Food | H2O Sushi & Izakaya

I finally had the chance to stop into H2O Sushi & Izakaya for lunch which recently opened at the Triangle in Costa Mesa. I haven't been back to the Triangle since it's huge re-model, re-vamp, and what have you; but it was a great experience. Unlike it's predecessor Sushi Zen which was my all-time fave sushi restaurant to dine in at all times of the day; H2O is significantly larger (the hostess noted that a wall was knocked down here and there and thus the space expanded), and infuses modern and sophisticated shapes, decor, and lighting bringing together quite a swanky atmosphere.
I came in around 1pm (not a super busy point in the day), but my great experience was attributed to server Charlene; from the moment she re-sat us away from the noise of construction taking place upstairs to her very friendly and accommodating nature. I don't usually take a particular liking to spicy foods, and I love albacore, but every albacore dish was spicy albacore. Charlene made sure to ask the sushi chef if I could have a customized dish of just regular albacore; and after a switch here and there between different albacore dishes, voila I had my own non-spicy albacore dish set in ponzu sauced and topped with crispy onion.
I have not seen a 'tapas' menu at a sushi restaurant before, so I ordered the pork belly, which I figured at $1.80 maybe I would get 2 skewers, but you only get one. In my case, I only wanted a taste anyways because I had not tried anything from the tapas menu before; if you know you'll be sharing with others then order more than one! I have a soft spot for scallops and had to get the Dynamite Roll which had baked scallops and veggies on top of a California roll, de-lish as always and the veggies (which I haven't had with a baked scallop roll before) added great flavor. I will be back, and with my VIP card which tracks your meals and you can accumulate bonus points yielding discounts off of future meals. Charlene also mentioned that there are private rooms (no extra charge or minimum purchase), that just need to be reserved ahead of time; PERFECT for birthdays, events, and meetings so I just might have to throw a late birthday dinner here (seeing that I'll be in Oregon for my actual birthday). Come in an experience an exciting menu, beyond friendly staff, and great atmosphere!