After my horrible experience yesterday with Sushi 21 in the Balboa Fun Zone, Newport Beach, I wanted to make sure everyone knew they had no problem selling rotten, putrid fish.

That brought me to wanting to share my list of great places around here.  So here it is:

While sort of on the subject. Some of my favorite places…

San Shi Go, Newport Beach – Top notch place. I go for the sushi. I rarely bother with the ice cream but their own flavors (toasted black sesame!) are great. Just tell Daisuke (Dice-K) or Sho Go Chris sent ya.  :-)  They’re happy, fun, smart, intuitive and caring.  Order something not on the menu or particularly Japanese off the bat so they know you mean business. (Spicey Cod Roll’s kick)

Kappo Honda, Fountain Valley – Honestly I don’t think you can expect the sushi to be 200% as I would most places, but it’s still good. This is izakaya. It’s well priced, the variety is endless and they’re open late. More women come here than I think you’ll see at izakaya in Japan.  :-P  Try the mozuku or the gizzard yaki. (I know gizzard, yuck, tastes great) Either way, snack on drunk food and guzzle booze all night.

Kitayama, Newport Beach – Here’s a classy all around Japanese place with great everything. Chefs are on the ball, they pretty much do it all right. I’d definitely suggest going with a group large enough to get a $100 minimum bill so you can call in and reserve a tatami room first, just don’t wear your 40 hole docs or you’ll spend too much time getting your shoes on & off.

Wafu of Japan, Costa Mesa – The owner is my hero. Small, personal, well priced, always best quality, always PACKED. Virtually an ideal place except for the part about it always being FULL. Anyone who hasn’t gone here is missing out on life.

Anyone who doesn’t frequent any the above should reconsider their opinions on Japanese food in Orange County, or anywhere else. (and probably should die in a fire)