Miki Sushi & Sake Introduce
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For those in California with an appreciation for truly exceptional sushi and a cozy, inviting atmosphere, Miki Sushi & Sake in Laguna Beach is an absolute must-visit. This beloved Japanese restaurant has quickly earned a stellar reputation for its commitment to "super fresh fish" and "unique flavors and combinations," setting it apart in the vibrant Orange County dining scene. It's a place where culinary artistry meets a welcoming ambiance, creating a memorable experience for every guest.
Patrons consistently praise Miki Sushi & Sake for its inventive menu, with standout mentions for dishes like the "scallop beet truffle nigiri," the "M45," and the "lava flow" rolls, all described as "delicious!" Beyond the incredible food, the "atmosphere" is frequently lauded as "very small but it made it so cozy," contributing to a "10/10" overall rating. Many declare it the "best sushi we have had while visiting California," promising to return "every time we visit." Honoring the legacy of renowned female sushi chef Miki Izumisawa, whose unique recipes "transform elements of the natural world," Miki Sushi & Sake continues to push the boundaries of traditional Japanese cuisine while maintaining the highest standards of freshness and taste. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes Miki Sushi & Sake a cherished part of the Laguna Beach community, covering its prime location, the diverse services it offers, its standout features, and how to connect with this culinary gem.
Miki Sushi & Sake is ideally situated at 242 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA. This prime location places it directly on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, a central artery through the artistic and picturesque city of Laguna Beach. For California residents and visitors exploring the scenic Orange County coastline, finding Miki Sushi & Sake is incredibly convenient.
Its position on North Coast Highway offers excellent visibility and, importantly, an "ocean view" from its cozy setting, being located "across from Main Beach." This adds a quintessential Laguna Beach charm to the dining experience. Regarding parking, while Laguna Beach is known for its popularity, metered parking is available on PCH, and the city offers various public parking lots throughout the downtown area. Guests can often use the Laguna Beach Parking App for convenience. The central location also makes it accessible for those exploring the local art galleries, boutiques, or enjoying a day at the beach, making it a perfect spot for a delicious meal before or after local activities.
Miki Sushi & Sake offers a focused yet diverse range of services, centered around providing a unique and high-quality sushi experience.
- Dine-in Service: The restaurant provides an "intimate sushi bar and cozy 18 window seats with views of Laguna's main beach," creating a perfect ambiance for a memorable meal. The small size contributes to a "cozy" atmosphere, allowing for attentive service. Reservations are recommended, particularly given its popularity.
- Unique and Fusion Sushi Rolls: Miki Sushi & Sake is particularly celebrated for its "unique flavors and combinations." The menu features a wide array of specialty rolls that "blur the line between art and fusion sushi," with names like Lava Flow, Moon and Sun, Feather in the Sky, and Prairie. Specific customer favorites include the "M45" and "lava flow" rolls.
- Nigiri and Sashimi with Inventive Pairings: Beyond traditional preparations, their nigiri and sashimi stand out with "unique flavors and combinations." The "scallop beet truffle nigiri" is specifically praised for its deliciousness, showcasing their innovative approach to classic Japanese dishes.
- Appetizers and Small Plates: The menu includes tantalizing appetizers, with a "shrimp appetizer" being a customer favorite. Other potential offerings based on a typical sushi restaurant include shishito peppers (which were explicitly called "delicious"), edamame, and gyoza.
- Sake Selection: As indicated by its name, Miki Sushi & Sake offers a selection of sake, designed to complement their unique sushi offerings. This allows guests to explore traditional Japanese beverage pairings.
- Honoring Chef Miki Izumisawa's Legacy: The restaurant operates with "all-female staff," honoring Chef Miki Izumisawa, a "renowned woman sushi chef originally trained by the one and only Nobu Matsuhisa." Her unique recipes and vision for "unique nigiri, cut rolls and hand rolls" continue to be executed by her carefully coached chefs.
- Online Ordering & Takeout: While the dine-in experience is highly praised, the restaurant also facilitates online ordering for takeout, as indicated by its presence on platforms like ToastTab, allowing customers to enjoy their unique flavors at home.
Miki Sushi & Sake stands out in the Laguna Beach dining scene due to several distinct features that contribute to its exceptional reputation.
- "Super Fresh Fish" and Unique Flavors: The most prominent highlight is the consistent praise for "super fresh fish" and the restaurant's ability to create "unique flavors and combinations." This innovative approach to traditional sushi, combined with top-tier ingredients, results in a truly memorable culinary experience.
- Distinctive Nigiri Creations: Specific dishes like the "scallop beet truffle nigiri" are singled out for being "delicious," showcasing the chef's creativity and skill in blending premium ingredients for harmonious and surprising flavors.
- Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere: Despite being "very small," the restaurant's ambiance is consistently described as "cozy," contributing to a "perfect" and enjoyable dining experience. This intimate setting is ideal for quiet dinners or close gatherings.
- "Best Sushi We Have Had While Visiting California": This high praise from visitors underscores the restaurant's ability to deliver an exceptional experience that stands out even among the many sushi options in the state.
- Legacy of Chef Miki Izumisawa: The restaurant proudly carries on the legacy of Chef Miki Izumisawa, a "renowned woman sushi chef." Her unique vision and recipes, executed by an all-female staff, add a compelling narrative and a distinctive culinary philosophy to the establishment.
