Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar

California's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, and for aficionados of Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi, the options are as endless as the Pacific coastline. However, discovering a place that truly stands out for its quality, atmosphere, and overall experience is a delight. Nestled in the heart of Costa Mesa, Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar has emerged as a compelling destination for locals and visitors alike seeking an authentic yet creatively inspired sushi experience. This establishment offers more than just raw fish and rice; it promises a memorable journey through carefully crafted flavors, artistic presentation, and a welcoming ambiance.

Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar distinguishes itself by focusing on the freshness of its ingredients and the artistry of its culinary creations. In a world where sushi restaurants are plentiful, Yuzu strives to elevate the dining experience through meticulous attention to detail, from the sourcing of their fish to the balance of flavors in their signature cocktails. It's a place designed for those who appreciate the finer nuances of Japanese cuisine and seek a cozy, inviting environment for their dining adventures. Whether you're a sushi connoisseur or simply looking for a delightful meal in Costa Mesa, Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar offers a compelling reason to visit.

Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar is conveniently located at 103 E 17th St STE 3, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA. This address places it in a accessible area of Costa Mesa, a city known for its dynamic dining and entertainment options in Orange County. East 17th Street is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, making the restaurant relatively easy to find for those navigating the local area.

For patrons arriving by car, street parking or nearby lot options are typically available in this commercial district, though availability may vary during peak dining hours. Its central Costa Mesa location ensures it is within easy reach for residents from various parts of the city and surrounding communities within Orange County. Whether you're planning a relaxed dinner with friends or a special date night, Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar's location provides a convenient and pleasant destination for your sushi cravings. Public transportation options in Costa Mesa, while not as extensive as larger metropolitan areas, may also offer routes that provide reasonable access to this vibrant part of the city.

Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar offers a comprehensive dining experience focused on high-quality Japanese cuisine, with a particular emphasis on sushi and an impressive beverage program.

• Sushi and Sashimi: The core offering, featuring incredibly fresh and beautifully presented sushi and sashimi. Their menu includes a wide variety of nigiri (e.g., Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Albacore, Bluefin Tuna, Halibut, Octopus, Eel, A5 Wagyu, Amberjack, Black Snapper, Jumbo Scallop, Red Snapper, King Salmon), and sashimi options, ensuring a diverse selection for traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.
• Specialty Rolls: A creative array of special rolls, such as Crunchy Roll, Baked Salmon Roll, Rainbow Roll, Soft Shell Crab Roll, Yellowtail Carpaccio, Bluefin Toro Tartare, Hamachi Serrano, and the "Sunrise On 17th St" roll, which mixes various fresh fish with spicy tuna and crab salad.
• Appetizers and Small Plates (Zensai): A selection of delicious starters, including Edamame (regular and spicy garlic), Gyoza, Brussel Sprouts Chips, Crispy Rice With Spicy Tuna, Vegetable Tempura, Shrimp Tempura, Shishito Peppers, Crispy Calamari, Tokyo Nachos, and more unique items like Oysters Half Shell and Jalapeño Bombs.
• Main Entrees: Beyond sushi, the menu offers cooked dishes such as Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Katsu, Atlantic Salmon Teriyaki, and Hibachi Filet Mignon, providing options for those who prefer non-sushi items.
• Creative Cocktail Menu: A standout feature, offering "balanced, creative, and so flavorful" drinks, with the "yuzu martini" specifically noted as excellent. This suggests a dedicated bar program designed to complement the food.
• Beverage Service: In addition to cocktails, they offer a selection of sake, as indicated by the corkage policy for outside bottles, suggesting a curated list to enhance the dining experience.
• Dine-In Service: Provides a "cute and inviting" with a "cozy atmosphere" suitable for various occasions, from a night out with friends to a relaxed date night.

Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar distinguishes itself through a combination of exceptional food quality, inviting ambiance, and dedicated service. These highlights contribute to its reputation as a must-visit sushi spot in Costa Mesa.

• Incredibly Fresh Sushi: The most consistent praise from customers centers on the freshness and high quality of their sushi. Every piece is noted as being "incredibly fresh," allowing the natural flavors of the fish to shine through. This commitment to fresh ingredients is paramount for a sushi establishment and is clearly a strength of Yuzu.
• Beautiful Presentation: Beyond taste, the visual appeal of the dishes is a significant highlight. Customers appreciate the "beautifully presented" sushi, which enhances the overall dining experience and reflects the artistry of the chefs.
• Creative and Balanced Cocktail Menu: Yuzu's beverage program, particularly its cocktails, receives high acclaim. Drinks are described as "absolutely amazing," "balanced, creative, and so flavorful," indicating a well-thought-out and expertly executed cocktail selection that complements the Japanese cuisine. The "yuzu martini" is a particular standout.
• Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere: The restaurant's interior is consistently described as having a "super cute and inviting" vibe, with a "cozy atmosphere." This makes it an ideal setting for various social occasions, from intimate date nights to casual gatherings with friends, creating a comfortable and pleasant dining environment.
• Welcoming and Friendly Staff: Customer service is another strong point, with staff noted as "very welcoming and friendly," as well as "excellent—friendly and attentive." This level of hospitality contributes significantly to a positive dining experience, making guests feel valued and cared for.
• Diverse Menu with Thoughtful Creations: While sushi is the star, the menu extends to various appetizers, specialty rolls, and cooked entrees, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to Japanese cuisine. Unique offerings like the "Sunrise On 17th St" roll showcase their creativity.
• Quality Ingredients (with some room for improvement noted): While the sushi itself is highlighted for freshness, the varied feedback on other dishes, such as the Hibachi filet mignon, suggests that the primary strength lies in their sushi and perhaps specific appetizers and rolls. The focus remains strongly on delivering quality where it matters most for a sushi bar.

While the provided customer reviews do not detail specific, ongoing promotions or happy hour specials at Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar, it's common practice for sushi restaurants in dynamic areas like Costa Mesa, California, to offer various incentives to attract and retain customers. To inquire about potential promotions, locals should consider the following avenues:

• Direct Inquiry: The most straightforward approach is to call Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar directly at their provided phone numbers: (949) 200-9576 or +1 949-200-9576. Speaking with their friendly staff can provide immediate information on any current specials, happy hour times, or upcoming events.
• Social Media Presence: Many contemporary restaurants use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to announce daily specials, new menu items, or limited-time promotions. Checking Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar's social media pages could be a good way to stay informed.
• Restaurant Website or Online Ordering Platforms: If Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar has an official website or is listed on popular online ordering and reservation platforms (e.g., OpenTable, DoorDash, Uber Eats), these digital channels often display any ongoing promotions, happy hour menus, or loyalty programs.
• In-Restaurant Signage: When visiting the sushi bar, keep an eye out for any physical signage, chalkboards, or flyers that might advertise current promotions or chef's specials.

It's worth noting that high-quality sushi establishments often prioritize the freshness of ingredients, which can influence their pricing and promotional strategies. While a steep corkage fee was mentioned by one reviewer, this typically applies to bringing your own alcoholic beverages and is separate from food or drink promotions offered by the restaurant itself.

For those in California eager to experience the fresh sushi and inviting atmosphere of Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 103 E 17th St STE 3, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA

Phone: (949) 200-9576

Mobile Phone: +1 949-200-9576

These contact numbers provide direct access to the restaurant for reservations, inquiries about their menu, or any other questions you may have before your visit. Given the positive feedback on their welcoming and friendly staff, contacting them directly is likely to be a pleasant and informative experience.

For residents of California, particularly those in Orange County and the Costa Mesa area, Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar presents itself as a highly suitable and appealing dining destination. Its core strength lies in its commitment to providing "incredibly fresh" and "beautifully presented" sushi, which is a paramount consideration for any discerning sushi lover. The quality of their primary offerings ensures that locals craving authentic and high-grade sushi will find Yuzu to be a consistently satisfying choice. This focus on fresh ingredients and artistic preparation elevates the dining experience beyond the ordinary, making it a true culinary highlight in the local scene.

Beyond the food, Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar offers an atmosphere that perfectly complements the vibrant yet often relaxed Californian lifestyle. Described as "super cute and inviting," with a "cozy atmosphere," it provides an ideal setting for a variety of local needs – from a casual weeknight dinner with friends to a more intimate and relaxed date night. This versatility, combined with the "welcoming and friendly" staff, creates a dining environment where patrons feel comfortable, valued, and eager to return. The exceptional cocktail menu, featuring "balanced, creative, and so flavorful" drinks like the standout yuzu martini, further enhances the overall appeal, providing a sophisticated beverage experience that pairs perfectly with the fresh sushi.

While a single mixed review noted some concerns about specific cooked dishes or corkage fees, the overwhelming sentiment emphasizes the strengths of their sushi and overall service. For Californians who prioritize fresh, high-quality sushi, a pleasant ambiance, and friendly customer interaction, Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar stands out as a genuine local gem. It's a place that fosters repeat visits, solidifying its role as a beloved establishment within the Costa Mesa community for an authentic and delightful Japanese dining experience.

Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar

103 E 17th St STE 3, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA