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Arigato Sushi Japanese Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
31441 Santa Margarita PkwySte J
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
(949) 888-1828
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
daily prepared fish from Japan like Aji,Scallop,Kanpachi,Tai, and Yellowtail. very skillful Japanese chef with right ingredient. try our daily specil… read more »
24 reviews for Arigato Sushi Japanese Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"Hot Night Roll is delish." In 4 reviews -
"if you're ever in the RSM area I highly recommend trying it." In 6 reviews -
"Mom and Pop operation and yes they are very friendly." In 3 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah M.
Newport Beach, CA
5/9/2012
Love this place! They had me at pickles.
The owners are so nice, the sushi is super delish/fresh and they serve little slices of pickles with your ginger. SOLD! Don't knock it til you try it, I swear it's good.
Best sushi place I've found in a while. It's not very big, so it fills up quick on a weekend I would assume. -
Review from Jayson O.
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
3.5 stars.
Go ahead and give this the benefit of trying for yourself. I struggle between 3 & 4 stars here and find myself on the bubble of going either way.
Unlike so many chain sushi establishments that seem to crop up in the OC, this mom and pop place has it's local charm, but seems to just miss the mark for this sushi loving gaijin.
It's located on the bottom level of a multi-tiered strip mall on Lake RSM. There is seating outside that shares a busy pedestrian thoroughfare that grants access to the RSM lake.
I won't deny that their sushi is fresh, and like someone else pointed out, they additionally serve small pickled cucumbers along with the ginger and wasabi which is a nice touch.
The place is definitely one of the most intimate sushi places I've been to. A tad tight inside, with a slightly smaller than average sushi bar and a single flat panel screen showing off ESPN sports hanging above.
Decorations are a tad..uh..sparse and looks like the shelves came straight from the industrial office aisle at Home Depot supported by painted steel L-brackets. Staff is very friendly, but our meal took a bit long to prepare as there was only one (1) sushi chef on staff for what seemed like a busy Saturday night. As a matter of fact, my appetizer salmon skin hand roll came 'after' our main course rolls were delivered, almost 30 minutes after I ordered it. And while the sushi was fresh and tasty, I agree with another commenter here that my parties rolls were a bit 'loose' and didn't hold up well from plate to mouth.
The walls are adorned with hundreds upon hundreds of Polaroid pictures stapled to the walls. It can look a bit 'busy' and distracting for a romantic or date dinner. It's like a fraternity won the die roll for decoration ideas.
I'd go back with my friends or for a very casual sushi experience. Again, nothing wrong with the taste or freshness, just seems a tad cramped, and 'sophomoric' in decor and atmosphere. -
Review from Shawn I.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
3/28/2012
Great, fresh sushi. Literally mom and pop sushi hole in the wall. Love supporting local businesses, especially when they provide great service and great food. Ask for the chef's special...usually something new every time we go. Highly recommend!
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Review from Bill R.
Irvine, CA
2/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very friendly and excellent sushi. Try the red dragon roll.
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Review from Anthony A.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
I forgot I had reviewed this spot once before, but when I saw I'd given them 3 stars I felt compelled to up it to 4 after my dinner last night.
The place was a ghost town at 6 p.m. on a Wed night, and it stayed that way almost the entire 1 1/2 hours I was there. Since no one cares about anything but the quality of the food, here's a rundown on what I devoured:
- Maguro (very good, only slightly tough)
- Hamachi (excellent)
- Unagi (excellent)
- Red Clam (clam is always kinda tough, this was no exception)
- Oysters (half-shell, prepared perfectly)
- Amaebi (i love it, but I prefer when they pull the head off and hand it over so I can eat it while it's still moving. otherwise, excellent)
- some roll with spicy tuna, hot sauce and jalapeno (great)
My recollection regarding the food quality may be slightly biased thanks to the couple large Sapporos and a few empty bottles of hot sake that were imbibed. Makes me even happier that this spot is within walking distance from my place.Listed in: The Wonders of RSM
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/20/2010
I got a late afternoon craving for sushi, and I couldn't let Sushi Sono be the last place I'd eaten… Read more »
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Review from Sara B.
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Loose rolls. Not the greatest service. expensive!!
Why can't I find a place that has at least decent sushi. We keep following people's advice and they tend to be wrong!!!
Sigh -
Review from Angela C.
5/19/2008
The moment I walked in I was skeptical about this place, despite reading the excellent yelp reviews (i'm sorry I didn't trust you yelpers, how dare I?!) because I noticed it was Korean owned and not owned by a Japanese chef. I'm so glad I was wrong! Of course I'm not going to compare this place to my favorite authentic Japanese restaurants, but for what it is it is quite good! They offer a variety of rolls, combination meals as well as sushi, so there's something for everyone here. This place is definitely more for the Americanized Japanese food eater.
