Otoro Sushi

The sushi is phenomenal!!!the wait time, not so much!! The prices, definitely more than your typical sushi restaurant. The quality is great but if you factor in the wait time, the price and the service that feels rushed, I’m not sure it is worth it! I went there for lunch time, and asked for a table. Was told there’s a 30 min wait, which I agreed to. Didn’t want to sit at the bar as the menu is limited. 50 min later I was seated (this was on a weekday lunch nonetheless). Ordered the lunch special, a chirachi bowl and few sushi items! The food was of excellent quality . 1 whole roll was missing from the lunch special was missing and only found out when the check was brought in and realized there was a missing roll. Overall the good food quality might not outweigh the long way and exorbitant prices ! In an area when you have infinite options, not sure I’ll be back! I’m scared tot think what dinner might be like! Go at your own risk.

Goodness gracious. You are going to be hard pressed to find a better sushi option in the area. The tuna and hamachi and sake were amazing. The true winner was my favorite, the kinmedai. Everything else was fantastic including the clam dish. Will definitely return the next time I’m in the area.

Chef’s Special Omakase Price: $300–$500 per person (Pre-Order Only, Minimum 2 Guests) If you’re searching for an unforgettable culinary journey, Otoro Irvine delivers an exceptional Omakase experience that stands out for its precision, creativity, and high-quality ingredients. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance is intimate and refined—perfect for a special night out, an anniversary, or an elevated culinary escape. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury dining, the Chef’s Special Omakase is the crown jewel of Otoro’s offerings. At $300–$500 per person, this pre-ordered, curated experience is nothing short of spectacular. Each course was thoughtfully crafted, blending traditional Japanese techniques with innovative, modern flair. The fish was incredibly fresh—melt-in-your-mouth toro, buttery uni, and flawlessly seared A5 wagyu were just the beginning. Every bite felt intentional, building in flavor, texture, and presentation as the evening progressed. Highlighted Dishes from Chef’s Special: • Toro Trio – Otoro, chutoro, and akami, served three ways (raw, seared, aged). A masterclass in tuna. • Live Uni from Hokkaido – Presented in its shell with yuzu zest and fresh wasabi. Ocean-sweet, creamy perfection. • A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Nigiri – Seared and topped with black truffle and caviar. Rich, tender, and luxurious. • Scallop Carpaccio with Lime Foam – A delicate dance of citrus and umami. • Foie Gras & Monkfish Liver Fusion – Paired with sake jelly—silky, rich, and surprisingly light. • Abalone with Dashi Butter – Slow-poached and elegantly savory. • Custom Dessert Course – A refreshing finish with yuzu sorbet and a black sesame matcha mochi cake. And hot pot Service was attentive yet unobtrusive—every dish was introduced with care, and the chef was clearly passionate about every creation. From the plating to the pacing, everything flowed with intention and grace. The staff made us feel taken care of without ever taking away from the focus: the food. Otoro Irvine isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Whether you’re indulging in the $165 Nigiri Omakase, the $225 Standard Omakase, or going all-in with the Chef’s Special, you’ll find yourself immersed in an evening of culinary artistry and pure joy. For those seeking top-tier Omakase in Orange County, Otoro Irvine is a hidden gem that delivers not just a meal—but a memory. Worth every penny for those who value quality, authenticity, and excellence at the highest level. Rating: 11/10 – A flawless fusion of flavor, finesse, and feeling.

Amazing service, outstanding food and nice atmosphere. The best sushi I’ve ever had was at otoro and I go at least twice a week. The staff are so kind and eager to help. Highly recommend.

Worth every penny. We got one of the omakase menus and every bite was nothing short of the perfection. I don’t think an omakase or a sushi restaurant has ever had me leaving so full. All of their seafood is so fresh. Their wagyu fried rice is also the best I have ever had. It is very expensive to come here so I usually only go once a year.

Lived up to the hype. Generous slices of sashimi that are super fresh. Patrons queued up before they open. Best to have a reservation. Closed on Sun/Mon. Parking is a challenge. Nice TI. Efficient staff.

Have lived in Southern California for a few years, recently back in Irvine, driving around looking for a restaurant on a Friday night, had passed by this place many times but tonight decided to try it. What a find. Impressed. Food quality and service above average. This is now our Japanese place. We’ll return often. I recommend this place with no reservations, figuratively and literally.

Very, very good food. Chilean sea bass and lobster fried rice are amazing. The kobe steak is the best beef I've ever tasted. Hot pot with the A5 is really good. The 3 way oysters are fun way to try different preparations. Both salmon sashimi plates were fresh and high quality.

SERVICE If you've been following me here on Yelp, you know exactly I feel about relationships whether it's in our personal lives or in business. OOTORO SUSHI prides itself with excellent service - it literally feels like you are going to a family member's home. They know you by first name and treat you like a sister/brother. You can read my past reviews for a breakdown of the people who take very good care of a loyal customer like mwah. Don't settle for mediocre, OOTORO comes with all the toppings for excellence in service. FOOD Salmon $8.95 2 eye-catching pieces of juicy, FRESH and delicious! Red Snapper $7.95 2 shiny, loving pieces that defy selfish hunger yum! Halibut $7.95 loved it! 2 pieces - I had to put in 2 more orders cuz I loved how fresh it was tonight - oh yes! Amberjack $7.95 KANPACHI 2 pieces Smelt Eggs Masago $5.50 2 pieces Fresh Water Eel Unagi $5.50 2 pieces AMBIANCE I'd say this place is perfect for your next romantic date but let me tell you, I'd bring the entire office staff here for a grand office party! Did I mention they have a private room in the back that's so private you can dance like a duck all you want and no one outside of your Boss can see you. Kidding aside, you'd find the privacy factor a big plus.

Ootoro has some of the best sushi in Southern California. Period. We've been to ootoro twice now and both times were extremely consistent. It's a traditional sushi spot and you can ask for hand rolls as well. The PACKED the hand rolls with protein. There's free parking here and I recommend making a reservation. The service is so so, but the food makes up for it. It's pricey but it's worth it every time we come and we will be back again.

Amazing Experience at O Toro Sushi in Irvine O Toro Sushi in Irvine is hands down one of the best sushi spots around! The service here is consistently outstanding--always friendly, attentive, and welcoming. The quality of the food is top-notch, with incredibly fresh cuts that never disappoint. Whether it's the lunch specials or the dinner Omakase, every visit is a delight. The lunch specials are a great value, and the Omakase experience is perfect for a special night out with friends. We continue to come back time and time again because of the unbeatable combination of excellent food, warm service, and a great atmosphere. Highly recommend this spot to any sushi lover--you won't be disappointed!

Came here with my girlfriend for lunch to celebrate her birthday. ( which I forgot to mention to our server and therefore didn't get a dessert .) I arrived earlier (40min prior to opening) to secure a table when they open at 11:30am. The restaurant staff were still organizing and cleaning before opening time. Once you put your name on the list inside ,you can walk around the mini mall or wait outside. They only take reservations for the bar & you are required to get the omakase. ($150 per person.) When you put your name on the list you get a table and can order either omakase or from the menu. We were one of the first group to be seated. Initially, there was a bleach smell from the cleaning AND a strong fishy odor. However, I'm glad I didn't notice it after a while. Outstanding food! Everything was very fresh and high quality. We each ordered the lunch special which you pick two items. Both of us wanted the Toro Don. For the second item, she chose the blue crab hand roll and I got the miso black cod. We also got the lunch omakase from the a la carte side to share. (Yes,we ate it all.) * I have an Ootoro location closer to where I live. Since I've only gone there at dinner hours, I didn't experience the cleaning /fish odor as I did at this location. I was worried it would dampen my appetite. ( Hence the one less star .)

