These Local Hotspots Are Serving Up the Freshest Fish in Town

The history of sushi in Southern California was born in the early 1900s when sushi was the “it” dish at luncheons thrown by socialites. The trend dissipated during WWI and WWII, and the first Japanese restaurant to serve sushi didn’t appear until the mid-1960s. That’s when Noritoshi Kanai opened Kawafuku with Chef Shigeo Saito in Los Angeles. The concept of the sushi bar took off once again, and today the cuisine is more popular than ever.

With such close proximity to ports and fish markets, it’s no surprise that Orange County has become a hub of delicious sushi restaurants, each with its own unique flair and specialty. Here are 12 spots for the hands-down best sushi in Orange County.

 

Best California-Style Sushi: Mahé

A true Seal Beach gem, Mahé took up residency on PCH in 2000, just in time for the local California-style sushi trend to take off. “When we started talking about Mahé, we knew we wanted to do a menu of fresh fish with some steaks, and at that time, some of our favorite restaurants were the California-style sushi restaurants that were making all the fun rolls,” shares Mahé co-owner and co-founder Toby Reece.

With its fresh fish, complex flavor combinations and creative takes on sushi rolls, Mahé continues to entice its guests with dishes like the classic Mahé Roll, the delicate Queen Roll and the addictive Heat Wave Roll—a tasty combo of spicy tuna, crab, jalapeños, cream cheese, avocado and salmon in soy paper with a light tempura crust.

If you happen to have a date or someone in the friend group who isn’t a fan of raw seafood, Mahé also has plenty of wood-fired seafood options (like the blackened swordfish) as well as delicious steaks and burgers for the carnivores. “Because of the layout, we were able to create a sushi bar that has an open kitchen behind a full grill where you can get fresh grilled fish, raw fish or a big steak,” Reece explains.

Location: Seal Beach

 

Best Michelin Rating: Hana re

For a truly bespoke dining experience, visit Hana re in the LAB Anti-Mall, where you can enjoy a 10-course omakase meal crafted by Chef Atsushi Yokoyama. Here, each place at the 10-seat sushi bar is treated like a chef’s table, making for an evening that’s as artful as it is delicious. At $250 per person, this omakase menu is pricey but absolutely worth the array of thoughtful plates, peak-season ingredients and the stunning presentation. Needless to say, Hana re’s Michelin Star win is well-deserved, making it one of the best spots for sushi in Orange County.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

Best Innovation: Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar

Get ready for the gastronomic experience that is Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar—the ideal meeting ground for traditional sushi lovers and adventurous, thrill-seeking foodies alike. The restaurant offers an array of classic rolls, nigiri and sashimi, but the stars of the show are the specialty rolls, new-style nigiri, carpaccio and shareable dishes. Yuzu also has a fantastic cocktail list of delicate and complex drinks, including the tart and refreshing Yuzu Drop, the umami Sweetheart and the elegant and fruit Pretty in Pink.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

Best Fusion: Akashiro Nikkei Sushi 

In true nikkei style, the culinary standards of Japanese precision and Peruvian vibrancy come together at Akashiro—the perfect spot to head to if you’re craving the freshness of sushi but want to try something more adventurous. Nikkei food is a century-old marriage of Peruvian ingredients and Japanese techniques, resulting in a dish that’s lighter than ceviche but more seasoned than sashimi. If this is your first time experiencing nikkei and tiradito, expect fresh fish with punches of flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Location: Fullerton

 

Best Upscale: Omakase by Gino

A time-honored tradition in Japan, omakase means “chef’s choice,” allowing the chef’s creativity and technique to shine. It’s a one-of-a-kind dining experience, and Omakase by Gino is one of Orange County’s only omakase-exclusive restaurants. Located in downtown Santa Ana, this 10-seat fine-dining experience is led by Chef Gino Choi. Each course is an innovative symphony of textures and flavors, carefully crafted for an unforgettable meal.

Location: Santa Ana

 

Best Catering and Party Trays: Starfish

Make hosting your next party a breeze with the help of Starfish, a sushi restaurant in Orange County that’s been serving up a fusion of Asian coastal cuisine since 2011. With Starfish’s sushi party trays, you can order an array of crowd-pleasing nigiri, sashimi and sushi rolls in 24- or 48-piece packages (trust us: you won’t want to pass up the Lobster Macadamia Roll!). Want to enjoy the food at the restaurant? Join Starfish and staff at the flagship Laguna Beach location or the new Newport Beach location, which is just a short walk from the water.

Locations: Laguna Beach and Newport Beach

 

Best for Surf and Turf Lovers: SET Steak & Sushi

Setting the culinary bar high, SET Steak & Sushi blends steakhouse elegance and fresh Orange County sushi. Inside this modern haven, bold cuts of steak mingle with luxe sashimi and inventive hand rolls. The surf-and-turf approach brings the best of both worlds to the table and pairs with the dramatic lighting. Creative cocktails, like the Green Flash and Yuzutopia, guarantee every meal feels like an occasion.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Best for Sake Pairings: Tomikawa

Tomikawa impresses with a menu that puts a playful spin on tradition. Sushi chefs wield their torches to elevate classic nigiri and creative rolls named after pop culture references. The Lion King, Lakers, and Crouching Tiger & Hidden Dragon are a few of the playful menu items! Whether you find yourself lingering over seared albacore or sampling bold new mashups, a warm sake pairing makes the flavors sing well into the evening.

