Super authentic, like literally top tier above most other places you've been to. Only eaten here for lunch because it's supposedly super pricey for dinner? Lunch specials are plenty and they're all $10-15 very reasonable and high quality. Can't recommend enough. Just look at the menu and get what you want and it'll be great! Support this business! Outdoor seating is very nice, like ~6+ tables read more

It's been a while since I went there. It was right before Covid. We came back here with friends and we enjoyed izakaya style small dishes and some sushi. Foods are as good as before. Good for family, for business and even with kids. My recommendations; Cream croquette, Battera Sushi (box style), Chawan-mushi (JPN style egg custard savory seasoned. ) Parking is easy. In front of restaurant. Big group, reservation recommended. read more

Authentic Japanese restaurant! Tapa style Japanese food, so limited sushi rolls/no sashimi. We ordered a lot of dishes and all of them were so good. Very good service, but the place can be cleaner and cooler. read more

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This is authentic real Japanese food restaurant. From real home made foods to high quality dishes. The variety of menu is amazed me how well they prepare the each dishes. As I'm Japanese, this place is to go restaurant for Japanese food :) read more

LOVE this place for really good Japanese food -- authentic and reasonably prices. They have daily lunch specials, so be sure to call in or check the board when you arrive. The restaurant is pretty small, but they're quick with service. For lunch, we usually have a big group of maybe 10 people, so we call in our orders. By the time we arrive a little after 11:30am, there's a table all set and our orders come out quickly (great if you only have an hour for lunch). Portions are really good. I usually can't even finish all my rice! - Ten Don Set (tempura, $9.50) - So good! It comes with 2 pieces of shrimp, lotus root, eggplant, mushroom, and white fish. Plus, it comes with a small bowl of udon (kind of salty, but still delicious). - Una Jyu (Fresh Water Eel, $11.50) - Huge portions. The eel is soft and the sauce is soooo good. I don't think you can go wrong with any of their orders. I'd come back for lunch everyday if I could! read more

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In the hyper competitive cuisine culture that Orange County inherited from Los Angeles it is easy to forget what makes SoCal great. Cultures coming together to make great food and an even better environment to eat it. Their small hot dishes stand alone without the dulling of sauces and over indulgent seasonings, leaving you to enjoy the ingredients and the grill. I ate their food, drank beer with the chefs, and paid no more than I would at a Chilis. Eating is more than putting food in your mouth. Come, enjoy. read more

Overall: Kappo Sui makes authentic Japanese food for a decent price at lunch. However, the service was so off putting that I don't think I will ever come back. Food: 4 Hirekatsu Don comes with a bowl of rice topped with katsu and egg, a bowl of udon, and some pickles. The dish was piping hot when it was brought out. The egg was fluffy and the sauce was well balanced. The katsu was well fried, and it wasn't too dry inside. I've had a better version, but this was decent and a great price. Kake Udon: The noodles were well cooked, but the broth was a little too salty and sweet. It was an ok price, but it was a tad expensive because it had a single kamaboko and a sprinkle of green onions. Service: 0 For a Japanese restaurant, the service was lackluster during our meal. The waitresses never refilled our waters even though they visited the tables next to us multiple times to take orders and bring out food. When I asked, I had to ask TWICE for the refill. It declined rapidly when we paid the bill. After bringing us the card and receipts to sign, the waitress kept coming up to our table to look at the receipt, and she spoke to an older man, who I assume is the manager or owner since he mans the cashier. She was NOT subtle about at all because I was on my phone and I still noticed. Eventually, the man came out, picked up our bill, and demanded a tip several times before we had even stood up to leave. How was he to know that I wouldn't tip? What if I was going to tip in cash? TLDR: There is nothing I hate more than people who demand a tip. It's something you earn, and you earn it easily as long as you aren't a complete ass. If you expect one, just add a service charge. Ambiance: 2 The restaurant seems clean, but it is on the older side. It was a little stuffy inside, even on a cool winter day, and it feels a little cramped for me. The tables are placed really close to each other so you can clearly hear everything that the table next to you is saying. In fact, it almost feels as if they are a part of your party. read more

Kappo Sui - Hirekatsu Don - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Real Japanese food in the books for you...your authentic Japanese food is waiting! Although I originally planned to get their grilled mackerel lunch set (what's the point of looking at menus ahead of time?), I ultimately ended up ordering the hirekatsu don because it seemed more filling for my starved appetite. It was a good selection: it was the perfect size for a good lunch meal. It came with a side portion of udon, which had just enough to satisfy my once-in-a-while udon craving. The broth was a little too sweet for me to pleasantly sip on, but the noodles were cooked perfectly. The katsu don was big. There was a little too much rice for me, which I just ended up leaving behind when I finished the katsu. The katsu was mixed in with egg and was just fantastic. Although I don't eat pork often, Kappo Sui made it very worth it. Quick, efficient meals are the best. I was in and out of there within an hour. Will be back for you, mackerel! read more

