Tsuruhashi — Restaurant in Fountain Valley

Outstanding if you appreciate taste, and just okay if you are someone who values quantity more.

This place taught me two things: to appreciate really great flavor despite the price, and to remember that Japanese food culture is not centered around large portions. I ordered the family combo, which came with a few types of meat, chicken, and tofu soup (basically soondooboo). When everything came out, I looked at it and thought, "I might need to hit up McDonald's after this lol." It did not look like much. But I was totally wrong. Like most of my friends, I tend to overestimate how much I can eat. By the time I was done, I felt satisfied — not full and not hungry — which is probably how it's supposed to be. But if you are the type who wants to walk out of a place stuffed and uncomfortable, then this might not be your vibe.

The reason I gave this place five stars is because the quality of the food is just that good. A friend had been telling me to check it out for a while, and now I see why. The meat is excellent — super flavorful and definitely worth the price. When they brought out the plate of meat, it reminded me of your typical KBBQ setup. A plate of raw meat in front of a grill — I thought I was getting ripped off since it looked small. But trust me, it was absolutely worth it. The marinade was spot on, and with the dipping sauce they give you, every bite was amazing.

The soondooboo wasn’t anything crazy, but somehow it tasted better than usual. Even the rice and the oolong tea they give you at the end were on point. As I was leaving, I realized the limited quantity was actually what helped me appreciate the taste more. Kind of like how that one fry you steal from your friend always hits harder than a full order of your own — same energy. The smaller portions made me enjoy every bite more than I normally would.

In short, this place is awesome. Take your friends, your family, your girlfriend, boyfriend, whoever. You will...

Not gonna lie, these non Korean, BBQ places are super suspect. Japanese yakiniku(grilled meat) usually is ridiculously expensive, you don't really get full without spending a fortune. And it doesn't taste that special. I went into it with zero expectation. Seeing the super high review on yelp restrained me from going into the negatives as far as expectations go. Thought to myself, can't be THAT bad. Right?

I heard normally this place would have a 20-30 minute wait. But came here on a random Tuesday or Wednesday, which allowed me to get a seat fairly quick(10minutes). Heard the wait at their rival store ANJIN is worst when it comes to the waiting game(up to 1 hour).

Apps: Yukke- Raw beef Seasoned Raw Rib eye sashimi w/Raw quail egg $9.50 My take on this, everything is better with an egg on top. The sesame oil was really noticeable in this dish. Definitely not something I've tried before. It was interesting and unique.

BBQ: Kobe Steak cut Short ribs $13.95 PRime Cap Rib Eye $13.95 Prime outside Skirt(steak) $9.50 Premium Fresh Tongue 10.95 Beef Tripe salted $6.95 The saying goes "you get what you pay for." Everything over the $10 mark is pretty much all good stuff. Needless to say that the Kobe beef was bomb? It cooks super quick so be super attentive when cooking kobe. 2nd best would probably be the tongue. Not gonna lie, probably the best cow tongue I've ever had grilled. Didn't even know a little sesame oil would make it taste so good. The beef tripe was probably one of the cleanest tasting tripe I've ever had. Dip it in a little bit of lemon juice, you got yourself a nice refreshing crunchy protein.

Did Not waste any stomach real estate on empty carb called white rice. Or that stuff they called vegetable. Bill came out to almost $100 including tax. Wasn't too bad considering that the cuts of meat are super expensive even at the supermarket. Service was superb. This place really changed my outlook...

Tsuruhashi is a haven for anyone who appreciates authentic Japanese BBQ. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the enticing aroma of sizzling meats and the lively ambiance of a true yakiniku restaurant.

The menu is extensive, offering a variety of premium cuts of meat, seafood, and vegetables, all ready to be grilled to perfection at your table. The Wagyu beef is an absolute standout—marbled to perfection, it melts in your mouth with each bite. The kalbi (short ribs) were also a highlight, tender and full of flavor after just a quick sear on the grill.

What sets Tsuruhashi apart is the quality of the ingredients. Every item on the menu is carefully selected, ensuring that each bite is as fresh and flavorful as possible. The dipping sauces and seasonings complement the meats perfectly, allowing the natural flavors to shine without overwhelming them.

The service is attentive and knowledgeable. The staff took the time to explain the different cuts of meat and offer grilling tips, which made the experience even more enjoyable. They were also quick to refill drinks and provide fresh plates throughout the meal.

The atmosphere at Tsuruhashi is warm and inviting, with a cozy yet lively vibe that’s perfect for a night out with friends or family. The combination of top-quality ingredients, excellent service, and the fun, interactive experience of grilling your own food makes this restaurant a must-visit for Japanese BBQ lovers.

Overall, Tsuruhashi offers an exceptional dining experience that’s both authentic and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned yakiniku fan or trying it for the first time, you’ll leave craving...