🇺🇸 Irvine | The Ultimate Omakase Guide: 3 Top Picks Reviewed

Summer’s here, and I’m all about cool, fresh bites! 😎🍙 I’ve tried three popular omakase spots in Irvine recently — here’s the breakdown, ranked by preference: 🥇 Omakase by Gino 📍 304 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92701 🔥 So. Darn. Good. Everyone I know raves about it! If you love creative small plates and sake pairings, this is your spot. The meal is split almost 50/50 between appetizers and sushi — come hungry! Pro tip: Book the first seating and fast all day… because you will be STUFFED by the end 😂 I couldn’t even finish the last few pieces — my friend had to help out 🍣❤️ Generous cuts, vibrant atmosphere, and a chef who’s truly passionate. 📅 Reservations can be tricky — book about a month ahead! 🥈 Rebel Omakase 📍 361 Forest Ave #103, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 🌸 Such a visually stunning experience — even the tableware is gorgeous! The chef is quiet and focused (my kind of vibe — no small talk, just great sushi 🙏). Flavors are creative and well-balanced. Portions? HUGE. I asked for less rice in my nigiri and still rolled out happily full 🥢💥 They gift you a Polaroid photo and a bottle of sake as a farewell treat — so sweet! 📍 Located in charming Laguna Beach — perfect for a pre-meal stroll and photos. The ocean is just 2 minutes away… super romantic 🌊💖 ✅ Easy to book — highly recommended! 🥉 Hanare Sushi 📍 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 ⭐ Just realized it’s a Michelin-starred spot when I arrived! Lots of small plates, but nothing that really stood out memory-wise… By the next morning, I’d already forgotten most of the dishes 😅 Solid but safe — not hard to get a reservation. (Full disclosure: I may have had a bit too much sake 🍶… so my taste buds checked out toward the end.) 🟡 Not a must-try, but okay for a casual omakase experience. #IrvineEats #OmakaseGuide #OCFoodie #SushiLovers #IrvineFood #MichelinSpot