Kotobuki Restaurant

And yet.. Another incredible gastronomic orgazzzzm !!!!!Tatsu just became one of the very top favorites - true sushi master experience l've ever had!!!!absolutely loved it - do seat at the sushi bar, don't even look at the menu... surrender, share your favorites and let tatsu flow his delicious magic mastery onto you...kanpai!!!! =)

Came here twice in one week! Once for date night and another because the kids saw our pics and wanted to come too. The first visit went really well. Sat at the sushi bar and had great service. Freshly made. Great cuts. Love that this place has a very traditional vibe and choices on the menu yet they have some modern ish things like rolls and what not. Highly recommended. It's very difficult nowadays to come across authentic Japanese restaurants like this. Especially around here.

I went with a friend of mine who is Japanese and she said this is more of the authentic dishes. We got tempura, udon, a tofu dish(I forget the name) and an omelette type dish. It was all very good. The omelette was a little sweet for me but that's my personal preference. Service was great. Very friendly and attentive and the ambiance was relaxing and nice.

I'm updating my review because when I walked down, I was completely thrown back by how well they renovated the place. I guess he don't retired and the new owner took over and they decorated the whole restaurant and it looks fantastic. I had my spicy octopus hand roll Masago, which is fantastic. Sushi master Tatsu was so pleasant and really knows what he is doing. The new young owner David was very nice.

Japanese owned and operated! It makes a difference! Had Beef teriyaki n Tempura, very good, done right. Hamachi, very good, bit small I thought but really good. My test is always the rice, if the rice isn't "Japanese" rice and done right then you're suspect. The rice was a bit dry, seemed old, and was gunna mark them down for it, I came in a bit late so I kinda understood, but the server actually came to me and asked to replace it for fresh made rice! That never happens, tells me they know how important the rice is. I'll be back!They recently remodeled, it was a bit dated so it's nice. Food always good.

I'm very happy they remodeled, tastefully done. This is one of our sushi spot, and now we are happy to see the menu is also changed, so new items to order and try. I highly recommend!

What a pleasure to find this hidden treasure in Laguna Hills! Kotobuki restaurant has a new owner who has admirably transformed this place into a highly desirable place to go for dinner or lunch. Unfortunately the rating still seems to reflect the low numbers assigned to the previous management. The ambiance of the newly renovated interior is quite inviting. The food is authentically Japanese. The service is pleasantly attentive. It is run like a good Japanese restaurant you'd like to frequent. I would call it a new Kotobuki and welcome it back to the South Orange County where you won't find anything like it! Thank you for making a comeback!

I discovered this place back in the 90's but hadn't been here for a few years. This was my first visit since David, the new owner, took over. Neo was our sushi chef at the bar, and Tatsu is still there too. My hubby and I had many sushi rounds including hamachi, salmon, albacore (best I've had), yellowtail belly, and uni. The fish was fresh and delicious and some of the sauces/preparations were unique like I've not had before. The sautéed mushrooms and squid were excellent (Dean the back cook has been there forever). David circulated and talked to customers and staff the entire time. We got the basic cold sake and it was very good. The restaurant has been delightfully updated and is clean and they were playing relaxing music. It's not cheap, but good sushi never is. Overall excellent date nite for us.

It is good. Been going on and off for 25 years. They have new ownership. The place has been updated. Not sure if it is worth it anymore. Premium price for average sushi. I was kind of depressed after eating the last. Still the sushi is good. I would rather get AYCE....

Food was delicious! If you want authentic Japanese food, this is the place to come eat. We're been here several times, and it's always been great.