Have lived in Southern California for a few years, recently back in Irvine, driving around looking for a restaurant on a Friday night, had passed by this place many times but tonight decided to try it. What a find. Impressed. Food quality and service above average. This is now our Japanese place. We’ll return often. I recommend this place with no reservations, figuratively and literally.
Kris Takasuka
Lived up to the hype. Generous slices of sashimi that are super fresh. Patrons queued up before they open. Best to have a reservation. Closed on Sun/Mon. Parking is a challenge. Nice TI. Efficient staff.
10isitch
Excellent sushi and sashimi. Very pricy but worth it for special occasions.
patrick coughlin
Some of the best yellowtail and unagi I have had in years. Well done over here. Only downside is the space is a bit noisy.
Y T
Chef’s Special Omakase Price: $300–$500 per person (Pre-Order Only, Minimum 2 Guests)
If you’re searching for an unforgettable culinary journey, Otoro Irvine delivers an exceptional Omakase experience that stands out for its precision, creativity, and high-quality ingredients. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance is intimate and refined—perfect for a special night out, an anniversary, or an elevated culinary escape.
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury dining, the Chef’s Special Omakase is the crown jewel of Otoro’s offerings. At $300–$500 per person, this pre-ordered, curated experience is nothing short of spectacular.
Each course was thoughtfully crafted, blending traditional Japanese techniques with innovative, modern flair. The fish was incredibly fresh—melt-in-your-mouth toro, buttery uni, and flawlessly seared A5 wagyu were just the beginning. Every bite felt intentional, building in flavor, texture, and presentation as the evening progressed.
Highlighted Dishes from Chef’s Special: • Toro Trio – Otoro, chutoro, and akami, served three ways (raw, seared, aged). A masterclass in tuna. • Live Uni from Hokkaido – Presented in its shell with yuzu zest and fresh wasabi. Ocean-sweet, creamy perfection. • A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Nigiri – Seared and topped with black truffle and caviar. Rich, tender, and luxurious. • Scallop Carpaccio with Lime Foam – A delicate dance of citrus and umami. • Foie Gras & Monkfish Liver Fusion – Paired with sake jelly—silky, rich, and surprisingly light. • Abalone with Dashi Butter – Slow-poached and elegantly savory. • Custom Dessert Course – A refreshing finish with yuzu sorbet and a black sesame matcha mochi cake. And hot pot
Service was attentive yet unobtrusive—every dish was introduced with care, and the chef was clearly passionate about every creation. From the plating to the pacing, everything flowed with intention and grace. The staff made us feel taken care of without ever taking away from the focus: the food.
Otoro Irvine isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Whether you’re indulging in the $165 Nigiri Omakase, the $225 Standard Omakase, or going all-in with the Chef’s Special, you’ll find yourself immersed in an evening of culinary artistry and pure joy.
For those seeking top-tier Omakase in Orange County, Otoro Irvine is a hidden gem that delivers not just a meal—but a memory. Worth every penny for those who value quality, authenticity, and excellence at the highest level.
Rating: 11/10 – A flawless fusion of flavor, finesse, and feeling.
Kevin YC Lee
Disrespectful with the chirashi sides. Batch 4/11 5:35PM togo order
Tony Chung
A big let down. I've been wanting to try this place for a long time but was let down. Where to start.....The biggest complaint was that sushi rice kept falling apart as soon as you pick it up. This was for everyone in my party and the only other place where this happened was at a conveyor belt sushi which is acceptable but not when you are being charged like I was here.
The place was super loud like some Izakaya. I literally had to yell to talk. I ordered sashimi deluxe and I thought I would never complain about a fish being too large but this was the case. Each pieces were unreasonably too big. They also were putting soy sauce on top of the sushi and I thought they were just being pretentious with that because they were putting too much and it was dripping on to the side. The fish quality was good though.
The service was extremely slow and the servers were very nice but not good at explaining the menu and different types of sushi when asked by one of the members of my party who is less familiar. I had to step in and help. I would expect this at a restaurant billing itself as high end.
I am told lunch is quite good but can't see myself coming here again. Maybe I will bring my wife just for the sake of it but I wasn't very happy with the overall experience. The place is quite busy though which I simply do not understand.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Toro
Arlene Lum
Otoro Sushi has the best Japanese food in Orange County, even if sushi is not your favorite type of Japanese food like me. Since it is a $$$$ restaurant with One Michelin Star, I like to come here for their lunch specials which are typically ~$30 or less and are absolutely fantastic.
