Restaurants/Asian

I Love Sushi

2340 Harbor Blvd Costa Mesa, CA 92626-6233 714-540-6195

Description: COSTA MESA. A quintessential Southern California sushi joint, this eatery is known far and wide for its Americanized fare. Of course, terrific lunch specials and reasonable prices don't hurt its popularity either. Start off with baked green mussels, sautéed calamari, or sautéed clams. From there, the choices broaden: Try the rainbow roll, a tempura-style M-80 roll, the six-piece sashimi platter, or the Chef's Special combination, which includes miso soup, four California rolls, and sautéed clams.

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Kitayama

101 Bay View Pl Newport Beach, CA 92660 949-725-0777

Description: NEWPORT BEACH. Hidden in the Back Bay, this quaint sushi place earns high marks with locals, thanks to authentic Japanese decor and a menu that, while a tad watered-down, still manages to boast some of Newport's best rolls. The main dining room overlooks a traditional Japanese garden, making windowside tables a favorite. Private dining in tatami rooms is available for larger parties. Reservations are accepted.

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Restaurant Abe

2900 Newport Blvd Newport Beach, CA 92663-3726 949-675-1739

Description: NEWPORT BEACH. How about Japanese fare with European influence? Abe separates itself from the pack with a little help from its innovative menu, which features what many swear is Orange County's best sushi. Beautiful presentation and unusual items win over regulars, who can't get enough of the impeccably prepared dishes. Although the rather unimpressive decor may not knock your socks off, the friendly waitstaff and quick kitchen make Abe a wise lunch choice if you're on the go.

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Roy's of Newport Beach

453 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660-6936 949-640-7697

Description: NEWPORT BEACH. Restaurant namesake Roy Yamaguchi has raised eyebrows with his intrepid Fashion Island restaurant, which combines the spicy allure of the Pacific Rim with Southern Californian style and panache. The menu harmoniously blends flavors and spices, and seductive entrees range from Kahana-style shutome (Hawaiian swordfish with Roy's famous chutney and red curry sauce) to tri-peppercorn crusted ahi steak with balsamic-rosemary-chevre sauce. After dinner, sample one of Roy's own Y Sakes, the purest varieties distilled and bottled in the US.

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Royal Thai Cuisine

4001 W Pacific Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663 949-645-8424

Description: NEWPORT BEACH. A contender for the title of "OC's Top Thai," Royal Thai wins high praise for its elegant setting and exotic fare. The waitstaff, professional and attentive, eagerly point out favorites, and the menu boasts no shortage of them. Choose from meat and seafood options tofu, calamari, scallops, pork and select from any number of sides. You'll also want to try Kang Khiao Wann (green curry with bamboo shoots and eggplant), Hot Thai Basil (with bell peppers and mushrooms), and Panang (red curry with carrots and bell peppers). Options are many, and it's safe to say that you can come here 100 times and never have the same thing twice.

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TEN Asian Bistro & Sushi

4647 MacArthur Blvd Newport Beach, CA 92660 949-660-1010

Description: NEWPORT BEACH. Innovation, atmosphere, service this happening Asian bistro gets 10s all the way around. In fact, TEN's decor may just be the standard by which other OC restaurants are measured. Each of the four elements (fire, water, earth, and air) is incorporated in intriguing ways, and kinetic color lighting ensures the mood is never static. A 16-foot Buddha hovers above the main dining room, and two beautifully designed patio seating areas feature fire pits. The menu includes temptations like caterpillar or yellowtail & jalapeño rolls, crisp whole catfish with sweet and sour sauce, and crispy Cantonese duck with hoisin lime sauce.

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The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific

3010 Lafayette Ave Newport Beach, CA 92663 949-566-0060

Description: NEWPORT BEACH. Located on the waterfront, The Cannery is one of those colorful places where customers arrive by both land and sea. The main lobby is adorned with rare baseball memorabilia, and in the sophisticated, water-level Grill Room, the specialty is corn-fed certified Angus beef and seafood. On the top floor, sushi and cocktails go hand-in-hand in the trendy Asian lounge. For a truly great experience, request a patio table and enjoy Jack's bouillabaisse or wood-broiled Pacific swordfish along with lovely views of the Rhine Channel.

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Wasa on the Bluffs

1346 Bison Ave Newport Beach, CA 92660 949-760-1511

Description: NEWPORT BEACH. Casual and friendly, Wasa prides itself on taking away some of the mystique of sushi, especially for first-timers. Options range from the familiar (cucumber, California and rainbow rolls) to the specialty (the Tustin Roll features spicy tuna, cucumber and eel sauce while the Irvine Roll takes the California and adds smelt egg to the outside), and it's hard to make a bad choice. Diners who eschew the raw can take solace in superb main courses, which include sea urchin risotto with grilled spot prawns, rib-eye steak teriyaki, and Chilean seabass with soy and red wine marinade.

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Yi-Dynasty Korean BBQ

1701 Corinthian Way Newport Beach, CA 92660 949-797-9292

Description: NEWPORT BEACH. Aficionados of Korean barbecue find much to applaud at this casual establishment, from friendly, efficient service to modern ambiance and fabulous dishes. Start off with fresh, flavorful lettuce wraps or chapche (vermicelli with shredded beef and vegetables). From there, consider one of the traditional grilled favorites like baby octopus, short ribs, or black pork bellies each prepared right at your table.

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Oysters

2515 E Coast Hwy Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 949-675-7411

Description: CORONA DEL MAR. Known for its hip shops and even hipper residents, Corona del Mar has no shortage of unique eateries. This cosmopolitan hotspot stands out, though, thanks to fascinating Californian dishes, terrific live jazz acts, and a singles scene that's one of Orange County's most stylish. In fact, it's not uncommon to find the bar area crowded with sleek 20-somethings posing and pouting as they order their next dry martini.

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