Kagura Costa Mesa

For those in California who cherish the true essence of Japanese cuisine, especially the deeply satisfying and expertly prepared dish of katsu, Kagura Costa Mesa stands out as a genuine culinary treasure. This isn't just another Japanese restaurant; it's a place that transports your taste buds directly to Japan, offering katsu that even seasoned travelers claim is "the best katsu I’ve had outside of Japan." If you're on the hunt for authentic tonkatsu – perfectly breaded, fried to a golden crisp, and incredibly tender within – Kagura is an absolute must-visit in Orange County.

Katsu, a beloved Japanese comfort food, involves a breaded and deep-fried cutlet, most commonly pork (tonkatsu) but also chicken, served with a rich, savory sauce, often alongside rice, shredded cabbage, and miso soup. What sets Kagura apart is its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to authenticity. They go beyond the standard, even offering pork plates with varying fat content to cater precisely to your preference, a nuance typically found only in Japan. This dedication to tradition and quality makes Kagura Costa Mesa a unique and highly valued destination for locals seeking an authentic taste of Japan right here in California.

Kagura Costa Mesa is conveniently located at 688 Baker St #8, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA. This prime location offers excellent accessibility for residents throughout Orange County, making it a straightforward drive for anyone craving authentic Japanese katsu. Its position within Costa Mesa means it's easily reachable from various neighboring cities and communities.

A significant bonus for accessibility, as noted by customers, is its proximity to Mitsuwa Marketplace. This popular Japanese supermarket complex often provides ample parking and creates a vibrant hub for Japanese culture and cuisine, making Kagura an ideal dining choice before or after a shopping trip. The combination of easy access and convenient parking contributes to a hassle-free visit, allowing you to focus on enjoying your authentic Japanese meal. Its location makes it a true local gem, effortlessly integrated into the daily lives of California residents.

• Dine-in Service: Experience authentic Japanese katsu in a setting that aims to bring a piece of Japan to Costa Mesa. While some reviews mention service attentiveness could improve, the quality of food remains the main draw for dine-in guests.
• Takeout Service: Kagura Costa Mesa offers takeout options for those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home. Customers can call ahead or place orders through popular delivery platforms.
• Specialized Katsu Menu: Their menu focuses heavily on various katsu dishes, including Fillet Katsu, Pork Loin Katsu, Pork Katsu with Curry Sauce, Millefeuille with Cheese Katsu, and even Tomahawk Loin Katsu. They are known for offering different fat content options for pork katsu, catering to individual preferences.
• Set Meals (Teishoku): Most katsu dishes are offered as a "Teishoku" set, typically including rice, miso soup, and unlimited refills of shredded cabbage, providing a complete and satisfying meal.
• Donburi (Rice Bowl) Options: In addition to katsu sets, they offer Katsu Don and other rice bowl variations like Sauce Katsu Don and Shrimp Katsu Don.
• Dessert and Beverage Offerings: While not extensively detailed, common Japanese restaurant offerings of desserts and a selection of beverages (including sake from Yamagata, as mentioned for their Torrance location, which might apply here too) are likely available.
• Online Ordering & Delivery: Kagura Costa Mesa is available on major delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates, allowing for convenient delivery or pickup.

• Best Katsu Outside of Japan: This is a recurring sentiment from customers, highlighting the exceptional quality and authenticity of their katsu, making it a must-try for any katsu enthusiast.
• Authentic Katsu Dishes: Kagura specializes in katsu, offering a level of authenticity often found only in Japan, including the option to choose pork plates of varying fat content to match your taste.
• Crunchy, Perfectly Fried Katsu: The katsu is consistently praised for its ideal crispiness on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside.
• Variety of Katsu Options: From classic Fillet Katsu and Pork Loin Katsu to more unique offerings like Millefeuille with Cheese Katsu and the viral Tomahawk Loin Katsu, there's a wide selection to explore.
• Proximity to Mitsuwa Marketplace: Being located right next door to Mitsuwa is a significant advantage, creating a cultural hub and making it convenient for combined shopping and dining trips.
• High-Quality Food: The overall quality of the food is consistently rated as amazing, showcasing a commitment to premium ingredients and expert preparation.
• Traditional Accompaniments: Katsu sets come with essential components like rice, miso soup, and shredded cabbage (often with unlimited refills, as noted at other Kagura locations), completing the authentic experience.
• Spacious and Cozy Interior (potential): While specific to the Torrance location, Kagura restaurants typically feature a "classic interior with spacious and cozy semi-private rooms," suggesting a pleasant dining ambiance in Costa Mesa as well.

Kagura Costa Mesa has, at times, offered special promotions to enhance the dining experience for its patrons. While current, ongoing daily specials are best confirmed directly with the restaurant, past promotions indicate their willingness to provide value.

• Extended Happy Hour (Past Offer): Previously, Kagura Costa Mesa has offered extended happy hours, such as Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM. During these times, special prices were available on beverages like Sapporo draft mugs (e.g., $2.99, normally $4.50) and select appetizers like Gyoza and Takoyaki. It is advisable to check if these happy hour specials are still active.
• Exclusive Menu Items: The Costa Mesa branch has been noted for featuring exclusive menu items not found at other Kagura locations, such as Pork Shoulder Loin, Pork Loin Steak, and the impressive Tomahawk Loin Katsu, which can be seen as a special offering in itself.

For the most up-to-date information on any current promotions, happy hour deals, or seasonal specials, locals in California are encouraged to contact Kagura Costa Mesa directly via phone, check their official website if available, or look at their profiles on popular food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash.

To experience the renowned katsu at Kagura Costa Mesa, you can find their contact information below:

• Address: 688 Baker St #8, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
• Phone: (714) 760-4728

You can also find them and place orders through various online platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates. Their typical operating hours are Monday-Friday from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM for lunch and 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM for dinner, and Saturday-Sunday from 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM continuously. However, it's always best to call ahead or check online for the most current hours and any potential changes.

Kagura Costa Mesa is an exceptional choice for locals in California, particularly those with a discerning palate for authentic Japanese cuisine. Its primary suitability stems from its unwavering commitment to delivering what many consider the "best katsu outside of Japan." For Californians who appreciate genuine culinary experiences and are willing to seek out places that truly excel in a specific dish, Kagura offers an unparalleled katsu experience. The ability to choose pork with varying fat content, a detail usually reserved for establishments in Japan, showcases a dedication to authenticity that sets it apart from more generalized Japanese restaurants.

Beyond the food quality, its strategic location next to the popular Mitsuwa Marketplace is a significant draw. This proximity transforms a meal into a more comprehensive cultural outing, allowing locals to combine their authentic katsu experience with Japanese grocery shopping or exploration. This integration into a familiar and convenient local hub makes Kagura an effortless addition to regular dining routines.

While some customer feedback points to potential areas for service improvement, the overwhelming consensus remains focused on the "amazing" food quality, which is ultimately the core reason for visiting a specialized restaurant like this. For locals prioritizing the authentic taste and meticulous preparation of their favorite Japanese comfort food, Kagura’s culinary excellence shines through. It's the perfect destination for a truly satisfying and authentic Japanese katsu meal that truly brings a taste of Japan to the heart of Orange County.

Kagura Costa Mesa

688 Baker St #8, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA