Good Choice Sushi By The Sea — Restaurant in Dana Point

Poke ($11) is made with tuna and salmon served atop greens and topped with tobiko, onions, and avocado with some fried won ton chips. The author is very picky about poke, being from Hawaii and growing up on authentic traditional style poke. This poke is one of the closest to authentic poke in Orange County. It has the deep rich color from the shoyu with just the right amount of sesame oil and onions. Avocado is not necessary but it just wouldn’t be California without it. It is also a good portion for the price to share or to be part of your meal. Rating: 4.3/5

Big Eye Tuna Nigiri Sushi ($6) is one of the best tuna for sushi. With its beautiful deep red color, it lovingly hugs the rice. The bite is luxuriously smooth and just melts in your mouth. Rating: 4.5/5

Japanese Red Snapper Nigiri Sushi ($6) is not one that comes to mind when ordering sushi, but it will definitely be on your mind once you taste it. It has a soft, almost velvety texture. The chili pepper dollop adds a spicy kick. Rating: 4.3/5

King Crab Nigiri Sushi ($9.50) is just amazing! The sweet buttery flavor of the king crab works perfectly with just a hint of wasabi. No shoyu necessary for this one. Rating: 5/5

Ama Ebi Nigiri Sushi ($7) is one of the best sashimi/sushi around. Unlike sea shrimp, which is normally cooked, ama ebi is served raw. The texture is similar to raw lobster with an unexpectedly sweet flavor. The head and sometimes the shell are fried and served later. They are like chips with a shrimp flavor. Or it might come omakase-style in a bowl of miso soup. The miso (mustard or head fat) from the shrimp works well with the soybean miso soup. Rating: 5/5

Salmon Nigiri Sushi ($4) has the perfect orange color with white fat stripes. It has a silky texture and a sweet flavor that just melts in your mouth like butter. Rating: 4.8/5

Oyster Shooter ($6) contains a freshly shucked oyster, quail egg, and spicy ponzu. The ponzu adds just the right amount of acidity. The oyster is slightly briny yet creamy and sweet. The quail egg adds a nice richness. Rating: 4.8/5

Whole Spanish Mackerel Sashimi ($18) is beautifully presented. A telltale sign that the fish is fresh is the crystal clear eyes. The mackerel is meaty with a soft bite but the flavor is very mild. If combined with a little bit of seaweed, it gives it just the right amount of salt balance to push the sweet flavor of the fish forward. The seaweed also adds a crunchy texture to the bite. After you finish your sashimi, the head and bones will be fried for a crunchy treat. Rating: 5/5

Matsuri Roll ($16) has tempura corn tossed in Japanese chili powder and eel sauce on the outside and sautéed garlic, butter shrimp, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, and wrapped in soy paper on the inside. This is definitely a first to see corn on sushi, but it works. The corn adds a sweet creaminess while the spicy mayo stokes the fire for just the right amount of heat. There is a lot going on in the dish with flavors from sweet, spicy, and garlicky along with crunchy and soft textures. Rating: 4.5/5

Takoyaki ($5) are three octopus fritters with a crispy exterior and a creamy, custardy interior. It is beautifully presented with takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayo. The best part is finding the tako (octopus) inside. The takoyaki has just the right amount of salty flavor to balance with the sweet takoyaki sauce. It is one of the most ingenious street foods...

There is no choice when you want Seaside Japanese sushi in South County, just here.

Park in the back on the south entrance. Follow the sports bar noise and go 1 shop over.

The first thing you will notice is the hot towel they give you, then the traditionally fermented soy sauce, not that Kikkoman 5 gallon bucket stuff most places use. Sitting at the bar you’ll notice how low the separating fish case is. Very little separates you on the chefs. You can clearly see the entire display case.

Most beach cities are filled with young chef’s who never spent a day in Japan studying with a master. Doing roll’s with deep fried everything and lack the care of service that comes from tradition. Most sushi restaurants are actually owned by Koreans, neither is the case here. Owned and operated by traditionally trained Japanese sushi chefs. These sorts of tradition come out when they describe their clams being from Hokkaido and what market they buy their tuna from.

The outdoor seating is nice so long as the rowdy neighbors aren’t ruining a good sunset. Sure they are reserved for this establishment, but being just as loud and still nearby doesn’t do much.

Sit at the bar and watch the attention to detail as the chef’s do magic with the fish we’re used to along with some more exotic varieties. Like I mentioned before you don’t find a bunch of oversauced and double fried rolls as they let the rice and fish speak loud and clear to our stomachs and eyes. Omakase is great as you take a journey of waves between flavor profiles. The décor is clean, not too local, not too traditional, but I wasn’t a fan of the bathroom being outside and with a key. I like it better than the Laguna location which is a little more casual in service and décor.

I love their honeymoon shot as they ensure there are no shell bits, they are liberal with the caviar and the uni is fresh and creamy. Served in shell is nice. Sumo roll is good, but way too much rice. The poke salad is very traditional, not like all this new wave chipoke stuff you see around. Liberal use of ponzu and sesame seed oil, not a gang of generic seaweed either. Their tempura batter is extremely light. Their crab meat in the rolls is not that imitation pink junk they use all white blue crab meat, which you can taste the difference as they don’t need to over mayo it.

5 for service, 5 for the food, 5 for the view/ambiance, 4 for décor,...

If you're looking for an unforgettable sushi experience, look no further than Good Choice Sushi! From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with a warm smile and a welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for an exceptional dining experience.

The sushi here is nothing short of outstanding. Each roll is crafted with the freshest ingredients, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. You can truly taste the quality in the fish, which is always impeccably fresh. The creative combinations of ingredients are a delight to the palate, showcasing the chef’s artistry and innovation. Whether you opt for a classic roll or one of their unique creations, you’re bound to be impressed.

One of the highlights of dining at Good Choice Sushi is their daily specials. I highly recommend trying these, as they never disappoint! Each day brings a new surprise, and the special rolls are often a perfect blend of seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. It’s a great way to experience something new and exciting every time you visit.

The customer service at Good Choice Sushi is exceptional. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. They are always happy to make recommendations and ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfect.

And let’s not forget about the view! The restaurant offers a lovely ambiance with stunning scenery that enhances your meal. It’s the perfect backdrop for enjoying beautifully presented sushi.

In conclusion, Good Choice Sushi is a must-visit for sushi lovers. With their fresh, creative, and delicious offerings, wonderful customer service, and breathtaking views, it’s a dining experience that you won’t want to miss. Treat yourself to one of their daily specials—you won’t be...