Kappo Sui - Hirekatsu don - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Great place! I've been going here often since I've been born and it never disappoints. They have such a nice cozy setting. The waitresses are super nice and friendly too! They have great sushi and my favorite cold udon and croquettes! And for great prices! It's also so convenient to eat here after shopping in south coast plaza. Wanting Japanese is a no brainer to come here! read more

Very authentic Japanese cuisine. I'm so glad I found this place. This is my favorite Japanese restaurant in LA so far. I was especially amazed by the udon, shrimp and chicken wing. The shrimp is crispy outside and juicy inside. Both the shell and the head are easily edible. They are very serious about cooking the udon. The noodle was accurately weighted by a scale before cooking. I usually don't like thin udon, but this one had changed my mind. read more

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Kappo Sui is located in a small strip mall in Costa Mesa and they serve traditional Japanese cuisine. All the staff and most of their clientele are Japanese, which is usually a good sign as to this place being a legitimate Japanese establishment. On the 2 occasions that I have visited I have opted for the extremely reasonably priced lunch box sets. Chicken Karaage Set ($7.50): This consisted of Japanese fried chicken, rice, miso soup, pickles, and a small Japanese brown vegetable dish (hijiki). The chicken was very crispy on the outside and extremely moist on the inside. While there wasn't much seasoning to the chicken, it tasted great as did all the accompaniments. This is probably the best deal at the restaurant. Ten Don with Small Bowl of Udon ($8.75): 6 pieces of tempura (2 shrimp, 1 fish, and 3 vegetables) were served over a bed of rice. While the tempura was soggy, I did enjoy the taste and variety of pieces. A bowl of udon accompanied this. The noodles were nice and chewy and the broth was good. I did notice some of the customers ordering sushi, which was at least double in price but did look fresh. But it's the 2 lunch box sets that I mentioned that are the exceptional value here and I'll definitely be back for those! read more

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The food and sushi at Kappo Sui are decent. The place needs a little work. It is old, which is fine, but the carpet is dirty (carpet in a Japanese restaurant??) and it could use some paint and decorations. The cooks behind the counter and the ladies that served us were super nice. I think if they changed the decor and made it more like a Kappo it would be great! read more

My colleagues and I come here often for lunch. It is one of those true, authentic Japanese bento places that fills your cravings at a reasonable cost. Every day they write their lunch special on the whiteboard. My favorite so far has been the gyudon (beef bowl) with poached egg - so f'in good. I wish they'd put it on their regular menu. Their lunch combo comes with delicious miso soup and rice, salad as well, and whatever protein you choose (i.e. teriyaki chicken, tempura or CA roll). You can taste the quality in their food. The place has a mom and pop shop feel and all staff are friendly and the place is clean. read more

This place doesn't miss. They have great staff that greet you warmly and provide helpful suggestions to the uninitiated, like me. The food comes fast and very hot. We got the pork cutlet, maitake tempura, smelt fish, shishito peppers, and miso soup. Don't expect "Japanese" food like you might expect Taco Bell to Serve Mexican food. This place is the real deal, eat here. read more

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Don't let the older interior fool you! This is how authentic Japanese food in OC gets. Kappo Sui serves delicious, izakaya-style dishes and they have some of the freshest fish as well. The service is always friendly and helpful. A definite must if you want to try delicious and authentic Japanese food! read more

Fresh sashimi and the best eel I've had. Everything was on point, including the miso soup.

Authentic and delicious Japanese food at a reasonable price! The aesthetic and ambiance may not be as good as other Japanese restaurants, but the food and service is definitely on par. read more

My go to spot for lunch in this area. Food is always on point and the prices can't be beat. Portion size is kinda small but they give you some dishes to offset the smaller portion sizes. Always check out the lunch specials but if not there are plenty of other good choices. I like the salmon lunch combo or the fried pork bowl. Home style cooking for a decent price. Service could be better but that won't stop me from coming here. Highly recommend. read more

Excellent restaurant. My wife is Japanese and I lived in Japan for seven years so when we eat out and go to a Japanese restaurant we want to enjoy authentic Japanese food. Kappo Sui was a very pleasant surprise, every dish was delicious, service was friendly and efficient. Even the desserts looked homemade and not too sweet (even the caramel tarte, which was a real treat). I will come back again soon ! read more

