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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeCaliforniaOrange CountyIrvineEl Camino RealJapanese Restaurant in Culver DriveMisasa
Misasa ico

Misasa

14230 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604, USA

4.0
Food was good but I didn't like the fish. I had the tempera plate and it came with small cup of miso soup. Update: food and service improvement for my most recent visit. I didn't get a picture of the miso soup - Malibu Racoon (Mali)
Misasa Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

Misasa Introduce

For those living in California, especially in the vibrant city of Irvine, the search for authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine that also offers great value is a continuous quest. Amidst the myriad of dining options, Misasa, nestled within the renowned Mitsuwa Marketplace in Irvine, stands out as a genuine local favorite. It’s a place where you can find comforting, traditional Japanese dishes that hit all the right notes, often at prices that pleasantly surprise. Misasa offers a casual and accessible dining experience, making it a go-to spot for many in the community looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Misasa has earned a loyal following for its commitment to serving classic Japanese fare, reminiscent of what you might find in a casual eatery in Japan. While it might not always boast the flashy ambiance of high-end establishments, its strength lies in its consistent delivery of flavorful and authentic dishes. Locals frequently highlight items like their highly recommended Pork Cutlet Bowl, praising its taste and satisfying portion size. The menu is designed to provide familiar favorites, making it a comfortable choice for those craving a taste of home-style Japanese cooking.

What truly sets Misasa apart in the current dining climate is its reputation for affordability. In an era where dining out can often be an expensive endeavor, Misasa offers a refreshing alternative, providing quality meals that are often priced below $15. This value proposition, combined with genuine flavors and a convenient location, makes Misasa a strong contender for anyone in Irvine seeking a reliable and enjoyable Japanese meal. It’s the kind of place that, once tried, often becomes a regular fixture in a local’s dining rotation.

Location and Accessibility

Misasa is strategically located in Irvine, California, offering a highly accessible dining experience for residents across Orange County. You’ll find this authentic Japanese eatery at 14230 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604, USA. Its prime placement within the well-known Mitsuwa Marketplace is a significant advantage for diners.

Being part of the Mitsuwa Marketplace complex means that Misasa benefits from ample parking, alleviating the common concern of finding a spot in a bustling area. This makes it incredibly convenient for those driving from nearby neighborhoods or even from further parts of Irvine and surrounding cities. Furthermore, the location within a prominent Japanese supermarket allows patrons to combine their meal with a unique shopping experience, Browse a wide array of authentic Japanese groceries, snacks, and household goods before or after their meal.

Culver Drive is a major thoroughfare in Irvine, ensuring that the restaurant is easy to locate and reach. The general infrastructure around the marketplace is well-developed, making it straightforward to navigate by personal vehicle or ride-sharing services. Misasa's spot in this vibrant hub underscores its role as a key player in Irvine's local Japanese culinary scene, drawing in customers seeking both quality and convenience.

Services Offered

Misasa provides a focused set of services designed to deliver a straightforward and satisfying Japanese dining experience:

  • Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal within the casual and bustling environment of the Mitsuwa Marketplace food court. The setting is ideal for a quick, authentic Japanese meal.

  • Takeout Options: For those who prefer to enjoy their comfort food at home, Misasa offers convenient takeout services.

  • Lunch and Dinner Menus: The restaurant serves a range of dishes suitable for both midday and evening meals, with hours typically aligning with the Mitsuwa Marketplace.

  • Affordable Pricing: Misasa is noted for its competitive pricing, offering many popular Japanese dishes at prices often below $15, making it a budget-friendly option for families and individuals.

  • Diverse Menu Categories: The menu is structured into clear categories, including:

    • Bowls (Donburi): Featuring various rice bowls with toppings like Pork Cutlet (Katsu Don), Deep Fried Shrimp (Ebi Don), and Oyako Don (chicken, onion, and egg). These often come with miso soup, pickles, and a side dish.

    • Curry: Offering different types of Japanese curry, such as Beef Curry and Chicken Cutlet Curry.

    • Noodles: Options like Kake Udon (plain hot udon/soba noodles) and Tempura Udon/Soba (noodles with shrimp tempura).

    • Lunch Plates: Including dishes like Tempura Plate (shrimp and vegetable tempura with rice and miso soup) and Grilled Salmon (teriyaki or soy sauce butter salmon with rice and miso soup).

    • Bento Combination: Offering comprehensive bento boxes that might include a variety of items like tempura, sashimi, grilled fish, and simmered vegetables.

