The Japanese food here is absolutely delicious! The restaurant is very clean, and the service is outstanding. I had a great experience and would definitely recommend this place to my friends. read more

I am so happy this place has opened up. I never went to the previous restaurant that was run by the owners but, I was curious because I love Japanese food. The food was so good that I went right back the next week. I believe the food is quite authentic. It has those beautiful, gentle and delicate Japanese flavors. I ordered the cold soba with tempura. The soba was cooked very well. And the dipping sauce wasn't too salty. The tempura had a nice combination of different fried foods (shrimp, pepper, eggplant, mushroom, burdock roof, pumpkin, and carrot). The appetizers were amazing. The karaage (fried popcorn chicken) was so tender and very juicy. The spicy mayo wasn't too spicy and was so delicious. The agedashi tofu was wonderfully fried with a chewy mochi-like texture on the outside. I really enjoyed everything about this place. Even the sauce dishes were artistic and beautiful. One thing to take note of is that this restaurant does not serve sushi. Instead, you can enjoy the other delicious aspects of Japanese cuisine! There is so much to offer! So if you're looking for good sushi, this isn't the place. But if you're wanting to enjoy and explore other authentic Japanese dishes, this is your place! The place is quite small with limited seating. Expect a short wait. I do wish they turned the AC on a little higher. I also noticed their menu doesn't have descriptions and the dish names are Japanese so, you may need to google some things or ask the waiter if you don't already know what everything is. I thought the service was fine. Not amazing but not bad either. Both of my experiences were enjoyable and the food was delicious. Each time I've gone I got a sense that a lot of love and care was put into each individual dish, even the spicy mayo sauce that came with my kaarage. I highly recommend this family owned business if you're looking for some authentic Japanese food! read more

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Arrived 11:45 to order takeout, all tables were already full, 11:59 the gentleman serving tables finally acknowledged me and took my order, he let me know it would be 15 to 20 minutes for the food to be ready. Okay. Restaurant is clean and quiet. The food was ready at 12:15. I arrived home & we started eating at 12:30. We were underwhelmed. Tempura Don: Vegetables were undercooked and the tempura was soaked from the hot rice steam resulting in unsavory mushiness. I strongly suggest they send takeout orders of tempura in a separate container from the rice. Albacore tataki: overcooked [several pieces with no pink center], dry, fishy-taste Squid legs: overfried, dry The $45 [+tip] charge would have been reasonable if the food was too. We are unsure about returning... read more

As transplant from Japan few decades ago I'm glad there's now a legit Japanese choice in the neighborhood. I'm going to tell everyone. Food is 10/10. Service is 10/10. Atmosphere is 10/10. Love this place and will be a regular. read more

A friend recommended Sumire to me and pitched the restaurant as "Below average prices for above average-quality food." This is certainly true. The restaurant seats about 25, including some counter seats, and has a comfortable, casual vibe with simple decor and wood furniture. Service was quick to help us out. The cold soba with tempura was very good--lightly fried veggies and shrimp accompanied by a pretty sizeable portion of soba. I would come again to try the katsu or other rice bowls. read more

Sumire - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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Count me in as a fan, a big one. The curry don with tonkatsu is excellent. The slices of tonkatsu are thick and the panko is nicely crunchy. The rice is soft and moist and the flavorful curry sauce is a winner. The sauce has a mild bit of heat to it which dissipates. Customer service is courteous and efficient. The restaurant is clean and inviting. The address is 27020 Alicia Pkwy, Ste. A, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 read more

Sumire - Curry Don with Tonkatsu - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

The katsu pork is one of the best I've had here in the US. Brings me back to memories of Tokyo where they perfected their katsu. Love their simple menu, service was friendly, and such a great little Resturant. It's a small place so you may need to wait during high volume times but well worth it! It's a diamond in the rough. read more

Sumire - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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Staff: The young man who seated us was nice when it was our turn to be seated. Waited quietly for about 10 minutes for a table. The man in the kitchen waved to us, which was nice, and the woman in the kitchen thanked us on our way out. Quality/Quantity: The food was absolutely delicious. We had the chicken katsu, soba, udon, and gyoza. Chicken katsu was very tender and flaky just the way I like it. The soba was tasty. The udon was delightful. The gyoza was really good. Overall the tastes were all very authentic and flavorful. The quantity size was fair. Value: It was about average. My katsu would be $10 alone which only includes the katsu. But if you pay $5 more or $15 total it is now an entree which includes rice, miso soup, and a small side dish. Overall: I really like this spot and most definitely plan to return. The one thing that is unique and I'm not sure how I feel about it is ordering and tipping before the food even comes. Maybe that is the future. Pro tip: When you arrive sign in as you enter. There are not a ton of seats so there may be a small wait but it is well worth it. Also, you can order and pay from your table. read more

