23702 El Toro Rd
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 770-3280
http://www.sushiizakayarei.com
Going to Sushi Izakaya Rei for dinner wasn't planned. I passed by this shopping plaza a few times and noticed a new restaurant with pretty blue lights. I thought it was opened. Unfortunately, that night we found out it wasn't opened yet when we got to the door. Then I remember seeing a Japanese restaurant in the same plaza, and we popped in Sushi Izakaya Rei for dinner. It turned out to be such a great find!
Hot Sake ($3.25)
It was happy hour between 5pm to 8pm. We got two large hot sake for $3.25 each.
Tako Yaki (Octopus Pancake Balls) ($2.00)
Most of their appetizers are only $2.00 during happy hour. We ordered Tako Yaki. It had a big piece of octopus inside the soft pancake ball. Yum!
Yellow Tail Collar ($9.95)
I LOVE yellowtail collar. Whenever I see this item on menu, just have to order it. Sushi Izakaya Rei did a really good job on the grilled collar. It was simply seasoned with salt, and cooked on the grill. The fish had a good charred flavor on the outer layer, and very soft underneath. We drizzled it with some lemon juice, and dipped in ponzu with scallion, it was so delicious.
Salmon Sushi ($2.98) / Yellowtail Sushi ($3.50) / Albacore Sushi ($2.99) / Salmon Roe Sushi ($2.75)
We were really surprised about the "gourmet" sushi when we saw them. Each nigiri sushi was paired with something special. Salmon with lemon, yellowtail with jalapeno, and albacore with fried garlic. Everything was paired perfectly. Fish was really fresh, and the added "condiment" definitely added points.
Spicy Tuna Roll ($5.99)
Simple, yet great spicy tuna roll. Just the right level of spiciness paired with crunchy cucumber.
Sumo Roll ($8.95)
I thought Sumo Roll looked good with its description on the menu. Salmon, yellowtail, albacore, cream cheese, and avocado. I didn't know it was deep fried and drizzled with some kind of sweet sauce. It was a very Americanized sushi roll, and we both didn't like it a bit. In the future, we will definitely stick with the traditional stuff.
Salmon Teriyaki Bento ($10.95)
The Salmon Teriyaki Bento was such a great value. For $11, you get miso soup, salad, gyoza, shrimp and vegetable tempura, salmon teriyaki, rice, and orange. So much yummy food.
So much food with 2 bottles of sake was only $60! The price is very reasonable, especially in South Orange County. What a hidden gem! I think we found our "Hide Sushi" in Orange County!!
The sweet sauce drizzled on the Sumo Roll looks like eel sauce. Eel sauce has a really distinctive flavor that's sweet, savory, and umami at the same time.
ReplyDeleteYup, it must be eel sauce.
Usually I like eel sauce.
I think the main reason I didn't like this roll was because it was deep fried.