Their lunch menu is very reasonably priced, yet you still get the amazing taste, service and quality of a Michelin Star Restaurant. I love their combinations where you can literally pick TWO entrees and get miso soup for $28. I’ve had Miso Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, Miso Grilled Black Cod, Ten Don, Sushi, Tempura Udon, etc and every one was so delicious and of great quality. We also had the 10pc sushi platter $49 at lunch time which was amazing-the fish was so smooth, not a hint of any other texture, just amazing taste. The Ten Don was also huge, with multiple shrimp, multiple squashes & sweet potatoes, even tempura eel! So surprised!
There is a reason a long line of people are always waiting outside this restaurant throughout every lunch period including 15min before even opening. It’s fabulous, and if you like good Japanese food, you owe yourself a treat here. You will not be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
佑哲賴
Above average.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
kylie Tsuki
The best sushi you can eat in OC!! They have Japanese sushi chefs.
I got the premium chirashi bowl, which was absolutely packed. These sashimi slices are absolutely massive. At least 2-3 bites for each piece easily.
Only criticism is it came with ama ebi, and when the waiter asked if I wanted the head fried (which is pretty standard imo) … instead I waited a long time, reminded them about it, then received the unfried head in a bowl of miso soup instead. Was too full and tired to complain …
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Premium Chirashi
Philip Raiman
Fantastic sushi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hirame with Uni, Nama Tako with Truffle Caviar
P C
Best sushi I’ve had outside of Japan!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ryan NG
Premium price, mediocre quality at best.
Sushis- fish is fresh, horrible craftsmanships. The rice is extreme tiny and not shaped properly. It barely hold its shape. Sweet Shrimp is not fresh, borderline fishy, that’s due to the poor cutting and de-shelling. Some white fishes were sliced so thinny. Overall the fish is really high quality but other than that nothing else could remotely justify the price.
Tempura is a joke, look elsewhere. It is probably, the worst tempura I have ever eaten at a Japanese restaurant. Why? The crusts were soooo thick, so thick that could cut your mouth. Forget about delicate, thin, delightful mouth feel you are supposed to get from tempura. You are getting thick battered onion rings here instead.
If you want sushi, support other local small restaurant. Anything would out perform this for what you’re paying.
Have lived in Southern California for a few years, recently back in Irvine, driving around looking for a restaurant on a Friday night, had passed by this place many times but tonight decided to try it. What a find. Impressed. Food quality and service above average. This is now our Japanese place. We’ll return often. I recommend this place with no reservations, figuratively and literally.
Lived up to the hype. Generous slices of sashimi that are super fresh. Patrons queued up before they open. Best to have a reservation. Closed on Sun/Mon. Parking is a challenge. Nice TI. Efficient staff.
Excellent sushi and sashimi. Very pricy but worth it for special occasions.
Some of the best yellowtail and unagi I have had in years. Well done over here. Only downside is the space is a bit noisy.
Chef’s Special Omakase
Price: $300–$500 per person (Pre-Order Only, Minimum 2 Guests)
If you’re searching for an unforgettable culinary journey, Otoro Irvine delivers an exceptional Omakase experience that stands out for its precision, creativity, and high-quality ingredients. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance is intimate and refined—perfect for a special night out, an anniversary, or an elevated culinary escape.
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury dining, the Chef’s Special Omakase is the crown jewel of Otoro’s offerings. At $300–$500 per person, this pre-ordered, curated experience is nothing short of spectacular.
Each course was thoughtfully crafted, blending traditional Japanese techniques with innovative, modern flair. The fish was incredibly fresh—melt-in-your-mouth toro, buttery uni, and flawlessly seared A5 wagyu were just the beginning. Every bite felt intentional, building in flavor, texture, and presentation as the evening progressed.
Highlighted Dishes from Chef’s Special:
• Toro Trio – Otoro, chutoro, and akami, served three ways (raw, seared, aged). A masterclass in tuna.
• Live Uni from Hokkaido – Presented in its shell with yuzu zest and fresh wasabi. Ocean-sweet, creamy perfection.
• A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Nigiri – Seared and topped with black truffle and caviar. Rich, tender, and luxurious.
• Scallop Carpaccio with Lime Foam – A delicate dance of citrus and umami.
• Foie Gras & Monkfish Liver Fusion – Paired with sake jelly—silky, rich, and surprisingly light.
