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Welcome to Takaya Yakitori Izakaya

At Takaya Yakitori Izakaya, the essence of authentic Japanese cuisine comes alive in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Nestled in Costa Mesa, this family-run gem offers a delightful menu specializing in yakitori, bringing together quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. As patrons savor skewers of tender chicken and flavorful vegetables, they’re treated like family by the attentive staff, creating a sense of comfort and belonging. The lively ambiance is perfect for both intimate dinners and family gatherings. Every dish, from the rich udon to the crispy karaage, reflects a commitment to authentic flavors and memorable dining experiences, making it a true culinary treasure in Southern California.

Takaya Yakitori Izakaya: Reviews & Ratings

Yvonne W.
Yvonne W.

This is our favorite family style Japanese restaurant in SoCal. Every visit feels like a meal at a friend's house where the friends are amazing chefs/hosts. We also get the most amazing Osechi Ryori here every New Year's Eve. It's a well loved tradition in our family. I love this restaurant!

Jin P.
Jin P.

This is our regular date spot and it never fails. The yakitori menu is a given but don't sleep on the other menu items. We love the Japanese stew options and we always get the black pork cutlet. Also the lady is always super sweet to us when we come in!

Lisa L.
Lisa L.

We put a reservation down for two on a Sunday at 6 PM at this location. Parking was limited, but we were able to find a spot because we came around 30 minutes earlier than our reservation. To enter you must call the store as the doors locked because they don't allowwalk-ins. we were greeted by a friendly staff member, appears to be the wife of the husband who is the chef of the store. We were seated very quickly as we had reservations. We ordered their famous udon at the restaurant with some appetizers, like their chicken karage and a few of their yakitori options. All of the yakitori were delicious. We got pork belly, garlic, chicken, and chicken thighs with sauce. The sauce wasn't too sweet or salty. It was delicious and perfect in our opinion! Their udon was pretty delicious. The soup felt very refreshing and clean and udon has a good texture. The wife or waitress of the restaurant made sure we were doing okay and we were checked in upon quite often. The ambience inside was nice. There were plenty of cultural paintings and artwork from Japan. Overall, I had a very good experience with this restaurant. I did not feel rushed, and we had plenty of time to eat within our two hour reservation.

Mihoka F.
Mihoka F.

Agh I cannot rave enough about this place. Authentic Japanese yakitori, most reasonable yakitori I have found. Staff is lovely, kind, and patient. The interior is clean and relaxed. I've come alone and with friends, they make me feel comfortable even when I'm alone~ Reservation is needed! Parking is a bit difficult, but worth!!!! 美味しくて美味しくて、友達とも来たし1人でも来店しました。また来ます!!! 軟骨美味しかったです〜

Stephanie D.
Stephanie D.

Me and my boyfriend were walking by and stumbled upon this izakaya restaurant. It is reservation only but we were lucky enough to get a table. The place seems like it's run by a husband and wife and the wife is the only server there. She was super polite and sincere. The atmosphere was really intimate with only a few tables being occupied which made me enjoy my dinner since it was so relaxing. We got their most popular udon and it was fantastic. Even though it was supposed to be spicy, there was barely any spice on it but the broth was so flavorful but light at the same time. It warmed our stomach's up and you can tell it was made with care. The toppings were a great addition as well with the best being an egg where we mixed the yolk in with the soup and made it so creamy. Really delicious and definitely a must try. The karaage was made with dark meat and was super juicy with a very light batter. It paired well with the cabbage and lemon. Typically there's a mayo based dipping sauce with karaage but this one definitely did not need it. For the yakitori skewers, our favorite was the chicken and you could taste the char on it. Everything was great especially for the price point. However, the beef skewer was a little chewy and tough. Although the yakitori was not the best, we will definitely be back again. The atmosphere here as well as the service elevates the dining experience. This will be one of our go-to date spots!

Mayumi B.
Mayumi B.

Honesty !! I was shocked good way. This small place is the best quality food with this decent price. I have gone to so many Izakaya at OC and not sure I missed this place until today . If you want to have home cooking flavor and good quality with care, this is the place . I revommend

Lenny L.
Lenny L.

