Shunka is in a small strip joint in Costa Mesa, in the same center as Plums Cafe. Our server told us that this restaurant has been open a little over a year. Restaurant is small, I think there were about six or seven tables and a sushi bar that sat about 12 people. Not sure on the exact numbers. We sat at the bar and had our usual selections of sushi. They had a chalkboard listing their specials from Japan and we had our chef guide us through those selections. The quality of fish was excellent and service was prompt and gracious. For the area, this restaurant ranks right at the top. I still think it falls a little short of the best LA sushi joints, but for location this place is great. read more

Shunka does it right; sushi, service and atmosphere. I am a young guy and my friends like sushi, so we explore a lot of places for it, at what we can afford. My favorite sushi joint that used to be somewhat close was Mosun down in Laguna. It was a far drive but it had great sushi and on Monday's it was all you can eat for $25, which was probably too good to last, because they closed a couple years ago. After seeing lots of rotating sushi bars and going to other mediocre places, sushi was starting to loose its luster for me. A short story about how Shunka really brought the fire back: About three weeks ago my good friend from Oregon came down for a great weekend of hanging out, then it was getting close to when we had to be at John Wayne to send him back we thought we should stop in for just a quick roll and maybe some drinks, as we only had 20 min. Now i do not recommend going to Shunka with only 20 min available. But we had the greatest time. I had no idea what to expect because i had only seen the sign before. Now my western vision of what a sushi restaurant might be off, but even before we stepped in, there were salt boxes on the sides of the door to purify it in a traditional Japanese way. And when we went in, the fountain was pleasant and the dragon mural was so intense. I loved it. It was about 4:30 so there was only one other customer in the entire place. So greetings and eyes were all on us. We sat down and ordered some hot tea as we shared some banter with 2-3 of the sushi chefs. The tea was perfect and delicious. We mentioned that we were just in for a bite and then to the airport. The waitress asked when we were taking off and when i said in an hour and 15, they all looked at us concerned, saying "ok we get you there no problem" We ordered the seared salmon and it was so fresh and tender and delicious that my mouth melted as they told jokes about rushing customers. They also showed us their very long list of imported fish from Japan and I imidately grew curious, on a later visit i threw a dart at one and it was delicious, Mai-Ksomething? Another was the Shoku, not as good, but there are many more to try. I am all about the people when it comes to sit-down restaurants, almost more than the food. So when we were greeted with a little bit of Japan, and smiles and friendly people, not to mention great food, they earned a place in my stomach and heart. They told us about how we should probably get going, like they were family, and we said yes yes but we must pay first! and that is where it was solidified, at the reasonable price that it was, this will be my new go-to place for good sushi. I have since taken my family and every friend i can get there, and they all love it. The rolls i have gotten are simple and they do it right, sushi with delicious fresh fish, and a bit of love, but most importantly a smile. read more

I think Shunka is overrated and over priced but their service is very attentive. Came in on a packed Friday night and got seated less than 10 mins. I didn't want to take pictures because I didn't want to get thrown out LOL. I had the following for tonights dinner. 2 California Cut Rolls 3/5 they even use real crab but something was missing maybe the masago and some cucumber or something? 2 Dragon Rolls 3/5 It's ok nothing really stood out Shunka Roll 3/5 tasted not bad Service 5/5 even though it was packed and busy I got my drinks refilled and empty plates taken away Red Bean Ice Cream Sundae 3/5 Here is the Ratio for the Red Bean Ice Cream Sundae 20 % whip cream 10 % red bean ice cream 70 % frosted corn flakes I think Shunka is well know for their raw special rolls and other specials that they have on their menu board. Overall Shunka for me it's was just ok i'm not a adventurous eater eating raw sushi and other raw things. This placed is packed & they have their own regular customers that goes there so they must be doing something right. read more