• Abalone with Dashi Butter – Slow-poached and elegantly savory.
• Custom Dessert Course – A refreshing finish with yuzu sorbet and a black sesame matcha mochi cake.
And hot pot
Service was attentive yet unobtrusive—every dish was introduced with care, and the chef was clearly passionate about every creation. From the plating to the pacing, everything flowed with intention and grace. The staff made us feel taken care of without ever taking away from the focus: the food.
Otoro Irvine isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Whether you’re indulging in the $165 Nigiri Omakase, the $225 Standard Omakase, or going all-in with the Chef’s Special, you’ll find yourself immersed in an evening of culinary artistry and pure joy.
For those seeking top-tier Omakase in Orange County, Otoro Irvine is a hidden gem that delivers not just a meal—but a memory. Worth every penny for those who value quality, authenticity, and excellence at the highest level.
Rating: 11/10 – A flawless fusion of flavor, finesse, and feeling.
Disrespectful with the chirashi sides. Batch 4/11 5:35PM togo order
A big let down. I've been wanting to try this place for a long time but was let down. Where to start.....The biggest complaint was that sushi rice kept falling apart as soon as you pick it up. This was for everyone in my party and the only other place where this happened was at a conveyor belt sushi which is acceptable but not when you are being charged like I was here.
The place was super loud like some Izakaya. I literally had to yell to talk. I ordered sashimi deluxe and I thought I would never complain about a fish being too large but this was the case. Each pieces were unreasonably too big. They also were putting soy sauce on top of the sushi and I thought they were just being pretentious with that because they were putting too much and it was dripping on to the side. The fish quality was good though.
The service was extremely slow and the servers were very nice but not good at explaining the menu and different types of sushi when asked by one of the members of my party who is less familiar. I had to step in and help. I would expect this at a restaurant billing itself as high end.
I am told lunch is quite good but can't see myself coming here again. Maybe I will bring my wife just for the sake of it but I wasn't very happy with the overall experience. The place is quite busy though which I simply do not understand.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Toro
Otoro Sushi has the best Japanese food in Orange County, even if sushi is not your favorite type of Japanese food like me. Since it is a $$$$ restaurant with One Michelin Star, I like to come here for their lunch specials which are typically ~$30 or less and are absolutely fantastic.
Their lunch menu is very reasonably priced, yet you still get the amazing taste, service and quality of a Michelin Star Restaurant. I love their combinations where you can literally pick TWO entrees and get miso soup for $28. I’ve had Miso Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, Miso Grilled Black Cod, Ten Don, Sushi, Tempura Udon, etc and every one was so delicious and of great quality. We also had the 10pc sushi platter $49 at lunch time which was amazing-the fish was so smooth, not a hint of any other texture, just amazing taste. The Ten Don was also huge, with multiple shrimp, multiple squashes & sweet potatoes, even tempura eel! So surprised!
There is a reason a long line of people are always waiting outside this restaurant throughout every lunch period including 15min before even opening. It’s fabulous, and if you like good Japanese food, you owe yourself a treat here. You will not be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Above average.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
The best sushi you can eat in OC!! They have Japanese sushi chefs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Love it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Chilean Sea Bass
I got the premium chirashi bowl, which was absolutely packed. These sashimi slices are absolutely massive. At least 2-3 bites for each piece easily.
Only criticism is it came with ama ebi, and when the waiter asked if I wanted the head fried (which is pretty standard imo) … instead I waited a long time, reminded them about it, then received the unfried head in a bowl of miso soup instead. Was too full and tired to complain …
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Premium Chirashi
Fantastic sushi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hirame with Uni, Nama Tako with Truffle Caviar
Best sushi I’ve had outside of Japan!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Premium price, mediocre quality at best.
Sushis- fish is fresh, horrible craftsmanships. The rice is extreme tiny and not shaped properly. It barely hold its shape. Sweet Shrimp is not fresh, borderline fishy, that’s due to the poor cutting and de-shelling. Some white fishes were sliced so thinny. Overall the fish is really high quality but other than that nothing else could remotely justify the price.
Tempura is a joke, look elsewhere. It is probably, the worst tempura I have ever eaten at a Japanese restaurant. Why? The crusts were soooo thick, so thick that could cut your mouth. Forget about delicate, thin, delightful mouth feel you are supposed to get from tempura. You are getting thick battered onion rings here instead.
If you want sushi, support other local small restaurant. Anything would out perform this for what you’re paying.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
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