50 Best Japanese Restaurants near San Juan Capistrano

“After visiting dana point caves, I was craving for a poke, so we did a spontaneous poke run at this mom & pop shop in san juan capistrano which ended up being rly nice :) restaurant was located in a very quiet area so we were the only patrons (aka introvert heaven). We ordered the large which comes with 5 proteins, with an extra scoop of spicy tuna bc didn't realize the first scoop would be mixed in the poke haha. I love how avocados are included in all the toppings and not counted as "extra" lol I'm used to being very extra so it was nice not having to be. Everything tasted fresh and service was warm & friendly. So glad we made the visit on our way back home!“

“Came upon this quaint little sushi place and won the jackpot! The small place filled up very quickly but the service was quick to serve! Fish was fresh and interesting. We loved all of the food we ordered. We will be returning as soon as we can!“

“Absolute grub! We didn't find this place until our last night in town. I wish we would have found it earlier in our trip. This is really good Asian food. The bowls are a good size for lunch. The platters are a BIG dinner. Great food at a great price. There was a train of locals coming through to pick up food while I was waiting.“

“I have been to my fair share of Ramen restaurants, and I must say this one takes the cake for being the most aesthetically pleasing. It gives a vibe to the decor, from the bowls to the vase water, and even the chopsticks are mood.As for the food, I ordered a classic California sushi roll, which was excellent, along with their House Ramen bowl, which was fantastic. It had bok choy, egg, and pork. The pork was all tender and just delicious. Sometimes, when you go to restaurants for Ramen noodles, you’ll get a hit or miss, but I will say for this restaurant, there was no hit or miss; the Ramen noodle was just perfection.As for the drink, I ordered the Galaxy, which is butterfly peas, strawberry, lemonade, and mango jelly, and I think something else, but I cannot remember it was great. It was excellent.The service was good.I would say spending a moderate amount of money here for this restaurant, especially given the area it's in.Overall, 10 out of 10.“

“Top notch Sushi! I've been coming here since they opened and I'm in love with this place. First, Chef Masa is the nicest most friendly Chef there is, and all his staff are friendly and spot on with water refills and quick service. The fish he gets is some of the freshest and best quality out there. For cooked food Try the salmon collar. It's the melt in your mouth part of the salmons neck and cheek, and prepared expertly! Everything I've had, from the fresh oysters, the halibut carpaccio, the Takowasa, and Takoyaki, they spicy yellow tail lover roll and al the sashimi- has been perfect. Can't recommend enough !“

“Yoshi was our server, and she was extremely nice to our large party that consisted of a bunch of wild kids. This past Friday night. The food was excellent. Enjoyed the sunset. Next time, Yoshi needs to have some saki with us. We'll be back!“

“This is an ideal place for those who watch their diet and eat right. A small cozy cafe for 4 tables with bar stools for a quick healthy, hearty snack. Friendly staff always fresh products, clean. We have visited many times and every time everything is perfect in taste and service. From minuses it is absence of a toilet and badly working internet at verazen.“

“The food is quite good and seems really fresh. The staff is very friendly and efficient. The only problem we encountered was getting our mixed vegetables way before our entrees arrived. They would have been much warmer arriving with the main meal. Otherwise, all was good.“

“This is our family's weeknight sushi place. We bring the kids who absolutely demolish the crunchy rolls. My favorite is the yellow tail buffalo roll. The fish is always delicious and the service is always great. They take extra care of our kiddos. The Yoshi rolls are a personal favorite too. The price is fair too!“

“I went there the other day for the first time and had some sushi. It was probably one of the best sushi places in Laguna Niguel. It was very delicious. I ordered the dragon sushi, baked scallop and baked salmon. The service was fast. I highly recommend this location. I will definitely go back.“

“This place is really really good. A hidden gem. The yellowtail carpaccio is YUM! So many delicious rolls and unique additions. Cucumber/seaweed salad=love. The freshness is soso good. The service is spot on. If you are not there before 5 be prepared to wait.“

