Hamamori Restaurant and Sushi Bar

For discerning palates in California seeking an unparalleled Japanese culinary experience, Hamamori Restaurant and Sushi Bar in Costa Mesa stands as a beacon of excellence. Nestled within the prestigious South Coast Plaza, Hamamori offers more than just a meal; it provides a sophisticated journey into the art of sushi and modern Japanese fusion. Led by Executive Chef James Hamamori, this establishment has garnered a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail, incredibly fresh ingredients, and a dining experience that rivals even those found in Japan's culinary heartlands.

Hamamori is not simply a sushi restaurant; it's a destination where culinary artistry meets impeccable service. Guests frequently rave about the "melt-in-your-mouth" quality of their sushi and the innovative flavors that grace each plate. From the moment you are seated, whether at a private table or at the vibrant sushi bar where you can witness the chefs at work, the commitment to providing a wholesome and memorable experience is evident. It’s a place that transcends typical expectations, delivering a truly special occasion dining spot or a cherished treat for those who appreciate the finer points of Japanese cuisine.

The dedication to freshness is paramount at Hamamori, with VIP sushi selections often highlighted for their pristine quality. Beyond the raw delicacies, innovative hot dishes like the acclaimed pork belly demonstrate the restaurant's versatility and culinary prowess, leaving a lasting impression on even the most seasoned diners. It's this combination of exquisite food, attentive service, and an elegant atmosphere that makes Hamamori a standout choice for locals and visitors alike in the Orange County region.

Hamamori Restaurant and Sushi Bar is perfectly situated at 3333 Bear St #320, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA. This prime address places it on the third floor of South Coast Plaza, a world-renowned luxury shopping destination. Being located within such a prominent landmark in Costa Mesa offers significant advantages in terms of accessibility and convenience for patrons across Southern California.

For those traveling by car, South Coast Plaza is easily accessible from major freeways, making it a convenient drive from various parts of Orange County, Los Angeles, and even San Diego. The plaza boasts extensive parking structures, ensuring that guests can find ample and secure parking, a significant plus in a busy metropolitan area. This takes away the usual stress of parking, allowing diners to arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy their meal.

Furthermore, the location within South Coast Plaza provides an added layer of experience. Diners can combine their culinary adventure with a day of high-end shopping or simply enjoy the elegant ambiance of the mall. The restaurant’s spot by a bridge within the plaza means it’s easily identifiable once inside, even for first-time visitors to the mall. Its integration into a larger retail and entertainment complex enhances its appeal as a central and accessible dining destination for locals and tourists alike.

• Omakase Dining: Hamamori is highly praised for its Omakase experience, where the chef curates a multi-course meal based on the freshest seasonal ingredients. This allows diners to fully trust the chef's expertise and enjoy a unique, personalized culinary journey.
• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: Beyond omakase, the restaurant offers a comprehensive à la carte menu featuring a wide selection of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls, using very fresh, high-quality fish such as VIP sushi, uni, and unagi.
• Innovative Hot Dishes: In addition to raw fish, Hamamori features exceptional hot entrees. The pork belly is a standout item, noted for its incredible flavor, and other dishes like tempura and teriyaki options are also available.
• Premium Beverage Program: The restaurant offers a selection of sake, whisky, beer, wine, and cocktails, expertly curated to complement the Japanese cuisine.
• Counter Seating: Guests have the option to sit at the sushi bar, allowing them to interact directly with the chefs and observe the intricate preparation of their dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Hamamori offers distinct lunch specials and a main menu for both lunch and dinner, accommodating various dining preferences throughout the day.
• Catering Services: While not explicitly detailed, high-end Japanese restaurants often provide catering services for private events, offering their exquisite dishes for larger gatherings.
• Takeout Options: For those who prefer to enjoy Hamamori's cuisine at home, takeout services are available, ensuring the flavors of Hamamori can be savored anywhere.
• Reservations: As a fine dining establishment, reservations are highly recommended, particularly for popular times like dinner and weekend sittings, to ensure a seamless dining experience.

