Echizen Japanese Restaurant

For those living in or visiting California, particularly in the Cypress area, Echizen Japanese Restaurant offers a truly authentic and deeply satisfying culinary experience. Tucked away in a small plaza across from Cypress College, Echizen isn't just another Japanese eatery; it's a cherished "go-to spot" for locals who appreciate genuine Japanese fare and exceptional service. With years of consistent quality, it has solidified its reputation as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a taste of Japan right here in the Golden State.

What sets Echizen apart is its commitment to traditional Izakaya-style dining, especially during dinner hours, offering an extensive menu of small plates, grilled delights, and incredibly fresh sashimi. Even for lunch, while the menu may be more focused, it provides excellent options for a lighter yet equally flavorful meal. The restaurant prides itself on being a place where those who truly understand and seek authentic Japanese food will feel right at home. From satisfying udon bowls to perfectly fried soft-shell crab and a wide selection of Japanese spirits, Echizen provides a comprehensive and delightful journey into Japanese gastronomy. Prepare to be impressed by their dedication to authenticity, quality ingredients, and welcoming service.

Echizen Japanese Restaurant is conveniently located at 9111 Valley View St, Cypress, CA 90630, USA. Its prime position in a small plaza directly across from Cypress College makes it exceptionally accessible for students, faculty, and residents of Cypress and nearby communities in California. Valley View Street is a significant thoroughfare in the area, ensuring easy navigation for those driving to the restaurant.

The plaza setting typically provides ample parking, which adds to the convenience for diners. This accessibility means that whether you're looking for a quick, authentic Japanese lunch between classes, or a relaxed dinner experience with friends and family, Echizen is a straightforward and stress-free destination to reach. Its long-standing presence in this visible location also makes it a well-known landmark for locals seeking quality Japanese cuisine.

Echizen Japanese Restaurant provides a comprehensive dining experience, catering to various preferences from quick lunches to extensive dinner feasts, complemented by attentive service.

• Dine-In: Echizen offers a cozy and authentic setting for guests to enjoy their meals. Seating options include tables and counter seating, providing different dining atmospheres. Given its popularity and limited seating, especially during peak hours, guests are encouraged to be courteous when others are waiting.
• Reservations: To ensure a spot, particularly for dinner or larger groups, Echizen accepts reservations. These can be made over the phone or in person, which is highly recommended due to potential wait times, especially for popular evening slots.
• Lunch Service: They offer a daily lunch menu, which, while described as "limited," still provides many good options, especially for those preferring a lighter meal. Daily lunch specials are often displayed at the door or on their Instagram (@echizencypress), keeping regulars informed of new delights.
• Dinner Service (Izakaya Style): The dinner menu is extensive and features an Izakaya-style approach, offering a wide array of small plates, grilled fish, fresh sashimi, and various entrées. This allows diners to explore a broad spectrum of authentic Japanese flavors and enjoy a communal dining experience.
• Beverage Selection: To complement the authentic Japanese fare, Echizen offers a selection of Japanese Spirits (sake, shochu), as well as beer, wine, and soft drinks, enhancing the traditional Izakaya experience.
• Takeout: While the primary focus appears to be on the dine-in experience due to the izakaya style, takeout is available, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite Echizen dishes at home.

Echizen Japanese Restaurant is celebrated for numerous aspects that solidify its status as a top-tier authentic Japanese dining destination in California:

• Authentic Japanese Fare: This is the cornerstone of Echizen's appeal. Customers consistently praise the food for its authenticity, with some even comparing its izakaya dishes favorably to those found in Japan. This is a significant draw for connoisseurs of genuine Japanese cuisine.
• Extensive Izakaya-Style Dinner Menu: The dinner menu is a standout, offering a vast selection of small plates, making it perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of traditional dishes. This includes diverse options like grilled fish, fresh sashimi, and hearty entrées.
• High-Quality Ingredients: The freshness of ingredients, particularly for items like sashimi, is highly lauded. The specific mention of "fresh sashimi" and perfectly cooked dishes like "Fried soft-shell crab" underscores their commitment to quality.
• Signature Dishes & Customer Favorites:
  • Zarusoba with tempura shrimp: A classic light yet satisfying dinner option.
  • Nabeyaki udon: A hot and comforting udon dish served in a traditional clay pot.
  • Onigiri (rice ball): Popular, especially the salmon filling, with other options available.
  • Fried soft-shell crab: Consistently described as "light, crispy, and delicious."
  • Surume tsukeyaki (grilled dry squid): Praised for its firm texture and pairing well with beer or sake.
  • Spinach and garlic: A recommended starter for its fresh flavors.
  • Agedashi Tofu: Four lightly fried tofu pieces served with a flavorful sauce.
  • Fresh sashimi and grilled fish: Staples that highlight the restaurant's quality.
• Excellent Service: The staff is consistently praised for being "excellent" and "super friendly," ensuring a welcoming and pleasant dining experience. This attentive service significantly contributes to the overall appeal.
• Reasonable Pricing: Despite the high quality and authenticity, the dishes are described as "very reasonably priced," offering exceptional value for true Japanese cuisine.
• Japanese Spirits Selection: The availability of sake and shochu, alongside beer and wine, elevates the traditional izakaya experience and caters to those looking to enjoy authentic Japanese beverages with their meal.
• Local Support & Community Feel: Echizen has garnered immense local support, with patrons expressing happiness to "support this local establishment," indicating a strong community connection and loyalty.
• Instagram Presence: Daily lunch specials are regularly updated on their Instagram (@echizencypress), providing a convenient way for customers to stay informed and discover new menu items.

While the provided reviews don't detail specific, ongoing promotional offers, Echizen Japanese Restaurant does highlight its daily lunch specials. These specials are a consistent feature that provides excellent value and variety for patrons, especially during the midday hours. Customers are advised to check their Instagram page, @echizencypress, or inquire directly at the restaurant as these daily specials are often displayed at the door. These lunch offerings, though sometimes described as "limited" in variety compared to the extensive dinner menu, are carefully curated to provide satisfying and lighter meal options, often at an attractive price point.

Given the restaurant's emphasis on value and authenticity, these daily specials serve as a great way for both new and returning customers to experience their quality Japanese fare without committing to the larger izakaya-style dinner. It is always recommended to call or check their social media for the most up-to-date information on any current specials or seasonal menu additions.

To experience the authentic Japanese flavors and excellent service at Echizen Japanese Restaurant, here's how you can connect with them:

Address: 9111 Valley View St, Cypress, CA 90630, USA

Phone: (714) 828-2155

For reservations, especially for dinner, calling ahead is highly recommended due to the limited seating and popularity. You can also follow their Instagram account, @echizencypress, for updates on daily lunch specials and other news. This direct contact ensures you get the most accurate and up-to-date information for planning your visit to this beloved Cypress establishment.

For residents of California, particularly those in the Cypress area, Echizen Japanese Restaurant is an exceptional choice for authentic Japanese dining, making it a highly suitable local establishment. Its appeal lies in several key factors that resonate deeply with the community's desire for quality, value, and genuine culinary experiences.

Firstly, Echizen’s unwavering commitment to authentic Japanese fare sets it apart. It’s a place where you can find true Izakaya-style dishes, fresh sashimi, and expertly grilled fish, often lauded as being "as good or better than any izakaya in Japan." This level of authenticity is a significant draw for those who appreciate traditional Japanese flavors beyond standard offerings.

Secondly, despite the high quality, the menu is "very reasonably priced," providing excellent value. This makes enjoying a true taste of Japan an accessible and regular possibility for locals, whether it's for a quick, lighter lunch with their daily specials or an extensive, communal dinner. The generous selection of Japanese spirits further enhances the authentic experience without an exorbitant price tag.

Lastly, the "excellent service" provided by the friendly and attentive staff creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This personal touch fosters a strong sense of community and loyalty, making patrons feel valued and appreciated. The convenience of its location near Cypress College, combined with the option for reservations, also adds to its local suitability. For anyone in Cypress seeking a genuine, high-quality, and reasonably priced Japanese dining experience that feels like a true local secret, Echizen Japanese Restaurant is an absolute must-visit.

Echizen Japanese Restaurant

9111 Valley View St, Cypress, CA 90630, USA