Ortoro Sushi is an authentic Japanese restaurant located in the busy TRADE food hall plaza area, surrounded by other popular spots like HiroNori, Book-Off, and Subway. With so many restaurants and shops nearby, parking here can be tricky. The lot fills up quickly, so I recommend arriving early. I got there 30 minutes before they opened to put my name down, and by the time they opened, there were already many people waiting outside. Once inside, you can choose between seating at a table or the bar. The interior has a classy, modern ambiance, making it a great spot for both casual lunches and slightly upscale dining. It works well for both small and larger parties, though most of the seating is designed for smaller groups and booths. Ortoro's lunch menu has a variety of options, from combo meals to à-la-carte items. They also offer a wide selection of Asian alcohols. My group went with the Sashimi Lunch for $24.95, which is only available during lunch and seems to be a crowd favorite. This set included miso soup, a side of rice, and a generous selection of high-quality fish. The sashimi was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely worth the price. We also ordered the Asahi beer, priced at $7.95 per bottle. The beer came in a large bottle that was surprisingly ample, and we each got several pours out of just one bottle. It was served with a tall glass, and the presentation was great. The service at Ortoro Sushi was excellent. Our server was quick to take our drink orders and brought everything out promptly. When I noticed that my plate was a bit dirty, I asked for a replacement, and they switched it out immediately without any questions. If you're looking for a high-quality Japanese meal with great service, Ortoro Sushi is a fantastic choice. It's well worth the wait if you plan ahead for the crowds!

Finally got to try this place out ! It always has such a long line and I defs know why now !! The sushi here is so fresh and thicc ! This is one of the most high quality sushi I've had in OC ! If you can get here early enough to be the first ones seated, highly recommend checking it out ! Chirashi Bowl - Delicious ! This was so amazing, the slices of fish are big and tasted so fresh, very high quality ! This definitely filled me up !

I came here for my birthday, and I was very delighted by the dishes! Tips: - Their wait staff isn't the most attentive, so I would work hard on flagging them down. - Waiting can be a PAIN on weekend nights. I highly suggest making a reservation a week in advance, or coming in half an hour early to be the first on the waitlist. I was second, and had to wait an hour and a half just to be seated. - If you plan to come with a large party, expect to have the exact number, because seating indoors is always packed! - Bar seating will get you in much faster, but you can only order off the sushi menu. Still worth it if you don't plan to buy any of the bowls. If you can make it through these hurdles, I'd say the food is very much worth the price. The ramen and chirashi bowls (both premium and non-premium) may seem pricey, but are definitely shareable between two people. The quality of their fish is so fresh that the price justifies it.

Delicious and fresh fish for a fair price. As others have said, getting there early and putting your name on the list is the way to go

Best for their quality of fish. I would say this is hands down the most fresh and consistent sushi place in oc. Their chirashi bowl and hand rolls are my fave. Come lunch time and it's priced better than dinner time. Service is the best here they know what to get you before you ask. Pro tip: if you order chirashi bowl you can request the miso to be made with shrimp head or you can ask them to fry it! Ambiance is clean and pretty fun vibe there. They do provide private room however there is a minimum you have to spend.

Still hands down best sushi place. Love the service here. The employees are always helpful and take care of u even when it's a mad house. This restaurant is always clean and love the fresh sushi shell when u walk in.

Otoro Sushi is a staple for us! We come here once a month, at least. The staff is super friendly and the food is amazing. Wait times can be long, so I recommend coming right at opening or have a reservation. TIPS: - This restaurant is one of the few that sells fresh wasabi, a savory and umami burst of flavor! - The hot tea is free, and free refill Everything on the menu is delicious, but I highly recommend: - Deluxe Chirashi Bowl - comes with ur choice of soup or fried shrimp - Regular Chirashi Bowl - They have very thick cuts of sashimi! - Sushi Box (to go only) - Fresh wasabi ($5.50) - Vegetable and shrimp temura - Really fresh ginger! You cant go wrong with anything here though!

Their omakase for lunch is a great price at $150 and the chef choice selections are amazing! There might be a couple items that taste "ok" but the rest are exceptional. We ordered Uni pasta for my gfs two kids and they loved it. It's so creamy and delicious. They have HUGE prawns soaking in there with slabs on Uni on the top. I didn't take too many pictures because I was busy devouring the little but beautiful pieces of sushi. The pasta dish was so big! It was a generous amount which could be shared with our group of 5. The staff were attentive and friendly. They are working hard to get the food out quickly so thank you for that!

