Real Sushi in the Real OC

Sushi!

The City of Orange has a number of great sushi restaurants and though there may be more Japanese restaurants in some neighboring cities in Orange County, the humble pueblo of Orange is a definite treasure-trove for the earnest sushi-seeker.  Each restaurant offers something rather different, so which you choose depends on what sort of experience you’re looking for.  Traditional?  Trendy?  Delicious?  Orange offers them all, so read on!

Tokyo Café

161 North Glassell St.

Monday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm, Sunday 4:30 – 8 pm

Located close to Chapman University and the Orange Plaza (commonly know as The Circle), this is a popular place for locals and college students to catch lunch. Its street-front location creates a cozy, urban atmosphere, and all customers eat at tables; there’s no actual sushi bar.  However, they do offer a wide selection of sushi that’s quite good and reasonably priced.  Besides teriyaki, tempura, bento boxes and the like, there’s also a variety of boba teas available.

Koisan Sushi Bar

1132 E. Katella Ave.

Monday – Friday 11:30 am – 1:45 pm, Monday – Saturday 6 – 9:30 pm.

One of the older Japanese restaurants in town, Koisan has been in Orange for over 20 years and has a bit of a more authentic flair than most Orange County sushi bars.  Head Chef Sam worked at a prestigious restaurant in Japan before coming to the states and the waitresses are even all garbed in traditional Japanese styles.  Guests can choose to sit at the sushi bar or the dining room.

The dining room is rather elegant, with candles, napkins folded like roses and high-backed booths which feel spacious and private even though the room is not large.  The menu is diverse, but mostly with a traditional bent.