Chef Jason Yamaguchi, whose culinary journey stretches from O‘ahu to Michelin-starred kitchens across the U.S., is set to open his most personal concept yet. Konpa Nikkei, a fast-casual restaurant devoted to Nikkei cuisine, will debut in the heart of Corona del Mar.
Set to open early this summer at 3333 East Coast Highway, Konpa blends the precision of Japanese technique with the bold, colorful ingredients of Peru. Rooted in authenticity and innovation, Konpa is one of the only restaurants in Orange County devoted entirely to Nikkei cuisine, offering a fresh cultural perspective and elevated yet approachable dishes.
Drawing inspiration from his Japanese heritage and travels to Peru, Yamaguchi introduces thoughtful interpretations of Nikkei flavors. Highlights include tiraditos with aji amarillo, the Makinui Amante (a sashimi-style rice wrap with kanpachi, tomato, wakame, and aji verde crema), and the Nikkei Bowl, a layered mix of kanpachi, avocado, escabeche, and lilikoi amarillo. Signature sides like the Lomo Saltado Musubi—featuring prime short rib, papas cris, and tomato salsa—fuse Peruvian comfort food with Japanese technique.
Yamaguchi’s commitment to quality shows in every detail—from seasonal, locally sourced produce to rare, imported ingredients like Fukuoka Ariake Premium Nori. Each dish is built with balance, integrity, and respect for tradition.
The restaurant’s name, Konpa, reflects this cultural blend. In Japan, “Konpa-Konpa” is an invitation to gather and eat; in Peru, “Compa” means friend. For Yamaguchi, Konpa is a celebration of community, heritage, and decades of culinary passion.
Konpa will offer dine-in, takeout, catering, and private events.
For more information and menu updates, visit konparestaurant.com.
The Latest from greer's oc
SAVOR 2026 Set to Honor Orange County Legends Before Anticipated Sold-Out Crowd
The Literacy Project will host SAVOR 2026, an elegant, Napa-inspired culinary soiree, on Friday, Oct. 2, at the Newport Beach Country Club to support its mission of bringing the gift of literacy to underserved children.
The outdoor evening promises an…
Pete’s Spookeasy Returns to Huntington Beach This Fall
Pete's Spookeasy is back at Pete's Sunset Grille inside Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, running Sept. 27 through Nov. 2. The coastal restaurant gets a full Halloween makeover for the occasion, with themed decor, a spooky food…
Ruin Bar Celebrates 10 Years at The LAB
Ruin, the speakeasy-style lounge known for its craft cocktails and moody, eclectic vibe, is turning 10. The Costa Mesa hot spot will celebrate its anniversary at The LAB Anti-Mall on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Expect a…
QUA Debuts Afternoon Tea With a Chinese Twist
QUA Contemporary Chinese Cuisine is putting its own spin on one of the world's most beloved dining rituals with the debut of Afternoon Tea at QUA, a new seasonal experience inspired by the flavors of Chợ Lớn and the…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 09.23.26 – SAVOR 2026 Set to Honor Orange County Legends Before Anticipated Sold-Out Crowd
- 09.22.26 – Pete’s Spookeasy Returns to Huntington Beach This Fall
- 09.22.26 – Ruin Bar Celebrates 10 Years at The LAB
- 09.21.26 – QUA Debuts Afternoon Tea With a Chinese Twist
- 09.21.26 – ENC Wine Walk Returns to Support Environmental Education
- 09.17.26 – Inside My Ritual Diaries
- 09.16.26 – Willem Dafoe to Headline “The Process Unlocked” Premiere at Newport Beach Film Festival
- 09.15.26 – Broken Yolk Café Dishes Up Hope for OC Kids This Holiday Season
- 09.09.26 – Levain’s Black & White Weekend Comes to Orange County for the First Time
- 09.09.26 – LAWineFest Marks 21 Years With a New Home at the LA Equestrian Center
- 09.02.26 – Newport Dunes Celebrates Labor Day Weekend With Live Music, Beach Movies and Waterfront Fun
- 09.02.26 – Pacific Symphony Opens New Era with Joshua Bell, Celebrates Shelley’s First Season
- 08.30.26 – VOX Kitchen Brings Modern Chifa Flavor to Aliso Viejo
- 08.29.26 – Outpost Kitchen Refreshes Menu for National Better Breakfast Month
- 08.29.26 – Blind Boys of Alabama Bring Seven Decades of Gospel to Musco Center
- 08.26.26 – Chef Turned Author Launches New Thriller Series
- 08.25.26 – Landers Supply House Celebrates Grand Opening at The LAB Anti-Mall
- 08.24.26 – Sushi Roku Debuts New Small Plates and Signature Sushi
- 08.23.26 – Cozy Earth’s Biggest Sale Comes to Corona del Mar
- 08.23.26 – Marriott Irvine Spectrum Offers Shuttle Pass for Daisy Chain Fields Festival
More Daily Doses
- 09.18.26 – Roger’s Gardens Unveils Moonlight Masquerade for Halloween
- 09.18.26 – Get RELISH Ready: OC’s Premier Food and Wine Weekend Returns to Newport Beach
- 09.16.26 – Newport Beach Film Festival Turns 27, and the Lineup Is Stacked
- 09.15.26 – Purrs in Paradise Opens Its Doors at The CAMP
- 09.14.26 – Katella Commons Adds Five More Reasons to Get Hungry at OCVIBE
- 09.13.26 – Musco Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary Jubilee! With a Decade of Its Own Talent
- 09.09.26 – Maleza Brings Modern Mexican Flavor and Mezcal to The CAMP in Costa Mesa
- 08.30.26 – Zov’s Mediterranean Restaurant Set to Open on 17th Street in Costa Mesa
- 08.29.26 – Sweet Arrival: Levain Bakery Opens First Orange County Location at Fashion Island
- 08.26.26 – OCAPICA’s Tastemakers of Orange County Celebrates 10 Years of Community-Driven Cuisine
- 08.24.26 – Telefèric Barcelona Brings Spanish Flavor to Fashion Island
- 08.20.26 – Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns to Newport Beach in September
- 08.18.26 – Dream Glow Festival Returns to Celebrate the Beauty of Chinese Culture
- 08.13.26 – Z SUPPLY Pops Up at Lido Marina Village With New Denim Collection
- 08.11.26 – Inside Eichholtz’s New SOCO Showroom
- 08.10.26 – Good Together House: Laguna Beach’s Home for the Extraordinary and Unexpected
- 08.06.26 – Kei Concepts Expands ROL Hand Roll Bar with New La Habra Location
- 08.04.26 – Anaheim’s Sixth Annual World Taste Returns to the Packing District
- 08.02.26 – ‘Gala of the Stars’ Returns to Segerstrom for 17th Year
- 07.24.26 – LJ’s Lounge Brings Soul-Infused Dining and Music to Triangle Square
