MOONO

We loved our dinner at Moono. We tried some Moono Wings (that’s lemon zest sprinkled on them in the photo- yum!), crunchy, tasty and good amount of spice. We also tried gyoza- great crunch and chewiness too. My daughter went with chicken ramen, my husband tried the miso ramen and I went with vegan ramen (medium hot). All of us were very happy. Hubby had a Sapporo beer and I tried a cocktail which was delicious and light. Great “chill” clubstyle music playing, excellent service and pretty decor. These are not the same owners as the previous ramen shop that was here. We will definitely come again.

+1

Nice atmosphere Friendly Staff Yummy food!

The service was very quick and polite. They just finished a remodel and the interiors are really cute, seems like the perfect place to grab drinks but we were just here for dinner. I ordered the poke bowl and my friend had the vegan Raman. Both were amazing and we left super full.

The staff was extremely friendly here and the atmosphere is very cute. Would definitely recommend the Never Lose Your Smile, it’s a perfect cocktail for a summer day. The teriyaki chicken bowl and spicy miso ramen were both absolutely incredible! Will definitely be coming back here.

Such a great and warm atmosphere and the musicwas so good and relaxing. The waitresses are so friendly and welcoming. The drinks are really good as well, I got the galaxy and it was amazing. The food was amazing as well and the new lemon sorbet dessert is absolutely to die for, it is so refreshing especially after a meal worth stopping by

The best sushi and ramen place in OC! As a sushi lover I was almost disappointed in finding a good sushi place in OC! But Moono was not good, it was EXCELLENT 😍 I’ll be there every week with my friends 🥂

We have eaten here a few times both dine in and take out. Either way you can’t go wrong eating here. Great atmosphere and amazing food. There is a great selection of ramen and sushi. We will definitely be back!

+1

We drove by and stopped in this cute new restaurant. The place was so fun with a great atmosphere. We had the House Ramen, pot stickers, edamame and the kids loved the Galaxy drink, it was all so tasty! The service was great and the restaurant was clean and cool.

+4

Great food and very friendly service nice to see more asian food options coming into rancho santa margarita! We will be back again for sure !

5 stars! This is a cute little Ramen place in the heart of RSM! The food was delicious. We started off with some edamame and vegetable gyozas. Then, for our main course, we had the spicy tuna roll and black garlic ramen. Our server, Brooke, was so friendly and has a contagious smile. She was attentive to our needs and convinced us to try the ice cream mochie. I am glad she recommended it. We will definitely be back!

The customer service was superb, they checked up on our table multiple times! The food and drinks were also delicious, we gave the takoyaki a 10/10 and a 9/10 for the galaxy drink. We will definitely be coming back to try the poke and sushi!

+1

Great food and amazing service! The employees are kind and I was very impressed with the food. Will definitely be coming back again :)

I'm truly impressed with this place. From the moment we walked in for dinner, we were greeted with smiles and friendliness. The wait staff was nice and attentive without being an annoyance. The ramen is probably one of the best I've eaten in South County. Noodles - great texture Broth - balanced without being too Meats - Good amounts of protein Ambiance - I love the ceiling Everything was reasonably priced. I'm looking forward to come back to try more items from the menu.

I adore this restaurant. It is great for all ages and has such a cozy but still classy atmosphere. The staff are so kind and helpful this is but far my favorite restaurant in the RSM area and for ramen!

Moono is a fantastic fast-casual Japanese spot! The ramen tastes very authentic — rich broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and generous toppings. My absolute favorite was the Volcano Salmon Roll — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the portions were satisfying. The atmosphere is cozy and stylish, and the service was great — our server was super friendly (and very handsome 😊). Definitely a place I’ll come back to again!

We had a wonderful experience at this Japanese restaurant. The spicy chicken ramen was absolutely amazing—rich, flavorful, and perfectly spicy. It was so tasty and truly unique, unlike anything I’ve tried before. We also loved the crispy tuna tartare. It was beautifully presented and tasted just as good as it looked. My son enjoyed it so much that he ate a lot of it, which says everything! Great food, great flavors, and a place we would definitely come back to.

Place was fantastic for lunch service, absolutely phenomenal service from Niko. Music is a BOP (very good)! Atmosphere is all encompassing enticing; just cant beat it anywhere else.

Our first visit to MOONO was a fantastic experience overall. Staff were friendly and accommodating, food service was quick and responsive and we didn't wait long to be seated or for the food to arrive. The quality and flavor of the food was excellent, we especially enjoyed the Katsu burger and fried tempura. Prices are reasonable for a sit down restaurant in south Orange County. They also have quite a selection of alcoholic beverages including sake and wine. They offer dining options like Ramen and Curry, we will have to return to eat our way through the menu. Try this place out as generally South County is a culinary wasteland critically underserved by desirable dining destinations.