Absolutely love the lunch combos here. Everything is fresh and delicious, and such a great price at $28.95 for two items and miso soup and a bowl of steamed rice (if your combo item doesn't already come with rice). We usually come before they open at 11:30am for first seating but today we came by a little later today and got seated around 12:35pm for second round seating. The sashimi that comes with the lunch combo were nice thick pieces. The salmon Kama was perfectly cooked and very tender and flavorful. I love the black pepper sauce that comes with it. Service is always friendly. We got both complimentary high quality hot tea and iced water with our meal.

Been wanting to try this place for a long time and so glad we finally did. Their hand rolls were amazing, and their Chirashi bowls r my favorite. Ambiance is great and they keep it dim inside. Service was awesome, and everyone was very nice. The fish was fresh and will definitely come back

never have I ever tasted more high quality fish! Get the salmon belly and seared toro it's the best! Great service and setting as well! Eager to return:)

This was my second time coming to Ootoro Sushi for lunch, and one piece of advice: get there before 11 AM and put your name on the waitlist, even if it's a weekday. It fills up fast! The restaurant is surprisingly spacious once you're inside, with bar seating and regular tables along the side. They don't seat to maximum capacity, which I appreciate because it helps keep the flow smooth, especially with everyone eager to get their lunch orders in. No one wants to wait longer after already being hungry and ready to eat. The ambiance is lovely--dim lighting and a relaxed vibe, with everyone chatting and enjoying their time. The first time I came, I ordered the lunch combo: Toro-Don + Grilled Black Miso Cod, which was phenomenal and made me eager to come back. This time, I opted for the Sashimi Lunch, and while it may not look like a lot at first glance, it's super filling. The fish quality is fantastic--thick cuts, and they don't skimp on portions. It also comes with a side of rice and some of the freshest miso soup I've ever had. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to try the omakase. If my lunch expectations were this high and were met, I can only imagine how impressive dinner will be. Until next time, Ootoro!

Yum! First time getting Otoro to go. I was a bit apprehensive but it was delicious! The cuts of fish were super thick and delicious. The quality of all of the food was excellent. Loved the sashimi, nigiri and rice. Got the sushi box (~$39) and the mix sashimi w/ unagi box (~$47). Ordered online for pick up, we got there at the designated time but had to wait quite a while for the boxes to come out. I wasn't too bothered by it but it wasn't immediate. Didn't dine in but the restaurant is nice, a bit loud/lively, and clean.

Otoro Sushi is adjacent to Trade Food Hall off Michelson & Bixby in Irvine. Note that it has 4 dollar signs, so expect to pay premium prices in order to dine at this high-end sushi bar. Their service is top-notch and all servers were very attentive. There is consistent traffic during peak times which helps create a nice ambience. By far my favorite was the Premium Chirashi. The upgrade from the standard Chirashi offered fresh cuts of high-end sashimi. Since we were celebrating a birthday, I also had the opportunity to sample several other dishes. I'd also recommend the Grill Chilean Sea Bass, French Toast with Uni & Crab Meat and the Soft Shell Crab Hand Roll. IMO the Crab Chawamushi and Clam Ginger Soup were a miss. The birthday boy had a good time and we enjoyed a nice sushi meal with family, so what more can you ask for?

I'm critical of otoro because they used to be one of the pioneers of fine sushi dining for the Irvine area before the others popped up. The sushi is still tasty but the quality of service is mid, they forgot several rolls and it came out so incredibly slow. The meal shouldn't have been 2.5 hours but it was because of the subpar service. We loved their avocado /seaweed salad and toro sampler. Vibe is still nice and dim lit. Beware of sitting near some of their low hanging chandeliers- we were burning up!

This place is very popular so would recommend a reservation for dinner otherwise expect a wait on the weekend. The interior was very clean with lots of beautiful wood decor. The servers were busy and tried to be attentive but you may need to call them over if needed. They're accommodating and understanding if issues arise during dinner. The fish is the real star here; my salmon was delicious and fresh. This alone was worth the trip. We were also given ice cream as a courtesy for the cheesecake running out which included delicious flavors like yuzu and lychee. I'd love to come back and try lunch or a time when it's less busy.

