
Tucked away in Costa Mesa on Bristol Street, close to South Coast Plaza and John Wayne Airport, is a restaurant that serves up some of the best sushi and tempura in Orange County. Welcome to Wafu of Japan. Founded in 1999 by sushi chef Hideto “Harry” Arimizu, Wafu continues to attract both OC locals and sushi lovers everywhere with unique offerings and unwavering high standards. “We offer not only the freshest fish, but the freshest ingredients in all our dishes,” says Arimizu, an owner who stays “hands-on” with his team of sushi and kitchen chefs. “We also offer a large selection of appetizers and hot plates, delicious teriyaki and tempura entrees.”
Standard sushi spot offers plenty of hot fare such as tempura, teriyaki, noodle soups & more.
Hours
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–1:45 PM, 5–8:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–1:45 PM, 5–8:45 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–1:45 PM, 5–8:45 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 320 Bristol St Ste. G, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (714) 641-7321
Website: http://www.wafuofjapan.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: wafuofjapan.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Wafu Of Japan – Takeaway food – Costa Mesa – Order online
Wafu of Japan Delivery Menu | 320 Bristol St, Ste G Costa Mesa
Wafu of Japan Sushi | Costa Mesa CA – Facebook
Reviews
Easy to find from the main road, it’s located in a strip mall. Parking was pretty easy.
Not very assuming place from the main road but once inside very cozy. Felt like places I’ve visited in Japan.
Service was first class, very friendly staff.
Food was fine, the spicy tuna rolls were not very spicy but otherwise tasted fine. Spider roll was good. Presentation of the food was excellent.
Definitely would stop by again when in the area. We did see a combo roll set with 4×4 rolls for about $24 which I would likely try next time I visit.
Would definitely like to explore the menu more.
The place doesn’t look very attractive from the outside, but inside it’s pretty good and authentic.
Salmon skin salad was okay; not bad, but not great; salmon skin was a little too shredded.
Yuzu Madai tasted watery; was not a fan.
Spider roll (soft shell crab) was okay and good portion, but the tempura batter was a little heavy.
Place is cozy and small.
Review 2024. Great quality salmon, so good that it felt like butter melting in my mouth. The samurai burrito was delicious. My only “but” would be the seaweed of the rolls was hard. Service and attention was really good.
Everything was great until we received a spicy tuna with avocado roll that tasted spoiled. Both of us took a bite to confirm and asked for it to be sent back. We didn’t eat it beyond that.
When the bill came, only half of the roll was removed, which felt inappropriate given the quality issue. We were also charged $1 each time we asked for extra sauce, and no wasabi or ginger was provided — small things, but it added up to a very nickel-and-dime feeling.
When we questioned being charged 50% for a roll we didn’t eat, the manager told us that was their policy. She then spoke with the chef, who came out to our table and reprimanded us in front of the restaurant for sending the roll back, with a very dismissive “how dare you” attitude. Before we could finish explaining, he walked away.
To make matters worse, I became sick shortly after and had to leave the table due to stomach issues.
Food issues can happen — especially with sushi — but the way this was handled felt defensive and unprofessional. Unfortunately, this experience has made us reconsider returning, which is disappointing given how much we previously enjoyed this place.
Ambience
– The spot is irresistibly cute. Soft lighting, cozy seating, and thoughtful Japanese decor create an intimate, welcoming vibe. It feels like a tiny, well-kept treasure tucked away from the city bustle.
– The attention to detail in the presentation of each dish mirrored the cuteness of the space—delicate garnishes, playful plating, and a clean, inviting dining area.
Service
– Service stood out in a genuinely friendly way. The staff were attentive without being overbearing, offering helpful recommendations and timing checks that felt perfectly tuned to the pace of the meal.
– The team exuded hospitality, making the dining experience smooth from the moment you step in to the moment you leave.
Omakase Experience ($40)
– The omakase at $40 was surprisingly robust for the price point. It delivered a thoughtful progression of flavors, showcasing a solid balance of technique and seasonal ingredients.
– Each course arrived with careful plating and clear intention, allowing the chef’s choices to shine. It’s a commendable value for a focused, chef-driven tasting in a casual setting.
– A playful aside: the notion of being a “real foodie” often circles around bold, adventurous statements. For me, a real foodie moment sometimes feels earned by embracing all parts of the experience, including the sometimes-divisive ones. In the spirit of that, I’ll put it plainly: if you’re chasing that extra kick, you might hear a tongue-in-cheek claim about savoring every element, even the shrimp head in the miso soup. It’s a playful nod to culinary bravado and the fun, unapologetic side of tasting culture. If you’re not into that, no worries—the miso soup is still delicious, and the omakase stands on its own merits.