Nova Kitchen & Bar

4.2

906 Reviews

$31 to $50

Asian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails
Innovative

NOVA Kitchen & Bar is an experiential dining destination, exploring the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water—to engage and tantalize the five senses of taste, smell, sight, touch and sound. The result? An ethereal and magical experience. Inspired by the transient astronomical event of a moving star, Nova empowers guests to experience the five dimensions of life on earth like they never have before.

We have a strict 10 minute grace period for reservations. At least half of your party must be present to be seated. Parties who are running late should call the restaurant prior to your reservation time to ensure your reservation doesn't get canceled. There are no same day reservations on Friday and Saturdays. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Private dining

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Additional information

Location
12361 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Phone number
(714) 696-0888
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Asian, Fusion / Eclectic, Sushi
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
We provide parking validation for up to three hours!
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Experiences

5 Element Sunday Brunch
$69.99 per person
Multiple dates available
5 Element Sunday Brunch is an immersive AYCE dining experience where each element—Wood, Metal, Fire, Water, and Earth—comes to life through thoughtfully curated cuisine. Journey through uniquely themed rooms featuring indulgent offerings like prime rib, sushi, crab legs, and more, each representing a different element for a multi-sensory brunch like no other.

Offers

Happy Hour Monday-Friday (4-6PM)
Multiple dates available
Fri - Sat - 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Special Appetizers & Cocktail
Omakase $68/person (Tues & Weds)
Multiple dates available
Tue - Wed - 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
11-course Dinner Starting at 7PM Visit www.novaoc.com/omakasebooking for reservations.

Popular dishes

Shrimp Cocktail$20.00
three jumbo shrimp / wasabi aioli / soy cocktail
Char Siu Bao$16.00
3pc, barbecue pork, sweet soy, oyster sauce
Pork Belly Bao$15.00
braised pork belly / hoisin / shiso / crushed peanut / kaiware sprout
Element Dumpling$15.00
colorful assortment / pork / chick / soup dumplings
Wonton Corn Dip$15.00
corn, chipotle aioli, wonton chips, yuzu, nori, asian spice, sakura cheese
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice$15.00
serrano / spicy mayo
Wings$14.00
thai chili sauce / sesame seed / blue cheese avocado dip
Chili Oil Wonton$14.00
pork / shrimp
Eggplant Tower (NEW)$14.00
japanese eggplant / panko / tzatziki / yuzu / nori
Fried Calamari$14.00
sliced calamari steak / peppercini & cherry peppers / garlic butter
Brussel Sprouts$13.00
sriracha / balsamic soy / itogaki / almond / chive
Edamame$9.00
traditional w. maldon salt OR garlic soy sauté
Miso Soup$5.00
seaweed / tofu / dashi

Rice & Noodz

Pork Belly Mac & Cheese (NEW)$22.00
macaroni / braised pork belly./ negi / nori / mornay sauce
Floating Garlic Noodz$24.00
jumbo prawns / gravity noodles / garlic soy sauce
Fried Rice
scallop / egg / crispy shallot / shrimp
- Veg$13.00
- Seafood$15.00
Chow Mein$15.00
green cabbage / leek / sesame seed / dark soy
Dan Dan Noodle$14.00
ground pork / cilantro / szechuan chili sauce

Shaking Beef$24.00
prime / bok choy / pickled onion / garlic soy
The "NFC" NOVA Fried Chicken (NEW)$22.00
3pc or 5pc / chicken thigh / garlic / dill pickle / house-made asian spices
Szechuan Tofu & Veggies$19.00
vegetable medley / citrus schezuan sauce / fried tofu
Kung Pao Chicken$19.00
water chestnut / ginger soy sauce / peanut / scallion / rice
Seared Ahi Tuna Salad$17.00
garlic seared ahi / mix baby greens / yuzu citrus vinaigrette
Braised Pork Belly$16.00
curry noodles / seasame seeds / bell peppers / thai basil
Deep Dish Tuna "Pizza"$16.00
crushed wontons / spicy tuna / avocado / green onions / wasabi aioli
Mushroom Toast$14.00
shimeji / baguette / truffle oil / saba / garlic aioli
Shrimp Tempura$14.00
tempura batter / togarashi / chive / spicy mayo

Table

The Hawk$100.00
36oz bone in tomahawk ribeye / trumpet mushrooms / mustard soy glaze
Wagyu Ribeye$74.00
14oz / shishito / cherry tomato / herb butter / trumpet mushrooms
Manila Ribeye$74.00
14oz wagyu ribeye marinated 48 hours / marinated pineapple / sweet garlic / soy
Novaruption$56.00
braised short ribs / fried basil leaves / maggi sauce / creamy slaw
Whole Branzino$56.00
seasonal vegetable / yuzu burre blanc / chimichurri
Amai Miso Cod$44.00
72hr miso marinated / miso reduction / bok choy / banana leaf
Wagyu Filet Skillet$40.00
5oz tenderloin / mushroom / caramelized onion / ponzu glaze / herb butter
Panko Crusted Salmon$34.00
sesame bok choy / saffron sauce / ginger garlic and panko crust
Thai Charred New York Steak$29.00
thai chutney / fried japanese eggplant / shoaxing truffle butter / block cut
Korean Galbi Plate$29.00
sweet soy marinade / kimchee / green onion
Teriyaki Chicken$23.00
chicken / daikon slaw / rice / pickled cucumber / sesame / teriyaki

Nigiri & Sashimi

Tuna
- Nigiri (2pc)$9.00
- Sashimi$13.00
Yellowtail Belly
- Nigiri (2pc)$9.00
- Sashimi$12.00
Yellowtail
- Nigiri (2pc)$9.00
- Sashimi$12.00
Salmon Belly
- Nigiri (2pc)$9.00
- Sashimi$12.00
Salmon
- Nigiri (2pc)$8.00
- Sashimi$11.00
Unagi
- Nigiri (2pc)$9.00
- Sashimi$13.00
Uni
- Nigiri (2pc)$16.00
- Sashimi$22.00
Toro
- Nigiri (2pc)$17.00
- Sashimi$24.00
Sweet Shrimp
- 1 Pc$10.00
- 3 Pc$25.00
Shrimp
- Nigiri (2pc)$6.00
- Sashimi$9.00
Hotate
- Nigiri (2pc)$8.00
- Sashimi$11.00
Tako
- Nigiri (2pc)$8.00
- Sashimi$12.00
Halibut
- Nigiri (2pc)$9.00
- Sashimi$13.00

Classic Rolls

Tuna
- Cut$10.00
- Hand$9.00
Cucumber
- Cut$8.00
- Hand$7.00
Negi Toro
- Cut$18.00
- Hand$15.00
California
- Cut$10.00
- Hand$8.00
Spicy Tuna
- Cut$11.00
- Hand$10.00
Salmon Skin
- Cut$12.00
- Hand$10.00
Vegetable
- Cut$9.00
- Hand$8.00

Specialty Rolls

Prime Mēt Roll$22.00
cali roll / seared filet / chives / kabayaki sauce
"BTS" Roll$19.00
baked tuna & salmon / masago / chives / shallots
"Black Pink" Roll$19.00
salmon roll / avocado / pink rice / black tobiko
Double Hamachi$19.00
spicy y.tail / avocado / cucumber / serrano / onion ponzu / crispy shallots
Spicy Tuna Mango Salsa$18.00
spicy tuna / puffed rice / avocado / mango salsa
Keto Roll$18.00
rice-less roll / cucumber wrap / yellowtail / tuna / salmon / avocado
Shrimp Tempura$17.00
avocado / cucumber / asparagus / shrimp tempura / spicy mayo
Volcano$17.00
california roll / baked scallop
Rainbow$16.00
california roll / assorted fish on top

Specialty Sashimi Plates

Toro Tartare$40.00
toro / caviar / dashi soy / gold leaf
Yellowtail Jalapeño$19.00
6pc yellowtail sashimi / serrano / cilantro / onion ponzu
Octopus with Japanese Herbs$19.00
mitsuba / parsley / shallot / yuzo kosho / lemon juice

What 906 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.3Service
4.3Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

North Orange County
Innovative

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Nova Kitchen & Bar boasts a "unique ambiance" and "lively atmosphere," making it a favorite for celebrations. While the food receives mixed reviews, many diners praise the sushi and cocktails as "amazing." The staff is described as "friendly and attentive," enhancing the dining experience. Overall, it's a vibrant spot perfect for special occasions.

906 Reviews

T
Thomas
San Diego2 reviews
2.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Marginal brunch at best. Expected alot more for $70. Yelp brunch photos deceiving. No oysters, no Mochi tower, no Eggs Benedict, lots of crab, but wasn't cracked like the photo. Crab was cold and really salty. Prime rib cold. Brunch is described as 5 rooms for the senses. It's one room with 5 stations. No omelet bar. Normal breakfast items in warmers with a couple of asian items that looked like they came from Panda Express. No duck like in the photos. Pasta bar with limited offerings. Desert consisted of a few assorted cookies. Alcohol is extra. Not even a complimentary Mimosa. Apparently most of the glowing reviews on Yelp are for the dinner service. As far as Brunch goes it's a hard pass. There are much better deals out there.
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C
Chris
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and drinks were really good, service was fast and friendly overall I would rate this restaurant a solid 9.5/10.
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P
Paul VIP
Orange County5 reviews
2.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
From hand written paper signs for the food stations to food service containers with broken handles, this was a completely sub par experience and we will NOT BE returning or suggesting to anyone.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles1 review
2.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Honestly not worth the hype and barely looked like a buffet (looked more like catering at a party). would skip this if you’re expecting good quality seafood.
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MB
MariahB
San Francisco2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nova was a different kind of experience that I enjoyed so much. I was celebrating a new job with my family so the brunch was needed.
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A
Apryl VIP
Orange County3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I brought my fiancé here to celebrate a work promotion. She said she wanted Japanese food and the reviews that I had read of Nova seemed like it would be the perfect place to go. Nova did not disappoint! The ambiance was really unique and was a very cool vibe. Our waitress, Mary, was absolutely amazing. She gave us a lot of very helpful recommendations and was extremely attentive. Our food came out so quickly! We got some of our dishes before we even got our drinks (which was great because we came with an appetite). We wanted the drink that was on fire, but it sounded too sweet for us. Thankfully, Mary let us know we could get a different drink with the fire plate and we’re so glad we did. The drinks were good as was the food. We definitely plan on coming back.
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S
Suong
Central Coast2 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The ambience and staff was great but the food was lacking. Each station for the all you can eat didn’t have enough food and most of the time was waiting. For the price paid I would not come back or recommend to friends and family. Disappointing birthday brunch.
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A
A
Los Angeles1 review
3.0
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Was nice, but found the selection underwhelming for the value. I was there for Sunday brunch. Service was great.
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B
Brayan
Los Angeles2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I was greeted at the grin door with amazing ambiance and big smile by the front desk. Was quickly sat and provided with many great recommendations. The habiscus zest was a great starter cocktail . I highly recommend the miso cod and the wagyu ribeye. Service was top notch. Definitely a must try when you are around Garden Grove, Disneyland or the convention center.
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J
June VIP
Seattle2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our favorite local restaurant. Thank you Nicole for being an amazing server!
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FAQs

Nova Kitchen & Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (714) 696-0888.

Nova Kitchen & Bar is rated 4.2 stars by 906 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

Experiences are available.

12361 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840

Additional information

Phone number
(714) 696-0888
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Asian, Fusion / Eclectic, Sushi
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
We provide parking validation for up to three hours!
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Nova Kitchen & Bar

Make a reservation

Private dining

Additional information

5 Element Sunday Brunch

Happy Hour Monday-Friday (4-6PM)

Omakase $68/person (Tues & Weds)

Brussel Sprouts

Edamame

Kung Pao Chicken

Begin

Shrimp Cocktail$20.00

Char Siu Bao$16.00

Pork Belly Bao$15.00

Element Dumpling$15.00

Wonton Corn Dip$15.00

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice$15.00

Wings$14.00

Chili Oil Wonton$14.00

Eggplant Tower (NEW)$14.00

Fried Calamari$14.00

Brussel Sprouts$13.00

Edamame$9.00

Miso Soup$5.00

Rice & Noodz

Pork Belly Mac & Cheese (NEW)$22.00

Floating Garlic Noodz$24.00

Fried Rice

Chow Mein$15.00

Dan Dan Noodle$14.00

Share

Shaking Beef$24.00

The "NFC" NOVA Fried Chicken (NEW)$22.00

Szechuan Tofu & Veggies$19.00

Kung Pao Chicken$19.00

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad$17.00

Braised Pork Belly$16.00

Deep Dish Tuna "Pizza"$16.00

Mushroom Toast$14.00

Shrimp Tempura$14.00

Table

The Hawk$100.00

Wagyu Ribeye$74.00

Manila Ribeye$74.00

Novaruption$56.00

Whole Branzino$56.00

Amai Miso Cod$44.00

Wagyu Filet Skillet$40.00

Panko Crusted Salmon$34.00

Thai Charred New York Steak$29.00

Korean Galbi Plate$29.00

Teriyaki Chicken$23.00

Nigiri & Sashimi

Tuna

Yellowtail Belly

Yellowtail

Salmon Belly

Salmon

Unagi

Uni

Toro

Sweet Shrimp

Shrimp

Hotate

Tako

Halibut

Classic Rolls

Tuna

Cucumber

Negi Toro

California

Spicy Tuna

Salmon Skin

Vegetable

Specialty Rolls

Prime Mēt Roll$22.00

"BTS" Roll$19.00

"Black Pink" Roll$19.00

Double Hamachi$19.00

Spicy Tuna Mango Salsa$18.00