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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeCaliforniaOrange CountyNewport BeachCorona Del MarJapanese Restaurant in East Coast HighwaySUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa ico

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa

2600 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, USA

4.0
I don’t consider myself a sushi snob, but I really wanted to like Sugarfish. I had heard many good things about it for years from people who I consider pickier eaters than me, so when I was finally in the area and had a chance to try it, I was excited. Unfortunately my expectations versus what I received fell very short.My wife and I both got the Nozawa Trust Me option. It seemed like a popular choice and a good value for the price. Unfortunately it fell short. I actually want to break down how I felt about each course for you all:Tuna and Chutoro Sashimi - ⭐️⭐️Sashimi is probably the wrong description for it. It’s more of a poke-style and drenched in ponzu, which was very overpowering and took away from the flavor of the tuna. I felt like I was taking a tablespoon of ponzu with each bite.Albacore Sushi - ⭐️⭐️Decent flavor and good texture of the fish. Even though this wasn’t drenched in ponzu like the previous dish, it still felt like it had way too much ponzu, which made it too salty and took away from the overall experienceSalmon Sushi - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Happy here, though I wish the salmon was bigger and thicker cut.Toro Hand Roll - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Well made and delicious. Eat it right away otherwise the warm rice will make the nori soft. This was easily the best piece in the set, which unfortunately means everything went downhill from here.Yellowtail Sushi - ⭐️⭐️The fish had good flavor and texture. Unfortunately that was ruined when they put too much lemon on it. Yellowtail already has a natural citrus flavor, and the extra lemon overpowered it.Chutoro Sushi - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This one was mixed for me. Of the two pieces I got, the first one was bland but the second piece was perfection. I averaged this out to 4 stars.Sea Bream - ⭐️⭐️⭐️Interesting texture but low flavor here. Very different and happy to try something more uncommon, but it was forgettable.Hirame Sushi - ⭐️⭐️This had the same issue as the albacore. Too much ponzu.Crab Hand Roll - ⭐️⭐️⭐️I was hoping to end strong but my nori was not crunchy, meaning it had been sitting for a bit before being served and the warm rice softened it. The crab was good but otherwise it was just okay.Service - ⭐️⭐️⭐️Nice, friendly staff. They are slow and did not check in as often as they should have for refills and such. However, once we got their attention ourselves, they would quickly bring what we needed. It took a long time between courses even with the restaurant being not completely full.Overall I would not choose to come back here on my own, but if I was invited by friends to eat here, I wouldn’t be completely upset.It was just okay. - William To
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Introduce

For residents across California, particularly those with a discerning palate for Japanese cuisine in the scenic coastal community of Corona Del Mar, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa stands as a distinct and often-discussed dining destination. This restaurant chain, stemming from the philosophy of the revered Chef Kazunori Nozawa, offers a unique approach to sushi that emphasizes the purity of ingredients and a specific, curated dining experience. If you’re a local seeking fresh, high-quality sushi in a focused setting, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa provides an opportunity to experience Japanese tradition with a modern, accessible twist.

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa operates on the "Trust Me" concept, a philosophy championed by Chef Nozawa himself. This means patrons are encouraged to entrust their meal to the chef, opting for pre-set menus that showcase the freshest fish and perfectly seasoned rice. The aim is to provide a pure sushi experience, without the distractions of excessive sauces or overly complicated rolls. While not every diner's experience is universally acclaimed, many laud the "absolutely delicious" food, where the "fish would just melt in your mouth and the flavors were amazing!" The restaurant strives for a balance of quality, consistency, and a particular style that has garnered a loyal following across its California locations. For those in Corona Del Mar looking for an authentic yet streamlined sushi journey, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa offers a compelling and often highly praised option.

Location and Accessibility

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa in Corona Del Mar is conveniently located at 2600 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, USA. This prime address positions the restaurant along a major and picturesque thoroughfare in one of Orange County's most desirable coastal communities. East Coast Highway is a well-trafficked road, ensuring excellent visibility and relatively straightforward access for both local residents and visitors to the area.

The accessibility of SUGARFISH is a notable advantage for locals. Corona Del Mar is a popular area, and having a well-regarded sushi establishment within easy reach adds to its allure. While specific parking instructions are not universally provided in general public data, the Corona Del Mar location's website mentions "Plenty of free parking in the underground lot behind the restaurant. Parking entrance is in the back alley off of 5th Ave or Fernleaf Ave." This dedicated and free parking is a significant convenience for diners arriving by car in a bustling coastal area. Its location also means it's a short drive from other popular Orange County cities like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, making it a viable and attractive dining option for a wider regional audience. For Californians who appreciate both culinary quality and practical convenience, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa's location provides an ideal balance.

Services Offered

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa offers a distinctive dining experience centered around Chef Kazunori Nozawa's philosophy, primarily focusing on "Trust Me" menus and traditional sushi preparation.

  • Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides a casual yet focused dining environment. Seating is on a "first-come, first-served basis" as they do not take reservations. The atmosphere is designed for guests to savor each piece of sushi as it's served.
  • "Trust Me" Menus: This is the signature offering at SUGARFISH. Instead of an extensive à la carte menu, guests choose from several curated "Trust Me" options, designed to present a progression of Chef Nozawa's favorite and freshest selections. These typically include:
    • Trust Me Lite: A smaller selection, often with a few nigiri pieces and a hand roll. (e.g., Albacore Sushi, Salmon Sushi, Yellowtail Sushi, Nozawa-style Shrimp Sushi, Fish Cut Roll & Blue and Dungeness Crab Cut Roll)
    • Trust Me: A more comprehensive meal, generally featuring sashimi, several nigiri courses, and hand rolls. (e.g., Tuna Sashimi, Albacore Sushi, Salmon Sushi, Japanese Yellowtail Sushi, New Zealand Sea Bream Sushi, Hirame Sushi, Blue and Dungeness Crab Hand Roll, Toro Hand Roll)
    • The Nozawa Trust Me: The most extensive option, designed to be similar to what Chef Nozawa served his regulars, often including a broader sashimi course, more nigiri, and hand rolls. (e.g., Tuna Sashimi, Albacore Sushi, Salmon Sushi, New Zealand Sea Bream Sushi, Bluefin Otoro Sushi, Hirame Sushi, Japanese Yellowtail Sushi, Toro Hand Roll, Blue and Dungeness Crab Hand Roll)
    • Don't Think. Just Eat. Trust Me.: The largest menu, typically including a sashimi course, seven orders of nigiri, and two hand rolls, embodying the full Nozawa experience.
  • À La Carte Options: While the "Trust Me" menus are highly encouraged, guests can also order individual pieces of sushi and hand/cut rolls. Popular options include:
    • Nigiri: Albacore, Bay Scallops, Hokkaido Sea Scallops, Japanese Yellowtail, Kampachi, New Zealand Sea Bream, Nozawa-style Shrimp, Salmon, Hirame, Tuna, Unagi.
    • Hand & Cut Rolls: Cucumber, Bay Scallops, Salmon, Toro, Japanese Yellowtail, Blue and Dungeness Crab, Lobster.
    • Limited Availability Items: Daily specials based on market availability like Albacore Belly, Kinmedai, Sea Bream with shiso, Oyster, Engawa, Hata, Salmon Eggs, Sweet Shrimp, Anago, Ankimo, Pink Lobster, Toro Sashimi, Uni, Chutoro, Otoro.
  • Beverage Service: A selection of beers (Sapporo), sake (e.g., Nozawa – Super Dry, Nigori – Unfiltered, Hakkaisan), wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay), and non-alcoholic drinks (green tea, sodas, bottled water).
  • Takeout & Delivery: SUGARFISH offers "Nozawa To-Go" and "To-Go Trust Me" boxes, designed for takeout. They also facilitate delivery through platforms like Postmates. It's noted that for takeout, fish is not sauced, and sauces are provided separately with instructions to maintain quality.
  • Customer Service: While some experiences vary, the staff is generally described as "nice, friendly." Reviews mention that once attention is garnered, staff are quick to assist.

Features / Highlights

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa offers several distinctive features and highlights that set it apart in the competitive California sushi scene:

  • Chef Nozawa's Philosophy: "Trust Me": The core highlight is its adherence to Chef Kazunori Nozawa's unique philosophy, which emphasizes a purist approach to sushi. This means minimal fuss, focusing on the quality of fish and rice, often served with just the right amount of sauce already applied by the chef. This philosophy is encapsulated in their "Trust Me" menus, providing a guided and unadulterated sushi experience.
  • Exceptional Freshness and Quality of Fish: Consistently praised for its "incredibly fresh" fish, where the "fish would just melt in your mouth." This dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients is a cornerstone of the SUGARFISH experience and is paramount for authentic sushi.
  • Perfectly Seasoned and Warm Rice: Many reviewers highlight the sushi rice as a standout feature. It's described as having the "perfect texture with a distinct flavor that accentuated the taste of the sashimi" and being served warm, which is a traditional element often overlooked.
  • Streamlined Menu for Purity: Unlike many sushi restaurants with overwhelming menus, SUGARFISH focuses on a concise selection, primarily through its "Trust Me" options. This allows them to maintain consistent quality and deliver a focused, authentic experience.
  • Signature Hand Rolls (e.g., Toro Hand Roll): Specific items like the Toro Hand Roll are frequently lauded as "well made and delicious," often cited as the best part of the meal due to the combination of warm rice and crunchy nori, meant to be eaten immediately.
  • Efficient Service Model (Despite Perceived Slowdowns): While one review mentioned slow service between courses, the overall model is designed for efficiency and purity. The automatic inclusion of gratuity (in some locations) aims to streamline the payment process and ensure consistent service quality.
  • High Reputation and Celebrity Following: SUGARFISH has earned a significant reputation and is known as an "LA hot spot" frequented by celebrities. This speaks to its consistent quality and appeal, despite its relatively affordable pricing for the caliber of sushi offered.
  • To-Go Options with Quality Preservation: The availability of "Nozawa To-Go" boxes and the policy of packaging sauces separately with instructions for at-home saucing demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity and quality of their food even for takeout.

