About Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa
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This is my second visit and it's just as superb as the first. I'm picky and have complaints at every restaurant I go to, but for this place I have NO NOTES. On my first visit I got the curry udon and I thought there was no way to top it. Today I tried the special- kimchi udon. I would eat that every day for the rest of my life and die happy. The broth was so flavourful and complex. The udon noodles are perfection. Every ingredient went together so well. I'll be here every chance I get. come early- there will be a wait-list
I had been wanting to visit this place for a long time but always hesitated because of the long wait. Luckily, I was first on the waiting list and got in as soon as they opened. One of my friends, who is an expert in Japanese cuisine, insisted that the best way to judge a good udon restaurant is by trying their basic udon. After taking a bite, he paused for a few seconds and then praised it as the closest taste to authentic Japanese udon he has had outside of Japan. I ordered the Nabeyaki Udon, Shabu Shabu Udon, Chicken Karaage, and a Tempura Set to share with my friends. The tempura set, in particular, was absolutely amazing and highly recommended. The chicken karaage was also delicious. For the Nabeyaki Udon, I chose the medium spice level, which had a nice kick and was full of flavor. This place is now officially my favorite udon restaurant, and I can’t wait to come back. Highly recommended!
Meiji Seimen, a famous Japanese restaurant in Costa Mesa, is a hidden gem for authentic Japanese cuisine. Nestled in an old-fashioned plaza, the restaurant's unassuming exterior belies the incredible dining experience inside. Ambiance and Seating The restaurant is small and cozy, but the limited seating can lead to long waits during rush hours like weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays. To save time, it’s highly recommended to join the Yelp waitlist before heading over. Due to the tight seating, pets and dogs are not allowed, but the amazing food more than makes up for it. What We Tried Cold Spicy Soba: This might just be the best soba in town. The dipping sauce is flavorful with raw egg and elevates the dish, making it a must-try. Pairing the soba with a side of tempura adds an extra layer of texture and taste—highly recommended! Sukiyaki Beef Curry Bowl: A fantastic combination of sukiyaki-marinated beef bulgogi and perfectly seasoned curry over rice with raw egg. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. Specials and Desserts Meiji Seimen frequently offers specials, like the Creamy Lobster & Scallops Udon and Kimchi Nabe Udon, which are January 2025 highlights. Their menu also includes a selection of hand-made desserts, which are absolutely worth trying for a sweet ending to your meal. Service The staff are friendly and efficient, serving dishes quickly despite the restaurant's popularity. Tips Arrive early or use the Yelp waitlist to avoid long lines. Pair your main dish with tempura for an enhanced dining experience. Don’t skip the desserts—they’re the perfect complement to the meal! Though the seating is tight and the location modest, Meiji Seimen stands out for its incredible flavors and welcoming service. It’s a must-visit for Japanese food lovers in Costa Mesa!
My favorite Japanese noodle restaurant is this one, as I always go there every time I'm in the area. Having eaten their soba and udon, it is hard to eat other restaurants' soba after having tasted theirs. They make the soba, everything from scratch and cut everything by hand. There are some dishes that have yamakake or grated yam on the menu and that’s what I come for. This dish is the one of the traditional Japanese soba/udon that can be also served in Japan. Their seasmeed tofu is also something I like very much. In most cases, it's a house made product that sells out very quickly because it's made in house. Considering the fact that this is a small place, it gets crowded quite quickly, so I recommend that you go as soon as it opens or before the rush of lunch or dinner hours begins.
Tiny spot with crazy good noodles. Super friendly service and the food was amazing. Chewy, flavorful noodles, delicious broth and tons of different options. Everything I saw come out looked fantastic. Lots of people getting the fried chicken so will try that next time. Use the waitlist ahead of time but be prepared to wait. Also wouldn’t bring too big of a group as this place is really small.