A Delicious Lunch Spot Worth Revisiting! We stopped by Moono for lunch and had a fantastic experience. The place was bustling, but the service was still attentive and friendly. We felt well taken care of throughout. We tried the Ramen, Dragon Roll, and the Lychee Pop drink, everything was delicious and beautifully presented. The ramen was rich and flavorful, the dragon roll was fresh with just the right balance, and the lychee drink was refreshing and fun. The ambience was vibrant and modern, making it a great spot for a casual but quality meal. It is a little on the pricier side for lunch, but the food and experience made it totally worth it. We’ll definitely be back again!

We went for a Saturday early dinner and had a great time. The ambience, service and food are all excellent. We had the Chicken Katsu Curry and Katsu burger. I especially loved the curry and would recommend it. We will go again to try the ramen.

We had a fantastic time here for lunch! Our drinks were wonderfully crafted and our food was absolutely delicious! Well ordered the edamame, takoyaki, spicy tuna, and chicken katsu curry, and everything was exceptional! We’ll be returning to this adorable spot the next chance we get!!!

A Culinary Artistry: Dining at Moono - Hidden Gem Nestled in the charming area of Rancho Santa Margarita, Moono is a trendy Japanese fusion restaurant that captures the essence of modern dining while honoring traditional flavors. Situated near the upscale neighborhoods of Coto de Caza and Dove Canyon, this small gem offers an inviting atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a beautifully designed space that feels like stepping into a work of art. The ambiance is a perfect blend of elegance and comfort, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The attention to detail in the decor sets the stage for a memorable culinary experience. The food presentation at Moono is nothing short of spectacular. Each dish is a visual feast, showcasing the chef's artistry and creativity. The flavors are equally impressive, with a skillful fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine and innovative twists that keep your palate excited. Service at Moono is exceptional; the staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu. They are eager to share recommendations and ensure that every guest feels well taken care of, enhancing the overall dining experience. What’s particularly fascinating is the background of the chef. As a seasoned Chef, Architect, Director, and Producer, he brings a unique perspective to the culinary world. His diverse skill set allows him to create a dining experience that goes beyond just food—it’s a celebration of art and culture on every plate. Overall, Moono is a must-visit for anyone in the area looking for a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends art, flavor, and exceptional service. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or simply looking to explore something new, Moono promises a delightful adventure for your senses.

It was overall a lovely experience! Me and my family enjoyed the calm and aesthetic atmosphere.The service was quick and our meals came out within minutes. The ramens had wonderful flavors and was very filling. Would definitely recommend!

We came in to Moono for dinner in orange county and had the best experience!!! All of the staff was so helpful and friendly, even giving us great suggestions on what food to order! We absolutely LOVED the cocktails so pretty and aesthetic and the vibe of the restaurant was so cute, reminded us of New York City!! We loved the rock shrimp & tuna tartare, plus the Moono roll and all of the sushi we tried was amazing! The rock shrimp was hands down the best I've ever had and I can't wait to come back for more!!! Overall, 10/10! This was one of the best and most aesthetic restaurants I've been to in Orange County & is the perfect spot for a nice dinner before a night out! Even with the prettiest cocktails this is the PERFECT photo spot!!! They even gave us our own wine glasses to decorate, so cute!! This place truly was so cute inside with the best night cocktail dinner vibes & we can't wait to come back!

Super cute restaurant with really nice decorations. We tried it on a Wednesday night and it wasn't busy at all. I absolutely loved the ceiling decorations. The staff are very nice and friendly. Food was good too. We ordered a miso soup, a spicy miso ramen, and a poke bowl. The ramen was very delicious and spicy, but the poke was ok. Highly recommend trying this place at least once!

I was blown away with the atmosphere and level of service at this ramen spot. It's casual but feels very upscale and fancy. Everything from the utensils to the bowls are high quality. The food is excellent as well. Got the spicy pork ramen which was cooked to perfection with flavor everywhere. 🤌 Staff was really friendly and attentive. I will be coming back!

We came in for our weekly date night. Was blown away by the atmosphere. From the outside it is very appealing and the inside is even better! Brooke was our server! She was great and very knowledgeable about drinks and food. The food was fricken amazing! So great to have a unique and delicious place in RSM!! Apps, entrees, drinks, and music were awesome!

