An absolute hidden gem in San Clemente! From the quality of the fish to Chef Hide-San's thoughtful…read morerecommendations and warm hospitality, every dish showcased an incredible level of freshness, balance, and craftsmanship, making this one of the most memorable sushi experiences I've had.
5-Piece Omakase Set: 5/5
The Omakase set for that day included Red Snapper, Bluefin Toro, Hamachi Toro, Cherry Salmon, and Seared Miso Black Cod, with each piece showcasing its own distinct flavor and texture beautifully. The Red Snapper had a delicate sweetness that paired nicely with the fresh wasabi on top, creating a clean and refreshing start to the set. Both the Bluefin Toro and Hamachi Toro were incredibly buttery with a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth texture that immediately made us order another round. The Hamachi Toro was the definite standout, delivering a deeply savory richness with a silky finish. The Cherry Salmon was incredibly tender without feeling overly oily, allowing its natural richness to shine through. The final course, the Seared Miso Black Cod, was so decadent with the sweet and savory marinade of the miso glaze perfectly complementing the richness of the sablefish.
Spooni: 10000000000000/5
The Spooni was easily the star of this meal. Featuring Santa Barbara Uni, Ikura, Tobiko, Caviar, Quail Egg Yolk and topped with scallions, it tasted incredibly luxurious and delivered an explosion of flavor as every ingredient blended together perfectly. The Santa Barbara Uni was rich and buttery, pairing beautifully with the briny Ikura, Tobiko, and Caviar to create a decadent yet perfectly balanced experience. The quail egg yolk tied everything together with its creamy, velvety richness, while the scallions added the perfect fresh finish. Every element complemented each other flawlessly, creating an absolutely unforgettable and indulgent experience.
Santa Barbara Uni: 5/5
The Santa Barbara Uni was one of the best pieces of sushi I've had in a long time. The Uni was exceptionally fresh, rich, and buttery with a smooth and creamy custard-like texture that tasted incredibly luxurious. Paired with perfectly seasoned rice, it allowed the natural sweetness and briny depth of the Uni to truly shine.
Engawa: 5/5
A rare and prized sushi delicacy, Hide-san recommended the Engawa to us and it absolutely exceeded every expectation! The aburi-style preparation brought a delicate smokiness from the light sear that enhanced the natural sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture of the Engawa beautifully. The balance of richness, softness, and subtle char made this piece truly unforgettable and one of the standout nigiri of the night!
Black Snapper: 5/5
The black snapper nigiri immediately stood out to me for its exceptional freshness and clean, refined flavor. It had a delicate sweetness with a buttery finish and a soft, yet slightly firm texture that created an incredibly satisfying bite. The balance of freshness, richness, and subtle umami of the fish lingered beautifully on the palate, making this an elegant and memorable piece of nigiri.
Yellowtail Special: 5/5
The Yellowtail Special was incredibly refreshing, allowing every ingredient to shine without overpowering the delicate flavor of the fish. The Yellowtail sashimi was exceptionally fresh, buttery, and rich, while the ponzu added a bright citrusy depth that enhanced its natural sweetness. The lemon brought a refreshing acidity and the jalapeño introduced a subtle heat to elevate the dish. Light, vibrant, and flavorful, the Yellowtail Special highlighted an elegant balance of acidity, heat, and rich umami.
Toro-taku: 5/5
The Toro-taku delivered the perfect contrast of rich, buttery Bluefin Toro with the sharp sweetness and satisfying crunch of yellow pickled daikon radish. The toro had a creamy richness and deep, savory umami, while the takuan added a refreshing texture and brightness that balanced every bite beautifully. The dish was a perfect harmony of smooth and crunchy textures, finished with a subtle, refreshing zest that kept every bite exciting.
Blue Crab Roll: 4/5
The blue crab roll was a well-executed dish that delivered a delicate sweetness and buttery richness, complemented by a subtle, briny ocean tang that created a pleasant balance. The ingredients tasted fresh, and the roll itself was light, flavorful, and enjoyable to eat. While it didn't stand out as much as some of the other dishes from the meal, it was still a solid and satisfying roll overall!
Dragon Roll: 5/5
The dragon roll was absolutely outstanding and easily one of the freshest eel rolls I've had. The unagi was incredibly tender, delivering a rich, decadent melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Paired with creamy avocado, sweet crab meat, rich eel sauce, and the crisp texture of shrimp tempura and cucumber, the roll blended sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavors together seamlessly. The freshness of the eel truly stood out and elevated this classic roll into something exceptional!