This is a place that cares about the Culinary experience, Presentation, and service to their patrons.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tudor
On point sushi and great recommendations from the wait staff
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tracy Levenstein
Absolutely appalled by the customer service at Izakaya Osen Irvine. I booked a birthday reservation over a week in advance and requested a quiet area because my mother is blind and has very sensitive hearing. She even tried calling multiple times, but no one ever answered the phone.
Just a few hours before our dinner, I got a text saying they couldn’t guarantee seating inside or outside. When we arrived, the host sent us to the manager, who was completely unaccommodating and dismissive of my mother’s disability.
For a restaurant of this level, it’s shocking they wouldn’t make the slightest effort to help a disabled customer. Truly disappointing.
MCXST
Mediocre food in a fancy setting, the service was good, fish were fresh. The portions were small, and the most disappointing thing is their premium box dinner, the cooked items were premade like well in advance, they had no taste, were more like defrosted.
Anna Kalganova
Love this place, delicious Japanese food, a lot of different options!
Yasmeen Shaaban
Great sushi and lovely stuff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
季鹏飞
I had a deeply disappointing experience at Izakaya Osen. After receiving our bill, I noticed that a gratuity of $114.91 was already automatically included in the total of $802.79. However, the server told us that the tip was not included and handed us another receipt asking for a tip to be added manually.
Trusting the staff, I wrote in an additional tip and ended up being charged a total of $960 — which means I unknowingly gave over $150 in extra gratuity on top of the one that was already included.
This is deceptive and unethical. Either the server was dishonest or very poorly trained. Restaurants should be transparent about service charges — especially when gratuity is already included in the bill.
I will not return, and I strongly caution others to double-check your receipt before tipping. This kind of dishonest practice is unacceptable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
Garfield Knight
On my wife birthday Jun 24 Tuesday We are celebrating by going to Izakaya When we get here by 5:20pm One the waitress by the door would not allow us sit by the sushi bar Told us we have to make a reservations When we are ask for manager And she just ignore it So we are just leave Not going back anymore
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
John Young
Excellent food and drinks!! My server Brian was very knowledgeable, professional, and helpful. I truly enjoyed his recommendations and friendly attitude. I highly recommend this establishment for numerous reasons!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Monica Degani
We had a quick Saturday lunch. The food was good but a little too fishy for my taste. My husband said his salmon was a little undercooked. I liked the Gyoza and the miso soup but everything else was not to my taste since I don't like seafood. But my husband who loves seafood said the food was flavorful.
The staff were friendly and the food outstanding. Side rooms are available for small groups. Will go back. Their uni some of the best I've had in SoCal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Isabel Yanes
*Delayed post from Jan ‘25
We arrived around 6pm on a Thursday and found the place packed, but were seated immediately at the bar since it’s first come first serve. Despite the large crowd, ordering was quick and easy and our items were brought out one after the other.
Everything we ordered was absolutely outstanding! I would recommend the Toro Unagi Bowl, Beef Tantan Nabe, and the Osen Signature Makimono. For Kushiyaki, order Prime Beef, Pork Belly, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, and Sea Bass. You will not be disappointed!
Having been to Japan, I highly recommend coming here for a more authentic experience in comparison to many Americanized restaurants you see, like hibachi. There are so many different kinds of Japanese foods to try besides sushi rolls, such as udon noodles, tempura and endless fish meals. Keep in mind that these meals are magnitudes cheaper in Japan, but alas, the novelty and sourcing costs more here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mingyi He
Second time here. Nice food. But today I realized that they charged 18% tips for a 5 people lunch without notice. On the check, they suggested another 18% tips 😅 you are wayyyyyy too greedy. And I am wondering did I double tipped them as well when I was there a month ago??
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Joe
I have been enjoying sushi at Silver Lake Osen Izakaya since Chef Don was in charge, and I’ve always appreciated the quality and freshness of the sushi. Recently, I finally had the chance to visit Osen in Irvine, and it was definitely worth the trip!
The freshness of the sushi was outstanding—each piece was a testament to the chef’s commitment to high-quality ingredients. The balance of flavors was impeccable; every bite was a harmonious blend that delighted my taste buds.
Chef Don’s expertise truly shines through in every dish. From the delicate cuts of fish to the perfectly seasoned rice, it’s clear that a lot of thought and skill went into creating the menu.
I highly recommend Osen in Irvine for anyone seeking an exceptional sushi experience. I look forward to my next visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mandy H.
