Best udon in OC! Spicy beef udon is SO good. I became a regular (2-3x/week) and the manager started to remember my name & order. He also sometimes added small, free items and they were always fantastic. 11/10 recommend all locations of Meiji and I can't wait until the Irvine location is open. Great food and great service.
B Gordon
Fantastic place to have something when in a rush. The service is fast, prices are reasonable, awesome mood. Will come visit again
Ivan S.
Friendly staff, and good food. The menu is standard price. Outdoor seating with just a couple of tables makes covid dine-in seem safer and intimate. Definitely recommend checking out once they are open again.
Yoshitaka Katayama
This place is so yummy. I know it's weird but I would recommend the chicken cartilage for this who are daring. It's a little crunchy fried chicken. I also love the spice beef udon.
Catherine L.
Meiji is tucked in an unassuming corner of a middle-of-nowhere strip mall, but is in my opinion, the best udon around here, specifically regarding the texture & quality of the noodles themselves. They're very thick & toothy, with that perfect snappy udon texture, and they don't dissolve into mush in the broth unlike some other types. While the restaurant clearly specializes in udon, the menu is broad and includes salmon bowls & a wide variety of add-ons. It can get dangerously costly if you pile them on. The best ones IMO are the Ajitsuke egg (so creamy & perfectly seasoned/cooked) & the tempura. The Udon options are extensive but my favorite is certainly the curry, which is sublime (perfect soupy texture that isn't too chunky/chick, depth of flavor/seasonings, etc).
Nak
Best vibes, the employees is so friendly. I feel like home here.
Naomi G.
I heard a lot of good things about Meiji and was surprised that the line wasn't longer today! I came in around 1pm for lunch and got take out of the spicy beef udon w/ seared pork belly. Take out was fast and probably only took 5 minutes for them to prepare my order. I took it back to the office and the way it was packaged definitely survived the trip back. The soup was still hot by the time I was able to put it together! Overall the udon had a great soft chewy texture, the broth wasn't too spicy but was flavorful, and the quality of the beef and pork belly was great.
Hazel Lee
First time here for my birthday and I've decided I'm going to be a regular. Amazing service, even during these pandemic times. This is exactly the type of Japanese restaurant I've been looking for. Authentic types of dishes without the Americanization of Japan's flavorful foods. Our server was amazing and accommodating, making sure we were comfortable and out of the sun at all times, since they've had to moving dining services outside with the pandemic guidelines. He was extremely friendly and pleasant.The braised pork melted in the mouth, and the eel was incredibly tender and full of sweet and savory flavors. The chilled udon was absolutely amazing. There was enough mentai to enjoy its flavor, but it wasn't overpowering the delicate flavors of the broth. 100% coming back here over and over again.
Jennifer R.
First time visit. Due to the COVID situation, my party & I had to be seated outside. Staff was incredibly friendly and attentive and we had a DELICIOUS time. Meat was flavorful and tender. We will be returning VERY SOON!
Byron C.
Taste: Authentic, part of a group of very authentic high quality japanese restaurants. I eat here a lot.Price: Solid pricing, don't feel like I'm overpayingWhat: Spicy Beef Udon with Pork is amazing and isn't offered at Oki Doki actually, who only gives you beef. So that's a unique plus here.Service: Staff is always friendly, cute shop. Generally speaking, not here in particular, my favorite in general is cold udon with dipping sauce (zaru) and then getting something else with that.Additional Notes:OH! The owners were nice to give us free sashimi when we were eating one time since he saw me eating my SO's food LOLOne of the staple south OC authentic japanese places. Not many of these around.
I have been going to the Meiji in Costa Mesa and just discovered that there is one in Lake Forest as well! Food taste awesome! The udon texture is unexplainable, it is tasty yet having that chewy satisfaction! We got the spicy beef udon with seared pork belly and really enjoy it! And yes, customer services are outstanding!!!
Schinud omsub
Authentic Japanese streetside mom & pop restaurant with traditional dishes. Real from Japan.
Ali Garner
Delicious homemade udon noodles! Great service!
B S.
Ate here and got delivery multiple times. This last time through Seamless was extremely disappointing and I am not motivated to order again. The Spicy Beef Udon came without any beef in it. I called and was told I would be called back by the manager, which never came. I inquired through Seamless customer care. They contacted Meiji which then lied to them that the beef was in the soup (it was not) to get out of giving a refund. The "manager" should be ashamed. Seamless to their credit provided a refund which I hope they are able to recover from Meiji.
Anneka N.
I am hesitant to write this review because I don't want this place to get more popular and busier than it already is! It's not a large restaurant and has limited seating. There is always a wait every time. Advice - don't be that person who invites a group of 4+ of your coworkers/friends...The vegetable (VEGAN) udon soups are so tasty! I've had the white version multiple times and it has been consistently delicious and the broth is packed with flavor. I don't eat mushrooms and they have obliged to substitute more of the other vegetables in their place. I love snow peas! Portions are generous with the perfect amount of crunch. The red version is also incredible if you're in the mood for spicy. Note: these vegetarian options are not listed on their regular wall menu or current COVID menu but they are still available to order.Husband usually orders the spicy beef udon and it has been a solid choice for him every time. This particular day he tried their beef udon special which came with a crunchy cheese rice ball. They are serving indoor seating now. You must wait at the door with masks on and have your temperature checked before entering. While standing/walking in/out you must wear a mask. You are free to take your mask off while seated at a table. The tables now have plastic partitions set up in between as protective barrier. Handmade udon noodles are the best! I have never been disappointed eating here.
