About Us
Our Story
In September 2000, Masaki ‘Yoshi’ Yoshitsuka opened the doors of Buddha’s Favorite, nestled on the docks of Newport Harbor. It quickly became one of Newport Beach’s hidden gems and a local favorite. Just a month after its opening, I became a loyal customer, and in 2008, I introduced my soon-to-be husband, Matt, to this amazing spot—it instantly became our go-to sushi destination!
Buddha’s has held a special place in our hearts for so long, so when we heard it was for sale, we jumped at the chance! We knew we couldn’t take this step without Hiroshi, our master sushi chef with an infectious smile. With him on board, we knew we could succeed. On March 26, 2019, we officially took possession of Buddha’s Favorite and the rest is history!
We absolutely love what we do and have made so many wonderful friendships along the way. It truly is the best decision we ever made!
Arigato, Nicole & Matt
The Restaurant
Our softly lit, romantic patio overlooking the bay provides a serene dining experience—perfect for date nights, gatherings with friends, or celebrating special occasions. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of our sushi bar and cozy indoor seating. For a truly unique experience, try our Dock n’ Dine service (advance reservations required). We also recommend making dinner reservations or giving us a call ahead of time.
Come in, say hi, sip some sake, savor the sushi, and relax. We look forward to welcoming you to Buddha’s Favorite (and lil’ Buddha’s, too!)!
