Best Sushi

CINDY YAMANKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Sashimi lines the sushi bar at Shunka Sushi. Much of the fish purchased at Shunka Sushi is specially selected and not widely available. 1. Shunka Sushi & Japanese Cuisine

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

Shunka Sushi says it is dedicated to giving diners “an experience you will never forget.” Its veteran sushi chefs each has at at least 10 years of experience.

In addition to the fresh sushi, the Costa Mesa eatery caters its offerings to the time of year. According to the restaurant’s literature, “Shunka” means “Flavor of the Season,” and the restaurant selects fish imported from Japan and fruits to match the season.

You can start off with your go-to favorites, though it is also a good idea to let the expert staff guide you on a unique and personal taste journey. Shunka Sushi says its fish is so flavorful that no wasabi or sauces are necessary.

Much of the fish purchased at Shunka Sushi is specially selected and not widely available.

Choose between everything from a California cut roll, to a salmon avocado roll, or a spice tuna hand roll. Shunka also serves fresh salads and sashimi, including big eye tuna, fresh water eel, and albacore.

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

2. Matsu Japanese Restaurant

18035 Beach Blvd S, Huntington Beach; 714-848-4404; matsusogood.com

Since 1978, Matsu Japanese Restaurant has been a fixture in the Japanese and Huntington Beach dining scene. While the bar is lively and the teppan chefs at the grills put on a show with their dicing and grilling skills, it was the sushi that scored this year with Best of Orange County voters.

The restaurant’s trained sushi chefs delight in offering up their specialties, engaging with and educating patrons on the various selections, the experience unique and, above all, tasty. Patrons can choose from a dizzying array of more than 25 sushi and sashimi selections and more than 20 individually crafted rolls.

The restaurant makes its own soy sauce in-house as well as homemade pickled wasabi.

Matsu is often crowded and hopping, but the service is first-rate. There is also a bar with mixed drinks and a variety of hot and cold sakes.

3. Yama Sushi

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

Yama Sushi prides itself on fresh, high-quality ingredients and its staff of trained Japanese chefs. Customers have the ability to choose a variety of ways to eat their food.

Try the Omakase style, where chefs prepare items of their choosing in front of customers. According to the restaurant, “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 nigiri or jewel fish. There is also a five-course fixed-price dinner with soup and salad.

Along with the extensive sushi choices, there are also entrees available such as udon or rice bowls. The lunch menu offers a wide selection as well, including box lunches. There is also a kids menu.

Diners not only come to Yama Sushi for the terrific sushi and entrees, but also for the elegant environment and views across Lake Mission Viejo.

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