MORI Izakaya

For Californians with a penchant for authentic Japanese cuisine, MORI Izakaya in Anaheim stands out as a truly remarkable dining destination. This restaurant has garnered significant praise for its dedication to quality, cleanliness, and an exceptional customer experience, making it a beloved spot for locals and those willing to travel for a superior meal. From perfectly grilled yakitori to fresh sashimi and a vast selection of Japanese delights, MORI Izakaya aims to transport diners to a genuine izakaya experience right in the heart of Orange County.

In the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of California, finding a Japanese restaurant that consistently exceeds expectations is a true find. MORI Izakaya has built its reputation on meticulous attention to detail, from the pristine cleanliness of its space to the polite and eager service, and, most importantly, the deliciousness of its food. Whether you're looking for a casual evening of small plates and drinks or a more extensive culinary journey, MORI Izakaya promises a memorable experience where every dish is prepared with care and flavor in mind.

MORI Izakaya is situated at 1199 N Euclid St Unit A, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA. Its location within a plaza on N Euclid Street makes it relatively accessible for residents of Anaheim and surrounding areas in Orange County. Euclid Street is a well-known thoroughfare, facilitating easy navigation by car.

While the address itself is straightforward, some customers have noted that "It was very difficult to find this spot. They’re located in the corner of this plaza with only one sign in front of the entrance." For first-time visitors, it's recommended to pay close attention to the plaza layout. However, once located, patrons will find "a large parking lot with plenty of spots," which is a significant advantage in busy Californian areas. Despite the initial challenge of finding the entrance, the ample parking and the restaurant's presence in a central Anaheim location ensure it's a convenient and practical destination for those seeking quality Japanese food.

MORI Izakaya offers a comprehensive range of Japanese dining services, focusing on a broad menu typical of an izakaya, alongside excellent customer care:

• Dine-In Experience: The restaurant provides a clean, appealing, and spacious indoor dining area with plenty of seating and a bar. It's designed to offer a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment for patrons.
• Extensive Menu: While noted as "definitely overwhelming" by some due to its size, the menu is "large" and "filled with sushi, small plates, yakitori, drinks, etc." This variety ensures there's something for every palate, from traditional Japanese fare to more unique offerings.
• Yakitori and Grilled Items: A highlight of their menu includes a wide array of yakitori (skewered and grilled items). Reviewed items include:
  • Wings with salt and spicy options
  • Chicken liver
  • Rob eye cap (likely referring to ribeye cap)
  • Pork belly (yakitori)
  • Jumbo shrimp (yakitori)
  • Baby squid
  • Ginkgo nuts
  • Shishito peppers
  • Grilled rib eye steak (praised for being "so tender!!")
• Sushi and Sashimi: They offer a selection of fresh sushi and sashimi, with one review specifically mentioning "The fish was clean and fresh" and a "Small sashimi combo." Their menu online also lists Hoso Maki and various nigiri.
• Small Plates and Appetizers: A variety of appetizers and small plates are available, including "Potato salad," "Ajitsuke tamago" (marinated egg), "Spicy tuna salad," "Premium kaki fries" (oyster fries), "Crispy Calamari", and various tempura options.
• Nabe (Hot Pot Dishes): The "Japanese soy beef & mushroom nabe" is specifically mentioned, indicating a comforting hot pot selection.
• Sake and Drink Offerings: The presence of a bar and mentions of "Sake" imply a good selection of Japanese alcoholic beverages to complement the food.
• Exceptional Service: Customers consistently praise the "extraordinary polite" and "courteous, quick, & efficient" service. Servers are described as "always near by with a smile eager to help or answer any questions," contributing significantly to the positive dining experience.

MORI Izakaya boasts several distinctive features that make it a compelling choice for Japanese dining in Anaheim:

• Impeccable Cleanliness and Appealing Decor: The restaurant is described as "clean, clean" with "very minimalistic and appealing" decor. The "wood tables are gorgeous!" and the "small river decor" are noted, creating a visually pleasing and comfortable ambiance that enhances the dining experience.
• Outstanding Service Quality: The "extraordinary polite" and attentive staff is a major highlight. Servers are described as "always near by with a smile eager to help," and praised for being "courteous, quick, & efficient." This high level of service significantly elevates the overall customer satisfaction.
• Fresh and Flavorful Food (Authentic Taste): Despite the extensive menu, the food "did not disappoint!" Each dish comes out "hot," and there's clear "care they take to make each plate." The preparation ensures that dishes are "not overly seasoned so you can taste main ingredients originally flavor," a sign of quality. Specific dishes like the "Grilled rib eye steak (so tender!!)" and the "absolutely flavorful" ribeye steak with sauce are highly recommended. The fish for sashimi is also noted as "clean and fresh."
• Variety of Izakaya Specialties: The wide selection of yakitori, including less common items like chicken liver and ginkgo nuts, along with diverse small plates, offers an authentic izakaya experience that goes beyond standard sushi rolls.
• Spacious and Comfortable Ambiance: The "definitely large" indoor space with "plenty of seating" and a bar area provides a comfortable setting, accommodating various group sizes.
• Positive Social Media Buzz: The fact that the restaurant has been seen "all over socials" indicates a strong positive reputation and current popularity, often a good indicator of a trending and worthwhile spot.

MORI Izakaya is known to offer a happy hour, which is a significant promotion for customers looking for value. According to public information:

• Happy Hours:
  • Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Late Night Happy Hours:
  • Tuesday - Thursday: 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Kitchen closes at 11:30 PM during this time)

One customer specifically mentioned enjoying "the sides from the happy hour menu," indicating that there are special deals on food items during these times. Typical happy hour offerings at izakayas can include discounted small plates, selected sushi, and drink specials (e.g., discounted beer, sake, or cocktails).

To get the most current and detailed information on what specific items are included in their happy hour or any other seasonal promotions, it's always best to:

• Visit their official website (moriizakaya.com) which usually has a dedicated happy hour menu or section.
• Call MORI Izakaya directly at (714) 222-1325.
• Inquire with your server upon arrival, especially during happy hour times.

These happy hour timings provide excellent opportunities for locals to experience MORI Izakaya's offerings at potentially more accessible price points.

To plan your visit or get in touch with MORI Izakaya, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1199 N Euclid St Unit A, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA
Phone: (714) 222-1325

For their full menu, hours of operation, and happy hour details, you can also visit their official website: moriizakaya.com.

For Californians, particularly those in Orange County, MORI Izakaya in Anaheim is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for an authentic and high-quality Japanese dining experience. Its appeal lies in a combination of factors that resonate strongly with local preferences. Firstly, the emphasis on impeccable cleanliness and appealing, minimalistic decor creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, making it a pleasant place for dining out. This attention to environment, combined with extraordinary polite and efficient service, ensures that every visit feels welcoming and well-cared for.

Secondly, the quality and authenticity of the food are paramount. Dishes are prepared with care, allowing the "original flavor" of the main ingredients to shine, and many items, from the "so tender" grilled ribeye steak to the "clean and fresh" fish for sashimi, receive high praise. The extensive menu, while potentially overwhelming at first glance, guarantees a wide selection of Japanese favorites, including an impressive array of yakitori, sushi, small plates, and comforting nabe dishes. This variety caters to diverse tastes and ensures that there's always something new to try.

Furthermore, the convenient happy hour periods (both early evening and late-night) offer excellent value, making it an accessible option for different budgets and schedules. The presence of ample parking in a busy area like Anaheim adds to its practicality. Even with the slight challenge of initially finding the entrance, the overall experience at MORI Izakaya — characterized by delicious food, stellar service, and a pleasant ambiance — makes it a true "hidden gem" that locals will undoubtedly cherish for their Japanese culinary cravings.

MORI Izakaya

1199 N Euclid St Unit A, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA