THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Izakaya Wasa

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Izakaya Wasa Restaurant Review:

Proprietor Bronnie Lee, who also owns Wasa Sushi and Hamamori, is behind this much-needed Japanese tavern restaurant at the Irvine Spectrum Center. The interior is casual, clean and contemporary with white walls, dark woods, fancy chandeliers and artistic touches. Izakaya Wasa is a place to relax, converse and enjoy shared small plates, saké and Japanese beer. Sushi and sashimi range from the usual suspects of yellowtail, tuna and scallop, along with more specialty offerings like the salmon avocado roll topped with eel sauce. Sample the seared albacore tataki with ginger sauce; Atlantic salmon served with mild miso sauce; or the signature spicy tuna tartare with wasabi sour cream. Other good choices are the marinated pork belly, Maui onion salad, agedashi tofu, diced garlic steak and a variety of yakitori. Be sure to save room for the tempura green tea ice cream dessert.