I think this spot has the best sushi a la carte in Irvine! It's a bit on the pricier side, but I think the quality of fish is well worth it, similar to the omakase I've had at other places. I'm usually a salmon girl, but you have to try the different cuts of tuna and yellowtail that comes with the chirashi!

I've lost count of how many times I've been to Otooro now. It's my favorite sushi restaurant in OC and I've taken my friends and family here. Everyone has LOVED it. Ambience: Its surprisingly more quiet than you would think. The restaurant is decently sized but since it's so busy, the wait can get very long. The restaurant has a minimal and clean look. Service: The service is usually great. My water is usually filled and the food comes in a timely manner. I have no complaints here. Food Consensus: Everything that I've tried is very delicious. My absolute favorite is the salmon ikura bowl and the chirashi bowl. The quality of the thick cut fish is phenomenal and it melts in your mouth. I'm actually salivating while drafting up this review. There is a decent potion of rice and other toppings. The flavors and quality are 10/10. I would recommend either those or the lunch deal they have. With the lunch deal, I usually opt for the toro don, sashimi salad, kanpachi kama, salmon Kama, or blue crab hand roll. It just depends on what they have! Value for Money: The prices are not as bad as it says on Yelp. If you opt for the salmon ikura bowl, chirashi hi bowl, or lunch deal, you're getting a steal. I've been to many higher end sushi restaurants with higher prices and none of them come close to ootoro. You cannot beat the insane quality and the price point.

Otoro is one of my favorite sushi places around, but I had only been to the Walnut location. My friend told me this location was better and I can't say he was wrong. Great service per usual, your cup is never empty, and everyone is very friendly. This location seems a little more open and not as loud. For the food I always get the chirashi bowl and it never disappoints. The fish is always very high quality, prepared, and cut well. The sushi rice is delicious, I could eat a bowl of it by itself. The tamagoyaki is a nice touch of sweetness. We also got the Chilean sea bass roll. First time getting that and won't be the last. I usually stay away from hand rolls because of how much fish is actually in it. But this is packed with a golden deep fried and juicy piece of sea bass. Otoro is consistently top quality sushi and for the amount a fair price

Had an excellent, but expensive sushi lunch with a couple of coworkers. I work across the street, but it is always so crowded. The secret is to go late, after the lunch crush. We basically walked in and had plenty of time to order before last call. The combo lunch lets you order one item each each from 2 columns, and I went all sushi with a variety of white fish and a bluefin hand roll. Everything was really good, but it wasn't a ton of food. My coworkers ordered the poke salad and the salmon salad, and both were more substantial, so a mix with a larger item and a smaller item would be the way to go down the line. The fish was all high quality and the place is very pretty, with what looks like a huge wine list (at least from the glass wine cave) an oddity for a sushi restaurant.

This sushi chef has been constantly messaging for half an hour. Is he really that busy? The chef is not wearing gloves, preparing sashimi for customers while handling his phone, showing a complete lack of concern for hygiene.

I came here last Wednesday to celebrate my brother's birthday. As all our other family members were out of town at that time, we wanted to try this place because we had not visited it before. I previously tried the Walnut location, but I liked this location better. We arrived around 12:40 PM but had to wait for 30 minutes before being seated. It was first come, first served, and we didn't have a reservation. I tried the sashimi lunch ($24.95), and my brother had the premium chirashi ($44.95). We also shared the Ootoro ramen. I highly recommend having the sashimi lunch rather than the premium chirashi because the former has a more reasonable price. For the price, they offer fairly high-quality sashimi with a rice bowl. It just came with several pieces of sashimi and a rice bowl and no salad, but I was satisfied with the quality of the sashimi. I felt sorry that there's just one piece of uni in the premium chirashi, but the server asks whether you would like your shrimp head fried or served with the soup. My brother had it fried, and he said it was very tasty. The Ootoro ramen was great as well. It had so many ingredients, including two big jumbo shrimps, which were cut in half so you could eat them without much effort. The ramen also has miyazaki beef, char siu, clams, mushrooms, and some vegetables. The noodles were cooked perfectly, and the soup's taste had depth due to all the seafood and meat. I don't like waiting in line, but I'll come back to this location once I have time during a weekday.

