The OC: A Sushi Nightmare

[milla]

Though I'd hardly consider Orange County the equal, culinarily-speaking, of LA proper, or SF, it had its moments (for me), having worked there for a few years.  Sushi-wise, I had some very fine meals at Sushi Shibucho in Costa Mesa, easily on a par with those I had in LA or SF.  Though I never had the opportunity to try them myself, places like Abe in Newport Beach, or Wasabi in Tustin, have gotten consistently good reviews as well.

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Yeah, second the shibucho recommendation, one of the best experiences I've had at a sushi bar and prices are reasonable to boot!!!! Very old school which is what I enjoy, he doesn't make any of those stupid dynamite blasting dragon rolls or whatever stupid variation is in the vogue these days.

Check out this review I love reading it and reminisce my own experience...

Shibucho review

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an excellent review. thanks for sharing.

[jschyun]

I wasn't going to say anything so hordes of people don't descend on this place, but looks like everyone else is talking about it anyway. But it's been especially deserted lately so perhaps it's time to get the word out. I too vote for Shibucho, if not for the best sushi in OC, then at least the second best (maybe after Wasabe in Tustin?). Like Wasabe, the decor is kind of drab and in a strip mall setting. Shibucho is next to a Mexican video store in a run down strip mall in CM, but the sushi inside when at its best is excellent, esp for the price. Sometimes a couple things have been off, but I forgive it because in general my experiences have been good.

Both Shibutani-san and his son are extremely nice, but I noticed that if you chat up to the older Shibutani, he whips out all sorts of interesting stuff. Last time was just tamago but it was skillfully made tamago, and it had a very interesting topping that made it taste completely different. He made some pieces with and without for me to see. Naturally I had some of everything else too. I have been here and tried everything he has in the restaurant (with seconds or thirds on favorites) and still come out of here for about $50-60.

By contrast, Wasabe in Tustin arguably has the freshest fish around. OTOH, Shibucho seems to be getting more attention than Wasabe. Maybe it's because they're really friendly and will take the time to teach newbies about good sushi. But Wasabe is also excellent, and a very good value as well at around $50 per meal for me and I'm a big eater.

Still amazing to me that M. Wong made it all the way from SF to OC for Shibucho. She really gets around! I don't know that I'd travel to OC just to go to Shibucho esp when I could go to L.A. and hit good sushi places by just randomly driving around, but I gotta respect that kind of research.

Edited November 30, 2004 by jschyun (log)

[SiseFromm]

My new favorite is Zipangu at the Lab in Costa Mesa on Bristol Avenue. Great sushi. Uber-hip atmosphere. Plus, you can get all sorts of great oddities not usually seen on sushi menus. Eel and Foie Gras? Grilled Sweet Breads and Leeks? I suggest stopping by there.