The food, ambience, and service are top tier and unrivaled. Orange County is blessed to be home to a plethora of fine restaurants, but Kappo Sui tops them all with its elite ability to educate yet spoil one's tongue. The staff are incredibly friendly and honest, and the vibes make you feel as if you are dining in your own home. Truly a gem and will be back so very soon!! read more

Hidden gem that has been around since 1995. Amazing authentic Japanese food that is hard to find being made in America, and all of the staff speak Japanese. Servers are charming and kind. I liked the jazz music playing :) read more

You're looking at like real Japanese food. Literally, it's like walking into a restaurant in the countryside of Japan. Why? Well for one; the majority of the customers speak Japanese. You can tell that they've been coming here for quite sometime. I ended up getting their Sushi Nigiri special, its okay, nothing too spectacular but I enjoyed the overall feel of the restaurant. It's almost like if you were adopted into a Japanese family. P.S. Parking sucks so come early. read more

I am on a legit Japanese food kick. Currently still dreaming about the food at Kappo Sui. I came here at 1 p.m. I know, I was one of "those" people. However, the wait staff at Kappo Sui never made me feel bad and was even pleasantly nice! The establishment itself is in a little tight of a spot that's right next to Fresca's, a massage parlor, & a 7-11. I've come to trust any place that's in a ridiculous little strip mall. Kappo Sui was no disappointment. They have a pretty well priced lunch menu! I ordered the Hirekatsu Don & was amazed as how much food I received for basically nothing. The don came in a huge bowl, alongside with a medium size bowl of udon. Don't let them fool you. They're "small" was pretty big! The rice was pleasantly dressed with some kind of soy saucey sauce and was delicious! Next layer? Caramelized onions. Wow. To match that was a nice hearty later of the actual pork katsu covered in egg. The deliciousness was overwhelming and frankly, food-coma-ing. The small udon was just a bowl of noodles and broth, but the broth had deep rich flavor. It was the kind of flavor you taste when something has been simmering in it for hours. $14 for my meal with a tip? Not bad at all Kappo Sui! I can't wait to actually taste your lunch specials sometime! You're definitely on my go back list! read more

Kappo Sui - Lunch menu. 04.12.18 - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Waitstaff was nice upon entering . The food takes a drastic dive . I ordered chicken teriyaki and tempura . The salad consisted of ONLY iceberg lettuce , nothing else . No radish, cabbage , carrot , onion ..... nothing . It had a moderately flavorful dressing , but was more than sad looking . I was slightly dumbfounded . The low point was the tempura . It was 3 pathetic , obviously previously frozen and tiny shrimp, with a greasy and soggy tempura batter . The additional vegetables was one small mushroom , and one soggy and greasy piece of eggplant . I was shocked at the stingy amount of vegetables and the soft batter on the pieces . No crispy crunchy coating at all . I couldn't eat the last shrimp (it was that bad) Knowing that culturally the Japanese pride themselves on presentation for everything . Nothing here had any thoughtfulness to presentation whatsoever . They also had NO sashimi (??????) or raw fish of any kind to order ! Is this temporary for the restaurant or just the way things always are here ? In short , a major disappointment . How can they think that they are proud to serve this ? My first scathing review ever . By the way , the owners are different than some of the older and positive reviews .. Would like to know WHY there is no raw fish served . Is it that no one has any sushi chef skills ?? (Which is bad to hear ) Or, are they not permitted for health reasons that they can't comply with the health department to be able to serve it ? (Also bad ) Would like to know ... answers from the restaurant about this I would appreciate hearing from you . read more

Good food, good service!! Traditional lunch bento, fish was fresh, presentation was nice. Everything tasted so good which I was not expected in a little hole in the wall read more

Kappo Sui - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Authentic Japanese Cuisine. The setting is a bit old. More of a hole in a wall kind of place. Service was prompt - the food was excellent. Most of the patrons were Japanese as well. read more

Loved it. Sushi and tempura were excellent. Atmosphere is simple but sincere. Will absolutely be back.

