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Best Sushi In Orange County

izakaya wasa
(credit: Wasa Sushi)

When it comes to the art of sushi making there are a handful of restaurants throughout Orange County that happen to standout every single time. Not only do repeat diners return because of the delicious flavors, but it's hard for one not to notice that each plate is carefully styled resembling a culinary masterpiece. Prepared with only the freshest seafood and ingredients made available, the sushi chefs at the helm of these restaurants take exceptional pride in serving only the very best.

Sushi Roku
(credit: Sushi Roku)

Sushi Roku
Fashion Island
327 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 706-3622
www.sushiroku.com

Sushi Roku Fashion Island might be the newest kid on the OC block, but it sure does know what it's doing. Executive Sushi Chef Hiroshi Shima delivers at "fusing centuries-old culinary traditions with contemporary accents in a trend-setting environment" which boasts a 129-seat dining room, 16-seat sushi bar, and patio dining making it the perfect spot for lunch, happy hour or dinner. Our picks: the Katana Roll with spicy tuna & shrimp tempura, topped with tuna & yellowtail; and the Makoto Roll prepared with yellowtail & shrimp tempura wrapped with seared tuna and spicy creamy sauce.

BlueFin
(credit: Bluefin)

Blue Fin
7952 Pacific Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92657
(949) 715-7373
www.bluefinbyabe.com

Sophisticated, elegant and refined best describes the critically acclaimed sushi creations of chef Takashi Abe. The only way to truly experience the "magic of Bluefin," guests are encouraged to try the Omakase menu and allow Chef Abe to curate a very special culinary adventure where he delivers "course after course of dazzling dishes." You cannot beat the location when it comes to Bluefin, with stunning ocean views of the Pacific sunset and illuminated sushi bar, Bluefin is one of the very best dining experiences not only in Orange County, but all of Southern California.

Hamamori
(credit: Hamamori)

Hamamori
3333 Bear St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 850-0880
www.hamamorisushibar.com

Those looking to indulge in high-end Japanese fare, look no further than Hamamori Restaurant & Sushi Bar at South Coast Plaza. To many, the pricey SCP hotspot is quite impressive and can is considered the ultimate OC sushi experience. Returning guests agree the impressive contemporary dining room sets the tone as you embark on a journey filled with only the freshest sushi and world's finest saké and wines. It will be difficult to decide between the five- and seven-course chef's tasting menu, but you may want to consider going rogue because the signature Allac Ore Sashimi with crispy Maui Onion and ponzu is a winner!

Wasa Sushi Newport
(credit: Izakaya Wasa)

Izakaya Wasa
59 Spectrum Center Dr #340
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 453-9500
www.wasasushi.com

There is no denying the Chirashi Bowl at Wasa is amazing. The hugely popular dish is served with tuna, salmon, white fish, surf clam, tiger shrimp, yellowtail, octopus, albacore and tamago sashimi over sushi rice. And that's just the beginning. Quite frankly, it's really difficult to go wrong at Wasa. While Wasa is considered sophisticated, it's far from intimidating. The best part? There is something on the menu for everyone from the self-proclaimed sushi connoisseur to those just starting to explore the world of rolls and sashimi beyond the safety and comfort of the entry-level California Roll.

Noguchi sushi
(credit: Noguchi)

Sushi Noguchi
18507 Yorba Linda Blvd
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
(714) 777-6789
www.sushinoguchi.com

Let's not beat around the bush - the sushi at Noguchi is pretty special. Owned and operated by Chef Hiro-san and his wife, Jun, this Yorba Linda staple is what you can consider a culinary masterpiece. There is an overwhelming sense of pride and perfection that goes into each plate served at Noguchi. It's hard not to notice whether it's your first visit or fiftieth. Hiro's Omakase menu is legendary so just do yourself a favor and "Trust Hiro." You'll be so glad you did because he will select only the very best fresh sashimi and sushi the market has to offer.

CP2800
(credit: CP2800)

CP2800
2800 West Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 631-8088
www.cp2800.com

Don't let the cute names like Sexy Roll, Vampire's Delight and Crunchy Dragon Roll fool you, as the sushi bar at CP Restaurant and Lounge means business. The carefully curated menu consists of everything from rolls, sashimi and handrolls, to a sushi a la carte section featuring a Sushi Sampler; Sashimi Salad and the Scallop Casserole which happens to be the end all-be all. But the true main event for this Newport Beach haunt is The Heart Attack Roll. A roll consisting of spicy tuna, salmon, cream cheese, jalapenos and avocado rolled and deep fried topped with eel sauce and chili oil, it's definitely something everyone should try atleast once. Think you can handle it?

Ra Sushi
(credit: Ra Sushi)

RA Sushi
2401 Park Ave
Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 566-1700
www.rasushi.com

Whether you're looking to go out to lunch with the kids, go to happy hour with the girls, or go to dinner for date night, RA is perfect for all occasions. Located in the heart of The District in Tustin, don't pass up the chance to dine on delicious Japanese fusion and fresh sushi especially the Crazy Monkey and Tootsy Rolls. At RA Sushi, you can expect to be welcomed with upbeat bass and "energetic atmosphere" to celebrate your arrival the minute you walk in the door. The menu features a huge selection of tasty signature rolls, as well as more traditional rolls, appetizers, soups & salads, entrees, desserts and more. RA Sushi also offers a lengthy selection of signature cocktails to sip on with your sushi. Or, if you prefer beer and sake, they have that too!

Matsu
(credit: Matsu)

Matsu
18035 Beach Blvd
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 848-4404
www.matsusogood.com

It's not an exaggeration to use words like "hidden and nestled" when describing Matsu's location because it is actually tucked away in the far corner of strip mall. Blink and you'll miss this Huntington Beach landmark which would be so sad because beyond the nondescript doors is one of the biggest and best Japanese restaurants in Orange County. For over thirty years, Matsu has been a staple in the the community when it comes to traditional Japanese dining and highly skilled sushi chefs. Serving lunch and dinner, guests will find the typical sushi options, as well as entrees like chicken teriyaki and more. Come see for yourself where old-school meets new school, but don't wait because reservations fill up quickly.

Nicole Standley a.k.a. JetSet Mom, is a social influencer + lifestylist covering luxury travel, fine-dining, fashion & pop culture for The JetSet Family. Follow her latest travels and escapades on Instagram, Google+ and Twitter.
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