This was my first time going to Sushi Shunka and I would highly recommend for any sushi fans in Orange County! We were very kindly greeted outside and immediately sat. We ordered the chef's omakase, which came with expertly crafted, high quality fish. My partner commented that it was the best fish they had since they went to Japan. We also had incredible unagi! read more

Sushi Shunka - Chef's omakase - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Shunka is my all time fav sushi spot in OC! Don't be thrown off by the incognito location, it is elite dining. They have all the classics, as well as several fish they fly in from Japan! If you like sushi/sashimi and want great quality fish, this is the spot! The service is always impeccable as well! I love their Toro, uni, scallops, snow crab, albacore belly, and Japanese fish like Medai, Akamatsu, and sea bream. 369 roll & shunka rolls are great too. read more

Great place for dining in and doing individual pieces. Not great for to-go roll orders. We ordered and it was ready quickly, but we were not allowed to wait inside even though the restaurant had two tables seated and it was raining and cold outside. We ordered a crunch roll (which came out warm) and a roll with tuna on the outside, but for some reason they were packaged together which made my tuna roll warm which was kind of gross. Learned not to do to go orders and dine in from now on. read more

Went here for an early Saturday Mother's Day at lunch and surprised it wasn't crowded. It was comfortably little over half full and we were served immediately. They do close 2-5pm so make sure you come before or after. Very nice staff and sushi came out quick. Very straightforward menu and I had the 10 piece omakase. If you sit at the regular table booths, the omakase comes on one big serving dish instead of one at a time like the bar. Everything was fresh and they had both fresh and saltwater eel. Plenty of variety and included imported Japanese fish too. Surprised this place wasn't more popular. Not much parking in the front but the back had plenty. No complaints at all. read more

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Friends have been recommending this place, and we finally got to try. It definitely lived up to the hype! Their sushi bar isn't open yet (and hasn't been open) during the pandemic, so we sat at a booth and ordered omakase. You can choose from 8 piece, 10 piece, or 12 piece omakase, or just keep going until you are ready to stop. Their omakase prices are super reasonable and their fish amazingly fresh. There wasn't anything I didn't like! The parking lot is a pain though and really small and crowded. After circling around a few times, my husband parked in an adjacent lot. read more

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Authentic sushi restaurant with all Japanese chefs/staff. Omakase was extremely reasonable offering a great selection of imported fish from Japan. The Japanese Uni was outstanding. The sake selection can be improved by offering larger sizes. Good atmosphere. Great service. The Omakase was only Nigiri but they offer the usual rolls. read more

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I came here not really expecting much because of its strip mall-kinda appearance but was so surprised by the fish quality here. The assorted sushi and rolls were delicious. Every cut was fatty, fresh, and tender--none of that overt fishiness that other stores have. The rolls were also delicious and had lots of filling. I really enjoyed the salmon skin one, in particular. They were a bit messily made though but didn't detract from the flavor. read more

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Been coming here for years and never disappoints. Always a large variety of different and delicious fish which is not typical for your average sushi bar. Service is always good. read more

OMG OMG OMG...you must unlimited Omakase at least once! Trust me!!! The most amazing array of sushi crossed in front of us tonight. Here ya go: Black cod, Sea perch (my absolute favorite), Belt fish, Striped jack, Golden eye snapper, Japanese hirame (halibut), Toro, Sea bream, Bonito, Medai (butter fish), Suzuki (sea bass), Kampachi (amber jack), Ocean trout (looked like salmon), Japanese scallop, Chiro tuna. Our waiter, Sota, could not have been more amazing. He fully briefed us on each fish and was an amazing embassador for the entire event. Interestingly, we closed with Uni which I'd had four or five times before in other restaurants and generally despised. This Uni was aaaaaaaaaamazi g!!! I feel like I should go to all the previous places I've eaten Uni at and demand a refund. If you've eaten Uni and disliked it then try it here and learn how it's supposed to taste. It's delicious! read more

