I had such a memorable experience here. The omakase was honestly one of the most fun and intimate dining experiences I've had in a while. It's a small space, which makes it feel really personal -- you're not just eating, you're part of the experience. Each course felt thoughtful and paced perfectly, and you could tell there was a lot of care put into every detail. Watching everything being prepared right in front of you made it even more special. Nothing felt rushed, and the whole atmosphere was calm, relaxed, and welcoming. What I appreciated most was how intimate it felt. It didn't feel like a typical restaurant dinner, more like being invited into something personal and curated. You really get to slow down and enjoy each bite. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a unique omakase experience in South OC. I'll for sure be coming back. read more

We finally came back here when it was open on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025. I made some new friends and had a great time sampling so many different types of sake for $20 a person It was fun hanging out everyone who loves this place. I learned a lot about how sake is brewed but I was too buzzed to remember ha ha I should've taken notes! I can't wait to come back here after they reopen on 1/7/26. I can't wait to try their omakase! read more

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One of the best sushi omakase in town! It's a small little bar in the back of a sake store. You would have to never known! Only 1 serving on Wednesday and saturdays so you need to reserve well in advance. Yuka and Hiro are the best one two combos! I absolutely love coming here as the sushi omakase is amazing!!!!! They also have sake pairings so you can't miss this. read more

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Absolutely amazing experience. If you want a complete Omakase, this is the place to go in Orange County. A personalized and authentic pairing experience, I couldn't have asked for more. It isn't too formal, despite it being my first experience I felt comfortable and more than happy to be here. Don't miss this hidden gem. read more

Hanaka - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

such a great experience. I even learned a lot about Sake. Thank you to the team at Hanaka. Can't wait to go back.

Very low key omakase experience and option sake pairing. Very no frills and casual and nothing super unique or inventive. Especially loved the first pairing of sake and they have quite a nice selection. Amiable and friendly service. read more

Such an incredible, tasty, informational and joyous experience. So grateful to have found Hanaka and be able to attend their omakase tasting. I cannot rave about this place, the food, the sake, Hiro and Yuka enough! It's an intimate dining experience that you really can't find anywhere else. Cant wait to go back and bring friends!! read more

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I really had an incredible experience here. It was my first omakase experience and everything prepared by chef Hiro was perfection, every flavor was perfectly balance and the order of the food was exceptional. Our host also created such a fun and exciting atmosphere and the owner was available through zoom to guide the experience as well and educate on sake pairings (I believe the owner is usually available at the omakase and this was an exception, but our host did a great job). Amazing experience with amazing food, I can't wait to come back. It was my anniversary with my partner and they even prepared a little cake - this personalization meant a lot to us as the other dinners we attended for our anniversary did not have this level of thoughtfulness. Can't recommend this place enough!!! read more

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Hanaka is a hidden gem and sake lovers should all flock to this place. Hanaka also has wonderful omakase and izakaya nights as well. The owner is wonderful and she will help describe the sake you are having so that you not only enjoy the spirit but also learn about sake. There are 3 unique experiences at Hanaka. (1) First is the sake-tasting experience. These take place Sat and Sun only between 1pm and 5pm. No need for reservations. There are often more than 20 types of sakes to choose from and the options are refreshed every 1-2 months. (2) Second is omakase and sake pairing. These are Thurs and Sat nights only with seating at 630pm. Reservations required. Head Chef Hiro is a genius! The flavors of the food he puts together are amazing. Well worth it. 3 sake pairings are part of the price and you can purchase additional sake to compliment the rest of the meal. Highly recommended! So Fun. (3) Izakaya night happens every Wednesday evening starting at 6 pm I believe. No reservations just walk in. Sometimes it is super busy, but other times, not so much. The small bites, sake, and the people are always great! read more

The food, the drinks, the vibes.... You can't go wrong choosing this place. Highly recommend for an amazing omakase experience in south OC

Great saki and sochu. Saki tastings are very good. Thursday tapas is fantastic. Good food with great saki. Amazing more people don't know about this place. read more

Fun little spot for sake tasting! There's also a wide selection of items for sale. The sake sets are really pretty and the price range for Sake bottles is very reasonable. I've been here 3 times now, and have enjoyed every visit. This place is definitely a hidden gem, great for solo drinks, a date, or just a small hangout with friends and family. Each month, the menu list changes :) which is great for someone like me that likes variety. read more

Hanaka - Flight - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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Best Sushi and Sake Experience in Orange County. They have very limited openings, for the private Sushi and Sake tasting so book well in advance read more

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Best sake selection in OC, great ambiance. Izakaya and omakase nights are a must. The owner and staff are phenomenal read more

Hanaka - Japanese scallop and Uni - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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My (now wife) and I have been coming here for over a year and love both the food/drink and the people. Come for omakase night twice a week or Izakaya night on Thursday. I'm updating my review because we had a pre-wedding event here and everyone loved it. Please consider hosting an event with 20-30 people here, you can get sake, beer and food from Jiizake across the street! read more

South OC's hidden gem uncovered! We stumbled upon this place waiting for our pizza from the same plaza (Brooklyn where you at?!) We were actually walking towards the Greek market and noticed SAKE TASTING. Let's just say we never made it to the market. This place has a wide selection of sake and a very knowledgeable owner who is more than willing to help with suggestions and drop some knowledge when it comes to sake. Hoping to normalize sake drinking and make it less confusing when deciding what to select, Hanaka brings a great selection and great atmosphere. The back of the retail store has a tasting room which has some food selections and sushi on the weekends. We will definitely be back to try different bottles and just chop it up with the owner. Support small business! read more

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With only seating for 8 at the bar and only doing 2 seatings per week, Thursday and Saturday nights, this place will be in high demand. The 15 courses, 3 appetizers paired with sake followed by 12 pieces of perfectly prepared fish were amazing. The chef and owner / sake sommelier were knowledgeable and very friendly. This intimate place is not about over paying for decor. The food and sake are the stars of the show. read more

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Omg I wish I know this place earlier!! They have so many sake selection and sake tasting. The owner is so nice and the sake is so good. You will be able to taste variety sake that you will never have at restaurant. I am going to be the owner bff! read more

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Wow, just wow! Amazing omakase and intimate setting. Sake selection robust and pairing was beautiful. A true hidden gem.

You can buy sake at Japanese supermarkets, but only HANAKA can do tasting at Orange County! read more

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Best hidden gem in OC! An incredible selection of different sakes and an izakaya experience that's the best we've had. Yuka is gracious, fun, and an expert - we really enjoyed our time with her and she has only elevated our experience. Hiro makes excellent food that pairs perfect with the different types of sake. Overall, we will keep coming back to Hanaka!! read more

Our first sale tasting experience. So wonderful, yuka, owner and server, so knowledgeable and gracious. Recommend this location to everyone. read more

Hanaka - With friends tasting Sake - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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Adorable spot for great sake and Japanese snacks! They even have a tasting bar in the back.

Loved this shop. I lived in Japan 7 years and really enjoyed finding an authentic sake shop with the opportunity to taste products. Yuka-san was amazing at guiding us with the menu and options and provided great service. I also liked the ambiance and the little counter in the back with videos of Tokyo by night running the whole time, very nice touch :) read more

Owner is very friendly, she helped me to do special orders and keep the communication updates. Great selections of sake and Japanese wines.

It is a shop where you can experience the tasting of rare sake in Orange County.