“Mom and Pop with very fresh and delicious food and the staff were very kind. The chef gave us a free Kaguya nigiri to try. With the prices being so low, I was a bit skeptical of the food quality but my girlfriend and I were very happily surprised that everything was delicious. I personally love the Lemon Drop roll.“

“Went for a lunch date with my son. It's a small place and the sushi is amazing. It's was so good. The specialty rolls are amazing. My son has an allergy to shrimp and they overheard us and offerd to make the roll we were looking at with no shrimp. We will definitely be back.“

“I was skeptical knowing they didn't have an actual sushi bar. when we walked in we were pleasantly surprised. very beautiful and the menu is never ending. the service was wonderful the food and portions excellent. private little booth. can't wait to go back to try more of the menu !“

“A HIDDEN GEM LIKE NO OTHER!!Very reasonable prices, DELICIOUS and AUTHENTIC food, FAST service.A complaint i Will address for the owner is about the business and its operation… i have worked in food industry and i frequently travel to find the best food joints.. so i say this as advice more so than complaint.. CUT THE MENU IN HALF. Focus on all the best sold items. Cost of goods is too high today to be offering 50 items on a menu. Sushi IS LITERALLY THE BEST IN TOWN. Focus on that and cater to the newer crowds available in the area. This business is so successful!Vegetarian options: Vegetable yakisoba was super yummy!“

“We Love this Place! We were introduced to it by some good friends a few years ago it’s been our go to ever since. We eat sushi about once a week For about the last two decades. They offer a great variety of fresh fish, and the service is always on point.“

“Quaint & Authentic Japanese restaurant. Try to sit at the bar for the best experience. I highly suggest the Sweet Shrimp (amiebi) with no wasabi. You want to experience the full taste of fresh shrimp.Parking: Parking is a bit tough sometimes due to so many businesses crammed into one location. Worst case you have to park at IHOP and walk“

“Whenever in San Clemente area and craving sushi, this local stop is an excellent and affordable stop! Their prices are unbeatable especially for a San Clemente restaurant! Always fresh food, nice portions. Delicious rolls for a well rounded and healthy meal. This is my 2nd time here and I finally left a review bc I was so happy with the meal and price. Friendly and great service too! Intimate ambiance.“

“From the moment you step into Soba Izakaya MINAMI, you're not just entering a restaurant; you're embarking on a culinary journey to the heart of Japan. This isn't your run-of-the-mill Japanese eatery; it's a testament to the art of Soba and Yakitori, crafted with passion and precision.Let's talk about the star of the show: the Soba. Handmade from scratch with a level of care that borders on reverence, each bowl is a masterclass in texture and taste. The Curry Soba is a standout dish, a harmonious blend of spice and comfort that warms you from the inside out. It's not just food; it's a warm hug in a bowl.But why stop there? MINAMI's Yakitori selection takes you on a delectable detour off the beaten path. Among the jewels in their crown are the Squid legs - grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, succulent experience that leaves you craving more. It's a bold choice on the menu, and it pays off beautifully, showcasing their knack for elevating traditional dishes with a twist.The ambiance of the place, with its intimate setting and warm lighting, complements the meal perfectly, creating an atmosphere that's both inviting and authentically Japanese. The staff's attentiveness and knowledge of the menu add to the experience, making you feel both valued and enlightened.In conclusion, Soba Izakaya MINAMI is more than just a dining destination; it's a culinary treasure that beckons to be explored. For the lovers of Soba, Yakitori, and Japanese cuisine at its most authentic and innovative, this is your haven. As you savor each bite, remember: you're not just eating; you're part of a story - a delicious narrative spun with soba and skewers.“

“This is a great small local spot! We ordered carryout from here for our hotel room during our vacation. The yaki soba noodles were so good and the spicy tuna rolls were delicious! The tempura wasn't great but I feel like it's hard to make good carryout tempura.“

“Excellent fish! If looking for crazy rolls with lots of sauces this is not your place. If you just want excellent fish you're in the right place. Only a handful of tables and seats at the sushi bar so reservations are suggested.Parking: Tons of parking.“

