Sushi can be a less-is-more experience focusing almost exclusively on raw fish, rice and minimal other classic ingredients. Most Newport Beach sushi destinations offer more contemporary takes, from fusion creations that go far beyond the California roll to refined fare with diverse modern influences.

Sushi Roku / Fashion Island
Now marking 10 years, Sushi Roku marries traditional Japanese and vibrant global flavors in a gorgeous setting. Highlights include fluke kumquat; toro carpaccio with osetra caviar; hanabi crispy rice with spicy tuna; stone-grilled A5 Japanese Wagyu; nigiri sushi plates with six or nine selections; and the elaborate White Lotus roll with popcorn-shrimp tempura. The cocktails and mocktails are sophisticated, too.

Bluefin by Abe / Crystal Cove Shopping Center
Chef Takashi Abe’s highly regarded Bluefin is known for the exquisitely presented sushi and sashimi served at its illuminated sushi bar. Expect the unexpected, recently firefly squid. Always on the menu: snapper carpaccio, snow-crab-claw tempura and the Maine lobster specialty roll. Enjoy globally inflected hot plates such as Chilean sea bass, roast duck and
rib-eye steak at the booths.

WaSa Sushi & Teppan / The Bluffs
Upbeat WaSa offers more than 50 sushi options; consider the coveted sweet shrimp or the Treasure Sampler, a trio of albacore ginger, ahi wasabi sour cream and salmon miso. Dozens of rolls include the MacArthur with baked eel, shrimp tempura, avocado and more. Enjoy teppanyaki — and fire-shooting volcanoes — at table-top iron griddles where multicourse meals include the 73 Toll Road.

Newport Fusion Sushi / Newport Coast Shopping Center
Newport Fusion describes its Japanese spin as fresh and respectful. Find seared halibut wing with spicy crunch garlic under namesake category Fusion Sushi. Some 60 rolls include the Ichiban, with soft-shell crab, freshwater eel and avocado, and rice-free Superman Burritos, with shrimp tempura, spicy tuna and crab. A deep-fried Jalapeño Bomb with spicy tuna and cream cheese kickstarts the feast.