I adore this place. You cannot just walk in as the door is locked, you have to be invited in. We made our reservations the day before as I was excited to find a new place I have not visited. The woman owner welcomed me inside this humble restaurant that felt like their home. We perused the hand written menu which was beautifully done. Everything seems so personal. We ordered the sashimi, avocado salad which is big enough to share for two. Then the izakaya, we ordered an assortment. Some I liked and a couple of the skewers were just OK. also ordered beef stew which was delicious and comforting. I would order this again. The hand roll uni was also satisfying. The ambiance felt homey yet exclusive.

Jennifer C.
Jennifer C.

Reservation only, and from my experience it's not hard to make. The ambiance inside is very homey, mom and pop vibes. There was only one server that night, and she was really great and attentive. We ordered a few skewers and they were all really good portioned. Taste wise, I prefer Hondaya, but I prefer the cleaner and less chaotic vibes of this place more. Pro-tip parking in this plaza is chaotic so if you can't find parking you can park at the Marriot next door for $7.

Jessie Z.
Jessie Z.

Authentic Izakaya vibes & authentic Japanese. This means you must call after 5pm prior to make a reservation and you must not arrive late. Go early to account for limited parking where you might have to park a few blocks over because parking is a nightmare. Mainly came here for yakitori, the vibes were lit and perfectly accompanied with drinking due to a party reservation. Afterwards it got quieter but time seemed to stop in this restarwunt ambiance. Takoyaki- freshly made, alright, wish it had the bonito flakes but I suspect they left it out to accomodate tastes. Yellowtail roll- it was fresh but it wasn't rolled tightly and fell apart. I would get if you like california rolls but not if you are a true sushi lover Udon- great had a lot of toppings and noodles. A solid amount and great presentation Chu hi- relatively strong for the weak, flavored like a soda + alch Yakitori- their yakitori is coveted but unfortunately with both salt and soy we found it to be too salty. I recommend the chicken thigh/green onion/garlic -soy and the mushroom. The chicken gizzard were hard, the beef was on the dry side and the chicken meatballs were genuinely mashed chicken. Everything just was too salty without much dishes to alleviate the salt, but then again i suppose its meant to be paired with drinking. It didn't have the charcoal grilled flavor/scent I was seeking. But the ambiance is truly like an Izakaya and a nice experience.

Location

Welcome to Takaya Yakitori Izakaya, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Costa Mesa, California. Located at 891 Baker St # B15, this charming establishment offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, where warmth and hospitality blend seamlessly with mouthwatering cuisine.

As you step inside, you're greeted by an inviting ambiance reminiscent of traditional izakayas found in Japan. The intimate setting, adorned with cultural artwork, sets the perfect backdrop for a delightful meal with friends, family, or that special someone.

Reservations are recommended here, as the restaurant limits walk-ins to maintain a cozy atmosphere. Fortunately, the dedicated staff, often recognized as a husband-and-wife duo, ensure personalized attention to every guest. The wife, serving as the sole server, is known for her warm demeanor, making dining here feel like a visit to a friend's home.

Now, let's talk about the food. Takaya Yakitori Izakaya specializes in yakitori, expertly grilled skewers showcasing the best of Japanese flavors. From succulent chicken thigh skewers to indulgent pork belly, each bite offers a delightful smoky char that keeps diners coming back for more. Don't overlook their other offerings, such as the karaage fried chicken, recognized for its tender dark meat and light, crispy batter.

The udon noodles are a highlight as well. With options ranging from the comforting Kitsune Udon to the savory Curry Udon, each bowl is crafted with care. Customers rave about the flavorful broth, perfectly complementing the udon’s texture. And if you're a fan of decadent toppings, the creamy egg mixed into your soup elevates the experience to another level.

  • Reservations: Strongly encouraged for a seamless experience.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with outdoor seating options available.
  • Dining Options: Takeout, delivery, and catering services available.
  • Vegan Options: Satisfying choices for plant-based diners.
  • Parking: Limited spots, best to arrive early.

What sets Takaya Yakitori Izakaya apart isn't just the food, but the genuine care and comfort that envelops each dining experience. The attention to detail, from the friendly greetings to the beautifully presented dishes, creates a memorable atmosphere. As one customer put it, every visit feels like a meal at a friend's house where the chefs are truly passionate about their craft.

In summary, if you find yourself in Costa Mesa and crave authentic Japanese yakitori and comforting udon, don't miss out on Takaya Yakitori Izakaya. This culinary haven is not just a restaurant; it’s a shared experience that connects flavors, culture, and community.

For reservations, call (714) 557-8715 and get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary journey. Your taste buds will thank you!