My fiance and I sat at the sushi bar as there was a wait for the other seating options. We decided to come here based off their great yelp reviews, but both of us were thoroughly disappointed with this sushi place. I will say the customer service here was exceptional with hot towel as you sit down and opening up front door for us as we left, but when they're charging that much for sushi, that is expected in my opinion. A few reasons why this place fell short of even a cheap sushi place: 1) I couldn't understand a word that either our waitress or the chef were saying. Thus, I gave up on trying to ask either of them questions. 2) we ordered a variety of sashimi, and only a couple of them were bearable, which were the albacore and blue fin. 3) Worst California Roll I've ever had. 4) they charged us $1.00 for one sliced jalapeño. Come on guys. 5) Expensive. I think the cantelope that was drizzled in a sugar sauce for a surprisingly free dessert is the only reason I'm giving them 2 stars instead of one. read more

Very disappointing day! The wait staff really have no intention of providing any type of service. There are 6 waiters walking around and they don't know how to prioritize the customer inside the restaurant. We sat for a good 10 minutes and have to waive someone down to take our order even though it's a small space and someone would walk by the customer literally every 15 seconds. The waiter have an attitude when you make any kind of request like ordering the fresh wasabi. The omokase took a long time in between round and you have to remind them for the third. Closed out early because we just had it today... read more

Best sushi and Chef in all of OC. Best service, friendly and the sushi is amazing! Try the omakase.

First timers to Shunka. Nice variety of fish we had not eaten before and the omakase looks like fishin' roulette from week to week. Perfect. My favorites were the lightly torched akamutsu, and before the omakase turned to the usual, I ordered the bonito again. Then we finished off with our usuals... uni, ikura, ama ebi, then we spotted the trumpetfish in the cold case - a mild one to finish with, but had to try it. Chef Eji-san prepared for us. I've had this habit for ages of closing my eyes when I eat good sushi - it just amplifies the sensation - so there were staff questions if I was OK... then laughter. The downside for us was the decor, not so much looking like it's rustically yanked straight out of 20th century Japan, but the contrast between the dark interior and the light from the northeast windows was a bit of a headache. Last sushi was at Murasaki Costa Mesa, I thought our chef there did a better job of explaining each fish with its Japanese and variety of English names, and their omakase came in the order listed on the wall menu, so we were better educated for the experience. Thanks to those for not using the word "mouthfeel" in their reviews, unless reviewing dentists. read more

See all

This place is Japanese owned and really good. I ranked it right alongside Ohshima in Orange. Loved their Japanese fish sushi and the Omakase was awesome as well. Their Kintoki, Aji and scallop/uni were my faves! Fish was very fresh and tasty. Definitely one of the best sushi spots I've been too and I've been to a lot of them including all over Japan! read more

Came here for a great birthday lunch with Dad. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for. I enjoyed the $20 Chirashi lunch. Service was exceptional, fish was outstandingly fresh. Great sushi option in Costa Mesa. Top 3 Aspects: - Great Service - Great Presentation - Great Ambiance Food was comparable to other fine sushi establishments. read more

I was really looking forward to this place but found it to be really over rated. I prefer Nana Sun and Ohshima. I found the fish here to be only average, service average, and prices WAY too high. My bill for two people with a bottle of sake was $190. Atrocious given the average quality of the fish. Stick to Ohshima and don't turn back. Nana Sun for average quality like this (perhaps better actually) and way more affordable prices. read more

Why didn't I come here sooner??!! Ohshima used to be my place to go for omakase sushi but after years of dealing with a horrible reservation system, un-attentive staff, long waits, and the worst customer service from management, I went elsewhere. And I'm glad to have stumbled upon this place! The omakase is very affordable. I came during lunch they have a $30 or $45 option. The $30 option comes w an appetizer, 7 piece nigiri, and desert. The $45 option is 7 piece premium Japanese nigiri. I opted for the lower of the two and added to it. I was not disappointed. They have a huge selection of Japanese fish, and I recommend trying the kinmedai. I will be coming back very soon to try the premium option. Make sure to look for chef juro, he is amazing!! read more

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

See all

Ambiance is here is great. All the chef are funny and socialable. Some though, cut a more generous portion for the sashimi. This used to be our go to place to fulfill our sashimi craving but we got bored because they have the same fish over and over again, thus, they keep saying they are out of sweet shrimp regardless of the time and date. read more

