San Clemente Sushi Company is very easy to find, right on the corner with its unique rounded turret…read morearchitecture. This small plaza has its own parking lot with about a dozen spaces. The lot was about half full at 5pm on a Sunday. The dining room is small. There are five or six tables, and some seating at the sushi bar. It does have a nice feel with the round interior, high ceiling, and many windows with a nice view outside. There was some light background music playing. It wasn't busy this early, but it started to get busier after 5:30pm. We started out with the four piece jalapeno poppers ($10). These were very good. The jalapenos were crisp, stuffed with cream cheese, with two sauces drizzled on top. I think there was also a little spicy tuna on top. Next, we ordered a California roll ($8) and a spicy tuna roll ($9). These were good standard rolls with fresh ingredients, and reasonably priced, especially for the area. They have a menu of chef's special rolls which sounded good, and we decided to try the Pink Lady (Inside: Shrimp, Crab, Spicy Tuna, Avocado, Outside: Salmon, Jalapeno, Lemon, Soy Paper, Mustard Ponzu, $20). It might seem a little expensive, but it a roll with no rice. It was excellent, and well worth the money. If you love citrus like I do, you have to try it. I have never had pink lemon before. It's still tart but sweeter than a yellow lemon and less sweet than a Meyer lemon. Our server was friendly, and our food arrived promptly. We would return again when in the area. The only downside is that the restaurant is small. If the dining room is full, you may have to wait a while to be seated.

First Impression: first time we had it was take out, and the portions were generous and fish was…read moresuper fresh. First impression dining in - small dining area, a lot of take out materials of covidpast Location: located near the freeway. Parking is limited and shared with the plaza. You park in the back and walk around the building to enter. Experience: service is quick and friendly. We have gone a couples times now and each time whether dine in or take out is the same. Sushi chef are working fast to pump out orders without compromising on quality. I would suggest the non rice options and sushi. Note: you can phone in your take out order for fast service.

They have a great happy hour specials $5 options and wide variety of sake / drinks. I was able to…read morewalk-in on a Friday at 5pm pretty easily. The space is upstairs and great seating options. I really enjoyed the unagi and spicy tuna. The warm rice and crispy seaweed were delicious and delightful. This is a great spot to start the night before exploring San Clemente and the service is super quick. They have a virtual waitlist which is nice to see the walk-in availability.

Drinks and food were all excellent. Execution of the drinks was fantastic…read more The lost star is for medium level service. At other small, speakeasy locations that I have visited the wait staff/bartenders/etc are overly knowledgeable about the menu and how to help select a cocktail that you will like. We did not get that on this visit.

This is an update since my last updated review was back in 2019 when I was working nearby like one…read morebuilding over and now i'm a bit far away. Stop by next door to get my nails done for a wedding and decided I had some time to kill before my next meeting so I stop by. Keep in mind this was after the lunch rush so plenty of seating and no wait time i got in around 2;53pm and was pretty happy to be seated right away. I was hungry and I missed eating here, prices were still affordable and delicious. My meal came out to be less than $25 and yes, that is with tip. I ordered an appetizer of Shrimp and Vegetable tempura, coke and a shrimp & veggies tempura udon. Perfect combo on a gloomy day, and honestly, I need to head here more often. I did past by the other day right before 6pm and there were people waiting outside for a table so it's a great spot. I'm telling you guys, its the go to place in SC. Their sushi is pretty darn fresh too, if you don't want to drive all the way to Irvine or L.A.

Very unassuming sushi spot tucked in a plaza. If you are coming here for dinner, be prepared to…read morewait. My group of 3 came around 6pm and waited close to 25 minutes for a table. It does feel a little cramped inside but they do their best to accommodate as many diners as they can. The two servers were running around and being efficient and attentive as possible which I recognized and appreciated. Looking at the menu, they have a variety of sushi rolls and other non-fish options such as udon and teriyaki plates. Also, I felt like I was transported to pre-2010 days with the prices. Never seen a menu with prices under $15 for everything and $3.50 for a handroll? It's no wonder why this place is poppin. To be honest, while the fish quality is not stellar, it still tastes good and flavors are satisfying. Plus considering the price, you can't expect to have 5 star cuts. I would recommend the tataki special roll (spicy tuna with seared cajun tuna on top) and the baked salmon roll (CA roll with baked salmon eel sauce on top), these two were my favs. I would recommend!