  • Quick Service: As part of a food court, Misasa typically operates efficiently, aiming to serve customers quickly, especially important during busy periods.

Features / Highlights

Misasa inside Mitsuwa Marketplace is celebrated for several key features that contribute to its appeal among local diners:

  • Exceptional Value and Affordability: A consistent highlight from customers is the very reasonable pricing, with many satisfying meals available for under $15. This makes Misasa a highly attractive option for budget-conscious diners seeking authentic Japanese food.

  • Highly Recommended Pork Cutlet Bowl (Katsu Don): This dish stands out as a customer favorite. Reviewers frequently "highly recommend" the Pork Cutlet Bowl, praising its taste and quality.

  • Variety of Classic Japanese Comfort Foods: Misasa specializes in a range of traditional Japanese dishes that evoke a sense of home cooking. Beyond the popular pork cutlet, offerings include various donburi (rice bowls), Japanese curry dishes, udon/soba noodles, and classic lunch plates like Tempura Plate and Grilled Mackerel Plate.

  • Consistent Quality: Despite its affordable price point, Misasa is generally praised for its consistent food quality. While one customer initially disliked a fish dish, they noted a subsequent "food and service improvement" on a recent visit, indicating responsiveness and a commitment to quality.

  • Included Sides: Many main dishes, such as the tempura plates and rice bowls, come with complementary items like a small cup of miso soup and pickles, adding to the value and completeness of the meal.

  • Convenient Location within Mitsuwa Marketplace: Being inside this popular Japanese supermarket provides an added layer of convenience and enhances the overall Japanese cultural experience for diners. Customers can easily do their grocery shopping before or after their meal.

  • Straightforward and Unpretentious Dining: Misasa offers a casual, no-frills dining environment focused on the food itself. This laid-back atmosphere is ideal for quick, satisfying meals and appeals to those who prioritize substance over lavish decor.

Promotions or Special Offers

Misasa's primary "special offer" is its everyday value pricing, making authentic Japanese comfort food accessible and affordable for locals. Many of their substantial dishes, such as the Pork Cutlet Bowl or Deep Fried Shrimp Bowl, are consistently priced below $15, which is a significant draw in today's dining landscape.

While Misasa does not typically advertise extensive, revolving promotions like happy hours or daily deals, its consistent commitment to offering high-quality meals at budget-friendly prices serves as its ongoing attraction. Customers often highlight that even without explicit promotions, the inherent value of their menu makes dining there a smart choice. Additionally, being located within the Mitsuwa Marketplace, shoppers might find various store-wide specials that indirectly complement a visit to Misasa, though these are not directly offered by the restaurant itself. It’s always a good idea to check their in-store menu for the most current pricing and any fixed combo deals.

Contact Information

For inquiries, takeout orders, or to learn more about Misasa in Irvine, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 14230 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604, USA

Phone: (949) 653-1443

Misasa generally operates within the hours of the Mitsuwa Marketplace food court. While specific times can vary slightly, typical operating hours are:

Daily: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

It is always advisable to confirm their current operating hours directly with the restaurant or by checking the Mitsuwa Marketplace website, especially around holidays or for specific services like takeout, as schedules may occasionally vary.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Misasa inside Mitsuwa Marketplace is an exceptionally suitable dining spot for locals in the California region, particularly those in Irvine, for several compelling reasons. Foremost among these is its remarkable affordability without compromising on authentic Japanese flavors. In an era where dining out can be costly, Misasa consistently delivers satisfying meals, with many popular dishes priced under $15. This makes it an ideal choice for everyday dining, whether for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, appealing to students, families, and anyone looking for great value.

The restaurant excels in offering classic Japanese comfort food, such as the highly recommended Pork Cutlet Bowl and various donburi, tempura plates, and udon noodles. These are the kinds of dishes that evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity, making Misasa a go-to spot for a comforting meal. The noted "food and service improvement" by a recent customer also highlights the restaurant's responsiveness and commitment to enhancing the dining experience.

Its location within the popular Mitsuwa Marketplace adds significant convenience. Locals can easily combine their meal with grocery shopping for authentic Japanese ingredients, creating a holistic and efficient outing. The straightforward, unpretentious food court environment ensures a quick and efficient service, perfect for busy schedules. For Irvine residents seeking a reliable, delicious, and budget-friendly option for authentic Japanese comfort food, Misasa is a clear standout. It consistently delivers a satisfying culinary experience that makes it a cherished part of the local community’s dining landscape.

Misasa Photos

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Misasa Location

Misasa

14230 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92604, USA

Misasa Reviews

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