You've got to try their Hawaiian Tuna (Ono) and Albacore Tataki. Those two items impressed me the most. i've never had Ono before and it was so buttery and tender, unlike anything i've tried before. They have a bunch of rolls here too - a picture of each roll is on their menu so you know what you're getting yourself into. We got the Chef's Special Roll (shrimp tempura w/ salmon, avocado, eel, and special sauce on top). As far as rolls go it doesn't really wow me, but it was still good. Rolls are decently priced, ranging between $7-12.
Service was excellent - the chef was very friendly and kept asking us if we were enjoying our meal. We got our food quick too! There was barely a lapse between dishes, which I liked! -
Review from Tammy H.
Mission Viejo, CA
10/10/2010
Whenever I go to a Japanese restaurant, I only order a sashimi dinner. They have good sashimi but WAY too pricey. For 18
pieces, it's about $28. I can go to a Todai and get a much better value for that money. They were short staff, so we waited a while for the food. The chicken teriyaki tasted like cardboard, must have taken from the freezer and microwaved it!! -
Review from Dave S.
Brea, CA
10/7/2007
In my mind, this IS sushi. I live directly across the street from the shopping center that Arigato is in so I've been here a lot. I love this little place much more than the larger sushi places that are right down the street. When you walk in, the bar is directly in front of you. Up against the wall are three small tables of four, and that's it for the seating. Very small and definitely Mom and Pop run. Some days their kids are helping out, other days, it's just the two of them. Yesterday it was just the chef/owner/dad who I won't say by name.
I'll just review my experience of yesterday because it's no different than any of the other times. I was the only customer in there. This seems to happens a lot. I like to think that it's because the people of Rancho are so 909 that they squirm at the idea of raw fish. Please don't be offended Rancho, I love your lifted trucks and your bleached feathered hair. no. seriously. I do. So much. ::stare:: ::blink blink::
I ordered my usual - salmon and a large Asahi to start. It's always very good. I won't say it's the best salmon I've ever had, but on some days it's pretty close. I hang out for a while then order the eel which turns out to be very good as well. I was still hungry and wanted one more order so I went back to the salmon. This time it was even better than the first. That's one of the things that I love about sushi is that ordering the same thing can be a different experience, even on the same day.
I finished my food, we switched the flat panel over to the Diamond Back playoffs, and I hung out for another hour watching the game and sipping my beer. He always surprises me with some interesting "facts o' the day" that he sort of just springs on you. I'm curious where he gets his info. Cool guy.
They also have a happy hour on Wednesday nights.. I've never gone because happy hour needs to be done in groups; up in Rancho I definitely roll alone. I'm willing to bet it's worth it. I know the sushi is good already so add cheaper drinks to the mix and you got yourself a party.
I love Arigato Sushi.. if you're ever in the RSM area I highly recommend trying it. -
Review from Michael S.
Mission Viejo, CA
10/30/2007
Thanks to the advice of the previous reviewers! I had family visiting me and we wanted to find a local sushi place. I'm still relatively new to this area and when I do feel like eating out, RSM restaurants have never came to mind. I usually drive up to northern OC or LA.
Thanks to the Yelpers and Arigato, I would be happy to recommend a restaurant in RSM. A little background on my sushi tastes. I prefer nigiri and sashimi. I prefer not to get those over the top rolls with too much going on masking the flavor of the fish. After a while those creamy sauces make me feel nauseous.
So we went to Arigato for an early dinner. Maybe it was too early since no other diners were there! Which is fine for us since we had awesome service. So I personally had tuna, yellow tail, and albacore sushi. The tuna was just awesome that day. I wouldn't have minded eating the tuna all day. Also shared a 1/2 and 1/2 roll and the tuna tataki. Like I said the Tuna was on point that day! I am so glad that was the tataki was the last dish that was served to us! Happy day!
The restaurant is on the small side so it is not really that great for big groups. The location is perfect because after you are done stuffing yourself with sushi, you can take a stroll by the lake. Or if you want dessert then you can stop by the yogurt shop. Not sure if it is any good. We were so full we just kept waddling to the car.
Go visit Arigato Now! -
Review from Samuel C.
Mission Viejo, CA
5/24/2008
At first glance the name wasn't very appealing because from experience, usually the best sushi places just say something plain like "Japanese Sushi". Arigato sounded too Americanized, then I saw the Korean sushi chef and waitress and thought for sure this place would be bad. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
Salmon was good. Their Hawaiian Ono was succulent and delicious! Overall the quality of the sushi was very good and the Baked Scallop Roll was good too (but then again, how can you mess up on a baked scallop roll??!).
I'd definitely go again. Excellent service. Chef was always asking if we were happy and satisfied. Great place to check out if you're ever in the Mission Viejo area because our quality Japanese Restaurants are few and far between. -
Review from andrew w.
7/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
The sushi search continues, and fails again. Nothing special here.
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Review from Randi R.
Trabuco Canyon, CA
8/8/2010
Yummy and the owners are super nice!!
Hot Night Roll is delish,
editing this post check...SUPER EXPENSIVE for rolls. Took my son here for lunch, food was good but NOT worth $70.00+ for lunch! -
Review from Barry S.
Ladera Ranch, CA
5/2/2011
Good sushi. Rolls are pretty good (arigato special & dynamite). Sashimi is prett good too. Customer service is amazing and it's a very friendly atmosphere. Great looking restaurant right by the Lake.
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Review from Michael C.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
5/16/2011
Arigato is one of those rare gems that you would have to know someone who knows a guy that knows the owner if you didn't happen to stumble on it walking around the RSM lake. But once you do find your way there, you don't want to leave. Arigato is a family owned and operated business by some of the friendliest people you will find in RSM. The Gyoza is always splendid as are any of the rolls on the menu. The small size of the restaurant adds to the family-like atmosphere. There is seating located outside the restaurant for those seeking a glimpse at the sunset. The menu is full of delicious rolls that range from spicy to sweet and tangy.
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Review from Val N.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
8/22/2010
The sushi is quite good, and the owners are always friendly and greet you with a smile. My favorites are the hungry roll and the fire roll. We usually sit at the bar but there's a cute little patio area too. So happy to find a good sushi bar close to home!!
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Review from Lance M.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
2/26/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Pretty good sushi, really close to home. Not stellar, but far from second rate as well. Since our favorite place closed its doors, no sushi place near home has been A +, but this place does well for a craving. Not inexpensive, so bring enough $$ or your credit card. Rolls are around $ 13 each. Sashimi, which I prefer to sushi is by the 8-piece order, so be warned. $85 before tip for three people with one drink each for dinner was a bit steep. -We didn't order all that much... Very friendly and attentive staff though.
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Review from Kim Y.
11/15/2008
3.5 stars.
just celebrated a coworkers bday here for lunch yesterday. it's a small restaurant. we had about 13ppl and it filled up all the available tables. if ppl came in (which there was only 1 other person that came in), they'd have to sit at the bar. there's only one waitress and one sushi guy behind the counter. they are very nice.
we didn't know what to order so we kinda did it omakase style. we just ate what the chef made for us. he gave us a bunch of rolls to try. they were all decent. the fish seemed fresh. our favorite was the arigato roll which consisted of soft shell crab, imitation crab and i think avocado. i can't remember what was on top but it was mighty tasty.
if i came here next time, i'd try the nigiri sushi b/c the rolls were too filing and most of the time, they had california roll filling and something different on top. i can only eat so many cali rolls before my tummy says "please no more."
i'd come back here again since it's close to my work and it seems more "authentic" (using term very loosely) than anything else around RSM area. -
Review from Sean N.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Updated - 9/4/2010
I've recently noticed a large improvement in the quality of this sushi and environment. I highly recommend their spicy tuna roll, as it tastes MUCH better than before. Very fresh, filling, and authentic. If you haven't been back here, you need to give it another shot. Trust me, you'll thank yourself.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/4/2010
This is a hard one to review imo. First off, the spicy tuna they serve seems extremely red as if… Read more »
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Review from Mark M.
Coto de Caza, CA
8/21/2008
Just had lunch, the beer was ice cold the sushi was excellent, I really liked the "spicy" Mucho roll, lots of attention to detail. Mom and Pop operation and yes they are very friendly. Since I was a new customer, the sushi chef made me a special albacore sushi that was excellent. I am definitely going back, close to home. Prices are reasonable too!
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Review from Shawna A.
Laguna Beach, CA
10/28/2009
Hands down the BEST sushi spot in south OC! I absolutely LOVE their sushi and this mom and pop shop! If you are looking for an intimate setting with fresh sushi, this is your spot. Being right on RSM lake, it is a great date night, and never lets us down. Thank you Arigato.
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Review from Keith b.
Coto De Caza, CA
7/14/2011
I can not believe it has 4 stars!.. Terrible sushi and service.. By far the worse sushi restaurant around the area and that I have ever been to! Never will go again! ....Sashimi off Los alisos is by far the best around the area!
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Review from Francis M.
Canyon Country, CA
5/17/2009
I was going to rate this place 2 stars but they serve unlimited refils on pepsi made me give them 3 stars haha. Their spicy tuna was ok nothing great. Their crunch roll was above average. Service was really good tho, my drink never went empty. Small quiet place next to a lake/park. Good for a date! Not so sure about big groups since the place is really small.
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Review from Jill H.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Updated - 4/29/2010
The food is amazing here! I highly recommend the Hot Night roll, the spicy tuna is just the right temperature and the rolls are substantial with just the right amount of rice and sushi. Not like other places that load you up on sauce and rice. They have the best phili roll I have ever had the goma sauce they use is delicious. The great thing about this place is that it is family owned and the service is always great because of the pride of ownership. They don't charge you for every little extra. I really hate going to places that charge you for extra ginger and wasabi....come on....They always remember us when we arrive no matter how long it has been and even let us bring our dog if we sit outside not to mention they bring her a little dish of water in case she is thirsty. This place is a must try. Not recommended for big groups it is a cute little restaurant that has charm but not a lot of seating.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/19/2010
This little sushi restaurant is a hidden gem. The food is amazing here! I highly recommend the Hot… Read more »
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