Ikko Japanese Restaurant in Costa Mesa

They labelled themselves as sushi & freestyle Japanese cuisine, and they don't serve American style rolls. We had shrimp with strawberry mousse, grill yellow tail cheek with ginger sauce, salt squid tempura, beef togue etc. Food is very good, but they are at a pricey end. Personally I don't prefer their dim environment. The restaurant is not too visible from the main road. Overall it is a good eat out place for special occasion.

Ayame Shabu Shabu Hot Pot in Irvine

Located at the northern part of Irvine. It is not a big restaurant. Service is good. Everyone has his/her own hot pot set for Shabu Shabu, which is kind of cute. I had Thai Tom Yum soup base and my wife had spicy miso soup base. They also had sushi on the menu. We ordered the 'Oh my god' roll, it's really yummy! As tasty as the title said. Desert was delicious too, she enjoyed it very much. We were happy that we found this place. $60 in total for 2 people. They have a sister restuarant called Zipangu at 2930 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Honda-Ya Japanese Restaurant in Tustin

We tried out this popular Japanese restaurant at Tustin this evening - as recommended by my brother. There's usually queuing at this restaurant but not today though, maybe because it's a Monday. We had yakitori, salmon avocado, grilled Shishamo (Willow Leaf Fish), chawanmushi and more. We were most impressed with a dish called Avocado Volcano... it's not only delicious, but it also look the part (see photo). Service was good. Two people for just less than $70. We would come back for more at this cozy looking place.