“Came in for a quick poke bowl on my way to tour some homes in Mission Viejo. Staff was friendly and helpful. The poke quality was good and the available toppings were good.Avocado was extra but a must. Free miso soup.I will definitely come back when I’m in the area.“

“We stopped to have lunch on our way back from Disney and absolutely loved it. Small cute and super clean place. Excellent service and very attentive. The food was amazing as well everything we ordered tasted fresh and I loved how they gave you chocolate after your done paying. Also it was very affordable compared to other sushi places.“

“Poke Tiki in Laguna Niguel, CA Yay we found a yummy poke spot right by our place this weekend. We came here for lunch and it didn't disappoint. There were endless options for everything from bases to proteins to toppings and sauces! We'll definitely be back! There are multiple locations: San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine, Tustin, Orange, Costa Mesa.“

“Sushi over the years has changed. It used to be about Japanese people running the place, now its about the right person for the job. I had a lot of problems here, in which Don and Hiro addressed. Alberto the chef is really good at what he does he is also very kind. I had my sushi tasted a bit fishy this time around, and there was, "other,'' problems but a great place is not about having great food all the time, but the service. They really take the time to change and adapt. This is one of the best features about this place. I really think anyone coming to Yama should be honest because they do accommodate. Their customer service is very good in terms of compliance, Lee is a great waitress and because of her I can come back here. Their water levels of chlorine was high but Don said it was the Macha product. When I asked for hot water, with more investigating it was actually the water source. However they promptly fixed the issue and when I came back around. It was great. Green Tea was very good. They really took efforts to address the problems that I was having. Not to mention, Kenny the son whom has great interpersonal skills help mediate any situations although he studies all day and night working part time to help his father Don run the restaurant. This is a gem of a place and deserves more recognition. Good family owned business and its right next to the lake, can't compare to the local sushi places, this place is the most consistent. Chefs treat this job as life or death! They're all sweet men!Dietary restrictions: Poke bowl, Henry made it dangerously salty. Came back and wanted to get it from Hiro because that was what the waitress recommended, but seemed to busy. However I got the Poke bowl again and it came out little fishy this time and couldn't finish it. The Toro handroll was also on the fishy side. But still good, didn't get sick.“

“We walked in and got seated immediately. We enjoyed all our food. The calamari was notably crispy and light and perfectly salted. The Gu Fries was cheesey and had a complimenting soy glaze the complimented the saltiness of our ramens. The service was unhurried and efficient. The vibe of the space was consistent with the theme. I tried their mandarin sorbet and it was disappointing but still a good pallet cleanser. We really enjoyed our dinner there. This continues to be our annual stop in Laguna for a late ramen.“

“This is some of the best sushi ive ever had just in my life. I would recommend sitting at the bar and just talking woth the head chef hiro is amazing, very funny and entertaining guy. Definitely is a sushi spot i will continue to regular. Atmosphere was delightful always filled with people with fun conversations who are incredibly open, hiro and the other chefs bring the resturant alive with their conversations while serving sushi that will suprise and catch you off gard woth the flavors.“

“Really cute place, very cozy but not cramped. The server was new but very kind and asked their manager when they didn’t know the answer to something, which is always good. My dad and I got vegan ramens and they were delicious but I wish there was a spicy vegan ramen, too. Brother got the Miso ramen and enjoyed it. The vegan sushis (vegetable tempura and vegetable rolls) were pretty good. I have high standards for vegan sushi thanks to vegan sushi restaurants in the Bay area but for Orange County this is a sushi and ramen place with great vegan options.Vegetarian options: Vegan options (Vegan Ramen, Miso Soup, Fried Tofu, Edamame, Vegetable Tempura Roll, Vegetable Roll).Dietary restrictions: Vegan options (Vegan Ramen, Miso Soup, Fried Tofu, Edamame, Vegetable Tempura Roll, Vegetable Roll).“

“Delicious and experience, definitely worth going in a group so you can try a few different cuts of meat. We tried the spicy miso and pork bone broth with a perfect mix of flavor and spicy.I personally love being able to try small portions of a lot of different things, so this was perfect. Wygu beef, aged Angus and short rib - delicious“

“This is a good neighborhood joint. It's not fancy, but the food is solid and the staff is attentive and friendly. If you go regularly, they'll remember your name.The have indoor seating (sushi bar and tables) and a small covered patio. They have fun hand-lettered signs with specials. Halibut carpaccio was one the specials tonight.If you go for lunch, they've got bento box specials that are tasty too.RECOMMENDParking: This is in in a large shopping plaza with a big parking lot. Parking is never a problem.Kid-friendliness: They don't have a kids menu or specific option for kids. If your kid likes sushi or teriyaki or tempura, then your kid would do okay here.“

“Very friendly owner and staff, their costumer service is very good! The food is fresh and amazing, these new owners made the best changes and the food is unbelievable! I highly recommend this restaurant and make sure to try the popcorn roll!!! ?Parking: It’s free and easyKid-friendliness: It’s a very kid and family friendly restaurant.Wheelchair accessibility: It’s wheelchair friendly.“

“Nice little speakeasy. The entrance is unique and we loved the decor and vibe. The service was standard and the drinks & sushi were good but nothing to blow you away. Recommend they change to paper menus! The phone menu was hard to read and it took away from the ambiance they're trying to create.“

“First time trying this sushi place and let me tell you...... if you haven't been, you're losing out. From the Japanese greeting to the cozy atmosphere and most importantly the sushi. The delicious fresh sushi was beautifully presented with attention to detail. The service was attentive and with a smile. What a treat! We will be back.“

“By far the best sushi in OC if not all of SoCal. You can spend alot more going to other "high end" sushi spots. The quality of fish at Jizake is on par with the best of the best - same goes for the skill of chefs they are on par with the best of the best.BTW in the pic we loaded the blue fin up with Kizami, chef didnt serve it like that (for all concerned sushi aficionados).Only recommendation to Jizake is please bring back Karatamba!“

“My go-to is the monster bowl medium spice, with tuna and salmon. I definitely recommend adding the avocado. It's worth the Upcharge.The portions are really good, and the fish always tastes fresh. There is a good selection of toppings as well. I would definitely recommend it as a quick lunch spot.“

“Though I am plant-forward, there are few things here that I can order such as the salad, edamame and the bento box (though I ended ip giving the shrimp tempura to a friend that I did linch with). Service is very good. Love how they keep the bathroom clean and love the orchid touch in the wash basin!“

“Was in the area for work and gave this place a try. Nice small dining area. Ten different types of fish to choose from. The large bowls here are 5 scoops of fish compared to the 3 or 4 scoops at other locations, however the fish scoops here are on the smaller side. Very simple and not many topping options. Would like to see more toppings. The fish tasted fresh and althought it was simple it was delicious. Was there around 1pm and it was non stop with customers coming in the door so it seems like a popular place. The price was very fair and was slightly cheaper than most other Poke locations. I enjoyed the food and would give it more visits when in the area.“

“The food lives up to the restaurants name: the fish and all the sushi tasted like butter, especially the salmon in the pressed salmon avo. The sushi rolls were surprisingly big compared to the sushi rolls at other sushi restaurants, which explains why the rolls were around $20. Food is very high-quality and I would recommend this place for a nice meal. Service was friendly and helpful. There is seating both inside and outside, and both give a view to the ocean. You can also sit by the sushi bar.“

“Samurai sushi is a gem of a restaurant in South OC! The owner Gina is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. So accommodating! The food is fantastic, and they have had the same chefs for years, so very consistent as well. Great selection, good prices. Buy one get one half off M-Th is such a deal. See you again soon my favorite sushi joint!!“

“Pros:* Delicious Food; The sushi rolls were pretty stunning. I recommend the Bento Box.* Clean inside, relax vibe* Quick serviceCons:* N/AExtra:* Plenty of Parking* The service was questionable at first, but they were quick to help us when we motioned to them. They don't dote on you and are quick to help.“

