Lil’ Buddha’s

Update at 10PM Wow- thank you for your messages, Nicole. You work like we do- at all hours of the day and night- and we are very appreciative. It doesn't help that I'm not even home yet- (taking over 3 hours to get home tonight), so your delicious dinner would have definitely helped pass the time- I'm -going to chalk it up to just one of those days I'm having. I was looking forward to as the first thing I would've eaten all day- I will look forward to a redo of the sesame chicken tomorrow. I'll update the stats for such exceptional customer service and again, thank you and Marissa for the help to resolve this situation. See you tomorrow. 2/20/25 Takeout 7PM Super bummed... Dry Sesame Chicken??? I I tried this in the bento box and it had a delicious glaze over the sesame chicken and loved it so much I had to order their $19 Sesame Chicken Entree-I along with their $15ish Rock Shrimp Tempura Appetizer- can't remember the name of it, but at least that had eel sauce and spicy mayo (yummy)I was really looking forward to my dinner on my 2-hr drive home- Called the restaurant and Marissa said they'll replace it tomorrow for me - thank you. FIRST IMPRESSION Looking forward to trying their sushi and bento I just ordered. Came across this little sushi spot on my way back from UPS. Their cute game setup out front caught my eye and had to peek in. Been here just about a year, my server said, and already, their menu has a wide array of Japanese favorites I'd love to try. Staff was very welcoming and friendly. Got to enjoy some fun restaurant swag: bumper stickers, Buddha stickers, hi-chew candy, and name of it. at least that did not disappoint- (enjoyed the eel sauce and spicy mayo atop) I'll come back to update this initial review if that is the case.

*Lil' Buddha ~~ Simply Down the Street*The word "Buddha" means "awakened one" and refers to someone who has attained enlightenment and spiritual awakening. It is a title used in Buddhism to describe a person who has achieved the highest state of being.I'm not a Buddhist, but spiritual...so I'll briefly enlighten you.Been going to Lil' Buddha's big papi, Buddha's Favorite, right down the street, ever since it anchored on the harbor of Lido Peninsula...and if you're interested in reading my 5-star review? Check it out once you've sailed on from here. Came for a late family lunch for four. We only needed a little pick-me-up prior to an early dinner resy...and for a sushi lover like me? This always does the deed. It's a lil' neighborhood sushi joint with a small intimate sushi bar. There's also counter seating along side two walls and the glass window facing the street. If you were to order takeout from Buddha's Favorite, this is where you come for pickup. The decor is stylish yet simple and the lighting is too...with a cool cozy vibe inside. The service is outstanding and the team behind the sushi counter is friendly & welcoming. The fish was fresh and the sushi rice was pretty good -- slightly undercooked, which happens sometimes at lunch time. I went with 2 of my favorite handrolls...1) Negi-Hama: for those who don't know, negi means "cut-up/chopped up" in Japanese. Hama is short for Hamachi = yellowtail. It's a very traditional roll with simply yellowtail and green Japanese green onions. It's prepared simply by thinly chopping up the yellowtail along with the green onions, then mixing it all together into a handroll. Unfortunately, the very happy & friendly Rookie Sushi Chef who was serving us at the sushi bar, had no idea what it is. Strike One. Then he had to ask me what it is & how it's prepared. Strike Two. What I received was good, but he didn't listen carefully to my instructions and lesson...and I was served a layer of thickly chopped hama with a layer of green onions. He gets an A for effort. I know there's more pressing things going on in the world...But still, Strike 3. 2) Salmon Skin: was good but I've had better and shall spare you the details other than they don't offer bonito shavings/flakes inside the handroll...and that's a make or break thang. Wifey enjoyed her Blue Crab Roll which was only 5 pieces. Dad & Stepmom enjoyed their yellowtail sushi and a cut crunchy roll. And miso soup to warm their souls on a cold beachy day. Bonus points for the beautiful edible flower presentations. Prices for some of the items are reasonable...but others might seem a bit steep. But so are most sushi joints nowadays. And remember, this is Newport Beach on Lido. All in all it was a good quick lunch and will most definitely return...and give my Lil' Buddha belly a chance of redemption with ScottoSan's Handjob. {{{Grandslam Still A Fan}}}To be continued...Sayonara For Now