My cousin’s favorite spot, and now it makes sense. Both Salmon and Eel don was amazing - even for someone who doesn’t like eel. Great vibe, fast, very delicious food.
This is a place that cares about the Culinary experience, Presentation, and service to their patrons.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
On point sushi and great recommendations from the wait staff
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely appalled by the customer service at Izakaya Osen Irvine. I booked a birthday reservation over a week in advance and requested a quiet area because my mother is blind and has very sensitive hearing. She even tried calling multiple times, but no one ever answered the phone.
Just a few hours before our dinner, I got a text saying they couldn’t guarantee seating inside or outside. When we arrived, the host sent us to the manager, who was completely unaccommodating and dismissive of my mother’s disability.
For a restaurant of this level, it’s shocking they wouldn’t make the slightest effort to help a disabled customer. Truly disappointing.
Mediocre food in a fancy setting, the service was good, fish were fresh. The portions were small, and the most disappointing thing is their premium box dinner, the cooked items were premade like well in advance, they had no taste, were more like defrosted.
Love this place, delicious Japanese food, a lot of different options!
Great sushi and lovely stuff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had a deeply disappointing experience at Izakaya Osen. After receiving our bill, I noticed that a gratuity of $114.91 was already automatically included in the total of $802.79. However, the server told us that the tip was not included and handed us another receipt asking for a tip to be added manually.
Trusting the staff, I wrote in an additional tip and ended up being charged a total of $960 — which means I unknowingly gave over $150 in extra gratuity on top of the one that was already included.
This is deceptive and unethical. Either the server was dishonest or very poorly trained. Restaurants should be transparent about service charges — especially when gratuity is already included in the bill.
I will not return, and I strongly caution others to double-check your receipt before tipping. This kind of dishonest practice is unacceptable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
On my wife birthday Jun 24 Tuesday
We are celebrating by going to Izakaya
When we get here by 5:20pm
One the waitress by the door
would not allow us sit by the sushi bar
Told us we have to make a reservations
When we are ask for manager
And she just ignore it
So we are just leave
Not going back anymore
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Excellent food and drinks!! My server Brian was very knowledgeable, professional, and helpful. I truly enjoyed his recommendations and friendly attitude. I highly recommend this establishment for numerous reasons!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a quick Saturday lunch. The food was good but a little too fishy for my taste. My husband said his salmon was a little undercooked. I liked the Gyoza and the miso soup but everything else was not to my taste since I don't like seafood. But my husband who loves seafood said the food was flavorful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The staff were friendly and the food outstanding. Side rooms are available for small groups. Will go back. Their uni some of the best I've had in SoCal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
*Delayed post from Jan ‘25
We arrived around 6pm on a Thursday and found the place packed, but were seated immediately at the bar since it’s first come first serve. Despite the large crowd, ordering was quick and easy and our items were brought out one after the other.
Everything we ordered was absolutely outstanding! I would recommend the Toro Unagi Bowl, Beef Tantan Nabe, and the Osen Signature Makimono. For Kushiyaki, order Prime Beef, Pork Belly, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, and Sea Bass. You will not be disappointed!
Having been to Japan, I highly recommend coming here for a more authentic experience in comparison to many Americanized restaurants you see, like hibachi. There are so many different kinds of Japanese foods to try besides sushi rolls, such as udon noodles, tempura and endless fish meals. Keep in mind that these meals are magnitudes cheaper in Japan, but alas, the novelty and sourcing costs more here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Second time here. Nice food. But today I realized that they charged 18% tips for a 5 people lunch without notice. On the check, they suggested another 18% tips 😅 you are wayyyyyy too greedy. And I am wondering did I double tipped them as well when I was there a month ago??
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
I have been enjoying sushi at Silver Lake Osen Izakaya since Chef Don was in charge, and I’ve always appreciated the quality and freshness of the sushi. Recently, I finally had the chance to visit Osen in Irvine, and it was definitely worth the trip!
The freshness of the sushi was outstanding—each piece was a testament to the chef’s commitment to high-quality ingredients. The balance of flavors was impeccable; every bite was a harmonious blend that delighted my taste buds.
Chef Don’s expertise truly shines through in every dish. From the delicate cuts of fish to the perfectly seasoned rice, it’s clear that a lot of thought and skill went into creating the menu.
I highly recommend Osen in Irvine for anyone seeking an exceptional sushi experience. I look forward to my next visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My cousin’s favorite spot, and now it makes sense. Both Salmon and Eel don was amazing - even for someone who doesn’t like eel. Great vibe, fast, very delicious food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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