Best udon in OC! Spicy beef udon is SO good. I became a regular (2-3x/week) and the manager started to remember my name & order. He also sometimes added small, free items and they were always fantastic. 11/10 recommend all locations of Meiji and I can't wait until the Irvine location is open. Great food and great service.
Fantastic place to have something when in a rush. The service is fast, prices are reasonable, awesome mood. Will come visit again
Friendly staff, and good food. The menu is standard price. Outdoor seating with just a couple of tables makes covid dine-in seem safer and intimate. Definitely recommend checking out once they are open again.
This place is so yummy. I know it's weird but I would recommend the chicken cartilage for this who are daring. It's a little crunchy fried chicken. I also love the spice beef udon.
Meiji is tucked in an unassuming corner of a middle-of-nowhere strip mall, but is in my opinion, the best udon around here, specifically regarding the texture & quality of the noodles themselves. They're very thick & toothy, with that perfect snappy udon texture, and they don't dissolve into mush in the broth unlike some other types. While the restaurant clearly specializes in udon, the menu is broad and includes salmon bowls & a wide variety of add-ons. It can get dangerously costly if you pile them on. The best ones IMO are the Ajitsuke egg (so creamy & perfectly seasoned/cooked) & the tempura. The Udon options are extensive but my favorite is certainly the curry, which is sublime (perfect soupy texture that isn't too chunky/chick, depth of flavor/seasonings, etc).
Best vibes, the employees is so friendly. I feel like home here.
I heard a lot of good things about Meiji and was surprised that the line wasn't longer today! I came in around 1pm for lunch and got take out of the spicy beef udon w/ seared pork belly. Take out was fast and probably only took 5 minutes for them to prepare my order. I took it back to the office and the way it was packaged definitely survived the trip back. The soup was still hot by the time I was able to put it together! Overall the udon had a great soft chewy texture, the broth wasn't too spicy but was flavorful, and the quality of the beef and pork belly was great.
First time here for my birthday and I've decided I'm going to be a regular. Amazing service, even during these pandemic times. This is exactly the type of Japanese restaurant I've been looking for. Authentic types of dishes without the Americanization of Japan's flavorful foods. Our server was amazing and accommodating, making sure we were comfortable and out of the sun at all times, since they've had to moving dining services outside with the pandemic guidelines. He was extremely friendly and pleasant.The braised pork melted in the mouth, and the eel was incredibly tender and full of sweet and savory flavors. The chilled udon was absolutely amazing. There was enough mentai to enjoy its flavor, but it wasn't overpowering the delicate flavors of the broth. 100% coming back here over and over again.
First time visit. Due to the COVID situation, my party & I had to be seated outside. Staff was incredibly friendly and attentive and we had a DELICIOUS time. Meat was flavorful and tender. We will be returning VERY SOON!
Taste: Authentic, part of a group of very authentic high quality japanese restaurants. I eat here a lot.Price: Solid pricing, don't feel like I'm overpayingWhat: Spicy Beef Udon with Pork is amazing and isn't offered at Oki Doki actually, who only gives you beef. So that's a unique plus here.Service: Staff is always friendly, cute shop. Generally speaking, not here in particular, my favorite in general is cold udon with dipping sauce (zaru) and then getting something else with that.Additional Notes:OH! The owners were nice to give us free sashimi when we were eating one time since he saw me eating my SO's food LOLOne of the staple south OC authentic japanese places. Not many of these around.
Restaurantji Recommends
I have been going to the Meiji in Costa Mesa and just discovered that there is one in Lake Forest as well! Food taste awesome! The udon texture is unexplainable, it is tasty yet having that chewy satisfaction! We got the spicy beef udon with seared pork belly and really enjoy it! And yes, customer services are outstanding!!!
Authentic Japanese streetside mom & pop restaurant with traditional dishes. Real from Japan.
Delicious homemade udon noodles! Great service!
Ate here and got delivery multiple times. This last time through Seamless was extremely disappointing and I am not motivated to order again. The Spicy Beef Udon came without any beef in it. I called and was told I would be called back by the manager, which never came. I inquired through Seamless customer care. They contacted Meiji which then lied to them that the beef was in the soup (it was not) to get out of giving a refund. The "manager" should be ashamed. Seamless to their credit provided a refund which I hope they are able to recover from Meiji.
I am hesitant to write this review because I don't want this place to get more popular and busier than it already is! It's not a large restaurant and has limited seating. There is always a wait every time. Advice - don't be that person who invites a group of 4+ of your coworkers/friends...The vegetable (VEGAN) udon soups are so tasty! I've had the white version multiple times and it has been consistently delicious and the broth is packed with flavor. I don't eat mushrooms and they have obliged to substitute more of the other vegetables in their place. I love snow peas! Portions are generous with the perfect amount of crunch. The red version is also incredible if you're in the mood for spicy. Note: these vegetarian options are not listed on their regular wall menu or current COVID menu but they are still available to order.Husband usually orders the spicy beef udon and it has been a solid choice for him every time. This particular day he tried their beef udon special which came with a crunchy cheese rice ball. They are serving indoor seating now. You must wait at the door with masks on and have your temperature checked before entering. While standing/walking in/out you must wear a mask. You are free to take your mask off while seated at a table. The tables now have plastic partitions set up in between as protective barrier. Handmade udon noodles are the best! I have never been disappointed eating here.