Kotobuki Restaurant: Authentic Japanese Sushi Experience in Laguna Hills

Home style food. Nothing fancy. Service maybe slow but that's the charm of the it. Reminds me of home back in Hilo, Hi.

This place is funny. I'm not giving it 4 stars because it's 4 star sushi - it's not, but this is coming from someone who thinks 98% of sushi restaurants in the US are 1-2 star. Now, FYI I'm not inclined to order, or ever review, sauced-up giant futomaki rolls that Americanized sushi shops often embrace to cover the fact that their fish isn't that great. Nope, I'm into the sushi experience, so it's omakase or off menu requests at the bar if I'm going to a restaurant. If that's your jam too then the owner/chef of Kotobuki always makes for a fairly authentic (bossy) Japanese sushi experience.

This my most favorite sushi restaurant! My husband has been taking me here for 19 years. We sit at the sushi bar and just eat anything that Hero prepares for us. The sushi chefs and staff are always attentive, fun and genuinely nice people. I recommend the spicy shrimp hand roll and the baked muscles if this is your first time. No other sushi place I have found does them the same. I love coming here and I know you will too!

Sit at the bar, and talk with Master Sushi chef Hiro. I lived in Tokyo for 2 years and this is 'almost' Japanese grade.......not his fault. I always order chefs choice, no brained. Sit at a table and service slow as only one waitress. One of the best in OC

This is the real deal sushi place. Old school and traditional. Special Cali Roll-ask for less eel sauce. Rainbow roll with masago-excellent. Edamame-perfectly salted. Service-top notch. Very clean restaurant. I highly recommend this place. The owner, Hiro is excellent. 32 ye

Good authentic Japanese spot with a simple menu. For anyone that's new to Japanese food, this may not be the best place because their menu features the actual name of the dish without a description or picture. You'll probably have to ask your server or Google it. The service however is good and prompt, very kind people. Their sushi is made with wasabi already in it so be careful for folks who enjoy sushi but do not enjoy wasabi. All in all, good experience with good food and fresh fish.

I was very grateful to be able to get in on a Saturday night during peak dinner hours without having to wait. We sat at the bar and Hiro was our chef. He was quite the character! He was funny, bossy, and yes, it's true. He will yell at you and tell you how to eat sushi. He's a passionate sushi chef! I get it! I will say that he's not for everyone, but I had no issues with him. I liked him! I'm not even sure what we ordered, but I'm pretty sure it was the chefs special. I can tell you that I'm picky with my salmon in color and texture and this salmon was delicious. He also used lemon on his rolls which was new to me, but I feel like it elevated all of the other flavors. One of the rolls he served had lettuce in it! I didn't know what to think at first. Matter of fact, I'm still undecided as to whether or not I liked that roll. I always take lots of pictures of my meal, but this time I forgot to. I was so into the experience so that tells you something. For me, the sushi rolls all tasted fresh, I loved the rice, and the mix of sauces with the lemon was a great combination. I will definitely be back. My goal is to get my picture on that wall!