Let me start off with saying that if you go here for rolls, you are wasting your time and money. I came here as a birthday surprise and had such a great meal! I tried their omakase and the experience I had was great. I arrived here with the BF around 11 for lunch on a Sunday. The place only had another couple and was really quiet. We sat at the bar and the chef was so nice. He asked us what we liked and we tentatively said "omakase..? Is that okay?" The chef was amazing. He was very kind for us omakase-newbs and he just said he'd surprise us with different types of fishes depending on what type of fish we liked. We told him we were big on salmon sashimi and he prepared several cuts of different types of fish. I don't even know the names - they were all in Japanese, but every bite was sublime. We even had uni, which I highly recommend. One thing I'd probably stay away from is octopus sashimi - it was a little too tough for my taste, but the fried octopus tentacle seriously made up for it! All the sashimi was great - and on some of the pieces, there was this awesome garnish of garlic or ginger that really heightened the taste of the fish. Everything tasted phenomenal and each fish, though similar in appearance, had this unique taste. We had some macarel, toro, salmon belly, uni, everything! So good. The chef just keeps bringing single pieces of different types of fish until you basically tell him you're full. My bf stopped around piece 10, but I asked him to keep the fish coming. I think I ate about 15? Not so sure, but so good! I'd definitely go here, but only to try their sashimi. I think rolls you can get almost anywhere, but sashimi that highlights exotic fish is pretty rare. read more

I can't believe there's such a gem in an unassuming shopping plaza in Costa Mesa. I will come back to South frickin OC just for you, Shunka. I love you. ps- Order from the special menu/ the fresh fish from Japan. Everything was fresh but these were especially tasty. I think for the quality delivered, the sushi is very reasonably priced. Ordered approx 7~ from the special menu as well as a few nigiri from the regular menu, the Salmon Skin Salad to share and a couple hot teas and miso soups and it came to ~$70 between my mom and I. If you expect cheaper for the same quality go home! Jk. Don't go home. Stay and eat. It's delicious. pps- Service is amazing and the dude who speaks Japanese + Korean is a sweetie pie. They're on top of it! read more

My favorite sushi place in the OC! Absolutely love their salmon belly, yellowtail belly.. melt-in-your-mouth yummy goodness! Super buttery and fresh I could eat 10pcs each! Their uni is fantastic as well, but remember to ask if it's recommended (fresh) that day. One random thing I love is their tamago sushi, loooooooooove it. Inexpensive sushi (unless you opt for the rare sashimi on their blackboard) with amazing quality! read more

I've come to find that the more intimate a sushi restaurant is, the more authentic the sushi. Upon entering the establishment, the small 12-seat bar (approx.) & 4-booth setup presented a promising happy-belly future. We arrived a few minutes after opening at 5.30PM and were surprised that 6 other customers were already seated and taking bites of delightful nigiri. We needed to get on their level asap and quickly grabbed two seats at the bar. I definitely recommend getting a bar seat to get customized recommendations from your Itamae (sushi chef). Our culinary journal began upon receipt of a simple, yet symbolic, towel from our Itamae. The omakase seemed to be really popular at this joint but we weren't too hungry and had a few items we definitely wanted to try that weren't on the omakase. Instead, we requested for a 'mini omakase' with just 4 pieces of nigiri, a blue crab handroll, ankimo, and a chawanmushi. More details to follow on each dish we tried to follow but let's just say, happy-belly achieved indeed. - - - Kanpachi (Amberjack) Nigiri: Mild-tasting fish with incredible texture. This was my bf's favorite. Seabream Nigiri: Crisp-textured fish perfectly rounded off by a tiny dab of yuzu paste. Very popular order here at Shunka! Sea Bass Nigiri: The green tea salt adorning the top of this white mild fish really released complex umami flavors. Scallop Nigiri: After diving through the outer layer of this mildly seared scallop, you're left with a buttery melt-in-your-mouth scallop. 'Nuff said! Chawanmushi: This steamed egg custard was so perfect on a cold, winter night. The texture was lighter than air and filled with well-seasoned surprise ingredients. If you're not a fan of bitter things, beware of the gingko nut hidden inside. Ankimo: The steamed monkfish liver goes so well with zesty essence of the light ponzu drizzle. This dish truly is the foie gras of the sea. Blue Crab Handroll: The blue crab, smelt egg, and japanese mayo really worked well together in this roll. So simple, yet satisfying. We spent approximately $90 for food, green tea, tax, & tip for 2 people. read more

