Miki (formerly known as 242 Café Fusion)
Two years ago, 242 Café Fusion Sushi closed after the beloved chef/owner Miki Izumisawa passed away. Now, thanks to local, Chris Olsen who owns the popular Wine Gallery, has re-opened the quaint location, naming it in honor of Miki. The original employees and extraordinarily unique menu have returned! Thank you to Chris and his business partner Greg Washer. Take a seat at the bar and enjoy freshly prepared dishes!
Rebel Omakase
Chef Jordan Nakasone creates and presents the finest quality sushi and delicate art of Japanese cuisine, along with a remarkable dining experience. To seal the deal, Rebel Omakase has been awarded a Michelin Star recently, and is one of only 3 locations in Orange County with this prestigious honor The carefully orchestrated service matches the quality of the food. Be sure to set aside a few hours for the 19-course Omakase (chef’s choice) meal that changes every day. All the seafood and most of the vegetables are sourced from Japan. Chef Jordan never uses spicy or crème-based sauces or artificial ingredients in his dishes-everything served was made there.
Starfish
Like a sea star, Starfish is awesome! This sleek Asian Fusion restaurant is at Aliso Creek Plaza. The diverse menu celebrates the regions of Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, China & Japan, with over 70 sharable plates, exotic hand-crafted cocktails, Asian & local beers, with hot & cold sake selections. Highly recommended for a unique and hip dining experience, great happy hour and catering. Founded by the passionate couple Gretchen & Archie McConnell who will be celebrating the restaurants 13th year. Open every day at 11 AM.
Hapi Sushi
Friendly and happy staff at this quaint casual restaurant on Beach Street. Among the many recommended items are the Rainbow Roll, the 69 Special with baked eel on top of California Rolls, and the unique Japanese Burrito with salmon, tuna and crab wrapped in soybean paper. Open at noon every day for lunch and dinner.
Fin Sushi & Sake
You can’t beat the ocean view at this restaurant located in Hotel Laguna. The starters at Fin include smoked salmon, yellowtail jalapeno, poke bowl, and black cod. The sushi/sashimi offerings are bluefin tuna, Albacore, freshwater eel and wild scallops. The cut/hand rolls include salmon or eel with avocado, baked scallop, Point Break has spicy tuna and Wave Runner has shrimp tempura. Open at noon on Friday & Sunday and 5-9 PM Sunday to Thursday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Seabutter
With locations in Beverly Hills, Glendale & Westlake Village, the Laguna Beach location is upstairs at 1100 Coast Highway within the Village Faire Shoppes. You can expect high-quality and highly rated sushi, colorful sashimi, flashy rolls, hot plates, appetizers and more. Enjoy views from the top-floor outdoor patio too! Open every day for dinner.
O Fine Japanese Cuisine
This fine restaurant opened in 2009 in South Laguna at Aliso Creek Plaza across the street from the Montage Resort. Fresh fish is delivered daily from Japan, Spain, Scotland and other parts of the world. Omakase style is available which means “leave it to the chefs”. Exploring beyond sushi and sashimi, there is something for everyone! Try a few of their popular dishes: Seafood Dynamite, the wild caught Miso Chilean Seabass, and Seafood Nabe Udon soup. Open for lunch and dinner every day.
Sushi Laguna
This long-standing spot was a local favorite prior to March 11, 2020. When they re-opened, like many restaurants, it was not the same. Now, they are back, sushi bar included and better than ever. Some say, sit at the sushi bar and “let the chef drive”. Excellent salmon, fresh scallops, epic red snapper and live sweet shrimp with heads. The local sushi aficionado’s and critics are elated.
Oto Sushi
The opening day is to be confirmed on the corner of Glenneyre and Mermaid Street. The owners say, “from our family history to your plate”. Experience a twist to sushi & sake. To better accommodate customers’ high expectations, Chef Peter Ni, master chef from Los Angeles, joined the Oto family and you’ll find him and the entire staff ready to serve you their best. “A taste is worth a thousand words, so please give us a try”!