My friend, Matt C texted me early Saturday, "Wanna grab a bite?" I said, sure! I know you like sushi, your choice. I chose Korean BBQ last time... 'And let me tell you, Otoro raised the bar and ruined my usual sushi joints. (Sigh) Thanks Matt. HA! The restaurant opens its doors at 11:30am and according to Matt there was already a line down the front of the restaurant. I arrived ten minutes later. Matt signed us up for seating @ the sushi bar; best seats in the house.(Good call!) Interior: https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=UPPsUY4I6uYHMDYUwuL2Ag&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Since this was Matt's go-to sushi spot, I had him place our orders. I just have to say, Matt doesn't mess around. We ate like kings. The order: Toro (Orders x2) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=wp9HZm3qK6NT4Krf9XFyeg&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Blue Fin Tuna (Orders x2) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=aDfxQY7ngjuX_tgv8Ok-lw&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Alabacore (Orders x2) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=QqbWVPrF5BveKnqEhrkuGQ&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Hamachi (Orders x2) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=BEJIiMHGzIGyTvBXIOFGSg&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Ma-Dai (Orders x2) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=VBZauub0T2SBpgL-MhWF6g&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Sake (Orders x2) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ycf8IuU8P6rnOwqdRkA_Pw&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Dai Hotate (Orders x2) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=n_BdppV-MDuts5-k_Ci-RA&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Uni (Orders x2) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=bZxAD259NspxretH80ylwA&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ White Fish - Three Way (Orders x2) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=reEALnnKTXCCyyi9i29c1A&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Dessert - Cheesecake (Orders x2) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=uRbs8XBFHIbubT8IXlDTzg&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ The Bill: https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=WIbmGuJY2QrpVFLyQ7emWg&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ I did mention, "We ate like kings." Everything was so delicious and fresh. Yep, my usual to-go sushi spots, ruined!... 'But given the cost comparison, they will have to do. I am not sure when I will return to Otoro Sushi but I will definitely be back. Delicious. Eat well, eat often. - Big Aloha! Overall rating: 4 1/2 Stars (Rounding up) Food: 5 Ambiance: 4 Service: 5 Value: 4

Food is really good in quality and sashimi tastes really fresh. The service is great. We arrived before the crowds so we got seated right after. The whole vibe was chill, people were there with families and friends. Talking and laughing, not too loud but relaxing.

Spoil yourself with a premium chirashi bowl here!! It is rare to find a place with decent quality fish at a price I find fair. Service was wonderful and friendly while giving our group enough privacy. The interior is nicely decorated and gives a relaxing, clean feel. Seating was comfortable and restaurant was just quiet enough for us to hear each other talk comfortably. I recommend getting here as soon on a weekday as they open to avoid long waits. Lunch also tends to be a better deal.

I love love loveee Otoro! The servers are always super nice, and the restaurant is dimly lit with spotlights at night. I've only gone early dinner on weekdays so haven't experienced any wait time. My boyfriend and I have been here 3 times together for dinner and always get the premium chirashi don ($48.95), the sweet shrimp nigiri ($18.95), and a few more nigiris to try (salmon belly, toro, etc). The quality of the fish and shellfish are so fresh and melts in your mouth. The chirashi don has everything you'd want, and every bite is so tasty! The shrimp heads can either be fried or cooked in miso soup, so two dishes for one!! I haven't tried the other cooked items, but they also look very good. Overall, this is my go to sushi spot in Irvine. I always leave satisfied and happy. Definitely give this place a try!

This is my go to Japanese restaurant because of the great lunch specials. I almost always order the lunch combo with Toro Don and Miso Cod. It also comes with hot green tea and miso soup. When I come with friends we order our own meals but when I come with family, we will order a bunch of different dishes to share. Some of our favorites also include salmon kama, grilled chicken, fish head soup, and seared toro salad.

