Ohshima Japanese Cuisine

For discerning palates across California, particularly within the vibrant culinary landscape of Orange County, Ohshima Japanese Cuisine in Orange stands as a beacon of high-quality sushi and an authentic omakase experience. This cozy and revered spot has garnered a reputation for its commitment to premium, fresh fish, meticulous preparation, and a serene ambiance that transports diners straight to a traditional Japanese sushi bar. It’s a destination for those who appreciate the artistry and nuanced flavors of expertly crafted nigiri and sashimi.

Ohshima Japanese Cuisine, while maintaining a calm and intimate setting, offers a sophisticated dining experience focused on the chef's expertise. Patrons consistently highlight the "high-quality fish" and the "well-paced omakase experience" at the sushi bar. From the buttery Black Cod to the exquisite Cherry Salmon and melt-in-your-mouth Toro, the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the sushi chef are paramount. While it's a place that caters to a refined taste and offers a premium experience, its convenient location and attentive service make it an accessible luxury for locals in Orange County seeking an exceptional Japanese meal.

Ohshima Japanese Cuisine is conveniently located at 1956 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92865, USA. This address places it within a strip mall setting, which offers a significant advantage for diners in Southern California: "plenty of parking spots." This ease of parking is a crucial convenience, as nearby businesses are often not as busy, ensuring a hassle-free arrival.

North Tustin Street is a well-known and easily navigable thoroughfare in Orange, making Ohshima accessible for residents not only within Orange but also from surrounding cities in Orange County. Its location within a commercial plaza ensures it's easy to spot and reach, whether you're planning a special omakase dinner or a quality sushi lunch. The accessibility of the location contributes to a smooth and enjoyable dining experience from the moment you arrive.

Ohshima Japanese Cuisine specializes in high-quality sushi and omakase, offering a refined dining experience with a focus on fresh fish and traditional preparation:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a "cozy sushi spot with a calm ambiance," ideal for a quiet dinner or a special occasion.
• Omakase Experience at the Sushi Bar: The primary highlight, offering chef-selected pieces of nigiri. Options typically include 10, 12, or 13 pieces of omakase, where the first 10 pieces are chef's choice.
• A La Carte Menu: For table seating, or after the omakase at the bar, a sheet menu is provided to mark directly for orders. This includes individual nigiri pieces (e.g., Alfoncino, Amberjack, Bluefin Tuna, Cherry Salmon, Scallop, Toro, Black Cod, Uni), as well as sashimi options.
• Premium Fish Selection: Features rare and seasonal fish, including specific mentions like Cherry Salmon, Toro, Black Cod, Big Yellowtail (winter only from Japan), Santa Barbara Uni, Sea Bream, Bluefin Tuna, Scallop, Amberjack, Sea Bass, Japanese Butterfish, and Striped Jack.
• Appetizers and Small Plates: Offers a selection of starters such as "ceviche" (served complimentary at the bar), Miso Soup (with options for Tofu, Mushroom, or Shrimp), Garlic Edamame, Chawa Mushi Egg Custard, Poki Salad, Green Papaya Asparagus Salad, Fried Oyster, Agedashi Tofu, and various carpaccio options (Yellowtail, Octopus, Albacore, Halibut).
• Hot Dishes: Beyond sushi, the menu includes options like Fish Collar (Yellowtail, Amberjack, Salmon, Cherry Salmon, Black Cod), Baked Scallop and Crab Meat with Salmon, Braised Pork Ribs/Belly, Grilled Prime Beef Tongue, Miso Duck with Forbidden Rice, Uni Pasta, and Grilled Black Cod.
• Desserts: A selection of unique desserts like Homemade Chocolate Bar with Vanilla Smoothies, Homemade Green Tea Flan, Homemade Shiratama Zenzai, and Apple Wonton with Vanilla Ice Cream.
• Sake and Wine Bar: Offers a selection of cold sake (glass, bottle, sampler), shochu, and a limited selection of wine (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Plum Wine).
• Beer Selection: Provides various Japanese beers (Kirin Light, Echigo, Tokyo, Asahi, Sapporo, Orion) and craft options like Matcha IPA.
• Hot Tea Refills: Hot tea is available, and servers are attentive to providing "unlimited refills" when dining at the bar.
• Reservations: Easy to make reservations via phone during their open hours, highly recommended due to the intimate size.