• Tokyo-Quality Omakase: A standout feature is the Omakase, which customers liken to experiences in Tokyo, Japan, emphasizing the authentic and high-caliber nature of the chef's selection.
• Exceptional Freshness of Ingredients: The "very, very fresh" sushi and sashimi are consistently highlighted, indicative of Hamamori's commitment to sourcing top-quality seafood.
• Signature Pork Belly: The pork belly is a cult favorite, described as "amazing" and so good it can make you "close your eyes to absorb the taste," showcasing the restaurant's expertise beyond just sushi.
• Personalized and Attentive Service: The service is frequently praised for being "great," "amazing," and "very detailed," with staff going above and beyond, such as offering to cut portions in half for solo diners, demonstrating genuine care.
• Engaging Chef Interaction: Guests seated at the sushi bar often enjoy direct interaction with the friendly and welcoming chefs, who serve dishes directly and engage in pleasant conversation, enhancing the personal touch of the meal.
• Elegant Ambiance: The restaurant offers a "casual elegant" dining style with "crystal illuminations" and a "contemporary environment," creating a sophisticated yet comfortable setting.
• Located in South Coast Plaza: Its prime location within a premier shopping destination adds to its allure, offering convenience and a luxurious backdrop for dining.
• Unique Menu Items: Beyond traditional offerings, dishes like the "hamamori shooter" and various "chef's choice" items signify an inventive approach to Japanese cuisine.
• Wholesome Dining Experience: Customers consistently describe their visit as a "wholesome dining experience," highlighting the overall positive impression left by the food, service, and atmosphere.

Hamamori Restaurant and Sushi Bar, as a high-end Japanese establishment, focuses more on delivering an exquisite dining experience than on constant, broad promotions. However, specific offerings and approaches to value can be observed:

• Omakase Experiences: While not a "promotion" in the traditional sense, the Omakase menu itself offers a curated culinary journey that can represent excellent value for the quality and variety of dishes presented. Prices for Omakase experiences vary depending on the chef's selection and seasonality, offering a dynamic "special" for those seeking a unique meal. For instance, an Executive Sushi lunch option is highlighted as "8 pieces of the sushi bar's ‘gems’ of chef's prerogative" and is essentially an omakase experience for a set price.
• Lunch Specials: Hamamori offers dedicated lunch specials which often present a more accessible price point for their quality cuisine. Examples from past menus include Chirashi, Assorted Sushi, Assorted Sashimi, and various Bento Boxes (Tempura, Hamamori, Unagi Don, Bluefin Toro Don), all served with house salad and miso soup. These constitute a valuable offering for locals looking for a premium midday meal.
• VIP Sushi and Prix Fixe Menus: The "VIP Sushi" option, often part of a prix fixe menu, provides a curated selection of Hamamori's best, potentially offering a more comprehensive tasting experience at a set price than ordering individual items.
• Happy Hour: While specific details on a current happy hour are not readily available in the provided snippets for this particular Hamamori location, many upscale sushi restaurants, including those linked to the "Hamamori" name, historically have offered happy hour specials on select drinks and appetizers. It is always recommended to inquire directly with the restaurant regarding any such current offerings.

Given Hamamori's standing as a fine dining establishment, promotions are often subtly integrated through their specialized menus and high-quality offerings. For the most accurate and current information on any seasonal specials, lunch deals, or Omakase pricing, it is always best to contact the restaurant directly or visit their official website.

• Address: 3333 Bear St #320, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
• Phone: (714) 850-0880

For California locals, especially those in the Orange County area, Hamamori Restaurant and Sushi Bar offers a truly distinguished Japanese dining experience that caters to refined tastes. Its location within the upscale South Coast Plaza makes it a prime spot for both a special occasion and a luxurious culinary escape, easily accessible with ample parking. What truly sets Hamamori apart, however, is its unwavering commitment to quality and service, as consistently highlighted by its patrons.

The ability to experience Omakase that rivals dining in Tokyo, the pristine freshness of every sushi piece, and the unexpected delight of dishes like their famous pork belly ensures that every visit is memorable. The personalized attention from the chefs, particularly when seated at the sushi bar, creates a warm and engaging atmosphere, making even solo dining a comfortable and enjoyable experience. This level of service, combined with the exquisite food, fosters a genuine connection with the clientele, turning first-time visitors into loyal regulars.

Hamamori is more than just a place to eat; it's a culinary haven where the artistry of Japanese cuisine is celebrated. For locals who appreciate fresh, high-quality ingredients, innovative dishes, and a dining experience where every detail is carefully considered, Hamamori Restaurant and Sushi Bar is an indispensable part of Orange County's vibrant food scene. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking to indulge in authentic and elevated Japanese flavors, right in their own backyard.

Hamamori Restaurant and Sushi Bar

3333 Bear St #320, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA