I'm usually the one who suggests where to go for our weekday lunches but I was happy to let my co-worker take us to her newfound favorite japanese place. Particularly an establishment that I have not been to before.
When I inquired what the name of the restaurant was, she gave me a sheepish look and said that she didn't remember (?!) I'm still amazed whenever I hear that response. How can one not remember?! The only thing she remembered was how to get there, and that it was near the Irvine Spectrum.
So during the ride, I racked my brain on what I've read online concerning japanese restaurants near Irvine that was favorable to a general concensus and I could only think of Fukada.
And I was right.
And it felt good. ;)
Fukada can easily be passed by on the road (which we did) if you're not careful but just look for the 24 Hour Fitness plaza, or look across from Wild Rivers.
There was quite a lunch crowd inside, but we were able to be seated quite quickly. In the middle of the space was a communal table and along the sides of the restaurant were tables with benches and chairs. The decor is simple, with large windows letting the natural light in, and high ceilings that made the restaurant feel "open." It was soothing.
Lunch specials here cost around $8-$10 and is heavily focused on their udon and soba noodles which they hand make. You have a choice between hot/cold noodles with choice of toppings and choice of a side dish.
I chose the Hot Udon with Sansai Vegetables Topping and Tempura Onigiris. I think they just wrote Tempura Rice Balls on the menu though.
^ Udon noodles are thinner than I'm used to and were soft and smooth. The broth was light and the vegetables was a nice complement. There seemed to be a slight "hot" aftertaste to the broth that I can't quite pinpoint out. It was like a spicy aftertaste but it wasn't spicy.
^ My side dish of Tempura Onigiris. I thought they looked very cute with their "emperor's clothing." Tastewise though, I didn't think it was anything special. The tempura was a little cold but at least the rice was soft and slightly warm. And I can eat those yellow pickled radish (takuan) all day...
There are other larger side dishes too like Sashimi Salad, Spicy Tuna Don (rice bowl), various other dons, etc.
I didn't have a bad experience at Fukada but it didn't blow my mind away either. I would be willing to come back though, when I have a hankering for udon. Next time I'll pick another side dish, perhaps the sashimi salad.
Fukada Restaurant
8683 Irvine Center Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 341-0111
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