Ohshima Japanese Cuisine is renowned for several distinct features and highlights that contribute to its standing as a top sushi destination in Orange County:

• High-Quality Fish: The paramount feature, with consistent praise for the "high-quality fish" and "incredibly fresh and flavorful" pieces, including rare and seasonal selections like Cherry Salmon, Toro, and Santa Barbara Uni.
• Exceptional Omakase Experience: Offers a well-paced omakase at the sushi bar, allowing the chef to guide the dining journey with expertly selected and prepared pieces, tailored to individual preferences (though initial guidance on piece count can be improved).
• Skilled Sushi Chef: The "sushi chef behind the bar" acts as the main server for bar patrons, expertly pacing the experience and demonstrating attention to detail, such as adjusting to serve sweet shrimp when the miso soup is brought out and refilling ginger.
• Unique and Delicious Dishes: Specific items like the "Black Cod is seared and had a great dual texture of crispy on the outside but so buttery on the inside" are highlighted as favorites. Also noted are "good" ceviche (though with a different cultural interpretation), and other menu items like Miso Duck and Uni Pasta.
• Calm and Cozy Ambiance: The restaurant provides a "calm ambiance" with "calm instrumental music playing in the background," creating a serene and intimate dining setting.
• Attentive Service: Both the sushi chefs and other servers are commended for being "attentive," consistently refilling hot tea and providing prompt drink orders.
• Value for Quality: While premium, the 13-piece omakase at $118 (as of February 2025) is considered "definitely worth it for the quality of the fish and the service overall."
• Convenient Location with Ample Parking: Located in a strip mall with "plenty of parking spots," ensuring ease of access for diners in Orange County.
• Reservations Recommended: The ability to easily make reservations via phone highlights their organized approach to managing guest flow in their intimate space.

Ohshima Japanese Cuisine, as a high-end sushi establishment focusing on premium quality and an omakase experience, typically doesn't offer extensive "discount" promotions in the traditional sense, as their value is derived from the quality of the ingredients and the culinary craftsmanship. However, elements of their pricing structure and offerings can be considered special:

• Value-Oriented Omakase Pricing: As of February 2025, the 13-piece omakase with miso soup is priced at $118. For the quality and variety of fish, especially rare selections like Cherry Salmon, Toro, and Santa Barbara Uni, this is often considered a good value within the high-end sushi market in California.
• Complimentary Starter: Diners at the sushi bar often receive a complimentary "ceviche" as a starter on the house, adding an unexpected touch to the experience.
• Unlimited Hot Tea Refills (Bar Seating): For those sitting at the bar, the hot tea is offered with "unlimited refills" for a $3 charge, providing a continuous, comforting beverage throughout the meal.
• Specialty Fish Selection: The inclusion of seasonal and rare fish (e.g., "Big Yellowtail (winter only from Japan)") can be considered a special offering, providing unique culinary opportunities that are not always available elsewhere.

It is important to note that while the quality and experience are highlights, there have been instances where customers reported discrepancies in billing, making it crucial to "Double-check your bill!" This is not a promotion but a critical piece of advice for all patrons.

For specific and up-to-date information on any potential seasonal tasting menus or special selections, it is best to contact Ohshima Japanese Cuisine directly or inquire upon arrival.

To make reservations or for any inquiries regarding Ohshima Japanese Cuisine, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1956 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92865, USA

Phone: (714) 998-0098

For residents across Orange, California, and the broader Orange County area, Ohshima Japanese Cuisine offers a distinct and highly suitable dining experience, particularly for those seeking a premium sushi and omakase journey. Its core strength lies in its unwavering commitment to "high-quality fish," with discerning diners consistently praising the freshness and exquisite preparation of each piece, from the sought-after Cherry Salmon to the rich Toro and perfectly seared Black Cod. This dedication to superior ingredients ensures a truly authentic and memorable taste of Japan.

The "cozy sushi spot with a calm ambiance" provides an intimate and serene setting, perfect for special occasions or a quiet evening out. The "attentive service," particularly from the sushi chefs at the bar who skillfully pace the omakase and cater to details like ginger refills and hot tea, enhances the overall experience, making patrons feel well-cared for. While the omakase experience requires a minimum order and benefits from some prior knowledge, the quality delivered for the price ($118 for 13 pieces as of Feb 2025) is widely regarded as "definitely worth it."

Situated conveniently on N Tustin Street with "plenty of parking spots," Ohshima Japanese Cuisine is easily accessible, a significant advantage for diners in bustling Southern California. While the occasional billing discrepancy has been noted, the overwhelming sentiment emphasizes the exceptional quality of the food and service. For locals who prioritize fresh, expertly crafted sushi in a refined setting and are willing to invest in a top-tier culinary experience, Ohshima Japanese Cuisine is an indispensable destination that promises a sophisticated and satisfying journey into the art of Japanese cuisine.

Ohshima Japanese Cuisine

1956 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92865, USA