Araki's Japon - Foothill Ranch

Rather than sitting at the bar, we took a table and ordered a selection of “Pedestrian” rolls along with a few of Arakis’ Signature Fusion rolls. The hostess, Izumi Araki (wife of owner and chef Hisashi Araki), attended to us with genuine warmth and care. It was clear from the start that attention to detail was their priority—beautiful rocks on the table, real flowers, and then came the food. One bite in, and we knew we were no longer in Kansas (or a typical Orange County Food Court). After enjoying four rolls and three desserts, it was evident that we were in the hands of a master. We personally thanked Chef Hisashi and learned a bit about his impressive journey. Originally from Japan, he trained in European cuisine and has worked across the globe, earning various accolades along the way. In 2005, Chef Hisashi was appointed Executive Chef at Nobu Atlantis in the Bahamas by Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, the founder of the renowned Nobu Restaurants. He has prepared meals for notable figures including President Clinton, Michael Jordan, Janet Jackson, John Travolta, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Tiger Woods. We found ourselves wondering what he was doing in Foothill Ranch. Fast forward to our next visit the following week; we chose two seats front and center at the sushi bar to witness Chef Hisashi’s artistry firsthand. With a chef as talented as this, we decided to let him recommend our meal. The Triple Spicy Tuna Roll—a delightful combination of chili paste, chili oil, jalapeños, and tuna tataki with cilantro—was comfort food at its best. The Yellowtail Jalapeño Roll, dipped in homemade yuzu soy sauce, took us on a flavorful journey we didn’t want to end. The Aburi Salmon Roll seemed simple at first glance, but revealed layers of complexity; I’ll be dreaming of it for years to come. The House Roll, comprising tuna, salmon, yellowtail, crab, and shrimp, was perfectly balanced in taste and beautifully presented. And the Lobster Asparagus Roll? It was generous with some of the freshest lobster I’ve ever had. I could go on about the desserts, but time wouldn’t allow. Chef Hisashi took pleasure in our compliments; we didn’t hold back on how his soy sauce complemented the sushi without overpowering it with salt. He shared that he makes it fresh himself and explained that he uses a lighter, fluffier type of rice rather than the traditional sushi rice. We marveled at how his wasabi was velvety instead of chalky, prompting more compliments from us. He laughed and said, “I am not just trained in sushi; next time, try my hot fusion dishes.” It seemed like we only scratched the surface of Chef Hisashi’s culinary talents. By the end of the meal, whether he realized it or not, he had become our new culinary BFF. While we’d love to keep this gem to ourselves, there’s an unspoken code among food lovers: when you discover something extraordinary, you must share it. So, we’re sharing this recommendation with everyone within driving distance of Foothill Ranch.

Many patrons are now accustomed to the notion of a dish being both sweet and savory, but that’s not what makes Arakis stand out. Instead, here, the emphasis is on the tactile experience of food. Whether you're enjoying a salmon dish or the most delicate flounder carpaccio, the culinary experience is nothing short of serious. Each bite sharpens your palate, captivating you completely. The fresh lobster shell was particularly unforgettable. Arakis is the perfect spot for a romantic night out, a family gathering, or even for business meetings. I wholeheartedly recommend Arakis Japon; it's truly deserving of the highest praise I can provide. Honestly, any words I use will only sound like exaggerations. Just visit and experience the joy of sushi for yourself!