Address: | 1569 Fairway Dr, Walnut, CA 91789, USA |
Phone: | +1 909-598-8299 |
Site: | ootorosushi.com |
Rating: | 4.4 |
Working: | Closed 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM Closed |
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Deborah Collins
Oo Toro Sushi is unquestionably the single best thing to happen to Irvine, Californias food scene in distant memory. Admit it - Irvine has done a complete 180 turn in terms of quality culinary offerings in the last seven years and there are no signs of the trend reversing course anytime soon. The big box corporate chains serving bland and boring renditions of cliché "favorites" of American fare are packing up shop in droves thanks to the diversification of the populace and a more open-mindedness of the OC palette at large. The Elephant Bar is now EMC Raw Bar. Dennys will soon be a Korean Barbecue joint. The Spectrum... well, the Spectrum actually has many great options that do not include Burgers - and that alone is miraculous. That said, none of this is more indicative to the fact than the arrival of Oo Toro Sushi in Irvines Financial District. Ootoro made a name for itself as an Omakase specialist in Walnut, California, and the goal here is the same. They do make several very straightforward Hand Rolls and Nigiri sets using Soft-shell Crab, Uni, Toro, live Lobster or even Spicy Tuna with freshness on par with powerhouses such as Sushi Noguchi, Shunka and nearby Nana San. Also, the chefs create a number of innovative new-style Sashimi and Tataki. But ultimately I get the feeling that they would much prefer everyone order Omakase, and to that end they offer several different tiers, the opening gambit of which is a gnarly $130.00 per person. It only goes up from there and the sky is the limit in price. A $300.00 dinner was not on the agenda but will be for my next special celebration dinner. With that in mind our table decided to share the Premium Chirasi along with a la carte orders of Nigiri and I promise you dear reader, this was no compromise in quality or flavor. The Chirasi consists of gargantuan slices of Toro, Salmon, Yellowtail, a raw fresh Shrimp (come on - try it - trust me), along with pools of hand prepared Octopus, Crab, and Spicy Tuna all served on top of the best Sushi Rice I have had outside of Japan (the stickiness and tang of the Vinegar is absolutely perfect). At $34.99 I declare this single dish the best Chriasi value in America. You simply cannot beat it. Oo Toros Nigiri game is also world class boasting little pillows of that same sublime rice with generous chunks of Sashimi draped over the top. Be certain to listen to your server or Chefs instructions, particularly when they advise you to forgo any Soy - the Nigiri is often prepared specifically to eat as is and you will blow the flavor profile away with any additions. The variety of fish here isnt quite as extensive as Shunka, and the service isnt nearly as graceful as Sushi Noguchi, but Ootoro is very, very special in its own right. They serve flights of certain fish families, like a trio of three different types of Salmon, Snapper, and Jacks or even three different grades of Toro, side by side, to be eaten in specific progression to better appreciate the subtle nuances in flavor and texture of fish of a certain stripe reminiscent to my visit to Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi Hills last year. I could easily gush for another 4 paragraphs about Ootoro but I think the point has been made. Irvine is now in the conversation for Orange Countys best Sushi Den and you are crazy to not visit this spot soon.
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Phoebe Lao
I was unfamiliar to sushi. I never tried good ones until I came here. I first came with my mom for one of her business meetings just to observe. However, I did not know how to order. I ordered kobe steak (3lbs) for dinner and a rice bowl. It was not disappointing but the kobe was literally dripping with fat. That was my definition of amazing, and then my moms hamachi toro sushi arrived. I didnt know what it was but I wanted to try it and before this, I didnt believe that fish could melt in your mouth. My mom and I became quite frequent customers afterwards, coming to sample the imported white truffle with uni and tuna tartare and satisfy my salmon sashimi cravings. Ive been coming to Ootoro often and the most recent visit allowed me to try the fattiest tuna and the hirame with lime and rock salt. I cannot say anything to degrade this restaurant and its service. Now I believe that fish can melt in your mouth and I have faith because finally theres a restaurant that serves kuramoto oysters fresh. Topping the night off with yuzu sorbet only makes it better. Thank you
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Johnson Kwong
Im always skeptical when someone tell me about how great a place is until I try the place... but I gotta say Im convinced that this is indeed has one of the BEST Chirashi place Ive ever eaten. The key is... you have come here for lunch and order that... and only that! Hahaha... well, you can order the premium one at twice the cost if you feel EXTRA hungry. But I found the regular one to be sized just right for me. Apparently, everyone else who was there felt the same as it seem at least 95% of them ordered the same thing we did. Im told it can get quite busy during lunch, so do call ahead for a reservation! Luckily, the day I came, things were fairly quiet (which Im told is quite rare) and made for a great first impression. At $15, the Chirashi bowl is quite a bargain filled with 9 pieces of good sized sashimi. It also came a seaweed salad and miso soup, which werent as impressive when it comes to taste. The sashimi, however, were nice and fresh.
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Tony Shih
Ootoro Sushi has the best sushi anywhere.. hands down. I have been a sushi eater for more than 30 years and Ive been to many sushi places in Los Angeles as well as many parts of the world such as Paris, Taipei, Kaohsiung and even Tokyo Japan. Though not completely tradition sushi (as in many sushi places), Owner/ chef Kurt takes the art of sushi to a higher level. Ive had sushi from Kurt and now I am spoiled to a point that nothing else so far can satisfy my appetite for sushi. If you want the best sushi one can get, you have to come to Ootoro and try it for your self. You will be entertained, serviced and satisfied with all the freshest and best tasting sushis one can ask for (or pay for).... enjoy.
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Mark Crystal
Great sushi which is very fresh on Tuesday and Friday. If you want good Tuna and Toro go either on Tuesday or Friday. Not cheap here and portions should be a bit bigger. I find the sushi pieces a bit small for the price paid but the sushi here is probably the best around in this area. Those that know their fish well know that sushi here is very good but at a price. Prices have recently gone up quite a bit and portions have become even smaller and thinner. Wagyu fried rice is now over $30. If you calculate tax and tip on that fried rice you are looking at over $37 just for the fried rice alone.
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Jacob Dantzler
What a wonderful place to visit offering great service, food and atmosphere. I know people who travel many miles away just to enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant and when I visited... I could see why. High quality food, comprehensive menu, great energy and location. If you live within the Walnut, Roland Heights or Diamond Bar Area, you must visit and experience for yourself, family and or friends. Jacob Dantzler