Traveling for work and was in the mood for Sushi. Otoro was down the street from where I was staying. At first, I noticed that they didn't have your typical sushi rolls. Mostly sashimi, Nigri, etc. I was a little hesitant because I'm used to places with your typical sushi rolls. I asked the waiter for his advice, and he recommended.the Chirashi bowl and Spicy Salmon Roll (one of the very few roles that they actually sold here). I will say that the food was incredible! The prices were very steep...but the food quality was worth it. If you're not afraid to spend a little money, definitely give this place a try.

My family has been coming to Ootoro for years and through C$&@#, they've main trained their level of service and quality of food. Having just returned, again, from two weeks in Japan, we can honestly say Ootoro is by far the most authentic and comparable sushi restaurant compared to those in Tokyo and Osaka. It wasn't until we tried two other locations and were severely disappointed, did we vow to return to Ootoro as soon as we are able. The cut is generous, the quality is extremely fresh, all sashimi is tender, cohesive, and that feeling when buying into it screams freshness. The sushi chefs are actual sushi chefs that caters to your needs when you order omakase...unlike the recent places we've been to where the chefs are simply an assembly line. Prices are still extremely competitive after all this time and the sake menu is amazing. Level of service is top notch, albeit short staffed, good help is very hard to find these days. Still our go to sushi restaurant in n Orange County and it looks like that will not be changing for the near future.

I used to work 5 min (walking distance) from here so I used to go for lunch a lot and have had dinner here twice. Every single time, the service was amazing and the quality of fish was amazing. I usually prefer sashimi over sushi but this place, sushi's so perfect with the rice it comes with. Can't wait to go back. :)

This is a very upscale sushi restaurant. Love the decor and the booths that are available along with a sushi bar. The miso black cod is to die for. I have ordered it both times I have been here. The sashimi is fresh and you will not be disappointed. The service is consistent and there is no rush while you dine.

Not how it used to be. Bad quality of sashimi and dish. A lot of flies in the restaurant. Omakase supposed to give customers a very pleasant dinning experience but this one is not it.

I'm going to give this to a mixed review but 5 stars and I'll tell you why. The service wasn't great, very polite but mediocre delivery, 3/5. But the food was really really well done and the presentation was outstanding. Our bill at the end was over 200 where it really would have been over 300 at a michelin for the food we ordered. The cuts and flavors were also pretty great. This place is a upper end price point deal but you take a slight sacrifice in service and ambiance as it is quite busy.

Probably one of the best authentic Japanese Sushi house with truly amazing rice and scrumptious thick Toro and kicking Wasabi with generous portions for lunch platter. The price is high for a very good reason. I rather pay a few more bucks for amazing food than eat some crappy wannabe sushi and sashimi without the soul. I'm not the biggest fan of eating raw fish but this restaurant kicks high for me and the rest of my family also agreed that this place is by far the best of all sushi restaurants in Orange County. Believe me because my daughters and my esposa really like sushi unlike me. They know what they are talking about. The lunch special with ten or twelve big pieces of sushi is probably the best choice for the price. We enjoyed every last one until no more grain of rice was on the flat serving platter.

We came for the lunch combo special today. The 5 piece sashimi combo was exquisite. The fish is the most fresh you can get at a sushi restaurant. The flavor just seeps into your tongue and pulls apart so cleanly. Their wasabi and ginger is cut fresh every day which makes all the difference! Their miso cod is so soft, it feels silky smooth and is FULL of flavor. And the seared toro salad comes with such a wide variety of salad ingredients and the toro is so well seared. Never overcooked and is soft and delicious. The service here is great, our waiter is very speedy and attentive and they make sure your experience is satisfactory. Love Otoro!

we came during their lunch rush but the wait wasn't that bad. once we were seated, we got our drinks and food out really fast considering how busy it was. the service was amazing. we told him it was our first time & he recommended things. we ordered everything he suggested. it was delicious. they had the service down pat like a well oiled machine. the manager came at the end and asked us how we were. he gave my toddler lychee ice cream - of course he loved it. i've been craving sushi for a year. it was my pregnancy craving but i couldn't get it. my husband waited with me & it was worth the wait. we will be coming back again to try other things.

