Must-Try Omakase in Southern California｜Irvine 🍣✨

Name: Hana Re 📍 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 How do I describe my love for Hana Re? Out of the 15+ omakase spots I’ve tried across the UK, Japan, and the US, this one remains the most unforgettable. The chef is quietly dedicated to his craft, running this intimate spot with his wife — the atmosphere is always warm and serene. Hana Re was my first omakase experience ever, and I’ve returned every year since. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been here, but each time, I end up ordering extra: an additional appetizer, more sushi, and the must-have panna cotta. Even when everyone else is full, I keep going. The chef kindly asks, “How’s tummy?” I hold up one finger, smiling, and ask for one more piece of sushi. The other diners laugh, the chef laughs too — and he even changes his knife technique just for that extra piece. I also eagerly ask the chef’s wife for another panna cotta. How much do I love this dessert? Let’s just say I order three servings at a time. She smiles and says, “I’ll consider keeping panna cotta as our permanent dessert.” I immediately reply, “Please do!” She even shared that after the chef retires, she might open a dessert shop. I excitedly said, “Really? Please do — I’ll bring all my friends!” She laughed and told me the chef has been making panna cotta for 20 years — he even once experimented with a wasabi version. I thought: truly an artisan. And I’m so glad Hana Re has kept this dessert all these years! Maybe what makes Hana Re special is that after every meal, when I say thank you, it’s never “goodbye” — it’s always “I will see you very soon.” 💫 Have you been to Hana Re? What’s your favorite omakase memory? Share your stories below! 👇❤️ #Omakase #SoCal #Kaiseki #LosAngeles #SoCalEats #JapaneseCuisine #FoodShare #DessertLovers #HanaRe #IrvineEats #ChefArtistry #WarmVibes #FoodMemories #HiddenGem