Yasai

maizuru ayce sushi bar, yasai irvine menu

Introduction / Overview

For those in California, particularly within the bustling business landscape of Irvine, Yasai emerges as a genuinely convenient and inviting Japanese dining option. Described by locals as a "nice cozy place" nestled amidst office buildings, Yasai offers a refreshing respite with its "light and fresh food." It's the ideal spot for a quick and satisfying lunch, a relaxed dinner after work, or simply a convenient grab-and-go meal when you're in the area.

Yasai's appeal lies in its combination of accessibility, reasonable pricing, and a menu that balances traditional Japanese flavors with everyday favorites. While some dishes may vary in execution, the overall consensus points to a place that prioritizes fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere. Customers appreciate the "very reasonable" portions and price range, making it an excellent value for those seeking quality Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank. The friendly staff and a feeling of "being at home right away" contribute to its charm, making Yasai a comfortable and reliable choice for the Irvine community and visitors alike.

Location and Accessibility

Yasai is conveniently located at 16277 Laguna Canyon Rd, Irvine, CA 92618, USA. This address places it strategically within a complex surrounded by business offices, making it an incredibly accessible option for the local workforce in Irvine. Laguna Canyon Road is a significant artery, ensuring straightforward navigation to the restaurant.

A key highlight of Yasai's location is its accessibility for those in the vicinity of business offices. This means that a quick lunch break or a convenient dinner after a long day is easily achievable. Crucially, as noted by a reviewer, "Parking is spacious," a highly valued feature in California's often-congested urban areas. This ample parking eliminates the stress of searching for a spot, further enhancing its convenience. Despite being in a commercial area, the restaurant maintains a "cozy" and "not as busy" ambiance, providing a pleasant escape from the typical office rush. This combination of an easy-to-reach location, generous parking, and a comfortable setting makes Yasai a practical and appealing choice for Irvine locals.

Services Offered

• Dine-In Service: Yasai provides a "nice cozy place" for diners to sit down and enjoy their meal. Its relaxed and "not as busy" atmosphere makes it a comfortable spot for individuals or small groups.

• Bowl Specials: A popular offering, customers can choose from various protein bowls served with a daily salad and rice. Options include:

  • Chicken Breast Bowl (highly liked)
  • Salmon Bowl (highly liked)
  • Unagi and Avocado Bowl
  • Tempura Bowl
  • Sashimi Bowl
  • Beef Bowl
  • Spicy Chicken Breast Bowl
  • Spicy Pork Bowl

• Plate Specials: These larger meals come with two daily salads, rice, and a veggie skewer. Choices include:

  • Tempura Plate
  • Chicken Breast Plate
  • Beef Plate
  • Salmon Plate
  • Chicken Cutlet w/ Curry Sauce Plate
  • Spicy Pork Plate
  • Pork Cutlet Plate
  • Spicy Chicken Breast Cutlet Plate

• Combo Specials: For those who want more variety, combo meals combine different proteins with a California Roll (4 pcs), served with two daily salads, rice, and a veggie skewer. Options include Chicken Breast & Beef, Chicken Breast & Tempura, Salmon & Tempura, and Beef & Tempura.

• Sushi and Rolls: Yasai offers a selection of sushi and rolls, including:

  • Sushi (10 pcs)
  • Sushi and Roll Combos (A, B, C)
  • Super Roll Special (12 pcs)
  • Individual Rolls: Unagi Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll (highly liked), California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll.

• Salads: Beyond the side salads, larger salad options include Sashimi Salad, Grilled Chicken Breast Salad, Grilled Beef Salad, Sumi Salad, Oriental Salad, BBQ Salmon Salad, and Cold Tofu Salad.

• Udon and Yaki Udon: Noodle dish selections feature Shrimp Tempura Udon, Yaki Udon (Chicken, Beef, Seafood), and Udon. Combo options with California or Spicy Tuna rolls are also available.

• Party Platters: Yasai offers larger "Party Platters" and "Family Boxes" perfect for gatherings, including assorted sushi, beef trays, chicken trays, and salad trays.

• Beverages: A selection of drinks like Arizona Tea, bottled water, and green tea are available.

• Takeout and Delivery: Yasai offers convenient takeout services and partners with major delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Postmates, making their food easily accessible for those who prefer to dine at home or their office.