“I've been to a lot of Japanese restaurants during my time as a medical student, and this restaurant is simply the best. The price for the portion is unbeatable, and the staff is super kind. Definitely making this spot a regular stop for me.“

“I was recommended my a friend and absolutely love it here! The prices are very reasonable and the food quality and portions are great.The seafood salad is one of my favorites. Huuuge thick slices of tuna and salmon tataki's with a classic wafu dressing. Their unagi don is awesome too and is such a great combo with the seafood salad. The unagi is cooked to perfection and is very fresh and not super boney. Love the fact that you have the options to choose between white and brown rice!The tatsuta age (fried chicken) was great as well. Nicely seasoned and juicy!The udon they use is on the thinner side and I abosolutely loooove it. Super yummy. Also, this isn't pictured but I bought a salmon teriyaki plate to take home and I am obsessed. The salmon was sooo large and thick and the teriyaki sauce was perfect!It's takeout/eat in service at the moment and I have no complaints! Order first and then grab a table. Quick and easy.Definitely recommend!!“

“I came here to take myself out for a little treat and I throughly enjoyed it here! Michael and Christina (I hope Thats how I spell their names!) were so kind and helpful while I was dining here. I highly recommend the beef udon and the sashimi salad ? Cheers!“

“This is a small sushi restaurant we almost passed up looking for a bigger venue. We are glad we stopped in. The food was delicious (we loved the house salad, even my kids that don't veggies). The place is run by a husband and wife team so be patient with them, the service is personable but a tad slow. They were really nice and I could tell they had regulars. The sushi was fresh and very affordable. My family of four ate and the entire bill including the tip was less than $95. Usually, it will cost us more than $125 per meal at most sushi places for my family. Highly recommended.“

“A very good local Sushi restaurant with very reasonable prices. We went for lunch with another couple. Everyone considered the food to be excellent and enjoyably served. Only slight problem is the restaurant closes between lunch and dinner service and since we came for a later lunch we felt a little rushed in ordering so as to get our food. Our fault not theirs since the hours are well posted. We will be returning.“

“Since moving to south Orange County, this has been our go-to spot for sushi. The rolls are exceptional (the Ichiban roll is my favorite) and all their food is great. Steve the sushi chef is always hard at work behind the sushi bar making tasty creations. But what makes this place really special is the awesome hostess Jeanie. She's always super friendly and has a great sense of humor. She's always making sure everyone is happy, and always remembers our favorites. Fun atmosphere with good music. I highly recommend!“

“We love Ichibiri!. It’s great for dinner parties or just a super yummy dinner. The chefs are always so much fun! I personally love their salad dressing! I could drink it haha. Their filet mignon Tepan meal is fabulous! Great for adults and kids!“

“Eating at Yogis Grill is like eating at your parents' house. The ingredients are fresh and each serving is prepared with love. The owner spends five hours making the secret teriyaki sauce daily, and the superiority of gourmet cooking shines compared to other fast food restaurants' large batch process. My poke bowl was creamy and the sauce infuses every bite with flavor. The fish was plentiful and fresh, and the bowl has more fish than rice. It's got just enough medium spiciness to keep things interesting without masking the taste of the food. Even though I ordered the regular-sized bowl, I was thoroughly satisfied by the time I reached the bottom of the bowl. The dining area isn't big, but I didn't feel cramped eating my poke. The owner came out and talked to us about how the business weathered the pandemic and the sub-prime loan crisis. They're still going strong, but they appreciate your support and love. Treat yourself with some home-cooking and leave with a sense of nostalgia for your childhood--unless you're still a child, of course.“

“We sat at the sushi bar and Joe-san was our sushi chef. He was fast, efficient and everything was tasty. We chose the Oh My God roll towards the end and honestly folks? It is OMG spectacular! And so was the Queen Imperial with yellowtail and mango. Great service!!!“

“The value for these bowls is fantastic. So many different options and combos to make that you have to come back again to try different versions. I had scallops with tuna, salmon and albacore. I’ll be back for more different styles in the future.???‍♀️?‍♂️“