Best Sushi

1. Shunka Sushi & Japanese Cuisine

369 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa; 949-631-9854; shunkasushi.com

It’s right there in the name. According to the restaurant, “Shunka” translates into “flavor of the season,” and the Costa Mesa sushi bar selects fish imported daily from Japan and fruits to match the season. The restaurant lists more than 75 species of fish that can be imported from Japan.

However, equally important to Yuki Takishima, a renowned former chef-turned-owner, is the service.

“I tell the employees they have to have warm service, like you would have for family or a boyfriend or girlfriend. Takishima said.

And that comes through in the care the chefs put into every meal.

Although diners can order teriyaki chicken or tempura, that’s not why discerning eaters come to Shunka. The restaurant features an omakase menu, in which diners place their palates in the hands of classically trained sushi and sashimi chefs. These taste maestros, with bounteous fish from which to choose, are known for crafting impeccable and delicious selections catered to personal tastes.

This authenticity helps explain why a Michelin review noted of the omakase menu, “there is no sign of fusion. Surely that is why a largely Japanese clientele packs this place.”

The restaurant boasts that its fish are so flavorful that no wasabi or sauces are necessary.

The restaurant also has a wide array of sake to pair with meals.

CINDY YAMANAKA, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Yuki Takishima, executive chef/owner, serves guests at his Costa Mesa restaurant, Shunka Sushi, designed by his wife who greets customers at the door.

– Greg Mellen

2. Yama Sushi

27782 Vista Del Lago C-22, Mission Viejo; 949-716-9262; yamasushionthelake.com

If you don’t find something on the menu at Yama Sushi, either you didn’t look or you don’t care for Japanese cuisine, or its relatives.

Consider that Yama offers 27 kinds of cold and cooked appetizers, 25 rolls, salads, noodle and rice bowls.

Steak or grilled fish dinner? They’ve got you there too.

However, for the aficionados, who annually choose Yama among Orange County’s best, sashimi and sushi carry the day.

For the omakase menu, the restaurant says “Our chefs will present a series of plates, beginning with the lightest fare and proceeding to the heaviest.”

Or you can always go with a wide selection of meals, which include up to 30 pieces of hand-formed nigiri sushi or sashimi.

Diners not only come to Yama Sushi for the terrific sushi and entrees, but also for the elegant environment and spectacular views across Lake Mission Viejo. The restaurant can also host company parties and banquets.

For an accessible and affordable introduction into sushi and sashimi, the Oeeshi Japanese Grill is an excellent choice.

Offering a wide array of sushi rolls and sashimi platters, the restaurant has ample selections featuring tuna, snapper, albacore and salmon in combinations. The sashimi platter, for example, offers five different kinds of fish in 15 pieces. Or you can combine it with rolls or sushi-only specials. Overall the restaurant offers 50 Oeeshi rolls.

According to the restaurant, “Our Experienced staff will assist you in creating a delicious unforgettable occasion. You will enjoy the finest, freshest food, expertly prepared and beautifully presented.”

Oeeshi also serves up a variety of flavorful tempura and teriyaki combo plates as well as udon, ramen and fried rice meals and bowls. It is also known for its party platters, which can be ordered in advance for festive occasions.

3. Oeeshi Japanese Grill

31882 Del Obispo St #157, San Juan Capistrano; 949-234-9649; oeeshi.com

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