Konpa Nikkei — Restaurant in Newport Beach

Konpa Nikkei is heaven in Corona Del Mar. The space is intentionally designed with a long, welcoming bar that encourages conversation and connection. You feel it right away in the way the team works—talented, warm, and proud to serve some of the freshest, butteriest fish I’ve had in a long time. Finally, something truly unique in the heart of CDM.

I started with the escabeche spice pickled carrots and onions—perfect crunch, bright flavor, fresh and addictive. Then came the life-changing pickles, and they really lived up to their name. Layered with ginger and a sprinkle of ume plum, every bite had depth and balance.

For entrées, the coliflor was a standout. A bed of greens topped with Japanese mushrooms, Latin squash, and a medley of vegetables that brought spice, richness, and comfort. It reminded me of a Caesar but healthier, layered, and more flavorful—it’s a dish I’d come back for regularly. We also tried the aji poke bowl with kimchi and tuna, and the fish was buttery and clean, lifted beautifully by the spice and crunch.

The sushi-style wrap was unforgettable. We had the salmon, paired with pickled cabbage, avocado, and their Aji Verde Crema, which bursts with cilantro and jalapeño. This is the dish I’d recommend if you order nothing else—memorable, balanced, and absolutely delicious.

We ended with the yuzu cheesecake, light and fluffy with just the right citrus lift to close out a fresh, vibrant meal. Service was standout throughout, and the manager’s warmth made the evening feel personal. I left loving not just the food, but the vibe—thoughtful, connected, and unlike anywhere else in the area.

A special shoutout to Drew, the manager, who was awesome to talk with. He made the night feel even more memorable and gave us that Barcelona-like feeling of connecting with...

Konpa Nikkei is such a cool spot! The vibe is modern but relaxed and the menu is great.

I had the Sol wrap and while it was fresh and tasty, I found myself wishing there was a little more fish inside (but that's everyone's dream). The sauces were so good: aji amarillo, rocoto shoyu, and verde crema each added their own flavor and it was fun to try them all. I just wished there was a spicier option to kick it up a notch.

Service was awesome. Even though we came about 40 minutes before closing, the staff was kind, welcoming, and did not rush us at all.

Overall, Konpa Nikkei is worth checking out if you want something different from the usual sushi spots. Fresh flavors, great sauces, and genuinely good service make it a place I would return to, hopefully next time with a spicier sauce and a little more fish...

If you’re nearby, you have to come here! The shop is very clean, very well decorated, and was a great date spot.

This food was incredible. The fish was amazing. It was soft like butter. The homemade sauces were unique and so flavorful.

We ordered the Mac salad, masubi, pickles, maki bowl and aji bowl. At first we were not thrilled about the costs, but after the quality that was delivered we would do it again without hesitation.

I’ve never tried masubi because the idea of spam freaks me out. So my BF and I shared one. Next time I would get one all for myself.

Please note the shop is small and seems to be run by one man. So service is not “lightning fast.” But he hustles and was constantly working and making everything fresh to order. It is worth the wait and he delivered...