Sushi Shibucho

I really wanted to like this place but it's missing a few marks. Upon walking in for my reservation, my party and I were seated at the bar and were the only ones in the restaurant. The restaurant was very quiet and in the beginning and at one point, it was so awkward because 1) there's no menu and 2) the chef and staff looked at us as if we knew how the ordering process works. This was my first time here and we had to ask the chef... "Okay, so how do we go about by ordering?"Before coming in, I already looked at Yelp and saw other reviews saying that there is no menu and that we could just order from the chef. I really wish the chef talked to us in the beginning and gave us a short introduction of what is going on or even a template would be helpful. I'm also unsure how prices are calculated because there is obviously no menu. Fast forward to finally ordering, chef was very quick and the nigiri that was served was very fresh. My favorite were the scallops and the uni that melted in my mouth. All throughout the night, I really do feel like there could've been more explaining with the sushi that was being prepared and served. I liked all of the nigiri that was served but I didn't like the awkward silence and staring from staff when we're eating. Another party walked in and they also seemed to have the same puzzled look as this was their first time. I had about 12 courses of nigiri and it came out to about $80 each. For similar quality, there are other great restaurants in the area.

Went here recently for Omakase with the family. We had 5 people and sat at the sushi bar - it was fun watching Chef Glen make the sushi. It was amazing how fast he was as he was the only chef. There were 3 other people at the sushi bar and 3 seated at the tables and it was at capacity. You definitely need a reservation. A total of 11 people in the room so it was very private. The uni was the best I have ever had... literally melted in my mouth. The raw scallops were very fresh.

I walked in at 12pm. There was one customer at the bar. I asked for a table so that I could work on some emails but they said I can only order sushi if I sit at the bar. So I moved and the sushi chef then told me that I would not be allowed to use my laptop at the bar. Mind you, I was only one of two customers. So I left. And they lost at $200 in revenue that I was planning to spend. Moral of the story- snooty and not worth the stop!

When you first walk in Chef Glen greets you and ask you if you have reservations. Call a week in advance to make the reservation over the phone. There's only 8 seat at the bar. It's omakase or you can tell chef what you want. There is no food menu here. Chef Glen took over his Father's restaurant, it's very cozy here. It's quiet, and visited by many Japanese locals. I would come back here again.

Sushi Shibucho--an establishment that holds a storied place in the annals of OC sushi history. Once helmed by a tough and uncompromising sushi chef who had no qualms about ejecting those he deemed unworthy, the reins have now been passed to his son. This heir, while maintaining his father's high standards, has adopted a courteous yet professional manner in place of the previous regime's more controversial approach.Make no mistake, the sushi here is competent, with rice and fish that are well-matched to the price. Shibucho stands out in an era when the obsession with omakase-style service has swept the nation. Despite the mythologizing of omakase--an experience found predominantly in certain elite Ginza sushi restaurants--it is by no means the norm in Japan nor the hallmark of an authentic sushi experience that many believe it to be.Even among sushi connoisseurs in Japan, a significant portion prefer to navigate the menu themselves. I count myself among this group, appreciating the ability to time and pace my meal at a slower, more relaxed speed. Shibucho accommodates this preference, allowing one to order to their liking--a revolutionary concept, apparently.The spread of the film "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" has unfortunately instilled in many the notion that a sushi meal should be a tense experience, where one must desperately try to demonstrate their erudition and appreciation to an authoritarian itamae, as they are presented with a rapid-fire sequence of nigiri to be consumed within a rigid timeframe.Sushi Shibucho, while perhaps not a Michelin-starred destination, offers a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The sushi is solid, the atmosphere pleasant, and the approach refreshingly laid-back.Rating: 4 out of 5 stars--As Dazai Osamu wrote, "Man is a strange creature. He can endure the loss of everything but his appetite." At Sushi Shibucho, your appetite will be well-satisfied, without enduring the trials of omakase.Lucien Bramard.

Traditional Japanese sushi spot. Food items are omakase, nigiri and maki rolls, so if you're wanting fancy rolls with multiple sauces or appetizers this place won't be for you. Chef focuses on fish and serves it with a good rice ratio to balance flavors. Limited seating where bar seats 8 people and about 3-4 table tops behind the bar. Suggest making reservations to make sure you get a seat. It's one of the top places I'd go to for omakase.

Went back for my fiancés birthday dinner. We had about 16 pieces of omakase and loved every single bite. I made sure to call ahead of time so we could guarantee our seats at the bar. Glen had impeccable timing with serving each piece and made sure we got to eat the fish we wanted. So happy to be able to enjoy this gem.

I stumbled upon this place. Omg it's the best sushi spot I've tried in Orange County. I ordered the chirashi bowl, and there was no fish smell at all--the fish tasted incredibly fresh.The price is reasonable given the quality of the sushi. I highly recommend it!

I have been coming here for years and realized that Chef Glen is super talented, he has been doing this for many years, he grew up seeing and learning from his master sushi chef dad. The love for serving traditional, fresh sushi is inherently his birth right. So if you want traditional and really good sushi O encourage you to come and dine here. It is a really one man show. But a very talented one man show. Support local business!

This place is great for authentic edo-mae sushi !! I loved every single part of it & although the place is small- it is delicious !! I recommend a reservation in advance due to its capacity. The chef is very nice & the omakase was definitely a great experience. Our omakase included uni, ikura & toro !! I came recommended by our friends, and they have been going here for years !!