10/10 Found this cute little gem and decided to sit down for lunch. The inside is small and quaint with 4 chairs at the bar, two in front of the windows and 4 high top chairs. Even with it being small it didn't seem cramped. It was very clean and open. The girl taking our order was super sweet and attentive. I got the "I like it raw" roll and the California roll with no shrimp and real crab. It's a 4$ up charge for real crab instead of imitation but totally worth it because it made the roll even better. The fish quality is great and they have some really cool rolls with all the OG's. Service was fast and the green tea was splendid. Definitely recommend

I was excited to try this place. It is small and I think set up for more quick, to go place. Service was quite friendly and I learned they have a main restaurant so this is more focused on pick up food orders. Nevertheless, the menu was a full menu. Ordered some sushi and a roll. It was ok, but I felt it's a bit on the pricier side, I was not blown away, it was OK. But, if you are in the area wanting quick food. I think this place will suffice. The no rice roll I got was prepared beautifully. But, maybe I will try them again as I now understand what they are trying to do.

First time trying Lil' Buddha's and it was a good experience! It's a cute little sushi spot in Lido Village that just opened up. It's a small restaurant, only a few seats at the sushi bar and 6 other seats inside.We started with:Yellowtail jalapeño sashimi 10/10, nice thick pieces of fish, quality taste and fresh flavorsChili garlic edamame 10/10, really good with just the right amount of spice.Rock shrimp tempura 8/10, nice and crispy shrimp. I like when it's coated in sauce but these weren't. Still tasty!Miso soup 10/10, really good miso soup that tasted better than your typical miso soup. Rolls:Salmon and avocado roll 10/10, a good basic roll and the salmon tasted so fresh.Beagle roll 10/10, almost like a cali roll mixed with a crunchy roll. Great flavors!Overall great place, friendly service and quality food!

Love that this place exists. Great for when you want to grab some sushi really quick for lunch. Staff were friendly. Justin our server had a great attitude and was attentive. Ok, so we were the only ones there at the time but I'm sure he's usually like that. We had the yellowtail sashimi, ono sushi, red snapper sushi. a seaside roll (scallops on a cali roll), tako sunomo salad, sweet shrimp, and the surf and turf roll (wagyu on a lobster roll). All tasted delicious. $146 later! Yup, there's always that. Cons: I'm 5'2" and I seriously could have used a booster seat in their low seating chairs. Oh, and another comment, be sure to flip through all the pages of the paper menu. For some reason, appetizers and small plates are towards the end of the booklet. Not their fault, but unfortunately they hadn't received their shipment of blue crab yet when we were there around 12:30 today/Saturday. We always love Buddha's Favorite for dinner. It's one of our favorite sushi spots in Newport, although the parking sucks. And we love that this place is here for a quick lunch. Yes, we will be back!

Fresh salad and tasty miso soup! Baked salmon roll was nicely presented. Wife thought the sesame chicken in the bento box was a little over sweet but the other items were tasty. Service great and friendly. Comfy little space for a mostly take-out spot. No booze.

Great food but forgot to add our carpaccio sauce when we ordered takeout ): sushi was delicious though, would go back

Holy wow! This was so yummy! We were in and out in about 20 mins. When we called to check the wait time, they let us know there is no alcohol at this location. Which we were a-ok with. Very quaint spot with the friendliest staff. FRESH, FRIENDLY, FAST & FABULOUS!!!

Had a little date with myself and my service dog and loved every thing about this cute restaurant. The baked hand roll lobster was SO DELICIOUS. Just loved sitting there and watching the sunset . The staff so kind and friendly. This is my new local sushi place