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The service here is great and the waiters/waitresses and sushi chefs are always friendly and attentive. But I think their omakase is very average. I only come here because my friend loves their omakase but the rice is just okay and the fish quality is good but the cuts are a bit on the smaller/thinner side. The flavors/toppings that pair with each fish is good though. I probably wouldn't come here on my own because I do feel like their omakase is a bit on the pricy side for the quality and amount you get. read more

Sushi Shunka - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Got bento- bento was meh... But the omakase looked good!, but I did not feel want it last time.. crowded place and most ordered omakase.. will try next time.. Japanese chef, and quality is good... read more

Sushi here is fresh and classic. It isn't so much of the sauces drenched all over rolls or crunchy toppings over everything, but rather what sushi shoulddd look like. Two piece sushi: refreshing and delicious Shunka roll: the right amount of spicy and the right amount of rice in the roll 369 roll: roll with no rice which makes it feel light The staff still ask you to put a mask on when walking from the door to your seat. Overall: great sushi, pricey, fresh. read more

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Special occasion or feeling like splurging on a extravagant sushi experience $$$? Ever wonder what sushi place has good quality almost as good as eating in Japan. Shunka does. Why? They are importing fish from there! My friend and I ordered 5 different sushi rolls from their menu and we were definitely blown away with at least two types of fish. Their other traditional rolls are good too. My favorite hands down with the Shunka Roll. Perfectly cooked Salmon that melts in your mouth. Shunka also has an extensive Sake menu. I would recommend saving your money on the $230 Bottle that comes with a bow or box and ordering something about $20 for a quarter of the size. read more

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This was my first time coming here! 10/10 it was so delicious! I ordered the salmon and yellowtail sashimi and sumo roll! Highly recommend!

Really delicious omakase for a very reasonable price (about $100 pp). There were about 10 pieces of nigiri included, and I added a live scallop and ikura order at the end. No reservations - I came here around 7pm on a Wednesday and there was no wait for the bar (omakase only) but a 45 min wait for a table! I wanted to get omakase at the bar anyway, so this worked out for me. They definitely deserve their popularity! Everything is delicious, staff and chefs are friendly, and the whole place is very authentic. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Not sure why it took me this long to write about Shunka. This is my to go place for Japanese food, both sushi and traditional hot dishes. Both my son and I love Shunka and have been coming here for over 9 years. My son says: It is fire! read more

This place was highly recommended by my sister and her friends, and now it's one of my favorite omakase place to go! I highly recommend getting there early because you may end up waiting for hours to be seated. We both enjoyed the ocean trout and fatty belly tuna the most! Everything was good... except now I know I'm not a fan of monkfish liver. It has an interesting aftertaste and texture. Overall, great service, friendly staff and amazing nigiri! read more

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The best sushi in Orange County and the best service out there. The hostess and the owner are the two friendliest people out there. Order the sumo roll and any of the sushi and you'll be in heaven. read more

Sushi Shunka - Sumo Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The fish is so buttery and fresh. Will definitely be back here. Simple sushi done well. Service was great and efficient. They have a few tables outside . Mainly bar seating inside, but a few tables as well. Staff wore masks. Everything we ordered was so good. You are given a paper menu to mark what rolls and nigiri you want. Would order everything we did again. They also had another menu with appetizers, but we didn't look at that. If you are looking for sake, they have a separate menu. Tried the Yuzu sake and it was sweet and easy to drink. It might be a little too sweet if you don't want a fruity sake. read more

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I thought my last Omakase experience here was great. Somehow, this was even better! I informed the server I didn't want one of this fish (halibut with some kind of red pepper paste on top) that was brought out in the last Omakase and they were very accommodating about it. There wasn't a single fish I didn't like this time. Each fish was well balanced with the sauce / salt and I appreciated that the Omakase this time was different than the last time. I'm scared to go back now in case the next time, it doesn't meet up to my amazing experience this time! Thanks, Shunka, for making an amazing Valentine's date night for us! read more