Location: Irvine

 

Best Neighborhood Gem: Ponzu Japanese Sushi Bar 

For Santa Ana locals, Ponzu Japanese Sushi Bar is where comfort meets creativity. Think salmon truffle or sweet shrimp sushi! Beyond the rainbow rolls and lively sauces lies a devotion to perfectly sliced sashimi and feather-light tempura. With a clientele that craves both familiarity and surprise, Ponzu stands apart as a neighborhood go-to for Orange County sushi.

Location: Santa Ana

 

Best for Beach Vibes: Sushi on Fire

If Huntington Beach had a sushi soul, it would embody Sushi on Fire. This high-energy hotspot radiates coastal California fun with generous specialty rolls and a sizzling crowd. After a surf session, nothing beats a cold Sapporo with spicy tuna rolls. It’s a setting that truly feels like the heart of OC sushi culture.

Location: Huntington Beach

 

Best for Omakase Newcomers: Seabutter

Orange County’s sushi scene sparkles at Seabutter in Corona del Mar, where simplicity becomes pure sophistication. Delicate truffle-topped nigiri and pressed sushi tell a story of classic technique and imaginative flair. An omakase course here transforms a quiet night out into a taste of Japanese luxury.

Location: Corona del Mar

 

Best for Tradition Seekers: Momoyama 

Momoyama is for the sushi purist at heart. Walk in and you’re greeted as a regular, whether it’s your fifth visit or your first. Ocean trout carpaccio, soft shell crab rolls, and specialty nigiri showcase why Momoyama feels like a sushi haven. This is hands down a Michelin-rated restaurant for those who value unwavering traditions!

Location: Fullerton

 

Best for Minimalist Purists: Sugarfish

Minimalism reigns supreme at Sugarfish in Corona del Mar. It’s where the “Don’t Think. Just Eat. Trust Me” menu distills the Orange County sushi experience to its essence. Bite after bite, Sugarfish pays homage to Tokyo’s legendary bars. You won’t be hungry for long here; the gleaming tuna, seasoned rice, and crisp hand rolls arrive with perfect timing.

Location: Corona del Mar

 

Best for Celebrity Spotting: Nobu Newport Beach

Nothing says star power like a reservation at Nobu Newport Beach. Here, signature black cod miso and garlicky Maine lobster star in the iconic omakase lineup. The restaurant’s oceanfront buzz and frequent celebrity sightings give new meaning to luxe Orange County sushi.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Best for Family Night: Tori Tori Sushi

Tori Tori Sushi transforms family dinner into a special event. Friendly service and laughter echo across tables heaped with creative house rolls and traditional nigiri. The VIP roll–blue crab, avocado, and asparagus topped with panko shrimp and spicy mayo–feels like a splurge! For those seeking an Orange County sushi night that pleases all generations in the family, this spot delivers.

Location: Yorba Linda

 

Best for Plant-Based Options: Oto Sushi

Vegans and omnivores alike will feel seen at Laguna Hill’s Momoko No Usagi. The kitchen reimagines sushi with creative plant-based rolls, including artichoke and tempura shisito fillings. No need to fear, omnivores! There’s also smoked octopus crisp and king salmon with a Japanese pepper glaze on the menu. Adventurous palates leave here inspired — proof that Orange County sushi is as versatile as it is vibrant.  

Location: Laguna Hills

 

Best Hidden Gem: Momoku No Usagi

Tucked away in Laguna Hills, Momoku No Usagi whispers its reputation from below a staircase. The omakase journey brings seasonal snapper, sought-after toro, and off-menu delicacies to loyal regulars. It wouldn’t be fair to let the foodget all the hype! The generous sake menu, wine selection, and quirky cocktails–Hello, Paloma Soju–are just as tasty! For sushi and sake seekers, Oto remains one OC’s quietly brilliant finds.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

Best for Izakaya Experience: Izakaya Osen

Costa Mesa’s Izakaya Osen blends night-market energy with exquisitely fresh sushi and izakaya-style dishes. Signature plates arrive tableside—plum halibut, toro uni bowls, and yellowtail jalapeño sashimi—creating a symphony of bold flavors. This hot spot transforms a sushi night into a multi-course celebration.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

Best for Adventurous Omakase: Rebel Omakase 

Rebel Omakase in Newport Beach is not for the faint of palate. Here, omakase is an event: expect luscious uni, rare toro, and house-marinated surprises prepared with audacious elegance. Fun fact: all ingredients from the pre-fixed menu come from Japan! Sushi lovers craving authentic Japanese cuisine can agree on Rebel’s status as a top sushi restaurant in Orange County.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Best for True Sushi Connoisseurs: Sushi ii

Mastery unfolds at Sushi ii, where market-fresh fish and pure technique set the standard for Orange County sushi. The omakase here draws devotees seeking nuance in every detail, from rice texture to wasabi heat. There’s also a solid selection of a la carte nigri, rolls, and shareable appetizers. It’s the kind of spot that turns a meal into a memory—and a loyal following into legend.

Location: Costa Mesa

 

Best Local Secret: Irassae Sushi

Mission Viejo’s Irassae Sushi is the kind of place food-lovers whisper about to friends. It’s built a reputation for incredible quality for a modest price. Some favorites include the shrimp and vegetable tempura and Next Time Roll for an experience that delivers beyond the sum of its parts. Each visit confirms why Irassae remains a favorite among local sushi fans.

Location: Mission Viejo

 

Best for Date Night: Little Ferry Sushi

Romance blooms at Little Ferry Sushi, where the intimate setting and exquisite rolls win hearts every time. The omakase menu sparkles with surprises like the sushi burrito and deep fried spicy tuna roll. Every dish feels like a chef’s love letter to their craft. For couples chasing one of the best sushi restaurants in Orange County, this spot simply dazzles.

Location: Tustin