See all

Authentic, high quality Japanese owned sushi restaurant! We came here for the first time to sit at the sushi bar and realized the majority of the people who were sitting at the sushi bar were regulars (great sign). It's no surprise because the sushi chefs were incredible! My fiancé had omakase and I ordered a variety of sushi. The chefs killed it! Counting down the days until we can go back! read more

Ok in my book. I still prefer the sushi and style of sushi at Ikko. They do have a good assortment of fish from Japan and the staff was very helpful in describing them to us before ordering. There seems to always be a line, and that's appropriate seeing how small the restaurant is. Nothing special in their rolls, and to be honest the sushi, aside from the anago, was bland. They do give you soy sauce (unlike Ikko where the sauce is on your fish already) but they didn't give us wasabi or ginger. Considering that this place seems to be more on the lines of what typical sushi joints would serve I would think they would provide ginger and wasabi with sushi orders. They did when you ordered a roll. The atmosphere is fun. The Sushi chefs were drinking and having a good time with the patrons. In all it's a nice spot and friendly environment, but would i consider the Sushi there the best...sadly no. read more

Probably the best quality and most traditional sushi experience I have found in Orange County to date. The sushi chefs are all serious Japanese masters so it's fun to watch them work, which is why I like to sit at the sushi bar and enjoy the chef's choice omakase menu. They offer a premium selection of fish that I would recommend is well worth the extra charge. It includes lots of wonderful and interesting fish flown in daily from the Tokyo fish market. Some of them are even still live when you order like sea urchin, octopus and scallops in the shell. You'll also get buttery toro nigiri and a few of the other expected most decadent sushi bites. All made to order one bite at a time. This is my new go-to spot when I'm in town. Go. Sit at the sushi bar. Order the Premium omakase service. Let them cook for you. It's incredible! read more

This is a 3.5 but rounding down to a 3 because of the price. VERY nice people and helped me put together a take-out order a day in advance (which was perfect because we were flying out soon after places opened for dinner). Fish was tasty but not as incredible as I was expecting given the cost (and also not as great as some of these same fish were at Nana San).We ordered six nigiri (comes with 2 pcs each) and two handrolls... price was much more expensive than other area options. Our order came to $70!!!! I was expecting more like $50 or $55. Would come here again if I'm in the area, but only for omakase (though it sounds like the omakase here is also more expensive than other area options for how much you get) read more

I'm giving 5 stars because Shunka has become my neighborhood go - to i sushi restaurant .The fish quality is excellent and they can make even the simplest combinations flavorful....and the atmosphere is civilized . This is not a place to bring little toddlers and infants because you could not line up a sitter or whatever. Take them elsewhere. Thank you. WARNING: just be sure all of your party is present for the table or else they will not seat you. Seems like a reasonable request since it's not a huge place and has limited seating. To bad other yelpers who want to make it all about them play victim and write negative reviews because they had poor planning. read more

Super Fresh sushi flown straight from Japan every morning..need I say more? It was a great experience eating here. Pretty tiny place in here so expect a long wait in the weekends if you had a big party! We were seated at the bar. Everything was delicious and soo soo fresh. The uni was my most favorite of the night. I never tasted uni so creamy and fresh like that before. I was hoping it had a quail egg in it like what I seen in the yelp pictures though! Maybe next time. Octopus was cut right in front of us. delicious! Salon NOMS. Blue fin tuna Mmmm melt in my mouth. There's a sign with a list of fish that was flown from Japan that morning and of course you won't know the price until you get your bill ;) Our sushi chef was so funny. we asked him what his favorite was and he replied double double from in n out. haha good sense of humor through out the night which was enjoyable. read more

We consider ourselves sushi connoisseurs and this place is legit. Real Japanese sushi chef and servers, with excellent fresh fish, superbly prepared. So happy to discover another gem in the OC. read more

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

This is one of the best fresh sushi I've ever had. They have such a great variety of fresh fish from local and japan.i would recommend those of you to be adventurous and try all their fresh fish on their today special from japan!! New favorite best !!! read more

