Fish In a Bottle is located in Placentia. I have never really explored this place and upon entering the plaza, sushi did NOT seem like a good fit. I ordered the nigiri sampler which came with 5 different kinds of fish and one shrimp. Hopes sank with each bite, making me kick myself more for not picking up some pastrami from The Hat. The fish was not fresh, each was mealy, chewy or very fishy smelling. As for the rice, there was too much. Each grain was dried a bit and chalky. Just awful. I did not have the heart to finish the last two pieces of fish or even try the shrimp. I have NEVER not finished nigiri until this night. This changes the meaning of ‘bad sushi’ for me.

Ok enough bashing. The decor, music, and atmosphere of this place was modern, upbeat, and comfy, respectively. To my surprise the salad that came with the sampler was nothing ive seen at a Japanese place and it was decent. It was mixed greens with candied walnuts, dijon balsamic vinaigrette, and a slice of pear(poached?).

They did seem to have a big selection of special rolls though, if you’re into that. Wouldn’t the icky fish be in that too? Yes! But to quote Anthony Bourdain, “An ounce of sauce covers a multitude of sins”
Lured with nice reviews and an attractive greeter ne’er again!

Fish In A Bottle
1205 E Imperial Hwy
Placentia, CA 92870

$1 Kirin mugs for happy hour is aweesome! I believe they have changed this happy hour recently to Mon-Thurs 5pm-7pm or 7:30pm. The perfect break right before night class. There is still NO ONE here during happy hour.

I’ve been to the Oki Dokis in OC quite a few times for sushi and this location is the ONLY one you should even think about visiting for sushi. You’re in for a world of hurt ordering it at the Garden Grove or Costa Mesa locations. The man, Takashi usually runs the sushi-ing here. Some new additions to the menu which are also only at this Oki Doki keep me coming back.

My faaavorite here is the albacore with garlic chips. You’ll smell like garlic for days but its TOTALLY worth it.

My second favorite is the spicy tuna on “grilled” (er, deep fried?) rice. It’s a little fried cake of rice topped with some spicy tuna, a tiny slice of jalepeno and Sriracha. x4. This and $1 Kirin alone is worth the trip!

The tuna/avocado tortilla chip dish is incr-edible.
Soy sauce and red wine stewed ribs are melt off the bone and continues melting in your mouth delish.
The ramen here is decent. The Malay style fried rice goes well with a mug of Kirin too.
For the most part, I do not like the nigiri. The quality of all the fish varies a lot so curb your expectations and you’ll be fine. I’ll still order it to get my fix. If you want some serious nigiri, head down the street to Wasabi and get your wallets ready.

Oki Doki
13681 Newport Ave #9
Tustin, CA 92781
(714) 730-7051

Positioned around loads of fast food, something like a Denny’s, behind a gas station, and baring neon paint on its face, Wafu of Japan is a gimmick. right?!

Whatever it is the seafood is fresh. We had the salmon, yellow tail, albacore, red snapper, and the octopus–they have all been consistently fresh and delicious.

The calamari part of the “Calamari Soo Good!” was unlike any I’ve had before… very good! If only it wasn’t filled with tuna. It was also quite pricey for a few pieces.

Craving a hit of Panda Express after it’s closed? Try the sesame chicken =O. It was unexpectedly drenched in a pungent, vinegary sauce. I say no to the teriyaki chicken too–it was just so-so.
Not being a fan of roe, or any mayo/cheese/smeltys I did not try any of the rolls.

The cozy room with very friendly chefs makes for a nice atmosphere.
Recently, however, I have been turned off by the nigiri. Having tried better fish elsewhere, I would only come back to try some rolls.

Oh yeah, and at which other sushi bars do you find fried ice cream? Take that one however you wish.

Wafu of Japan
320 Bristol St Ste G
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 641-7321