Izakaya Restaurants near Santa Ana, CA

“Soooooo good. I can still get in here with no line, however, there will come a time…….when there will be a long wait!“

“Absolutely loved it here. The food was amazing. ❤️“

“Found this place randomly searching for a local Japanese style restaurant and found this Gem. Tried their Chicken Curry plate as it seemed to be there go to with their BOGO promotion. The curry had a phenomenal and savory taste. I'd recommend Level 3 Spice level as it is a great blend of flavor and spice. If you're interested in having great Japanese Curry this is the spot. I also tried their potato croquette which was exquisite I ate it immediately and took a photo part way 🤣 into eating. I also have their Strawberry Matcha Latte which was a great blend and tasted perfect. Definitely coming back to try the Curry Omelet variety. This is a great spot to come with friends or if you just want to enjoy some great Japanese food solo.“

“The house made udon was super! The texture of the udon had a lightness and springiness which really was a delightful surprise. The soba was also very good. The restaurant also serves izakaya dishes. Fried chicken and beef tongue were good. The duck broth with the soba was excellent. The restaurant itself is a small space and was crowded when we dropped by. There wasn't a long line to wait, but the tables were full. The staff was helpful, but we were looking to order to take away.“

“100/10 would recommend!’ Amazing food and selection as well!“

“Food is excellent here!! Must make reservation to enter. But if they tell you that tables are filled, ask for next available time frame. You won’t be sorry. It’s so good.“

“This was a wonderful dining experience! Me and my friend already loved to order takeout from here, but it got even better when we dined in. There is a regular menu and a fully vegan menu, and the vegan options are delicious! Their vegan ramen broth is smooth and savory with many flavors to enjoy. We got the best ice cream I've ever had, which was cold, silky and delicious. The atmosphere is cozy with warm lighting and comfortable booths. One of the best parts was the service. Our waiter, Thang, was friendly and quick with great service. Over all, I would love to come back soon!“

“Service is wonderful. Everyone is friendly. It’s like going to my Obason’s to have dinner. Everything about this place is authentically Okinawan. Oishī“

“I had the cold soba, and it was quite good. If you’re looking for Japanese-style udon in the area, I would recommend this place. However, it’s not somewhere you can eat comfortably at a relaxed pace. I understand that there are many people waiting, but clearing our bowls while we were still preparing to pay didn’t feel appropriate. I would recommend this restaurant only if you want to come in, eat, and leave quickly—it’s not a place for a leisurely meal.“

“What a wonderful restaurant! The food here is incredible! We especially love the California Rolls and Japanese soda. When they prepare tuna it's quite a show and so much fun! What's best is how kind they are to children. My son has become friends with the owners/ staff over the years, and always leaves with a huge smile on his face. 5 stars!!!“

“The Yuzu Shio Paitan ramen here is absolutely amazing! The broth has a deep, authentic Japanese dashi flavor, and the yuzu adds a bright, refreshing aroma. It’s perfectly balanced and incredibly delicious one of the best ramen bowls I’ve had in the U.S.“

“Super friendly staff and very attentive. Wonderful selection of Japanese small plates which are perfect for sharing while having a beer - Asahi of course. Went with my servers’ recommendations which did not disappoint.“

“Lunch catch up with a couple friends. Nice decorated wood divided booth gives a genuine Japanese feel.
There is a must get 99 cent first pint draft beer special right now.
We all ended up with Noodle Lunch Combo special, which is a really good deal if you are up for Ramen.“

“Evangeline was amazing from start to finish. Her energy was so warm and welcoming, and her service was truly incredible. She made our experience feel special. The food was also amazing. Everything was perfect! The uni udon was our favorite.“

“Really nice place with some yummy food! Especially the avocado volcano!!“

“An Evening at Kin Izakaya: Where Tradition Meets Ambiance In the culinary haven that our city embodies, Kin Izakaya emerges as a sanctuary of authentic Japanese flavors combined with the convivial spirit typical of Japan’s iconic gastropubs. It’s here that tradition and modernity collide to create not just a meal, but an experience worth savoring. The moment you step through the doors of Kin Izakaya, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that’s both lively and intimately comforting. The ambient lighting, coupled with rustic décor and understated oriental motifs, offers a welcoming reprieve from the city’s hustle and bustle. The soft murmur of patrons engaged in animated conversation sets the backdrop for an authentic izakaya experience. Kin Izakaya’s menu is a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese fare and innovative culinary creations. The tapas-style dishes, perfect for sharing, encourage a communal dining experience. From the delicate flavors of their sashimi to the robust, savory notes found in their yakitori selection, there’s a delightful complexity in each dish presented. The agedashi tofu, with its perfect crispy exterior giving way to silken tofu within, is a testament to the chef’s prowess in honoring traditional flavors while serving contemporary palates.“

“the best sushi🍣 and service we been going there for years 😃“

“Awesome place for sushi 🍣“

“Everything was amazing to the food, the atmosphere and service!“

“Such nice service and delicious sushi, udon/soba, sake, yam fries, edamame and tempura! (pictured is the Tekka naki and Unagi and California , crunchy eel roll, and spicy tuna roll!“