I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to post about Ikko Sushi in Costa Mesa, seeing as how it’s HANDS DOWN the BEST sushi in town.

 The first time the bf and I dined here it was under the much anticipated recommendation of all our foodie friends.

Ikko Sushi

735 Baker St. Ste. C | Costa Mesa, CCA 92626  | (714) 556-7822
We didn’t know what to expect having heard that the sushi chefs ban the use of soy sauce since the freshest catch is always the ones that come straight from the ocean, pre-seasoned and salted to natural perfection. I scoff at the use of soy with my sushi anyway so this establishment sounded like the real deal Holyfield…Here’s why:

On the Menu

Japanese Egg Plant Tempura with Wasabi Smelt Eggs and Spicy Tuna on top (First pic)
Get ready for a major oralgasm…the mish mash of textures is phenomenal!! I get this dish EVERY SINGLE TIME…never fails to please me…
Raw Shrimp with Spicy Cod Row, Mashed Potatoes on Burdock Root Chips
New on the menu…changes seasonally to reflect what’s available…Super sweet shrimp and masago always makes me happy…although I’ve never had bark chips before…tastes like it looks…just eh, will pass on this next time.
Toro and yellowtail…always a crowd favorite
Salmon Tortilla Chips with Wasabi Tartar Sauce
My 2nd fave dish on their menu…this one’s a mainstay and seriously one of the fanciest lox and chips you’ll ever have…if you’ve never had this combo, you’re totally missing out! Makes me want to reconsider how I snack at midnight…
Fresh Oysters with Ponzo Mousse
Loves me some fresh raw oysters!!! Theirs are always super succulent without the faintest smell of the sea…Brownie points fo’sho and a clear indication that these chefs know what the shuck they’re doing…
Warm Carpaccio of Kobe Short Rib with Yuzu Shimeji Sauce and Yuzu Pepper Paste
Raw fish, raw steak…what’s next, raw poultry?? I’m sooooo down!!! Always trying to venture away from familiar places/faces/food/things…this piece of raw meat is a total delight! Slimy, but super tender…if you closed your eyes, this could double as sashimi.
Uni soup
…and you can never, ever forget to wash it all down with a large bottle of Otokoyama sake (top fave) and le pièce de résistance…Uni soup!! If you’re a fan of uni, you will lalalallLOVE this dish. If you’re NOT a fan of uni, you’ll be converted after just one bite! Don’t believe me?? I’ll put $ on it, man!! Seriously though…it’s friggin’ BOMB.DOT.DIGGITY.COM.

Know Before You Go

Ikko don’t mess around mang…they don’t serve cut rolls. They don’t serve fake crab “aka California”. They don’t serve lo-cal soy (they barely have soy as it is, so DON’T ask). If you’re a little apprehensive about all their options, sit at the sushi bar and order omakase. But whatever you do, ALWAYS, ALWAYS order the eggplant tempura (first pic)…you can Thank ME later gator*

Bon Appétit mes amies!!

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30 Comments

  1. I think it's funny when people always say they love sushi but of course they are talking about the standard California roll or avocado roll. Seeing this was more of a eye-gasm for me because everything looked soo good. For sure I would try it at least once buttt idk lol <3

  2. Not only is sushi one of my favorite foods but I'd totally give up soy sauce for these fresh, creative options! Looks delicious.

  3. Oh my gosh YUM! I am so happy you live here and I can try all of your suggestions! Def going to try this one, esp. since I am 1/2 Japanese. Always on the lookout for good sushi here in the O.C. xoxo

  4. i must agree!!! definitely the freshest sushi in the OC.

    I love that I can relate to a lot of your food posts and find new places to try!

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