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I live me some sushi, and I sually do a little research on Yelp before I visit a new sushi spot because life is just too short these days, but I was stuck in the area waiting for a friend and literally just picked the first sushi place I saw with outside seating. I had zero expectations. What a ridiculous surprise. This place is a straight up legit, five-star-serious sushi joint, the second such place I've found in Costa Mesa. The fish is fresh, perfectly cut and made, and the selection is expansive. Service is super attentive, friendly and quick. Freshly grated wasabi? Check. Japanese uni? Check. Omikasi? Yep. Double check your credit limit before you get creative with the menu and saki list. This place ain't cheap, but it's authentic and it's damn good. read more

Sushi Shunka - Soft shell crab app, ami ebi, saba, yellowtail belly, ikura, uni, and fresh wasabi in the middle. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Freshest fish in costa mesa. The sushi chefs are all so nice and their rolls are amazing!

kidding me? Just 10 pieces of sushi for $65?? I am still hungry after spending about $200 for me and my wife. The quality of fish is not even that fresh. Just average... Never trust the pallets of other people. I always learn. It's not worth it. Go to Water Grill across the street. Much better quality n much more quanty. I just love their complimentary warm bread with white salted butter. That melts in your mouth. They provide a whole fish sashimi if it's available. You have to ask about it first. It's much better. Trust me. read more

Food: My Picture does not do the justice but their chirashi sushi looked beautiful and tasted really nice. And, their Tempra is really good too. I didn't expect their tempra would be this good. They are even better than restaurants serve tempra courses.. I was impressed. read more

Sushi Shunka - Tempra and Chirashi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Greeted with a warm welcome and open door service. When we walked in the place was buzzing with everyone enjoying their food and having a great time. I'm currently pregnant so we were offered options to satisfy my cravings, my husband got his options too and everything tasted so good. The sushi chefs were so organized and personable and taking in the moments with all us different parties at the sushi bar. the staff was so attentive, I never had to ask for a refill and when we left we were kindly thanked and asked about my pregnancy. Would definitely recommend read more

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Wow... with confidence, I can say this was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had - and I couldn't wait to write this review because I can't think of a place more deserving of one. From the moment my boyfriend and I walked in we were enthusiastically greeted and chose to sit at the sushi bar which was the best decision as it allowed us to engage and talk with the talented chefs there. We had the opportunity to try sushi suggested by the chef and I tried things I never would have ordered on my own - but I ate some of the most incredible sushi I have ever had. So not only were the chefs and staff incredibly kind, knowledgable, and talented... the food was out of this world incredible. the food was fresh, and I appreciated how the chefs focused on the simplicity of the dishes, even noting that the importance behind highlighting whatever was being served on its own - I can't wait to become a regular here now. Please do yourself a favor and have yourself a seat here - I haven't stopped smiling since I left. Even as I write this, I feel like this review is insufficient in describing how incredible of an experience this was I think I'm just still in too much of a blissful daze of having eaten here without finding the right words is difficult read more

Lemme preface this by saying a HIGH END RESTARAUNT MEANT FOR DINE IN. Hence this review- is really not the type to be judging the restaraunt for. You must must dine in to fully appreciate it! I went because I had seen one roll on my friends story and had to try it so I got it to go. Dining in usually does have a wait list due to social distancing policy. The plaza its in has a variety of cuisines and restaraunts. Service is extremely fast, I walked up and asked if I could order a to go, and if my order took time to wait I was just gonna walk around but the host said under 5 minutes lol. But peering in, the inside the gorgeous! The line of groomed sushi chefs all in unison making their own parts with the art and lighting just made it seem like a really nice place to watch. Even outside, the servers were super attentive and fast toward the tables and generally pretty cute. My roll was kinda thin, but granted it couldve been my expectations from camera angle and likewise this store is really meant to be a dine in. It was an exciting roll to think about though because it was just soy paper sashimi and avocado, a pure roll of fish. It was very small in portion but I guess I shouldve known given it was high end + takeout, and overall still satisfied my craving somewhat. I appreciate how nicely packed my one roll was and how they added all the sauces and stuff though. Overall, service was excellent but I wouldn't recommend take out versus dining in, because thats what I feel this restaraunt is more meant for. read more