- Ocean View Dining: Located across from Main Beach, the restaurant offers an "ocean view" from its "window seats," providing a beautiful backdrop to the dining experience and enhancing the coastal ambiance.
- High Quality with Lightness: Descriptions such as "Extremely fresh and light" suggest that the sushi is prepared in a way that highlights the natural flavors of the fish without being heavy, which is highly desirable for discerning sushi lovers.
- Positive and Welcoming Vibe: The overall feeling conveyed by reviews is one of warmth and satisfaction, making customers eager to "definitely be back."
Based on available public information, Miki Sushi & Sake does not extensively advertise ongoing promotions or traditional happy hour specials in the same way some other restaurants might. Given its focus on high-quality, unique, and fresh ingredients, the value is inherent in the culinary experience itself.
However, discerning diners in California can always consider the following:
- Seasonal Menu Changes: Restaurants that prioritize "super fresh fish" often feature seasonal specials or new creations based on the availability of the best ingredients. These can be considered a form of "special offer" in terms of unique culinary opportunities.
- "Chef's Choice" or Omakase-style options: While not explicitly stated as Omakase, the emphasis on unique combinations and the chef's artistry might imply opportunities for personalized recommendations or daily specials that showcase the freshest catches.
For the most current and specific information on any potential short-term promotions, seasonal menu additions, or any unique offers that might arise, California locals are always encouraged to:
- Call Directly: A phone call to (949) 494-2444 is the best way to inquire about any current deals or daily specials that might not be widely advertised online.
- Visit their Official Website or Social Media: Businesses often announce new specials or limited-time offers on their digital platforms.
To experience the unique and fresh sushi at Miki Sushi & Sake, here is their contact information:
Address: 242 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Phone: (949) 494-2444
Mobile Phone: +1 949-494-2444
Miki Sushi & Sake generally operates during evening hours, with slight variations:
- Sunday - Thursday: 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
- Friday - Saturday: 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
It is always recommended to confirm their exact operating hours, especially on holidays or for special dates, to ensure a seamless visit or takeout order. Reservations are advisable due to the restaurant's cozy size and popularity.
For California locals, particularly those in Laguna Beach and the wider Orange County area, Miki Sushi & Sake is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining destination. Its core appeal lies in its commitment to delivering "super fresh fish" and a remarkable array of "unique flavors and combinations" that consistently impress, setting a high bar for sushi experiences in the region. This dedication to culinary innovation ensures that every visit offers something new and exciting, encouraging repeat patronage.
What truly resonates with locals is the inviting and "cozy" atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed dinner where one can truly savor the food. The "attentive staff" and the consistent "10/10" rating from satisfied customers speak to a high level of service that complements the exceptional cuisine. Furthermore, the legacy of Chef Miki Izumisawa and the continuation of her vision by an all-female staff add a unique and compelling narrative. With its stunning ocean views, fresh ingredients, innovative menu, and warm ambiance, Miki Sushi & Sake isn't just a place to eat; it's a cherished local gem where Californians can consistently find outstanding sushi and a truly delightful dining experience.
Miki Sushi & Sake Photos










Miki Sushi & Sake Location
Miki Sushi & Sake
242 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Miki Sushi & Sake Reviews
Loved the unique flavors and combinations here!! And super fresh fish. Will definitely be back to try more of their menu. Shishito peppers, scallop beet truffle nigiri, M45, and lava flow were all delicious!
Feb 09, 2025 · Kristina LevinI absolutely love the atmosphere. Very small but it made it so cozy. The sushi was the best we have had while visiting California. Extremely fresh and light. All around a 10/10 and will be back every time we visit.
Apr 17, 2025 · Ashley MumbrayVery good sushi in an intimate (small) setting with great service and fun music. Its a very standard nigiri menu with some fun rolls and salads. I loved my shishito peppers and the “Sailing Boat” tuna and toasted rice appetizer. They even made a custom masago nigiri for me which I appreciated. If you’re in Laguna and in need of Sushi, this is a fun place.
Nov 10, 2024 · David RottblattTo the most righteous people who decided to resurrect this Laguna Beach treasure that we missed (so much) we say BRAVO.Not only have you and the team of amazing kitchen / wait staff brought Miki's cherished recipes back for all to enjoy, but you paid homage to a total character of a human with style and grace.My favorite Miki story in 20 years of eating there:I brought a chef in for dinner, he was quite impressed. He was a bit of a loud character, something Miki did not like (it was all in her glance). At one point he asked her 'Where do you get your fish from??' She paused... then cooly looked up and said 'the ocean'.No soy sauce neon in the bathroom....classic.
Jan 11, 2025 · Patrick SarkissianWhat a beautiful reopening! ✨ Chef Miki’s spirit shines through in every detail. Re-experiencing the menu was a delight— the tomato miso soup, Vitamin C salad, Sexy Truffle, and Moon & Sun were all amazing, but the Yuzu Pep Pep and Eel Truffle Nigiri were truly out of this world!Thank you, Chris and the entire team, for honoring Chef Miki’s legacy and making this reopening possible. 🙏
Aug 05, 2024 · Anastasiya Shpakova
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