Brooke was our server and she was ever so nice and helpful. She helped us pick some really good options on the menu, including the chicken curry katsu. My wife and i had randomly stumbled upon this spot after having spent some time at a shop nearby. The atmosphere was awesome, the food was even better, and the service was outstanding. Thank you Brooke and Moono

Vincent Peng

We had a wonderful experience at this Japanese restaurant. The spicy chicken ramen was absolutely amazing—rich, flavorful, and perfectly spicy. It was so tasty and truly unique, unlike anything I’ve tried before. We also loved the crispy tuna tartare. It was beautifully presented and tasted just as good as it looked. My son enjoyed it so much that he ate a lot of it, which says everything! Great food, great flavors, and a place we would definitely come back to.

R&C

Our first visit to MOONO was a fantastic experience overall. Staff were friendly and accommodating, food service was quick and responsive and we didn't wait long to be seated or for the food to arrive. The quality and flavor of the food was excellent, we especially enjoyed the Katsu burger and fried tempura. Prices are reasonable for a sit down restaurant in south Orange County. They also have quite a selection of alcoholic beverages including sake and wine. They offer dining options like Ramen and Curry, we will have to return to eat our way through the menu. Try this place out as generally South County is a culinary wasteland critically underserved by desirable dining destinations.

Al-Dahleh Family

A Delicious Lunch Spot Worth Revisiting! We stopped by Moono for lunch and had a fantastic experience. The place was bustling, but the service was still attentive and friendly. We felt well taken care of throughout. We tried the Ramen, Dragon Roll, and the Lychee Pop drink, everything was delicious and beautifully presented. The ramen was rich and flavorful, the dragon roll was fresh with just the right balance, and the lychee drink was refreshing and fun. The ambience was vibrant and modern, making it a great spot for a casual but quality meal. It is a little on the pricier side for lunch, but the food and experience made it totally worth it. We’ll definitely be back again!

Amy Shishegar

The best sushi and ramen place in OC! As a sushi lover I was almost disappointed in finding a good sushi place in OC! But Moono was not good, it was EXCELLENT 😍 I’ll be there every week with my friends 🥂

Nikhil Mhatre

We went for a Saturday early dinner and had a great time. The ambience, service and food are all excellent. We had the Chicken Katsu Curry and Katsu burger. I especially loved the curry and would recommend it. We will go again to try the ramen.

Saunders Crosby

We had a fantastic time here for lunch! Our drinks were wonderfully crafted and our food was absolutely delicious! Well ordered the edamame, takoyaki, spicy tuna, and chicken katsu curry, and everything was exceptional! We’ll be returning to this adorable spot the next chance we get!!!

Jules Cali

A Culinary Artistry: Dining at Moono - Hidden Gem Nestled in the charming area of Rancho Santa Margarita, Moono is a trendy Japanese fusion restaurant that captures the essence of modern dining while honoring traditional flavors. Situated near the upscale neighborhoods of Coto de Caza and Dove Canyon, this small gem offers an inviting atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a beautifully designed space that feels like stepping into a work of art. The ambiance is a perfect blend of elegance and comfort, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The attention to detail in the decor sets the stage for a memorable culinary experience. The food presentation at Moono is nothing short of spectacular. Each dish is a visual feast, showcasing the chef's artistry and creativity. The flavors are equally impressive, with a skillful fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine and innovative twists that keep your palate excited. Service at Moono is exceptional; the staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu. They are eager to share recommendations and ensure that every guest feels well taken care of, enhancing the overall dining experience. What’s particularly fascinating is the background of the chef. As a seasoned Chef, Architect, Director, and Producer, he brings a unique perspective to the culinary world. His diverse skill set allows him to create a dining experience that goes beyond just food—it’s a celebration of art and culture on every plate. Overall, Moono is a must-visit for anyone in the area looking for a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends art, flavor, and exceptional service. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or simply looking to explore something new, Moono promises a delightful adventure for your senses.

IVY TAN

It was overall a lovely experience! Me and my family enjoyed the calm and aesthetic atmosphere.The service was quick and our meals came out within minutes. The ramens had wonderful flavors and was very filling. Would definitely recommend!

Alexa Trcka

We came in to Moono for dinner in orange county and had the best experience!!! All of the staff was so helpful and friendly, even giving us great suggestions on what food to order! We absolutely LOVED the cocktails so pretty and aesthetic and the vibe of the restaurant was so cute, reminded us of New York City!! We loved the rock shrimp & tuna tartare, plus the Moono roll and all of the sushi we tried was amazing! The rock shrimp was hands down the best I've ever had and I can't wait to come back for more!!! Overall, 10/10! This was one of the best and most aesthetic restaurants I've been to in Orange County & is the perfect spot for a nice dinner before a night out! Even with the prettiest cocktails this is the PERFECT photo spot!!! They even gave us our own wine glasses to decorate, so cute!! This place truly was so cute inside with the best night cocktail dinner vibes & we can't wait to come back!

Megan

Super cute restaurant with really nice decorations. We tried it on a Wednesday night and it wasn't busy at all. I absolutely loved the ceiling decorations. The staff are very nice and friendly. Food was good too. We ordered a miso soup, a spicy miso ramen, and a poke bowl. The ramen was very delicious and spicy, but the poke was ok. Highly recommend trying this place at least once!

Evi V

Cozy restaurant, great service and good food! And with vegan options 💫

ek117

I was blown away with the atmosphere and level of service at this ramen spot. It's casual but feels very upscale and fancy. Everything from the utensils to the bowls are high quality. The food is excellent as well. Got the spicy pork ramen which was cooked to perfection with flavor everywhere. 🤌 Staff was really friendly and attentive. I will be coming back!

Taegan Gray

We came in for our weekly date night. Was blown away by the atmosphere. From the outside it is very appealing and the inside is even better! Brooke was our server! She was great and very knowledgeable about drinks and food. The food was fricken amazing! So great to have a unique and delicious place in RSM!! Apps, entrees, drinks, and music were awesome!

Aras Aslan

Brooke was our server and she was ever so nice and helpful. She helped us pick some really good options on the menu, including the chicken curry katsu. My wife and i had randomly stumbled upon this spot after having spent some time at a shop nearby. The atmosphere was awesome, the food was even better, and the service was outstanding. Thank you Brooke and Moono

My friend and I stopped in because it looked interesting! Very calm and peaceful, nicely decorated! We each ordered a sushi roll, dragon roll and I a samori roll. We loved both of them! They were nicely arranged on the plate very neatly and cleanly. Not overloaded with rice, very fresh and light flavors to the end! Very satisfying !

Great atmosphere and super friendly stuff…. Food did not disappoint, we had a few sushi rolls and tasty ramen, delicious crepe cake…. Very pleasant visit and will be back soon… love the ambience, great for special occasion or romantic dinner.

Our first time at Moono last night (Sat). It was quite busy around 6:00 PM. We waited around 20 mins for a table which was well worth the wait. The food was delicious and the service was excellent! Our server Caleb, who was doing double duty as the host that night, did a great job... he was super nice, polite and efficient! We had salmon rice bowl and some sushi, all very good. We will be back for sure.

Kathy Chevalier

My friend and I stopped in because it looked interesting! Very calm and peaceful, nicely decorated! We each ordered a sushi roll, dragon roll and I a samori roll. We loved both of them! They were nicely arranged on the plate very neatly and cleanly. Not overloaded with rice, very fresh and light flavors to the end! Very satisfying !

Iva Kralova

Great atmosphere and super friendly stuff…. Food did not disappoint, we had a few sushi rolls and tasty ramen, delicious crepe cake…. Very pleasant visit and will be back soon… love the ambience, great for special occasion or romantic dinner.

Minh

I'm truly impressed with this place. From the moment we walked in for dinner, we were greeted with smiles and friendliness. The wait staff was nice and attentive without being an annoyance. The ramen is probably one of the best I've eaten in South County. Noodles - great texture Broth - balanced without being too Meats - Good amounts of protein Ambiance - I love the ceiling Everything was reasonably priced. I'm looking forward to come back to try more items from the menu.

In the comforting warmth of a bowl of ramen, the delicate strands of noodles blend seamlessly with rich broth, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Every spoonful offers a satisfying experience, where the chewiness of the noodles and the savory broth come together in a perfect, comforting union. We definitely recommend this hot spot.

*Edit* They've made some changes. We had a fantastic dinner here tonight. Service was excellent. The new ambiance was delightful. Has improved over time. Food is good. Service is always a bit slower than ideal, but very friendly staff.

+1

Great indoor dining room ambiance and optional outdoor dining with heat lamps. We came as a part of 20 and they were kind to accommodate us by moving tables together. In hindsight, we probably would have benefitted from having separate tables because it took the span of two hours to have everyone get their food and drinks. We weren’t able to eat “together” as everyone’s food came at different times. The servers were all really kind and friendly and tried their best to service our party as well as all the other patrons during the dinner rush. The food and drinks were great, everyone was pleased with what they ordered. They just need more team members.

+2

Pretty good place, great service and atmosphere and I enjoyed the unique menu over just your typical sushi place that just has rolls. Food was decent but I'm not sure it stood out.

Third time in one year visiting Moono and it is consistently very good for lunch and dinner. Casual nice with a refreshing decor and vibe. Good for family night, date night, or dining alone at the counter. On my recent visit for lunch it was intimated that there might be a lunch special offered soon. I will be back to check it out. Quality Ramen and sushi rolls and other plated offerings. The music is played at a nice level and adds to the ambiance.

K J

Third time in one year visiting Moono and it is consistently very good for lunch and dinner. Casual nice with a refreshing decor and vibe. Good for family night, date night, or dining alone at the counter. On my recent visit for lunch it was intimated that there might be a lunch special offered soon. I will be back to check it out. Quality Ramen and sushi rolls and other plated offerings. The music is played at a nice level and adds to the ambiance.

My husband went to have a guys night out so I took the opportunity to try a new place out, nearby. I was very hopeful for this place so we could have a decent ramen place to go to that wasn't all the way in Irvine. I went a little later into the night, so it was less busy and quieter. I had an excellent server, I believe his name was Caleb. He was extremely polite and checked on me regularly. I originally ordered the fried calamari, since it's something my husband wouldn't usually want to get with me. Unfortunately, they were out. It was a bit disappointing, but I couldn't hold it against them. It was late in the evening, maybe about 7pm, so it makes sense that they didn't have full stock. I ended up getting the chicken karaage, instead. This ended up being very good. The chicken was moist and the skin was crispy. This was a promising start. The disappointment came with the ramen itself, though. I got the spicy pork ramen and requested the broth not be made spicy. I wanted to try the tonkotsu broth as it was without being weighed down with chili. I would have gotten the house ramen, but the toppings for the spicy pork ramen just appealed to me more. The tonkotsu broth wasn't bad, it just wasn't good. It lacked body and the flavor was very mild. The noodles on the other hand were terrible. They tasted water-logged and were definitely overcooked. The broth wouldn't have been bad if it was paired well with decent noodles, but the waterlogged noodles worsened the broth. This was so unfortunate because I had really wanted to like this place. The toppings for the ramen fell on average. The chashu was made with pork belly and was torched for charring/flavor, which was a nice touch, had the meat itself not been dry and overcooked. The spicy ground pork that came as a topping was good, but wasn't all that spicy to me, but I have a very high spice tolerance so please don't use my opinion as a scale for your own. The egg that came with the ramen was hard boiled, which is not to say wrong, just, not standard. Ramen eggs are normally soft to medium boiled so the yolk is nice and runny, but I can understand if a restaurant changes things based off regional demographic preferences. Overall, the experience wasn't terrible, but not favorable. The service and the karaage did earn the most points towards my review, though.

Great food, but man it’s really expensive. I ordered a Salmon in The Forest $19 and a Dragon Roll $17. My 8 year old ate the Dragon roll all by himself and he was still hungry. $19 and $17 for 8 pieces in my opinion is too expensive.

Print the Chicken

Great food, but man it’s really expensive. I ordered a Salmon in The Forest $19 and a Dragon Roll $17. My 8 year old ate the Dragon roll all by himself and he was still hungry. $19 and $17 for 8 pieces in my opinion is too expensive.

UPDATED REVIEW: 2/5 I haven't been here since the place opened. Thought it'd be fast like it was initially. I was here for around an hour and a half give or take. Took them 25-30 to even bring out water. Waited like 10 more for my drink and even longer for my food. Witnessed a couple of people get sick of waiting and just dip out. I can't even blame them. The vibe is solid, but waiting that long for nothing is not worth the time. I expected better, but sometimes things happen, I guess. Never returning. Had I not been exhausted before coming in, I wouldn't have waited for the hour or so for my food. The food is still great but not worth the wait. There were plenty of servers, I just have no idea as to why it would have taken so long to even get one or two things from the kitchen. TLDR: Took over an hour for food, poor service, not worth coming here. ORIGINAL REVIEW: 5/5 Solid vibe, the food is damn great here. The spice is perfection for the spicy miso, and it does in fact get hotter. Absolutely loved the gyoza here :)

+1

This is more for the online ordering. My wife and I absolutely love their food and the experience dining in, but their online ordering is where they drop the ball. We've ordered 3 times for pick up and every single time the order is late. I always have to wait at least 15-20 minutel to get my order. Than why should I put a specific pick up time if I'm going to be waiting 15 more minutes. I hope they can get a handle on that because the place is good.

Gabe

This is more for the online ordering. My wife and I absolutely love their food and the experience dining in, but their online ordering is where they drop the ball. We've ordered 3 times for pick up and every single time the order is late. I always have to wait at least 15-20 minutel to get my order. Than why should I put a specific pick up time if I'm going to be waiting 15 more minutes. I hope they can get a handle on that because the place is good.