Promotions or Special Offers

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa, operating under a specific philosophy emphasizing quality and a streamlined experience, typically does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the conventional sense of discounts or coupons. Their value proposition is built into their fixed-price "Trust Me" menus, which are considered a curated and cost-effective way to experience high-quality sushi.

However, there are ways to understand and access their offerings:

  • "Trust Me" Menus as Value Packages: The various "Trust Me" options (e.g., Trust Me Lite, Trust Me, The Nozawa Trust Me) are designed to provide a comprehensive meal at a set price, which many customers find to be a good value for the quality and quantity of sushi received. These are effectively their core "specials."
  • Daily Limited Availability Items: While not a promotion, SUGARFISH features "Limited Availability" items daily, which are special, often seasonal, fish options. These are premium offerings that change based on market availability and can be seen as a daily highlight for adventurous diners.
  • Website and In-Restaurant Menus: The most accurate and up-to-date pricing and menu options for their "Trust Me" selections and individual items can always be found on their official website or by viewing the menu in the restaurant.
  • No Reservations Policy: While not a promotion, their "first-come, first-served" seating policy means that value is placed on efficient turnover rather than incentivizing off-peak dining with discounts.
  • To-Go Specific Options: They offer special "To-Go" versions of their "Trust Me" menus, which are specifically packaged to maintain quality for takeout, showcasing a service innovation rather than a price reduction.

It is important for potential diners to understand that SUGARFISH's pricing and offerings are typically consistent across their locations and are structured to reflect their unique concept of providing high-quality sushi in a focused manner. They rely on the inherent value of their food quality and dining philosophy to attract and retain customers rather than promotional deals.

Contact Information

To connect with SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa in Corona Del Mar for any inquiries, or to explore their menu for your next sushi experience, please use the following contact details:

  • Address: 2600 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, USA
  • Phone: (949) 652-7405 (This number is also listed as a mobile phone: +1 949-652-7405, indicating easy direct contact.)
  • Website:

    sugarfishsushi.com

    (This is the main website for all SUGARFISH locations, where you can find the Corona Del Mar specific menu and information.)
  • Email:

    coronadelmar@sugarfishsushi.com

    (Specific email for the Corona Del Mar location for general inquiries.)

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa does not take reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Their typical operating hours are daily from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, though it's always advisable to check their official website or call directly for the most current hours, especially around holidays. For takeout and delivery, they utilize platforms like Postmates, and direct pickup orders can often be placed via their own mobile ordering system or ChowNow.

Conclusion: Why SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa is Suitable for Locals

For the residents of California, particularly those in the Orange County coastal communities like Corona Del Mar, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa offers a distinctive and highly suitable option for their sushi cravings. Its unique approach aligns well with various aspects of local dining preferences, making it a compelling choice for a diverse array of patrons.

A primary reason for its suitability lies in its unwavering commitment to "incredibly fresh fish" and "perfectly seasoned rice," served warm. Californians, especially those living near the coast, have high expectations for seafood quality, and SUGARFISH consistently meets this demand. The "fish would just melt in your mouth," as one reviewer raved, speaks to a level of quality that resonates strongly with discerning local palates. The "Trust Me" concept, while potentially a departure from traditional à la carte ordering, is also a strength. It simplifies the decision-making process and ensures diners receive a curated selection of the day's best, making it easy to enjoy a high-quality meal without being a sushi expert. This streamlined approach can be particularly appealing to busy locals looking for efficient yet premium dining.

While a single review mentioned inconsistent service speed, the overall sentiment points to "nice, friendly staff" and an aim for an enjoyable experience. The "Nozawa philosophy" itself, which emphasizes purity and the chef's expertise, can be highly appealing to those who appreciate a focused, authentic Japanese culinary tradition. For locals, having a recognized and acclaimed sushi establishment like SUGARFISH in their neighborhood provides a sense of prestige and a reliable go-to spot for a special meal or an elevated casual dining experience. The ample free parking behind the restaurant is an added convenience that further enhances its local appeal. In essence, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa offers a consistent, high-quality, and distinct sushi experience that caters to the sophisticated and quality-conscious tastes prevalent among Californians, making it a well-suited and highly valued local dining option.

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Photos

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SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Location

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa

2600 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, USA

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