Sumire - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

TL;DR: a new, family-run, very Japanese diner serving fast, tasty, homey meals made with love. My coworker told me about Sumire the other day and it sounded like exact kind of shokudo we were looking for in OC. You're greeted with friendliness from the staff and from the uncle in the back manning the kitchen when you walk in. Service is fast and easy via either a QR code or the waiter inside, and the food comes out quickly with a very polite, "Thank you for waiting." At the time of this review the menu lists Japanese names of dishes with no descriptions. We were fine, but we did have to look up certain foods to understand the menu. If you're in doubt, ask the server for help. The agedashi tofu was tasty, nice and smoky, and surprisingly made with mochiko(?), resulting in a very chewy exterior that sticks to your teeth. My husband had the cold tempura soba, which was expectedly cool, refreshing, and satisfying. Definitely add some of the shichimi to the dipping sauce for a boost of flavor. I had the curry don with pork katsu added. The curry was dense, sweet, and pleasantly spiced, with the carrots soaking up the taste and becoming soft flavor bombs. The katsu was clean, crunchy, and not at all dry, giving a nice texture contrast to the rest of the bowl. It felt like a delicious, crispy, and stewy hug at the end of a long workday. We left full and satisfied. It's not groundbreaking or innovative food, but that's not what we were looking for; there's plenty of Japanese food actively trying to stand out in OC. It's homey, family-run, satisfying Japanese diner food done well and with palpable care. We look forward to coming back very soon and trying their nasu miso. read more

Sumire - Agedashi tofu. Smoky and surprisingly chewy. - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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What an incredibly small family owned business that has come into Laguna Niguel. The owners have had restaurants before and the food is outstanding! David was very helpful as a server and his mother and father are the MasterChefs. We tried six or seven different things and one was better than the next. The negative is...It's so small that you have to wait in line... But so worth the wait ..doesn't matter how long you have to wait. I will be coming back again and again. read more

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Everything was good!! I ordered the udon and okayodon and my family also got katsu. Udon was my favorite because they use thin noodles that I rarely see! Place was clean, service was great. You can order with a QR code on the table. They had high chairs and kid plates for the little ones We'll definitely be back!! read more

Sumire - Tempura Udon - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Great addition to the Aliso Niguel area! Everything we ordered tasted great. The cold soba with tempura was perfect, and so was the spicy tuna bowl. You can tell the chef and owners put a lot of love and care into these dishes. The family who owns this restaurant are pioneers. They opened up Fukada in Irvine 20+ years ago when there were very few Asian restaurants in Irvine. Now they are doing the same in South OC, being pioneers of quality Asian restaurants in South OC. read more

Sumire - Cold soba with tempura - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

QR code menu and ordering. We got the teriyaki salmon, tempura udon, and soba. All very delicious! Honestly no complaints about the food. People in our group wish they were able to order beer with their food and it was hot inside. We will be coming back! read more

Fukada V2.0 but with cooler chicken katsu, and my usual fav spicy tuna don. I noticed the old Fukada owner and now I'm super happy they are in my neighborhood. read more

Sumire - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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I was so happy to be able to enjoy authentic Japanese soba. The best soba and Tempra definitely I'll go back. read more

Sumire - Tempura cold soba - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Cute place. Great food. ..Great service. A bit busy but worth the wait! We loved everything that we ordered. read more

Fukada 2.0! The quality and deliciousness is back everyone! Now they have katsu as well. Love their seafood salad, soba and udon. Grateful for their brown rice offerings! read more

This place is absolutely amazing. Not only is the food incredible, but it is also affordable and comes in generous portions, so I always leave feeling completely satisfied. You can truly tell that every meal is made with love, passion, and care. Although it is a small, family-owned restaurant, the level of care and service they provide is exceptional. Every time I eat here, David, our server, always takes the time to check in on me and make sure I have everything I need. His attentiveness and genuine kindness make every visit feel personal and welcoming. This is hands-down my favorite restaurant of all time! I can't recommend this place enough. read more

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The food quality, taste, ambiance and the service were all great. The waiter was very respectful and attentive. Overall great service and great food. Will definitely go back! read more

Sumire - Chicken katsu was amazing! - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Ordered the spicy tuna bowl and it was marvelous. The chicken katsu was awesome also. read more

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I would eat here everyday if I could! The food is so delicious, there is nothing else like it. Service was great and vibes were fantastic! read more

Sumire - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Must try authentic Japanese restaurant. Prior Fukada owners opened Sumire. They are known for their bowls and soba/udon. Tempura is fried fresh too! Not that many tables and a slight wait but definitely worth it. read more

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Food was tasty, service was excellent and what they prepared was outstanding (spicy tuna bowl). Pricing was reasonable. The menu was a little sparse on what I like but with dietary restrictions, I am a fair judge of how good their menu is. I will certainly be back. read more

We've dined at Fukada in Irvine in 2019 and thought that it reflected an authentic Japanese taste of food that I was accustomed to. There was a change in ownership so we diverted our attention to Soba Izakaya Minami in Laguna Hills. It was good, but some of their appetizers were meh and it was always so crowded. Imagine our surprise to find Sumire with the previous owners from Fukada and their son opening a place in Laguna Niguel. Smaller quarters, but service, appetizers and noodles were excellent in addition to their pricing. read more

The Fukada family is back! If you want to eat Japanese food this is your place. So glad they are back in business. read more

Sumire - Kurobuta Pork Katsu Entree - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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I have never had salmon skin salad before, and I am so glad to have tried it at Sumire! I got a tempura udon to share with my friend, and it was delicious and comforting. I did mistaken the jalapeno for green pea, so don't make the same mistake as me haha. read more

Sumire - Tempura udon - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

I've been waiting for this restaurant to open. It's in the soft opening phase. The food is familiar to me since it's the original owner of Fukada restaurant. The taste is very authentic- clean, simple, good quality ingredients. Not flashy just consistent. A good local Japanese place. Enjoyed the spicy tuna don- rice is high quality and the spicy tuna is well chopped on top. Salad dressing is very tasty unique. Nabeyaki soba original flavor is very clean tasting nice umami. Prices are reasonable. Service is good. Overall I would recommend and this is a great addition for Japanese food in Laguna Niguel. read more

Sumire - Spicy Tuna Don set - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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I was curious and walked in to place a takeout order since I saw it was new. I liked the chicken katsu entree. It came with a side of soup, rice and green beans. Tasted good and will be back! read more

Authentic Japanese flavors. Great service, and ambiance! I ordered Curry Nebanyaki and It came out in a beautiful stoneware covered dish and was steaming hot (which I love!) the broth was so rich and flavorful. There was even a very soft egg to mix into the broth. I also had iced green tea. It was delish! read more

Sumire - Curry Nabeyaki. - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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Great service and recommendations from our waiter. Squid legs lightly battered with spicy mayo was "epic" Chicken katsu was crunchy, moist and full of flavor. Nabeyaki Udon bowl was "hot" full of flavor; definetly let it cool a bit! Very nice decor and seating great place to relax and enjoy a superb meal! Thank you: The Groeniger's read more

Sumire - Nabeyaki Udon bowl - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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We had such a great experience at Sumire! Great family business and they care a lot about quality control. The food was fantastic and the service was great. Will definitely be returning! read more

Sumire - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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I'm so excited to have this place near me. The food is cooked by a lovely couple and that homecook feeling makes every bite delicious. I ordered the curry and it hit the spot. The appetizers were really savory too. Its snuggled right inside a plaza that has generous amounts of parking so no need to ever worry about parking. I highly suggest coming here. Especially with some friends. read more

Sumire - Curry - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Tasty and refreshing cold noodles, very good tempura, great service, airy casual space.

Great food, great staff!! David was a great server, the vibes were perfect, and the food was absolutely delicious. We got the Katsu Don and Torinan Udon. It feels like you're eating at home in the best way. Couldn't recommend this restaurant more! read more

What a perfect meal! We love their new spot. Great lighting and ambiance, the same excellent service, and the best food as usual.

The food is very delicious and the staff are very friendly here. 6 people are here we had a great lunch here read more

Sumire - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

About 2 or so weeks ago, i tried calling and or placing an order online 3 or 4 weeks after they officially opened. Unfortunately I couldn't get either and told the front guy about it when we rushed down to place our order 15 minutes before they closed for lunch. He was very apologetic. We paid and received our order. The chicken katsu don was great but I wish they could have ironed the new restaurant kinks out for not having someone answer the phone at least. I understand inhouse customers come first but someone could have answered and placed call on hold. I wish there was another server. I hope Sumire irons these new business kinks out, otherwise food was delicious. read more

Super welcoming vibe when we first walked in! Whole menu is filled with comforting Japanese classics. Since it was a hot day we got the spicy tuna don. It had a large portion and was very refreshing! Not fishy at all and the fresh warm rice underneath hit the spot. My mom got the hot udon with tempura which was also very good! The noodles seemed house made and the mix tempura on the side was fresh. They had a lovely assortment of shrimp and vegetables. We saw on the Google map images that they have tempura ice cream with berries and we had to try. It was divine I highly recommend!! I wish I got a picture my family devoured it before I could. It was almost a light taste of funnel cake without the heaviness that comes after eating it. The blueberries on top complemented it perfect! We will definitely be back! read more

Su-Mi-Re restaurant has just opened for 1 week and my wife and I have dined here 5 times already. We have been waiting for this place to open for months and are so glad that the Fukada family has made it happened. They previously owned another restaurant in Irvine by the name Fukada for almost 25 years and we have been loyal customers for all those years. David Fukada provides genuine customer service and his parents are the chefs. The Japanese dishes at Sumire are authentic , traditional, tasty and healthy. We are lucky to have this restaurant opened at this location, which has plenty of parking. The restaurant gets plenty of natural lighting and is clean and well-maintained. This is our go-to Japanese dining establishment in Aliso Viejo and the surrounding area. Thank you to the Fukada family for having this dining gem. read more

Authentic Japanese dishes, home cooking, all dishes are very delicious. Service is awesome by David and the ambiance is cozy. I have been eating at Fukada for more than 20 years in Irvine location. And now, I'm so happy that Mr. & Mrs. Fukada open his restaurant by my house. read more

Sumire - Zaru soba (cold soba) with nasumiso (eggplants with miso sauce), fried squid. - Japanese Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California