Wonderful fried tofu yaki udon this time. Loves the flavor and texture of noodles with veggies…read more Good service, nice upbeat music and plenty of seating available today.

First, the beer was not chilled at all, despite the fact that Japanese restaurants typically serve…read morevery cold beer ("hiyashi") in their culture. I ordered a spicy seafood udon, but it only contained two pieces of mussel, a few tough, dried calamari rings Finger size), a couple of tiny scallops about the size of baby fingernails, and three pieces of baby shrimp. The soup lacked any seafood flavor and had an overly salty, unappealing red color. The price seemed unreasonable compared to the quality of the food. It's no surprise that they only had two tables occupied on a Saturday afternoon at 1:30 PM. I recommend they consider changing the restaurant's name from "Sushi Kara" to "Kara Sushi." If they are truly Japanese, they would understand the significance of this.

We were really impressed by the service and freshness of the food here. We ordered the seaweed…read moresalad, chicken karaage, chicken teriyaki bowl, and salmon bowl. All were delicious with generous portions. The prices were reasonable. Great value for the money and location. Inside the restaurant contained nice decoration, comfortable seating, and appropriate lighting. uplifting music was playing.

This place is cozy and friendly. They have a good selection of sashimi and rolls. Their ramen were…read morealso good. Everything we got were good. Their black ramen was so flavorful. The ramen noodles tho were a tad overcooked. Since it was overcooked it took away from the experience of the slurping and chewing the ramen. IYKYK. Their spicy tuna crispy rice has too much rice in proportion to the spicy tuna. It was delicious but has too much rice.

Awesome seafood spot near the beach!…read more Fish and Chips again, who would have thought? Light and crispy, but this place uses the same batter on their fries, what a gamechanger! More surface area = more crunchy fish/fries! The line was super long, usually a good sign. Nice beach vibes, I'll definitely be back!

This place has great food but the service every time is basically non existent. We went for lunch…read moreand there was a large line that really didn't move quickly at all. The server/person at the register was in no rush to take an order. Someone sat at the bar area and she immediately went to take their order even though there was at least 20 people in line and we were at the register just waiting as she got these people their drinks. I think this place needs more staff at both of their locations. The attitude is lackadaisical and the person at the register at both locations often seems as though they are overwhelmed and upset that people are even there to order. Get more help!

It's my birthday. I am five feet of determination in 2.5-inch heels (vs my 6'3" date), already…read morehaving eaten pavement twice that morning. Confidence? Shattered. but it's my birthday, spirits are still high We begin our journey: two blocks. Two. Blocks. My date is what I can only describe as a sentient boulder x redwood. A geological formation with feelings. This man covers one meter per stride while I am speed-walking like a determined squirrel in formalwear (or festive hamster?). And because I have to tilt my entire skull upward to communicate with him, I cannot see the ground. The ground, meanwhile, is throwing me curveballs. At one point, instead of warning me I'm about to trip on concrete, he just yanks me sideways with an "ahh!" Like I'm a decorative balloon at a child's birthday party about to blow away. I survive. But I make a mental note: must teach tall man how to steer small people. We are not luggage. We arrive. For sushi in America? Honestly? Pretty good. Suspiciously good. Like when you expect sad fish and even sadder rice, and instead receive something that respects the ocean. We ordered karaage as an appetizer (solid, respectable enough to make my ancestors nod, though it did come out in the middle of our meal, I could not be mad), a sashimi plate (Not fighting for its life), a San Clemente roll--because.. represent(?)--and a no-rice OJSN (ojisan, middle aged man) sushi roll. Also, a "white mushroom roll." I am seated in the corner like a tiny, judgmental raccoon with a giant bottle of Sapporo all to myself. It's my birthday. I deserve structural support. especially after the concrete declaring war? please. The no-rice sushi? Best I've had in the U.S. Except they used rice paper. Rice paper. Which is technically not, not, rice. But I'll allow it. Innovation is chaotic but smart. Now. The White Mushroom Roll--there were *no* mushrooms. let me repeat **NO** mushrooms Our server, Ary--Greek name, Mexican excellence, monk-level patience--explains that the roll is topped with a mayo cap before baking so it looks like a mushroom. I am a proud mushroom enthusiast. A fungal loyalist. I felt betrayed. But then... I tasted it... Why did it taste like clam chowder? Decadent. Creamy. Slightly illegal clam chowder. In sushi form. What coastal witchcraft is this? I was confused. I was impressed. I was emotionally unstable. At some point while chatting with Ary (probably lobbying for actual mushrooms), I casually mention it's my birthday. At the end of the meal... He returns with an ice cream platter and looks me dead in the eyes: "お誕生日おめでとう." (HBD) In Japanese. No warning. No drumroll. Just Ary, you icon. and a candle. So there I am. Five feet tall. In the corner. Singing "Happy Birthday" to myself because Tall Redwood Man is too shy?? Sir?? It is my birthday. You are 87 feet tall and afraid of melody? It's fine. It's ok. He did sing "Happy Birthday" ten times that day. (Nine times too many. but appreciated everytime, nonetheless) Overall review: Fish: surprisingly legit Mushroom: nonexistent Clam chowder sorcery: unsettling but delicious Sapporo: emotional support received Tall date: needs steering lessons Would I order the mushroom roll again, knowing it contains zero mushrooms? ...Unfortunately, yes.

The food was marginal at best. I was disappointed after seeing the other reviews about this place…read more Nothing worth going back for. Three stars is pretty much overrated for them

The line can get long but you're only waiting to place an order. It doesn't take that long to get…read moreyour food. It's not hard to find street parking either. This place is a little pricey but it's worth it. You get a lot of avocado and ginger. I love the original flavor. It makes the rice taste so good. I wish they gave more salmon but I'm still satisfied.

I was in the area and had been wanting to try Kawamata Seafood for a while since I'd heard so many…read moregood things about it. There is some outdoor seating available but it's definitely more of a grab-and-go spot. Parking on the other hand was a bit challenging. The atmosphere was casual and relaxed. The service was friendly and quick, which I appreciated. We ordered two bowls with salmon and tuna. 1 had the OG sauce and the other had the OG sauce mixed with wasabi. The OG was a little bland for my taste but it was still enjoyable. The wasabi mixed with the OG was definitely more flavorful. Given all the hype I was expecting a bit more flavor overall. The fish itself was fresh and good quality with no fishy aftertaste. The rice, however, was a little dry. The portions were also smaller than I expected for the price and the extra charges for toppings can add up pretty quickly. Overall, it was a decent spot to try if you're in the area but I personally wouldn't go out of my way to visit again. Good quality fish but it didn't quite live up to the hype based on my experience.

Sushi is amazing! Some of the best rolls and dishes we've had in California. Chefs are welcoming…read moreand hilarious. Wait staff is top tier. Love this place. Definitely recommend the poke taco appetizer and the Ichiban Roll!

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!

Delicious vegetable Romen noodle soup!…read more Fast, friendly, and welcoming service. Wonderful quaint outdoor seating!

Awesome sushi and udon at this Amazing place in downtown…read moreSan Clemente. We have a couple of rolls, tempura and a bowl of udon and Sapporo ichiban. All great. Friendly owner. Great ambiane. Dog friendly. We e joyed our Saturday night in the nice ambience. Prices are super reasonable.