Mantis, dude how could you miss Todai in HB or Taiko in Irvine?
My recs.
5. Restaurant Abe (Some elements of fushion, omakase is excellent. Pricing is not quite Matsuhisa, but up there)
2900 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663-3726
(949) 675-1739
6. Senari (Favorte place to go in South Bay, very good value)
18220 S. Western Ave, Gardena
(310) 324-1970