Anjin — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

Anjin is a small Japanese BBQ restaurant sitting in a busy plaza in Costa Mesa, serving good quality meats in diet friendly portions.

With dinner service starting at 5pm, you can always count on there being a wait a little after the restaurant opens. The later into the evening you go, the longer the wait, until peak hours settle down (past 8:30/9pm). The good news is that they're open late for folks that don't mind a late dinner or are hungry for a late night meal.

Some of their best cuts of meat include the beef tongue, short ribs, and prime rib eye. They've got other proteins like chicken, sausage, and even asparagus wrapped in bacon. Their marinades are mild but flavorful (as is characteristic of Japanese food), but they'll seve you sesame oil with salt for dipping if you're more used to Korean bbq.

The uncooked meats are also a treat here with the beef carpaccio and raw marinated beef (yukke, a personal favorite). They even have kimchi and similar pickled vegetables, which I find very tasty. Just don't expect the level of kick you're used to at a Korean place! They're all about umami here.

There are decent soups and side dishes like bibimbap as well if you want variety. I've yet to try their soju drinks, but they've got an assortment of fruity options, including red grape soju, that look colorful and promising. Their almond jelly dessert is a really refreshing way to end your meal.

The restaurant is cozy and warm with red booth seats and grills built into the table all around. Service is also usually pretty fast moving as they're trying to keep up with their neverending wait-list. One of the better Japanese BBQ places near Irvine, but expect to pay a premium that you may not be used to with other types of barbeque. If you're more about volume over quality, you'll want to go elsewhere. With that said, Anjin a good option to switch things up for a date night or hangout...

I came hear today with my friends , all 3 of us were at our table ordering our overpriced food . The smallest you’re going to spend is $20 on a plate that is very minimal , it left me and my friends starving .

After seeing all the other servers rush to satisfy everyone else that they favor over us. A very favoritism place towards certain customers . We then asked to get the bill but it took us over 20 minutes to get our bill , while others received it less than 5 minutes.

Once we got the bill because we were not satisfied, it came out to $79.54 . And if you’re going to pay with card there is going to be a 3.4% charge right off the bat. Since my friends and I didn’t carry any cash for that amount we had no chance but to accept that. The lady was beyond pushy into us doing a tip , over 4 times , the minimal tip requirement is 18% which is what they don’t deserve , and it didn’t state on the pan flip that there was a forced tip charge . Only stating that it was a 3.4% increase in menu items only . nothing stating on a card charge or forced tip .

After me and my friends payed our bill , without the tip because we did not feel satisfied. The guy literally followed me and my friends outside with these words “ where is the tip , where is the money you guys are supposed to do “ . After we stated that we are not tipping . The guy said “ you are not welcomed here , We can’t serve you anymore “. Beyond shocked and rude , never have i ever seen treatment like this just for tipping . Never come here , save your money , time and bellies . You will not be favorited if you don’t tip and you’re not one of...

Anjin is so different from most Asian BBQ places :

Unlike most BBQ places, Anjin is a teeny, tiny, cozy restaurant—perfect for a romantic date night, in my opinion. It might not be a wise choice for the first date because they are ALWAYS busy, and there’s always a wait time. And they don’t take reservations no matter what, so DO NOT show up too hungry!

Unlike most, the service is excellent, and the staff is lovely and attentive. No one acts annoyed, bothered, or hard to find to get a drink refill, if you know what I mean 😏 They even change the cooking iron girdle before being asked. All you have to do is order and eat; they’ll take care of the rest!

Unlike most, each order comes with only a few thin pieces but excellent quality, delicate marinated meats. And soooooo delicious. Some might think it’s pretty pricey for what you get, but remember, they’re not serving cheap meat. Japanese care about the quality of the meat. Therefore, if you're looking to order to get a lot of meat and eat to death, this is probably not the right place to go.

Regarding what to order, I suggest you speak to your server. They are usually very good at suggestions and explaining each dish in detail.

Make sure to order # 43.石機ビビンパスープは。Chicken on Rice in Hot Stone Pot w/Soup. Order it with crispy rice. This is the yummiest crispy rice you’ve ever had. And I think one order is good for two people.

I’ve been going to this place for over 15 years, and it’s one of the few restaurants that has consistently provided good service and...