Bluefin Awards

Bluefin Restaurant Review:

Nobu Matsuhisa alumnus Takashi Abe’s Bluefin is a hip watering hole for nearby Newport Coast locals as well as tourists for an authentic sushi fix. This luxe yet minimalist space is decorated with a glowing, wraparound sushi counter and a banquette of white-linen-covered tables on the opposite wall. Singles and couples come to eat together at the sushi bar, happily sipping a tropical martini, warm saké or ice-cold Kirin---all excited about Abe and his sous chefs, who are certainly adept at assembling super fresh and creatively decorated sushi and specialty rolls. Groups and families sit on the Euro-style row of tables, trying out the French-influenced cold and hot appetizers such as the palate-opening sashimi salad in a delicate Maui onion vinaigrette. As for entrées, there’s filet mignon, grilled salmon and chicken teriyaki. And if you feel like you are being watched, that’s a good thing. Chef Abe presides over the entire scene, slyly picking up on your likes and dislikes throughout each course. If you are open to his suggestions made through your server, then you are in for a rare treat.