This is so far my favorite Japanese restaurant around. Came here almost once a week at lunch hours. Tried most of the food in lunch menu. They never let me down. The price may seem pricy for lunch. However, the proportion is really decent. My favorite meal is Ten don. It come with a udon that is also great as well. A bit on the salty side but still good. Customer service is great as well. Even provide hot tea for free and refill it without having to ask. Love this place! read more

Kappo Sui - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The food was sooooo awesome! Japanese home cooking! Just like how family made it! I need to eat here more often! read more

Kappo Sui - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This is NOT a sushi restaurant, and if you give it a try you will be better for it. If you're new to Kappo, I suggest you order whatever your servers says is good. Think tempura, braised dishes, some noodles, and unique choices you won't find at sushi bars. My husband and I love this place for date night, I highly recommend. read more

Not as good as before but it is still can be accepted. However, they don't do the famous dishes of the restaurant before anymore.

Such a hidden gem. Love this place so much, so authentic. If you're looking for authentic, simple ingredients but magnificent execution, come here. It's a hole in a wall Japanese restaurant, I highly recommend. read more

Authentic Japanese restaurant run by Japanese team. Hidden gem in a small strip mall. We are always impressed with the level of service and quality of food. Lunch menu is small but tasty with assortment of bento and undo. Dinner is more extension with more specialty items beyond Americanized Japanese items like sushi rolls. read more

Kappo Sui is celebrated as one of the most revered Japanese comfort food places by all of the top Japanese chefs in Southern California. This is one of our ultimate family favorites... I've known the crew here for almost two decades. I remember when I used to bring my teenage son here as a baby, to have one-on-one time... Tomoko-san (chef-owner) used to just hold my baby boy in his arms and play with him while I ate... And 14 years later, my he has now become quite the Japanese food connoisseur. My younger son started eating sushi at age 3. Some of his biggest, most favorite meals have been here. Whenever I have to go to Japan for business, Kappo Sui is usually my last meal before I go, and one of my first meals when I get back to the OC. I go here when I am happy or when I am sad; when I am celebrating or when I want to retreat from busy-ness; when I am entertaining foodies or when we just need a simple family meal. I'm so glad that they've been open throughout the Covid pandemic. They serve lunch and dinner at the restaurant, and also offer take out. Thanks for the years of great comfort food! read more

Kappo Sui - Tuna Bowl..: - Japanese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

If you want American sushi, this is not your spot. It's more Japanese than "sushi". But, very worth the meal. When I showed up at 5pm (the time they open on multiple websites) I was turned away because they open at 5:30pm. The smell of frying oil was pungent. But, the reviews and pictures made me wait. I ordered salmon nigiri, spicy tuna roll and agedashi tofu. The salmon was melt in your mouth. The tuna roll was messy but very flavorful and sparing with the mayo (which I prefer). The agedashi tofu was wonderfully silky with the umami expected but I did taste the frying oil that I smelled in the air when I walked in. If they changed the oil in their fryers more often I think the tofu would have been amazing! BTW, I think I was the only non-Asian person and it was super busy (for COVID times). To me, that's a sign of a quality place - they attract people who know what the food should be. The service was also really great. I will return, for sure. read more

Ok this place gets better every time we come. 5 stars now. So many home style dishes. Never had anything bad here. Always same staff. 100 percent legit. Still going strong. read more

Ok for OC, but doesn't compare to South Bay. I am torn between two previous reviews, so I suggest taking a look at both of them (Greg T. and Albert W.). I agree with Greg, but Albert starts off his with specifying Orange County. He may be correct. Regardless, read both. ~Ingredients are fresh-Check The ingredients are fresh...specifically the vegetables. It was the flavor and preparation that were whatevers. Ice Green Tea sucked. ~Service~3 Stars The man running the place was rude. The hostesses were nice but overwhelmed. ~Food~3 Stars Overall. Details are as follows Udon Soup 3 stars Again, fresh ingredients except my noodles were ok. The broth was a surprise and I loved it. Plenty of Mushrooms. I cant stand mushrooms. Butter fish 3.5 Stars What butter fish isn't good? I had the glazed. It was a bit salty, but pretty good. I prefer Echizen's better. Tempura 3 Stars I would say 2 stars, but everything was fresh. Bonus. Just my preference, the batter was not to my liking. Soba 2 stars. Good broth. Again, I am used to South Bay. Green Tea 2 Stars Whatevers. I seriously doubt I will return here. The price is too high when I can get similar food for much cheaper in South Bay. Yes, South Bay is far but depending on your party, you just might save enough to make it worth your drive. For similar food, I actually prefer echizen in Cypress..Yummers. Overall, this place is AOK. Kappo Sui, another reason the OC is the best place to live. read more

