.. restaurant review | nana san ..

Nana San | Newport Beach, CA | 01.25.2010

I'm always on the look out for new and delicious restaurants to add to my "must list." I think I found one today! I've been wanting to try this place for awhile, mostly because it's close to work and I've heard some good things about it on Yelp.

Now, I have to tell you I'm an Ikko devotee, but Nana San is also very good and I think it offers some unique and authentic Japanese fare. I'm a bit embarrassed to tell you, but I spent $40 just on myself for lunch. So, take what you can from that. It's a little expensive, but I also ordered a lot!

The miso soup with sea bass is amazing; probably the best miso I've ever had (especially when you add the chili pepper/sesame seasoning to it). There were large chunks of fish in the broth, and the flesh was so meaty, buttery smooth, and clean tasting. I really loved it.

The sushi was fresh and flavorful, and the fish to rice ratio is spot on (i.e., a lot of fish, a little rice). I loved the red snapper with yuzu and sea salt. Raw red snapper is a bit on the chewy side, but the seasoning is what really makes it. It was a bit tart and salty with a kick of the wasabi at the end. The Kanpachi (yellowtail) and Bluelin Nigiri Sushi were understated/simple, but with a nice firm consistency.

I also had the Japanese eggplant with crab sauce. This dish I could've done without, because it was too mushy from the braising and not very flavorful. I also had this at the end of the meal, so by that time I was pretty full.

The meal ended with a little mango gelee (complimentary), and I decided to be really over the top and order the red bean ice cream...so yummy!

The service was great, and it's the small touches that made the difference. The restaurant is smack dab in the middle of a bustling strip mall, but you wouldn't be able to tell based on the decor and ambiance of the place. The little cucumber relish that they offer in the beginning of the meal is the perfect little bite to prepare the palette. The sushi chefs and wait staff were helpful (but not invasive) and cheery.

It's Monday--enough said--but having lunch at Nana San totally brightened up my day!

Rating | O O O O and a half