Sushi Shunka - Hihi cute refreshment! Truly how Japanese people would do it!!! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Place isn't huge but there are some booths, the sushi bar or sit at a few tables. Nice sashimi. The miso soup was even good and it was hot. Ordered mixed tempura which was light and not overly greasy or crunchy. The salmon teriyaki entry comes with a nice little mixed green salad with miso soy dressing as does the teriyaki chicken. All very delicious. read more

See all

Service was wonderful and accommodating for 2 young children. Food was absolutely delicious with such fresh fish. This was definitely a gem! read more

See all

My favorite sushi place in Orange County or LA. The quality of fish is excellent and the Chefs are top-notch. I always do Omakase and I never walk away disappointed or hungry. The wait staff is very attentive as well. I've never had a bad or even average meal here. If you ever see 'Chicken Grunt' on the daily fish menu, GET IT! read more

This is a 4.5 star affair... When I think phenomenal sashimi/sushi in N. County I always think of Oshima. Well, I very well may soon welcome Shunka to the party. Both establishments cost some serious coin so unless you're "rolling in gold" you won't be dining here weekly. And for some maybe not even monthly. That being said, the food here is excellent as is the ambiance and decor. Sandstone walls had to be touched. MISO SAUTEED VEGGIES -- sweet peppers, onions, shrooms etc.; fantastic flavor and "sniffs" GRILLED YELLOWTAIL COLLAR -- outer edges had some dryness since the fish didn't receive a light brushing of oil (by my eyeball test) but the majority of the interior had nice grilled flavor and was tender if not moist; I prefer the black cod miso which has more oily sheen and never really gets dry (I have real issue w/dry meats of any type); the thin dipping sauce worked well especially with the drier pieces SALMON SASHIMI -- not quite as buttery as other renditions; the cut is on the thin side; the fish is very tender; there is nothing chewy here at all; it tastes delicious and fresh TUNA SASHIMI -- I didn't eat any but the red was stunning and I've rarely seen tuna look this radiant on a plate YELLOWTAIL SASHIMI -- even more tender than the salmon; no marinade; served plain as was the salmon; quite good but salmon is my fave FRIED CALAMARI -- I think I will give up on this dish at Japanese restaurants and go for fried squid legs (when offered) instead; this dish had super thin pieces of meat with a light dry breading with no oily sheen to it; I prefer thicker calamari meat which is tender; this just didn't work for me at all UNAGI (freshwater) EEL SUSHI -- served warm; tasty; nice eel sauce, not overdone ICED GREEN TEA -- robust flavor; I have no clue whether it was sencha or matcha but it was good GREEN TEA CHEESECAKE -- the cheesecake flavor overpowered the green tea flavor; I could've done without the chocolate sauce drizzled on top...it is the same novelty they do at non-authentic Italian restaurants over here and it does nothing for me but make it too sweet and distract the intended flavor; whipped cream on the side; this is good but not great, I've had better All in all, this place is pretty grand. I'm not saying it will cost you a grand, but for the three of us to eat well it was in the $160.00 ballpark. And given the quality and dining room it very well may be worth it to most... read more

Fresh Octopus is my favorite..and Japanese barracuda..the service here is very good and consistent..the fish is always fresh. Yuki the owner and sushi chef always has imported fresh fish from Japan that I love. read more

Sushi Shunka - Fresh Octopus with owner/awesome sushi check Yuki - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This place is great. I recommend sitting at the bar and just ordering from the OG sushi chefs who seemingly work everyday because it's always the same guys in there every time I go. When you walk in the staff greats you and when you leave they all say goodbye. Great staff and the sushi is even better. Gotta have the salmon nigiri and some hand rolls, or get some of the fresh from Japan more exotic fish. Usually there is a wait because it is a fairly small restaurant but it's worth the wait. read more

This is a Public Service Announcement. I am posting this review on behalf of a friend who is too ill to do so. He and a friend ate here Wednesday night and both are now seriously ill with food poisoning. One had to go to the hospital today. Consider yourself warned. read more

