When I interviewed the owners for my write-up of Ayame, they described Zipangu perfectly as a "playground" for the younger set, with high-grade sushi and fusion dishes served tapas-style in a modern bar atmosphere.
Zipangu, in fact, reminds me very much of the hip bars and bistros of Tokyo - and The LAB Anti-Mall is the perfect location for it, drawing artistic 20- and 30-somethings as well as older diners who appreciate the reliably good menu of Japanese dishes prepared with French and Mediterranean touches.
As I noted in my Ayame review, one of my favorite dishes at Zipangu are the ravioli-like kabocha dumplings with bits of lobster and pumpkin puree ($6.50), and I'm also a recent fan of the Halibut Carpaccio ($8) pictured at the top of this post: slices of delicate fish topped with pink grapefruit pieces and bitter-citrus yuzu dressing. Refreshingly tasty.
Not all the Zipangu offerings are my cup of green tea. There's the Stuffed Avocado Dynamite ($6.5o), topped with baked scallop, shrimp, asparagus, eel sauce and lit on fire:
I, of course, want to taste the fresh fish, not have it smothered in creamy goo.
But overall, Zipangu is a tasty and fabulously fun place to meet up with friends after work. As if the food and vibe aren't seductive enough, here's another tip: they pour $1.50 Sapporo draft beer (in frosty mugs!) 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. daily:
When I interviewed owner Fred Fukushima, I asked him what his favorite Japanese restaurants are in Orange County, aside from his two businesses. Here's what he named:
- Bluefin in Newport Coast (Natch! And the omakase lunch is the Japanese steal of O.C.)
- Kitayama in Newport Beach. "I love the tatami private room," said Fukushima. (I agree that Kitayama is a pretty, serene place - complete with zen garden - to dine on good traditional Japanese favorites.)
- And, to my delight: Koi, my all-time favorite.
Locals do appreciate "genuine good food," said Fukushima. "It's about time."
Zipangu, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 92626. 714-545-2800
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