Sushi Shunka - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

My fiancé and I came here for the Omakase and were not disappointed. This is an authentic Japanese establishment and the sushi quality is top notch. The service here is impeccable. The staff were all very attentive from the time we stepped foot into this place to the time we left. We sat at the sushi bar for the omakase. Chef Jiro was fantastic and everyone who came in seemed to know him. If we lived here we would be coming here every week. read more

Sushi Shunka - Part of the omakase. Must try - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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unexpectedly found this quiet, authentic-feeling sushi spot on a street full of other restaurants we've frequented many times before. the omakase was an amazing experience. followed our waitress' order and instructions, enjoying each piece of japanese fish, and was sad when it came to an end. my fav was of course the last piece, uni. ordered a side of their marinade wasabi. reminded me of the wasabi peas snack - so good and nice extra punch of flavor with the rolls. brought our kids with us with warnings to keep the noise level down since it was a quieter atmosphere. they enjoyed their rolls. best roll we had was the shunka roll. read more

Sushi Shunka - omakase - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Japanese sushi done traditionally clean fresh tasty friendly made good suggestions repeat

Absolute favorite sushi place in Orange County. I love this place. The staff are so friendly and sweet. There can sometimes be a wait but it's totally worth it. The quality of sushi is great. I personally love their omakase. Everything is always clean and fresh and consistent. There is a very traditional style to this place that makes me feel like a little piece of Japan landed in Costa Mesa. Try it, it will soon be your favorite, too. read more

Sushi Shunka - Halloween decorations! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Been exploring omakase and found this spot with different tiers of prices. Starting from $45- unlimited $$$ My friend and I got the 10 piece omakase for $50 and ordered extra nigiris. We also got calamari and a spicy tuna roll. The quality of the fish was so good and the rice portion was perfect. My favorite was the uni. read more

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We went to Sushi Shunka for the first time tonight. We walked in at 6:30 pm and we were able to get two seats at the sushi bar immediately. That was awesome. We started with the soft shell crab appetizer, then the 10 pieces of Omakase and they were really fresh and good.. We loved the Sea Bream and Black Cod. After the 10 pieces of Omakase, we ordered couple of cut rolls and other sushi. And we proceeded to order the Live Scallop. OMG, they were out of this world. They presented the Live Scallop in 3 different ways. Loved all 3. By far, that was the best. This meal was quite pricey, but well worth it. We would come back any time! read more

Being that Costa Mesa/Newport Beach peninsula has so many solid options for Omakase (both traditional and fusion) it can be tough to decide. Shunka is a good traditional Japanese restaurant with an abundant list of fish from Japanese waters which I really appreciate. Just let them know what you don't like and the fun begins until you say ! I would push for the trifecta of Spanish blue fin, chu toro and Otoro. They mixed ours up on plates but it was still good. The Chu was the best all around. Was disappointed in the miso with clams soup as the broth itself had no flavor. It appears they put the clams in at the last second so would not order again. Yellow tail belly was tasty and Santa Barbara uni was good (I prefer Japanese Uni myself). Outdoor seating is available, but it is first come first serve. read more

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I'm on the fence about this place...food seemed fresh, service appears to be attentive and friendly, but there just seemed to be something missing. We went for an early dinner so it was very empty. That's why I say service appears to be attentive...i wonder how it would be if it was busier. Our server was new and in training. We ordered the omakase and she was so uncertain of what was being served...even after being told what it was before bringing it to our table (we could overhear the sushi chef telling her). It was funny...had a full glass of cold water spilled on me (thankfully not the hot tea she had also brought to the table) and everyone was so apologetic, making sure I was ok, etc. Yet, they were unsure how to react. Should they clean it up? Should we move to another table? We had to prompt it all. I get it....they were probably in shock and maybe even embarrassed that it happened, but this is where you can differentiate yourself from a service perspective. It was also very warm in the restaurant. Not a big deal normally, but I am mentioning given it is a sushi place so makes you wonder how the warmth may impact the freshness of the fish. Messes with your mind a bit. Value is there for omakase...10 pieces for $65. Nice selection of fish. Parking was easy, but can see it being tough on a busier time as there are lots of shops and restaurants in that strip mall. I feel like we need to give it another shot, but as mentioned, I am on the fence. read more