OMK! The freshest, most delicious fish I've ever had. This was my first time at Shunka and was super impressed. For an hour and a half, my personal sushi chef Segiro, surprised me with dish after dish of his innovative creations. From Barracuda to Uni and then some. Everything was spectacular. This place is going into my rotation. read more

See all

This Review is for Lunch experience sitting at the Table and not the sushi counter. I have made it for the lunch at least 5 times. I have a colleague that I work with that lives very nearby and she gets a craving for japanese food. She is not really a sushi on the counter person and so at the table one can order japanese teishoku. ie. a lunch set. I have become a creature of habit and get their Mini Chirashi and Tempura combination. at $18.00 I think it is a fair price and also portion. Chirashi has to be a balance of good Shari (sushi rice) and Neta (the raw fish assortment). It funny that in Tokyo.. I can get specific bowls of say filled uni or ikura with rice at the same price or less. The combo plate is not bad but there is nothing special fish provided by the kitchen. The tempura this time was eaten right away and was piping hot from the oil. however this time, I had the smell of the oil on the shrimp. Why I give 3 stars even though I do frequent Shunka many times. I experience the lack of OMOTENASHI today. Soon as the table was set with the hashi, shoyu zara etc. they brought me Miso soup. not even hot but miso soup first before asking me whether I want beer or drink. this is so tweaked to american way of eating and not in Japan. Miso soup comes with the food. Second. they brought a side plate with a mound of wasabi and gari when the chirashi bowl has gari and wasabi in it. Double whammy for what reason.?? except that they lost the process of detail in serving the customer. Perhaps their customers usually ask for more wasabi and gari. but come on. In Japan the client would be shaking their heads to this type of service. and this time I noticed a big sign on the entrance with a NO CELL PHONE image and yet one client who walked in and told them he was waiting for his friend started to speak on the cell phone in an elevated voice where everyone can hear. If you don't enforce you rules don't post it. Will give it one more try at Shunka . but today was a disappointment on the total experience. Zannen deshita. read more

Exceptional sushi. I have enjoyed omakase in several Japanese cities and some fine American establishments and Shunka is on par with the best. Amazing fresh selection. I can almost guarantee even the most avid sushi fan will see varieties they've never had before. read more

The BEST sushi place in the area! My family and I love coming here. Great food, the sushi chefs are amazing & so entertaining. Always recommend this place! read more

JUNKA!!!! that's the name now I'm shocked at these 5 star reviews.. THE CALIFORNIA ROLLS TASTED LIKE CANNED TUNA ... the garlic chicken was ok. I gave 2 stars cause they were realllllly nice .. the service was great and I almost felt bad with this rating but the food realllllllly sucked esp cause it's kinda pricey read more

$40 per person for 10 pieces of pretty nice fish. We did the omakase - eat until you're full style (although we had meant to do the 'set' menu...we weren't clear on how it worked). There were definitely some pieces that were better than others, but all in all a good meal and excellent service (except not really communicating the price/menu so well). Also, we both noted that this was possibly the best sushi rice we have ever had. It was really tasty even on its own. read more

This is my second go-to place after Oshima in Orange, no reservations needed on a weekday and the sushi bar is very spacious. Head sushi chef is very attentive, humorous, and friendly! read more

Sushi Shunka - My favorite one of the specials....I can't remember the name! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Went for the Omakase, and no regrets! Place was small but really comfy, food was super fresh! And chefs were so attentive and friendly. This spot is a classic Japanese spot. Love it read more

Sushi Shunka - Fresh and smooth - Sushi Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Great service, and even better food. There are some places for which those two factors alone are enough to garner five stars, for the simple reason that both of those factors are exceedingly high in scale. I've had sushi in the San Francisco Bay Area (meh) and sushi in Manhattan (nice!), but Shunka has got to be one of the lesser known gems in Southern California. My party and I ordered more than half the menu, and each item was ridiculously good. There was one tuna dish for which they asked us to wait an hour before we ordered, because it had just come off a plane from Japan and they were waiting for it to arrive at the restaurant presently. Needless to say, it was certainly worth the wait, and I had a great time indulging in the various flavors that each dish offered. I am certainly a fan, and I hope to come back here again the next time I'm in town. read more