Contrary to popular belief, Westminster’s Little Saigon isn’t just about pho and banh mi—though you’ll find plenty of both. The recent influx of Japanese chefs means you can now savor authentic ramen and sushi alongside Vietnamese classics. Most spots cluster on Bolsa Avenue, so it’s easy to grab lunch after browsing Asian markets. Westminster is less fussy than other Orange County food towns, so you can walk in straight from the beach and blend right in.
J SAN RAMEN FULLERTON
$ | (714) 441-8881 | WEBSITE
If the thought of a perfect bowl of ramen excites you, then you should make it a priority to visit J San Ramen Fullerton. And if it doesn’t, then we’re curious and a little nervous to hear what does excite you. The high-quality ramen with bold flavors, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service make this place easily one of the best meals you can have in Westminster. And it’s the ideal spot for a satisfying lunch or dinner after a day of exploring the area.
Mexihanas Hibachi Grill #2
$$ | (562) 431-2803 | WEBSITE
This cozy-looking hibachi grill is the perfect place to sit and eat with someone you do family things with. Get a spot at the teppanyaki table (if you don’t mind your clothes smelling like grilled steak the next day), or hang out inside under the warm lighting. If you want to feast on something, we love the steak plate with rice that comes with perfectly cooked hibachi vegetables that you won’t be able to stop eating. Just know the owner’s son is only there on weekends.
Mr. Katsu
$ | (714) 986-9888 | WEBSITE
Mr. Katsu has a Chicken Katsu plate, a Katsu Sando, and a fairly creative menu with items like Katsu curry and WTF Fries where you can enjoy a meal that was made right in Fullerton. The last time we were here, we discovered our new favorite dipping sauce, got invited to try the potato puffs, and met a staff member who goes to Mr. Katsu nearly every day. It’s quite possible you’ll enjoy the café drinks, too.
Sizzle
Sizzle is the perfect weekend spot for grabbing a drink and some Asian-inspired eats. The space is basically a vibrant open-air food hall to explore and relax in, with plenty of seating and a lively patio where you can spend a couple of hours planning your next meal or your inevitable return visit. The katsu curry from Kare is impressive on its own, but we always find ourselves ordering the kimchi butter shrimp from Shootz that comes with that addictive spicy kick.
Nana San
$$$ | (949) 474-7373 | WEBSITE
We’ve been to this Japanese spot on a Thursday evening and seen couples share nigiri platters and omakase experiences while chatting with the chefs, but you’re just as likely to come and see a group celebrating an anniversary at the bar seating with six of their dearest friends. This is the charm of Nana San, a sushi restaurant with really authentic dishes that’s perfect for any occasion.
Order some fresh sashimi with the unique rice-to-fish ratio and the black sesame flan that’s creamy without tasting too sweet or heavy.
Orange Grill Teriyaki & Rolls
$ | (714) 991-3816 | WEBSITE
Orange Grill’s teriyaki is a staple in Westminster’s quick casual scene, but they also have a small dine-in space for those who want to eat right away. The location in Anaheim is compact, but it’s a reliable stop for sushi and noodles. Their menu features photos of the food, making it easy to order, and all of it has things like massive portions and fresh ingredients.
The garlic butter shrimp plate and the in n out roll are popular picks, and every plate stays under $15, with many big enough to split into multiple meals. The staff is nice and easy to talk to, creating a welcoming vibe. This spot is great for teriyaki and sushi cravings, and it offers phone number loyalty rewards to save a few bucks.
Joon Katsu
$ | (714) 735-8060 | WEBSITE
Joon Katsu has a clean, open seating area and a menu focused on crispy katsu dishes—in other words, it’s not the spot to bring someone who you’re trying to convince that Japanese food is all delicate sushi and tiny portions. But it is the place to bring someone who wants a great pork katsu, chicken katsu, or curry katsu.
They also have soba noodles with nutty flavor and mentsuyu dipping sauce, which somehow taste better here in Buena Park than in trendier spots next to people debating the merits of different katsu styles.
BROTH Shabu Shabu
$$ | (562) 402-8828 | WEBSITE
The first thing you’ll notice when stepping into BROTH Shabu Shabu is the steaming hotpot stations at each table, with flavorful broths simmering in individual pots. Broth is a recurring theme in the meal, too, with refillable bases like miso and spicy tonkotsu, thinly sliced meats for dipping, and a sauce station that lets you customize every bite. The all-you-can-eat lunch special, priced at $21 per person, outshines pretty much every other hotpot deal we’ve tried in Westminster.
The food is really well done, and a meal here is a surefire way to enjoy a satisfying experience with friends or family.
SkyBay Sushi
$$ | (949) 631-0403 | WEBSITE
This cozy sushi spot is where you should have dinner after a day of exploring Westminster’s shopping centers and discovering the area’s hidden gems. The menu includes fantastic garlic edamame that’s become a local favorite, plus beautifully presented sushi rolls like the Shrimp Crunchy Roll that taste as good as they look. SkyBay Sushi also takes reservations, which is more convenient than most casual sushi places in town.
Keep that in mind for the next time you’re craving fresh sushi later than you expected and need to satisfy that hunger with perfectly plated rolls, professional service, and that welcoming atmosphere that hits you the moment you walk through the door.
Takumi Sushi
$$ | (714) 957-0700 | WEBSITE
If you want to avoid the crowds at more popular sushi spots, Takumi Sushi is another solid place to grab dinner before you explore Westminster. They specialize in four-piece sushi sets, which are perfectly sized and presented with things like baked salmon and chicken katsu. Surprisingly, the best things here are the least traditional combinations, like the ‘ex-girlfriend’ roll, or the garlic edamame starter.
Freshness from the bluefish tuna or garlic infusion gets highlighted in each bite, and you can really appreciate it as a complete meal, rather than just another sushi joint. They also do a great cooked section, in case you’re not emotionally ready to mess with raw fish.