NB Sushi Spots Reign Supreme
Great seafood has always been a staple of the Newport Beach lifestyle. Most Orange County fishing is done right here, fueling the best fish markets and neighboring cities. Rock crab, sea urchin, fish and spot prawns are brought back daily and end up with restaurants and locals. The ancient art of sushi is an obvious destination for a town that is so deeply connected to seafood. Discover these supreme sushi spots that showcase our love for local, sometimes exotic seafood.
930 Sushi is sexy, sleek, and adventurous. The restaurant is located across from Balboa Bay in Mariner’s Mile and offers modern style. The interior has deep reds and brilliant golds, stone walls and lighting that forces a date night even if that’s wasn’t what you intended. The menu has a great collection of innovative rolls that are an exciting way for both newbies and experts to enjoy sushi. The GT Roll put this sushi lounge on the map. A spicy tuna roll comes topped with seared yellowtail and jalapeño.
Bluefin
Chef Takashi Abe is serving a European take on the Japanese sushi tradition. His beautiful use of classic techniques and modern ingredients bring Bluefin’s menu to life. If you dare to enjoy the Omakase, a rotating tasting menu of the freshest fish available, you might get a little hint of truffle oil floating across your sashimi. The oil’s aromatics bring a new level of elegance to the fresh seafood that comes in daily. This Crystal Cove sushi spot is right off of PCH, offers a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean, and is the best enjoyed during a summer sunset.
The Cannery is an icon of the Newport Beach Peninsula and has been a long standing port icon for over 90 years. This canning facility became a restaurant about 40 years ago and has been bringing approachable seafood fare to the masses. The Cannery has masterfully created something for everyone, including a sushi selection to match the impeccable fish and surrounding history. The Cannery Roll marries tuna, crab, avocado and cucumber, with a topping of unagi and Sriracha sauce. This roll has the added bonus of the waterfront view and the eclectic space to add to its sensory appeal.
Nagisa Sushi
For over 30 years, Nagisa Sushi has been bringing people traditional Japanese cuisine right in the heart of Corona Del Mar. Nagisa Sushi is steps from the famed Five Crowns and sticks to the traditional sushi fare. Inside you will find blonde woods, bamboo and artful calligraphy reminiscent of what a longstanding sushi restaurant must look like in Tokyo. The warm and welcoming service has been an important factor in this restaurant’s longevity.
Nana San
A little bit of crunch goes a long way. Nana San is the kind of sushi spot that’s built for a man of business. The stained wood is evident from head to toe in this man cave of a sushi destination and Goro San guides you to sushi salvation. The Lotus Root Tempura topped with spicy tuna has become a signature item at this Airport District establishment, and really brings in a play of texture and flavor that only a sushi chef of Goro San’s ability could articulate.
Newport Fresh
The food trends have been leaving the place of gastronomy and headed toward the strange and unusual mash-ups that seem to be taking the world by storm. This is definitely the case for Newport Fresh, a little mom and pop shop on the Balboa Peninsula. Don’t be alarmed if you see someone ordering a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich and a Crunch Roll, It is actually a popular dance of cheesy, crispy, crunchy, hand-held surf and turf.
San Shi Go
San Shi Go has been making a splash up and down Coastal Orange County, and in Balboa Village, they bring to you the ultimate adventure, the Uni Martini. This fusion of fancy and exotic arrives in a martini glass complete with floating uni and a poached egg floating in what appears to be a fish broth.
Named after the highly trained chef/owner of this sushi spot, Sota has adopted a balance of modern and traditional flavors in his Corona Del Mar location. Have Sota tell you about his adventures working under an Iron Chef winner, or of his experience working for Nobu in Los Angeles. Luckily his roots have brought him back to the Newport Beach area, where he is creating some flavor bursting sushi like the Yellow Submarine Roll. The lemon of the Yellow Submarine is a bright citrus explosion that is partnered with shrimp tempura, spicy aioli, cucumber, topped with yellowtail and drizzled with garlic ponzu. The tables have accents of a brilliant blue and the walls are a beautiful sand tone that bring the fresh ocean vibe into the space, which is unique for most sushi houses. The space reminds you that their fresh fish selection is one that any sushi expert would love.
It is no secret that the highly acclaimed Sushi Roku has finally made its way to the mouths of the Orange County elite. This sushi sanctuary is now abuzz around the dining scene and what better place than the world-renowned Fashion Island. A custom chandelier greets diners at the earth-toned eatery. Dark woods line the floors and trim the ceilings above 180 seats. 16 lucky diners have the opportunity to enjoy the sushi bar experience, and watch these artful masters at work. The “Hanabi” is a signature dish of crispy rice cake topped with spicy tuna. The slight kick of chipotle was a beautiful complement to the high quality tuna. Sushi Roku is proud to source locally and globally for the best fish and bring it to Newport Beach.
Photo Credit: Sushi Roku
Wasa Sushi
Wasa Sushi brings a clean and fresh take on sushi. Walk in to a modern aesthetic of brilliant white walls and lightly stained woods. The service is knowledgeable and friendly, each staffer directing you to the selection of Treasure Rolls. Wasa’s most popular roll is the Sky Dragon, a delicious treat of spicy tuna, tiger shrimp, and avocado draped over a California roll.