I heard the food here it so good... To be honest it's just standard Sushi place to eat , not something that i have to say wow for however it's good to try out at least... For the price you will a little bit more food here :)

So good!! Came here at 11:17 and there was 5-6 parties ahead of me. Still got to first sitting though! The food is great and fish is fresh. My first time eating chirashi bowl, definitely not going to be the last. Moreover, its less than $30 per person after tip and tax! Recommended

Otoro is a place my family keeps coming back to! Its consistency and quality are unmatched. The black miso cod = a must! Amazing staff too!! Anthony, our server, was awesome! Very attentive, welcoming, and kind! pro-tip: Arrive early to write your name down on the list to get seated! They set the list out 30min before opening. This place always has a line and for good reason! The line starts before opening so get there early!

Terrible service we just left not finishing our omakase after only 3.5 courses but got charged almost the full price. All 5 of us felt so stressed by the server rushing and sliding food across the table and not explaining each dish. We just couldn't stomach the cafeteria service for an omakase experience. We have NEVER done this before walking out of a restaurant. Our meal should have been comped but instead we were charged. So disappointed and angry with this place that we were so looking forward this try.. I left my phone number for the owner to call me back; just didn't want to make a scene and give the employees a hard time. Let's see if I get that call ‍

We love this place. Sushi quality is probably #1 in Irvine area. We often come here for celebrations. Price will be $60-$100. So it's not casual lunch place. But it is worth to come and spend money. Their tempura is very close to Japanese one which you can taste in Tokyo. I would give 5 stars but one reason I couldn't give 5. Last time we went there, there was a family with infant and 2-3years old. Kids were screaming and crying. Many of customers were disturbed and some of them even left before they order anything. This place should be ban family with small children. To be honest we have to listen great screaming orchestra while we were celebrating our anniversary. Please ban families with poorly behaved children. If family can afford this type of expensive meal, they can for sure afford babysitter for few hours. Peace

Fresh sushi! It's pricey but worth it! The Chilean sea bass is awesome and so are the toro and yellowtail.

For my 2,100th review, I want to share w/ you an excellent sushi place on Michelson, down the street fr SNA. I have been to Otoro in the biz district of Irvine b4, but could not drop pics bc the previous visits were for biz. The latest visit was a friends bday, and it was a great experience. It was very similar to my visit at the original Otoro in Walnut. The four of us indulged in super fresh sushi, oysters, and other delights. In addition, Otoro has a great sake selection. Their offerings range fr reasonably priced bottles in the $30-50 range, up to a $725 bottle. After a couple of bottles of basic Dassai 45, I splurged for the bday girl and got a bottle of Shinsen ($150). You could really taste the difference. The latter was not sweet, and had a smooth, dry finish. Regarding the ambiance, its tight in here, but not overly so where you can't hear one another. It was very busy @ 6 pm on a Fri night. Luckily one person in our party is a regular. She was able to score a res. Joel (Manager), and his team took excellent care of us. Our food arrived quickly, and any special requests were handled w/ a smile. If you are looking for high quality sushi, and excellent service near John Wayne Airport, Otoro fits the bill. I'd have to say its the best sushi in Irvine IMHO.

Food is excellent, wait time is astronomical and service is pleasant but glacial. If you have a ton of time to burn then come here. I do think their sushi for the price is probably one of the best in the area but if you're hungry best to consider other options. Also parking in the center is difficult. Reservations are apparently offered but I couldn't find a booking site anywhere. You may have to call them to book directly; which is fine, but it sounds like others have had challenges actually catching someone to book with.

Amazing service- called a day in advance for a party of 12 people and they were very accommodating! Made vegetarian plates for our vegetarian friend, and took our orders in 3 separate tables so the checks would be easier to manage. Food came promptly and Sashimi tasted very fresh! You can see the chefs on the edges of the restaurant, its an interesting view!