Habuya Okinawan Dining

Okinawan cuisine is not typical to Japanese cuisine, as it incorporates influences from Chinese cuisine and Southeast Asian cuisine due to its long history of trade.  Even though Okinawa is on an island, a characteristic of their cuisine is its reliance on meat.  The main protein sources of Okinawan cuisine are derived from livestock, specifically pigs. It is said that Okinawan cuisine “begins with pig and ends with pig”.

We love it. And so should you. No frills, no dubstep music, no shimmery chandeliers, and you’ll never sit next to someone waxing poetic about the 102 ways to eat bacon. Just a wine and beer license, small town charm, and a sweet, chatty Mama-san.

🇯🇵 OKINAWA, JAPAN (via Eat the World Los Angeles) - If it happens to be your first time opening the door to Habuya, tucked into a corner of a Tustin plaza anchored by a Stater Bros., you will immediately chastise yourself for not becoming a regular much sooner. Open since late 2010, the small Okinawan izakaya is obviously popular with a regular following, the restaurant is normally full. Even before anything hits your table, smiles across your face will be unavoidable. It is an absolute joy just to be here, and the friendly staff only make it better. They seem to be doing one hundred things at all times but also treat each customer as if they were a longtime regular that was there from the very beginning.

A 10/10 dining experience! Their menu is extensive and has a good variety of small bites and entrees. I recommend the chicken wings, sea bass, and ton ton ton (stewed pork rib, feet, and belly). I also enjoyed the “pink beer”—a shiso leaf beer made in house! I noticed a lot of people trying their clam ramen. I’ll have to give it a try next time!

So authentic. As if I teleported to a small town in Okinawa, Japan. Orion beer on draft is clutch, food selection is rich, staff and restaurant vibe is super homey. Only around 6 bar seats & 10 table seats. Everyone in the restaurant is your friend-kind of vibe. Been a local favorite for over 12 years now, hole in the wall that you should not miss.

Quick Summary Fantastic and unique Izakaya spot, as it serves Okinawan style Japanese food. Ordered a little of everything, and enjoyed almost every dish. Recommend calling beforehand for reservations, as it's a small restaurant that only seats 19 guests. Plaza parking available. My favorite dishes were the scallop and uni truffle carpaccio, chicken wings, Habuya pork belly soba, their desserts and the Orion draft beer! Food- 5 stars Uni truffle carpaccio- this was very good. Great balance of sweetness and umami with the 3 ingredients. I could've eaten so many plates of this 3 kinds of sashimi- toro, salmon and yellowtail. They were all good, but I liked the yellowtail the most (very fatty and fresh). All the pieces were very fresh Habuya soba- the noodles were more similar to a ramen, and everything was delicious. Broth was filled with flavor and pork belly was delicious and fatty Chicken wings- this was my favorite of the fried foods. Very great flavor and sweet. They didn't use much flour / batter, so you really taste how good the chicken was Yellowtail collar- this was good as well. Certain areas were salted better than most, but it was delicious Fried clam chowder- this was unique and well prepared. I did like the above dishes more though Sautéed bitter melon- came with egg and sausage. It was more bland than the other dishes. Would be good as a healthy / daily option Green tea waffle ice- this was fantastic. Great flavor and not overly sweet. Great end to the meal Red bean mochi- this was fantastic as well. Great texture and flavor, without being too sweet Orion draft beer- They iced the glasses well and the beer was so smooth, creamy and delicious. Great way to wash down the meal Service- 5 stars We got really lucky and was able to get a table without a reservation. Servers were helpful and got food out fast. Communication could've been better regarding wait time on a table, but we were just happy they were able to seat us (multiple parties without a reservation were turned away after us) Ambiance- 5 stars It's a small restaurant with 19 seats, including their bar area. Cool lighting and hanging notes from the ceiling (you can add to the collection if you want). Greeted by the servers in Japanese. The whole experience made us feel like we transported to an Izakaya in Okinawa. Great experience! Bottom Line Fantastic food, drinks, dessert, and ambiance. Make sure you call ahead to get a reservation as it's a very small restaurant

Good spot in OC for okinawa food! I ordered mozuku, rafute, habuya soba, and fried squid. Although it can’t compare to the actual food made in Okinawa, this place does a good job with the atmosphere and food. Habuya soba had a unique flavor. Little bit disappointed in noodle length and shape, broth flavor, and topings. But overall, it does a decent job. Rafute was spot on, could use more chunkier meat. Meat on Habuya soba had a same texture as Rafute. Mozuku is sweet and sour with the vinegar. Fried squid was fine. This place was super busy when I came in.. so make sure you make reservation beforehand. The seating reminded me of izakaya place in Oki, the posters, decals also reminded me of Okinawa. I will try to come back again some other time!