- Locale Destination - It's on Santa Ana Ave & Santa Ana Ave in Costa Mesa - on the gas station "Shell" side (Santa Ana Ave will become Red Hill Ave if you went toward Airport side). It's in the tiny strip mall by "seven eleven"! The outside doesn't look promising. Inside is kinda outdated, as well. They got a sushi bar and tables. Service is not great. Just so so. The owner Japanese guy seemed grumpy but was OK to me. All the staff are Japanese. The menu are mostly Japanese. They also got an English menu, but the items on menu are pretty tuned to Japanese customers. You might need to bring your Japanese friend to enjoy here so that you know what you get. - Gluttony Expedition - Sushi: I think the quality is less than average. If you want a great sushi, go to "Nana San" in Newport Beach. It's very close from here. I wouldn't order sushi here. Sushi: Spanish mackerel and halibut were just OK. Careless. Sauteed garlic clam: It looked like a "Saka-mushi" (steamed with sake) with tons of soup. The soup-like sauce got tons of sake and garlic. Good. Spinach salad: Spinach, bacon, kaiware and mushroom with a soy sauce based dressing. It's one of the popular menu for Japanese people, but this is just meh since I'm Japanese and so familiar with it. Over-hyped. Roasted Aigamo (duck) with salt: Duck was cooked well (Medium Rare) and tasty. Rice balls: Mentai / salmon inside of the rice ball. Each rice ball costs $2.50, which is a total rip off. The rice ball wasn't made tight enough and fell apart, so I had to use chopsticks. Sauteed mentai rotus roots: The rotus roots were crunchy and seasoned well with mentai-ko (spicy trout eggs). I do like it. Gindara miso: Butterfish with miso. The fish was marinated well with sake. Miso on top of the fish was a bit too sweet side. The flavor for adults. Not the best one I've ever had but good. Shrimp shinjyo: Grated shrimp was deep fried. Hot and fluffy with decent flavors. - Conqueror's Deduction - 3.5 stars. Over-hyped. Where were Japanese customers?? I was the only Japanese there. The menu totally caters to strictly Japanese customers. They might go to "Sushi Kappo Suzumaru" in Tustin for tapas - the place is packed by Japanese people unexpectedly. I think it's a bit too expensive for the food quality and Japanese tapas. $2.50 for just ONE rice ball??? Yeah, they got a decent quality but nothing WOW to me. I'm Japanese from Japan. If you think this is the greatest "Kappo" (tapas restaurant in Japanese), you're totally wrong. If you went to kappos in Japan, they'll blow your mind. The level of goodness (taste wise) is beyond comparison to this. Hondaya's "jidori Mentai mayo salad" wows me (in Tustin), but not this plain spinach salad. I liked the "roasted aigamo" (duck) with salt, but as a whole, it was not so much of the level to make me think "I WANNA GO BACK". I might come back if I did crave for typical traditional Japanese foods, but for the price, you should expect more. They failed me in many ways... read more

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I wanted to have my review written all in nihongo (Japanese) to give my review some authenticity, but that might exclude 98% of the people who might read this.... actually, that might make my review more appealing? (the people rating this place 5 stars are into that sort of thing). I can see how having an all Japanese staff/clientele may appeal or create some level of intrigue for people because this place caters to a strictly a Japanese clientele, but I've been here several times, one for a birthday, and a couple other times just for dinner. Neither one of those times was I ever impressed/content with their food. Even if you do go with somebody who's Japanese and all buddy buddy with the owner. Here's what we ordered off of the menu and the exclusionary specials menu which had a lot of sashimi that day... and california rolls (ok maybe not): - Asari to niniku (nothing special) - Renkon tempura (i love renkon.... mediocre here) - Kisu tempura (average) - Hakusai zuke (not as good as my gam gam's) - Aji no tataki (meh) - Aigamo no shioyaki (sucked, check out Wazen in Irvine instead) One other thing, just because you see a bunch of Americans in a McDonalds doesn't make it the best authentic burger.... now if only Taco Bell could only have a menu only in spanish, that might make it into an authentic Mexican restaurant. read more

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We went to Kappo Sui in costa mesa tonight. it's a small humble little japanese restaurant with an open kitchen. it's rare to see the entire kitchen staff and wait staff japanese. the restaurant was all booked so we had to seat at the bar. there is a variety of izakaya, sushi, and carb dishes to choose from. we were impressed by the quality of the food and everything tasted pretty good. Service was equally excellent as we received our food promptly and immediately questioned if we wanted more beer when our pitcher was running low. Food is excellently executed without the air of pretentiousness from the newer "modern" izakayas, it feels like this place hasn't changed since the 90s and probably never will. From beginning to end the whole experience was flawless and met my expectations on how an Izakaya should be. read more