Mizu

Most Mission Beach sushi operations either chase rooftop views or stick to California roll safety — Cannonball owns the boardwalk-deck angle, while standard spots cycle through spicy tuna variations. Mizu ignores both templates. The real action here is the Korean side of the menu: short ribs, soups, and a secret-menu Korean sashimi service that regulars order 24 hours ahead. The format runs IYKYK — generous cuts, banchan sides, the kind of spread that assumes you understand the ritual without needing tableside explanation.

The physical space reads run-down in the way family-operated spots often do when the priority is portion size over décor refresh. That grandmother energy isn't metaphorical — reviews consistently mention the sweet-grandma server who hands out complimentary oranges and runs the floor with homey efficiency. It's the inverse of polished-corporate hospitality: less scripted, more intuitive, occasionally including free fruit.

The Korean short ribs and soups pull authentic seasoning and sizing that overshoots typical fusion attempts. The sesame chicken and stir-fry beef run more hit-or-miss — solid enough for post-beach casual orders but not the reason to make the drive. Sashimi quality stays consistently fresh, with portions that justify the hunger requirement reviewers keep flagging.

Practical notes: Close enough to Belmont Park that it works for pre- or post-ride dining. Takes reservations, which matters for the secret menu since walk-in orders won't get you the full Korean sashimi setup. Lunch and dinner service both available. Prices stay moderate despite the portion generosity — the value proposition here is volume and authenticity over scenic premium. If you're weighing between boardwalk views and grandmother-portioned sashimi, Mizu assumes you chose the latter.