Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant

For those in Costa Mesa and throughout Orange County with a refined taste for authentic Japanese cuisine, Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant offers a distinct dining experience. This establishment is known for its commitment to high-quality ingredients and a menu that delves beyond the ordinary, providing a taste of true Japanese culinary artistry. While it may come with a price tag that reflects its dedication to excellence, many locals consider the "delicious" and "melt in your mouth" flavors to be well worth the investment.

Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant prides itself on delivering a memorable meal, focusing on the freshness and preparation of its sushi and other Japanese dishes. It's a place where you can explore unique creations alongside classic favorites, all crafted with care. For Californians seeking a premium sushi experience where the food truly shines, Sushi Sho aims to provide a culinary journey that stands out. While some past experiences may highlight areas for improvement in service, the consistent praise for the food's quality and the innovative menu items often make it a compelling choice for a flavorful Japanese dinner in Costa Mesa.

Location and Accessibility

Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant is located at 2263 Fairview Rd # J, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA. This address places it within the vibrant community of Costa Mesa, making it accessible for local residents and those visiting the Orange County area. Situated on Fairview Road, the restaurant is relatively easy to find, often located within a strip mall or commercial complex, which typically offers convenience for diners.

While specific parking details for this exact location are not extensively detailed in general public information, restaurants in strip mall settings in Costa Mesa generally offer dedicated parking lots, making it convenient for those driving. Fairview Road is a well-traveled street, providing straightforward access from various parts of Costa Mesa and neighboring cities. Its accessibility ensures that patrons can easily reach the restaurant for a dine-in experience or to pick up a takeout order. For locals, this means Sushi Sho can be a convenient stop for a high-quality Japanese meal without venturing too far from their daily routines.

Services Offered

Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant offers a variety of services designed to provide a comprehensive dining experience for its patrons in Costa Mesa:

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides a setting for customers to enjoy their meal on-site. While some information suggests a casual, laid-back atmosphere, other details indicate a focus on omakase at the sushi bar with a more intimate, high-end experience, catering to up to 6 customers per seating.

• Omakase (Chef's Choice) Dining: Sushi Sho specializes in a chef's choice course, known as Omakase. This offers a curated dining experience with an assortment of nigiri-based sushi and other dishes, allowing the chef to showcase the finest available ingredients. Online reservations are required for this experience, and there's a minimum charge per diner, suggesting a premium, dedicated offering.

• Extensive À La Carte Menu: For those not opting for Omakase, Sushi Sho offers a wide selection of appetizers, sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls. Popular items include:

  • Appetizers like Edamame (including Spicy Garlic Edamame), Crispy Rice (Spicy Tuna on top of deep-fried sushi rice), Jalapeno Bomb, Hamachi Kama, and various Tempura dishes.

  • Sushi and Sashimi featuring Bluefin Tuna (Maguro, Toro, Otoro), Yellowtail (Hamachi), Salmon (Sake), and various rolls.

  • Specialty rolls such as the "Belly Roll" (with "amazing, soft fish that is so soft it melts in your mouth") and the "Yummy Roll" (described as having a "smokey touch, perfect combination of flavors"). Other creative rolls include Rainbow Roll, Red Bulls, Orange County Roll, and many more.

• Takeout Options: Customers have the option to order food for takeout, providing a convenient way to enjoy Sushi Sho's cuisine at home or on the go.

• Beverage Selection: The restaurant offers various drink options, including sake and potentially other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to complement the meal.

Features / Highlights

Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant in Costa Mesa offers several distinctive features that make it a notable choice for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts:

• High-Quality Fish & Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sushi: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the exceptional quality of the fish. Descriptions like "amazing, soft fish that is so soft it melts in your mouth" for the Belly Roll underscore the freshness and premium nature of their ingredients.

• Signature Specialty Rolls: Beyond traditional sushi, Sushi Sho is recognized for its unique and flavorful specialty rolls. The "Belly Roll" and "Yummy Roll" (with its "smokey touch" and "perfect combination of flavors") are specifically called out as must-try items, showcasing the chefs' creativity. The menu also lists a wide array of other creative rolls, each with distinct flavor profiles.

• Authentic Edo-mae and Kansai Style Sushi: The restaurant's own description indicates that the owner and master chef, Aki Kawata, has been upholding the tradition of Edo-mae (Tokyo) and Kansai (Osaka) style sushi for over 30 years. This commitment to traditional techniques points to a genuine Japanese culinary experience.

• Focus on Pure and Simple Flavors: The philosophy at Sushi Sho is that "every dish is made to be pure and simple, balanced to highlight each ingredients' unique flavors, served without compromise at his sushi bar." This approach emphasizes the natural taste of the fresh fish and ingredients.

• Omakase Experience: For a truly immersive culinary journey, the Omakase option is a key feature. This chef's choice course, typically serving a limited number of guests at the sushi bar, allows the chef to present a curated selection of the finest sushi, reflecting seasonal availability and expert preparation. This intimate setting and personalized service are hallmarks of a high-end sushi experience.

• Highly Rated Appetizers: Beyond sushi, popular appetizers like the "crispy rice" (Spicy Tuna on top of Deep-Fried Sushi Rice) and "edamame" are frequently recommended, providing a strong start to any meal.

• Established History: Established in 1983, Sushi Sho has a long-standing history in the Costa Mesa area, indicating a sustained commitment to Japanese cuisine over several decades.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a restaurant known for its high-quality ingredients and specialized Omakase experience, Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant in Costa Mesa does not typically advertise widespread, discounted promotions in the manner of casual dining establishments. Their value proposition leans more towards the exceptional quality and authenticity of the food.

However, specific "offers" or considerations for locals include:

• Omakase as a Curated Value: While the Omakase has a minimum charge (e.g., $150 per diner mentioned in some sources for the dedicated sushi bar experience), it represents a meticulously crafted meal that showcases the chef's expertise and the freshest seasonal ingredients. This curated experience offers a unique value beyond simple price discounts.

• Lunch Specials (Potential): While information focuses heavily on the dinner Omakase, some Japanese restaurants offer more approachable lunch specials. It's advisable to check their specific lunch menu or inquire directly about any midday specials if you're looking for a taste of Sushi Sho without the full Omakase commitment.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any current offerings, including details about their Omakase progression or any specific menu features, it is always recommended to contact Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant directly.

Contact Information

To connect with Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant and experience their exquisite Japanese cuisine, here is their contact information:

• Address: 2263 Fairview Rd # J, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA

• Phone: (949) 645-5502

For the specialized Omakase experience, online reservations are typically required, and it's advisable to call ahead for any general inquiries regarding hours of operation, menu availability, or specific seating arrangements. Their dedicated Omakase service often runs with set timings in the evening.

Conclusion: Why Sushi Sho is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Costa Mesa and the wider Orange County area, Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant offers a compelling dining proposition, particularly for those who prioritize exceptional quality and a genuine Japanese culinary experience. While it may be "pricey," as some patrons note, the consensus on the food's quality is overwhelmingly positive, with descriptions of "amazing, soft fish that is so soft it melts in your mouth" highlighting the premium ingredients and expert preparation. This focus on delivering truly delicious, high-caliber sushi makes it a standout choice for discerning locals.

Sushi Sho’s dedication to upholding the traditions of Edo-mae and Kansai style sushi, coupled with an owner and master chef with over three decades of experience, ensures an authentic taste of Japan right here in California. The unique and flavorful specialty rolls like the "Belly Roll" and the "Yummy Roll" offer exciting new taste experiences that go beyond the usual sushi offerings, appealing to adventurous palates. Furthermore, the option of an Omakase (chef's choice) experience provides a truly immersive and intimate dining journey, perfect for special occasions or when you simply want the chef to guide you through the finest selections.

While some past customer feedback regarding service indicates areas of potential improvement, the consistent praise for the food's quality remains a strong draw. For locals who prioritize the culinary excellence of their sushi and are looking for a place that delivers on taste and authenticity, Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant remains a significant and highly valued establishment in the Costa Mesa dining scene. It's a place where the focus is firmly on the purity of ingredients and the art of sushi-making, making every bite a worthwhile indulgence for the Californian sushi connoisseur.

Sushi Sho Japanese Restaurant

2263 Fairview Rd # J, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA