The Rice — Restaurant in Lake Forest

The rice is our go-to as a Japanese family moved in this country last year from Japan.

Google has deleted reviews they've earned for some reasons and that's why I'm writing this. I really like the food, family&staffs run it.

I've visited here many times and also when I get friends look for authentic Japanese taste, I bring them here. I'd say even in Japan it would be difficult to find restaurants that care so much about ingredients as the rice does.

Finding this place made me and my wife very happy because it put an end to our very tough journey of finding nice Japanese food in this area that had kept us in despair...you know, you don't want instant soup or seasoning you have at home when you eat out.

Kaisen Seafood bowl, beef udon and beef tongue curry are what we regularly order😋 I can't wait to get hand sushi roll set for my son's BD...

The food is great. Authentic Japanese with a little California twist (avocados). The fish in our Donburi bowls was great quality and plentiful. Quality rice and soy sauce as well.

There are a few things that keep this from being a 5 in my book. The hours are pretty inconvenient. Closed Sunday, and close at 7:30 on the dot other days. The dining room closes even earlier, we walked in at 7:15 and the dining room was already closed. We had to do takeout. They also didn’t have any chopsticks for takeout and gave me a fork for my Donburi…luckily I have my own at home. 3.5% credit card fee on top of the already high prices.

So good food, but rough around the...

I've had the pleasure of visiting here twice. It easily ranks as one of, if not my absolute favorite, restaurants in Orange County. Their commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from the water to the chopsticks and the tea. The level of attention they pay to even the smallest aspects is remarkable.

In terms of the cuisine, while I definitely do not consider myself an expert on Japanese food, the authenticity is unmistakable. I got the ginger pork dish, and its flavor left a lasting impression. The staff delivers not only excellent service but also a warm and inviting atmosphere. For anyone who likes Japanese cuisine, I wholeheartedly...