I feel like a fish out of water at Sushi Shunka. The sushi chefs and the locals dining in seem to all know each other! The vibe just felt right for icy cold sake and a flirt with your Omakase sushi chef. You're sitting at the bar? You're doing Omakase. You comment on the deep fried Spanish Mackarel the chef gives to your neighbor? Sushi chef makes one for you to try. Needless to say, the food matches their customer service: delightful and palatable. Lastly, ask for "fresh wasabi." Few places offer this freely and it's a totally different experience then the wasabi paste that normally pairs with ginger slices. The wasabi is a cactus like texture and has a spicy kick to licking Chinese hot mustard. Like my sister says: "it hurts so good" Would come back in a heart beat. read more

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The sushi here is still really good but the quality in the nigiri and rolls are not the same. I understand the prices rising because the prices have risen everywhere but the portions are extreme small. This used to be my go to spot but now sad to say, not so much. read more

Sushi Shunka - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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3 reasons for only 2 star: 1) appetizer came out after our sushi. Appetizer should come out first 2) they told us to use soy sauce in an omakase. that's a first. That's never happened before since chef prepares and you eat it as served 3) he served 9 pieces in a 10 piece omakase. I wrote a list down to post on Instagram so I was keeping track. The uni wasn't Santa Barbara and wasn't fresh. We got served 2 snappers and Bonita at an omakase. Overall, it's subpar. Would we come back? Probably not. Maybe it was one of their off days? I'd recommend better omakase. (Oshima in Orange) read more

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This is a disaster of Japanese restaurants in Southern California.as; 1) cups that serve water has fishy smell 2) soy source for sushi is too old that smells so bad 3) sushi rice seems to be a day old judging from the texture 4) most importantly fish is not so fresh From a point of view of sushi expert like myself, this restaurant is very disappointing for those who love sushi. Do not order Omakase ($60 pp) if you know sushi. If you don't know, who cares? read more

WOW. Okay. Where do I even begin?! I need to keep this place a secret to myself so the wait stays short here. My coworker brought me here for omakase, and at first I prejudiced this place and didn't think much of it. There were only a handful of tables (5-6 max?) indoors, with a few more settings outside by the curb. Since it was cold night, we chose to wait so we can get a booth inside. We got here ~6:30pm on a Monday night, and waited ~20 minutes to get seated. There was no decision needed, as we opted for omakase (chef's selection). The waiter brought out individual nigiri's in set of 3, explaining to us what the delicacy is, and how to best enjoy it (with or without soy sauce). I'm normally a salmon/tuna kinda girl, but decided to try everything even though I don't recognize most of the fish that was brought out to me. The waiter would continue bringing out sets of fish in 3 as he/she judges your engagement level, and ask as needed to see if you wish to continue. I didn't take any pictures of the experience, but WOW i was blown away. The texture of the fish itself is nothing like what I've had before. The nigiri pieces were decorated well with light seasoning that you really don't need to douse it in soy sauce and wasabi. My favorite of the night were the scallop for its freshness, and the sweet shrimp for its tempura-fried head. Honestly there were so many more fish that I don't recall, but there wasn't one that I found unpleasant. My coworker and I also shared 2 bottles of sake. My favorite was the Yellow Aladdin, which was a yuzu flavored sake on the fruity side. I believe the bill overall came out to be a bit over $200, which I found reasonable for the amount of fish we had during omasake (15 pc x 2 people). I will definitely be coming back! read more