service stood out in a genuinely friendly way. The staff were attentive without being overbearing, offering helpful recommendations and timing checks that felt perfectly tuned to the pace of the meal. - The team exuded hospitality, making the dining experience smooth from the moment you step in to the moment you leave.
Omakase Experience ($40) - The omakase at $40 was surprisingly robust for the price point. It delivered a thoughtful progression of flavors, showcasing a solid balance of technique and seasonal ingredients. - Each course arrived with careful plating and clear intention, allowing the chef’s choices to shine. It’s a commendable value for a focused, chef-driven tasting in a casual setting.
- A playful aside: the notion of being a “real foodie” often circles around bold, adventurous statements. For me, a real foodie moment sometimes feels earned by embracing all parts of the experience, including the sometimes-divisive ones. In the spirit of that, I’ll put it plainly: if you’re chasing that extra kick, you might hear a tongue-in-cheek claim about savoring every element, even the shrimp head in the miso soup. It’s a playful nod to culinary bravado and the fun, unapologetic side of tasting culture. If you’re not into that, no worries—the miso soup is still delicious, and the omakase stands on its own merits.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Tolegen Baitukenov
Surprisingly cozy restaurant with delicious food. The beef was amazing—strongly recommend! The place doesn’t look very attractive from the outside, but inside it’s pretty good and authentic.
Absolutely love this restaurant! Great food and good service. Top rate in town. Must give it a try. Not pricey too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wilson Knapp
This is the best sushi place in Orange County. The chefs are amazing, the food is excellent, the staff is delightful. I have been going here for 20+ years. The unique rolls that you can't get anywhere else would be the Samurai Burrito, Dragon Balls, the Fuji Special, and the Holy Special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paul Uyeda
Authentic Japanese soul food with great chief and server! Sashimi and rolls areand very fresh and tempura are recommended. Miso soup and rice are delicious taste and texture!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jamie Boelter
Great little sushi place in a tiny strip mall that you would never even notice if you didn't know it was there. The space is also small, so although I wish them all the best in their business, I hope too many people don't find out about this and make it so you can't even get in anymore. :)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott J
Really good. Low key atmosphere. Full house on sat night with short wait. Great service and food. We had rolls, teriyaki and Miso soup. Def would return.
This is SUCH a Wonderful sushi place! Amazing atmosphere, great service and the sushi is super fresh! Highly recommend! Try the Ocean nigiri 👍🏻👍🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The restaurant needs a bigger space but the small and family style atmosphere and great authentic sushi and fish is delicious and the best in Orange County, CA.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always have the best experience with perfect food quality and service every time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really great sushi and service despite the rush. Enjoyed the strawberry sake. The sashimi and salmon scallop roll were tasty too. Quality experience. Enjoy the cozy vibe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My car broke down and I was stuck in Southern California for an extra day. I needed a win. I happened to stay at the hotel across the street from Wafu, so my family and I just walked over for an early dinner. In all honesty, I wasn't expecting much. My boldest hope was for an above average roll. They beat my expectations by a mile. Their miso soup was flavorful, their spicy tuna roll was so clean and subtle, and their tempura was amazing! I'd eat my veggies so much more often if they were served like that! I was having a rough day, my family and I needed a win, and Wafu delivered. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely love this place. I had the regular chirashi and pineapple sorbet, and both are amazing. I especially love the rich flavor of the sorbet. Shared the butterfly rolls with friend, and that’s pretty tasty too :P
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We’ve dined here many times and always enjoyed it, which made this experience especially disappointing.
Everything was great until we received a spicy tuna with avocado roll that tasted spoiled. Both of us took a bite to confirm and asked for it to be sent back. We didn’t eat it beyond that.
When the bill came, only half of the roll was removed, which felt inappropriate given the quality issue. We were also charged $1 each time we asked for extra sauce, and no wasabi or ginger was provided — small things, but it added up to a very nickel-and-dime feeling.
When we questioned being charged 50% for a roll we didn’t eat, the manager told us that was their policy. She then spoke with the chef, who came out to our table and reprimanded us in front of the restaurant for sending the roll back, with a very dismissive “how dare you” attitude. Before we could finish explaining, he walked away.
To make matters worse, I became sick shortly after and had to leave the table due to stomach issues.
Food issues can happen — especially with sushi — but the way this was handled felt defensive and unprofessional. Unfortunately, this experience has made us reconsider returning, which is disappointing given how much we previously enjoyed this place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Pros: authentic, most sushi tasted excellent
Cons: uni was not fresh, service was slow
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
I recently stopped by Wafu of Japan and left with a warm, satisfied smile. Here’s a quick snapshot of my experience.
Ambience
- The spot is irresistibly cute. Soft lighting, cozy seating, and thoughtful Japanese decor create an intimate, welcoming vibe. It feels like a tiny, well-kept treasure tucked away from the city bustle.
- The attention to detail in the presentation of each dish mirrored the cuteness of the space—delicate garnishes, playful plating, and a clean, inviting dining area.
Service
- Service stood out in a genuinely friendly way. The staff were attentive without being overbearing, offering helpful recommendations and timing checks that felt perfectly tuned to the pace of the meal.
- The team exuded hospitality, making the dining experience smooth from the moment you step in to the moment you leave.
Omakase Experience ($40)
- The omakase at $40 was surprisingly robust for the price point. It delivered a thoughtful progression of flavors, showcasing a solid balance of technique and seasonal ingredients.
- Each course arrived with careful plating and clear intention, allowing the chef’s choices to shine. It’s a commendable value for a focused, chef-driven tasting in a casual setting.
- A playful aside: the notion of being a “real foodie” often circles around bold, adventurous statements. For me, a real foodie moment sometimes feels earned by embracing all parts of the experience, including the sometimes-divisive ones. In the spirit of that, I’ll put it plainly: if you’re chasing that extra kick, you might hear a tongue-in-cheek claim about savoring every element, even the shrimp head in the miso soup. It’s a playful nod to culinary bravado and the fun, unapologetic side of tasting culture. If you’re not into that, no worries—the miso soup is still delicious, and the omakase stands on its own merits.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Surprisingly cozy restaurant with delicious food. The beef was amazing—strongly recommend!
The place doesn’t look very attractive from the outside, but inside it’s pretty good and authentic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Absolutely love this restaurant! Great food and good service. Top rate in town. Must give it a try. Not pricey too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is the best sushi place in Orange County. The chefs are amazing, the food is excellent, the staff is delightful. I have been going here for 20+ years. The unique rolls that you can't get anywhere else would be the Samurai Burrito, Dragon Balls, the Fuji Special, and the Holy Special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Authentic Japanese soul food with great chief and server! Sashimi and rolls areand very fresh and tempura are recommended. Miso soup and rice are delicious taste and texture!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great little sushi place in a tiny strip mall that you would never even notice if you didn't know it was there. The space is also small, so although I wish them all the best in their business, I hope too many people don't find out about this and make it so you can't even get in anymore. :)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really good. Low key atmosphere. Full house on sat night with short wait. Great service and food. We had rolls, teriyaki and Miso soup. Def would return.
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