• Credit Card Acceptance: The restaurant accepts major credit cards, adding to customer convenience.

Features / Highlights

• Convenient and Accessible Location: Situated "in the middle of business offices," Yasai is incredibly convenient for local workers and those in the vicinity, with "spacious" parking available.

• "Light and Fresh Food": Customers appreciate the freshness of the ingredients, describing the food as "light and fresh," making it a great option for a healthy meal. The dressed greens and cabbage salad that comes with plates is particularly noted for its lightness.

• Cozy and Welcoming Atmosphere: Despite its commercial setting, Yasai is a "nice cozy place" that makes one "feel at home right away," indicating a comfortable and unpretentious dining environment.

• Reasonable Portions and Prices: Patrons find the "portions are very reasonable, so is the price range," offering good value for money in the Irvine area.

• Friendly Staff: Though not explicitly detailed in the provided review snippets, the overall positive sentiment and "at home" feeling suggest a friendly and accommodating staff.

• Diverse Menu with Variety: Yasai offers a wide range of Japanese dishes beyond just sushi, including various bowls (chicken, salmon, beef, tempura, sashimi, unagi), plate specials, noodles (udon, yaki udon), and combo meals, catering to diverse tastes.

• Fresh Sashimi and Hot Entrees: Reviews specifically mention "the sashimi were so fresh and delicious" and "the hot entrees were equally delicious," highlighting the quality across different menu categories.

Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the available information, Yasai in Irvine does not explicitly advertise ongoing, specific promotions or daily deals directly within the provided customer reviews. However, like many restaurants catering to a business-centric clientele and offering a range of Japanese staples, they often have inherent value in their pricing and portion sizes.

Online menus from delivery platforms (like Uber Eats and Postmates) for Yasai do list a "Bowl Special," "Plate Special," "Combo Special," and "Roll Special." While these are categories of their regular menu, the term "Special" could imply a focus on these particular offerings as core value propositions, or it might refer to their set meal configurations rather than limited-time discounts. For example, popular items like the "Chicken Breast Bowl" are frequently ordered.

While no specific time-limited promotions (e.g., happy hour, weekly discounts) are explicitly detailed, it is common for restaurants in this setting to:

• Offer consistent value: Yasai is already noted for its "very reasonable" portions and prices, which in itself can be a continuous "special" for regular customers.

• Have lunch specials: Given its location amidst business offices, dedicated lunch deals are often available, even if not broadly advertised.

• Run occasional deals via delivery apps: Restaurants often participate in platform-specific promotions through services like Uber Eats or DoorDash, which could include discounts on orders or free delivery.

To inquire about any current or upcoming promotions, Irvine locals could consider calling Yasai directly at (949) 753-8870 or checking their presence on popular food delivery apps.

Contact Information

To visit or contact Yasai for a convenient and delicious Japanese meal, here are the details:

Address: 16277 Laguna Canyon Rd, Irvine, CA 92618, USA

Phone: (949) 753-8870

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Californians, especially those residing or working in Irvine, Yasai presents itself as a highly suitable and practical dining choice for Japanese cuisine. Its appeal lies in its effective blend of convenience, comfort, and consistent quality, all at a reasonable price point that resonates with the local lifestyle.

The location within a complex of business offices on Laguna Canyon Road is a major advantage for the busy Irvine professional. The promise of "spacious" parking directly addresses a common frustration in Southern California, making it an effortless stop for a quick lunch or a takeout dinner after work. This accessibility, combined with the restaurant's "cozy" and "not as busy" atmosphere, provides a much-needed break from the fast pace, offering a comfortable place to unwind and enjoy a meal.

Furthermore, the emphasis on "light and fresh food," including dressed salads and fresh sashimi, aligns perfectly with California's health-conscious culture. While one review mentioned a cutlet being "a little greasy," the overall sentiment points to fresh ingredients and delicious flavors across their extensive menu of bowls, plates, and rolls. The "very reasonable" portions and prices offer excellent value, allowing locals to enjoy quality Japanese food without overspending. For those seeking a reliable, friendly, and convenient Japanese restaurant that feels like a comfortable extension of their home or office, Yasai in Irvine is undoubtedly a commendable choice, making it worth "another trip next time I'm in town."

Yasai

16277 Laguna Canyon Rd, Irvine, CA 92618, USA