Ben & Ayako (husband & wife, Fufu) have opened their dream restaurant. If you're looking for a traditional Japanese taste with a nouveau twist, then this is a MUST. If you're looking for a quick to go order or a quick bite then you're missing the point. My husband and I have known this husband and wife team for several years and we're so excited to see their dream come to reality. We ordered the "Omakase" - "selected by the Chef" and were not disappointed - fresh & delicious!! We can't wait to see what's next!
Theresa V.
I have been to taira four times now in the past month, three times before their official name change and once right after their grand opening. The food and service from Chef Ben and Ayako is an absolute gem to come across, especially in garden grove which lack great options for Japanese cuisine. Taira Sushi is located in a "New Seoul Plaza" which is adjacent to hmart on Garden Grove Blvd/Magnolia. Each appetizer/dish is made in house with distributors that source fish from different prefectures in Japan. Through Chef Ben's preparation, I was able to try fish/seafood from areas I've never had before which is such a delight. If it is your first time, I'd highly recommend trying the omakase with appetizers. As previously mentioned, the appetizers are all made in house. The sesame tofu is paired with pickled veggies, such as beets that give it the color - the perfect balance between the nuttiness of the sesame tofu, savoriness and acidity from the pickled beets. The pickled tomatoes act as a palette cleanser, cool and refreshing. The simmered beef tongue is a dish made with love, you can taste the labor and hours that went into preparing this dish as it completely melts in your mouth with this unctuous and tender bite. The wings are simple but executed well, super crispy and savory. It's been a while since I've been thoroughly impressed with a meal and was absolutely blown away with the preparation of barracuda - it was my first time having barracuda and it was seared with house soy and green onions. The texture of the fish was soft, delectable, and the sushi soy sauce complimented it very well. Chef Ben noted that the yellowtail served that day was wild yellowtail, which is rare to come by as many places source farmed yellowtail. The color was a deeper pink and the texture was firm with a bite to it. The food at taira is a mix of elevated cuisine with fun dishes in a non-intimidating environment that allows you to socialize, drink beer, and enjoy a meal with great company. Be sure to save room for desserts Ayako made the matcha white chocolate terrine that has a melt in your mouth texture that reminds me of meltyblends/Royce chocolate, I could not stop going back for more hojicha (roasted brown tea) pudding. I am so happy that Taira is here to be a closer option for authentic Japanese cuisine. I can't sing praises for taira loud enough, add it on your list to try and prioritize a visit there soon!
Marie
This is a new gem of a Japanese restaurant. Under new owners. Great food. Great Attitude. Wonderful sushi. Their Japanese beef stew was the bomb. Took another order how and tasted so yummy!Parking: Lots of parking
Abby Saul
Beautiful experience! Came with my daughter and one of the waitresses literally taught my daughter how to use chopsticks. Not to mention the beautiful attention to the art and tradition of sushi. So fresh and delicious, you can taste that the food is made with love. Looking forward to coming back!
DAN FUKUSHIMA
Great Food. Great Service. Ours was a party of three. we sat the small cozy sushi bar. We asked chef Ben to surprise us. Deeelicious. We had his Japanese stew that was so delicious. Sashimi was delicious and just the right quantity. The fried panko fish skewers were moist on the inside, crispy on the outside. Gyoza was perfect. Our waitress, Ayako, was over the top attentive and friendly. Highly recommend.
Nathan P.
this place was an absolute joke. I placed an order online and waited over an hour for such a small order. This is the type of service you'd expect if the place was packed with a line out the door but there were maybe 3-4 tables. I came to pick it up 25 minutes after I placed the order which I think is a sufficient amount of time for it to have been ready. I came in and stood by the door for 5 minutes before someone even acknowledged I was there. I tell her that I'm there to pick up the order and she just says it's not ready. So, I sit back down for a good 5 minutes. Another person picking up their order seemed to have also been waiting awhile and seemed annoyed when he came in again and the order still wasn't ready. At this point, I decide to just leave for a bit and get boba which took 25 minutes maybe? Guess what? I come back in and they are only now starting to make the order... seriously? I then waited another 5 minutes until the bag was in my hand. The worst part was barely getting an apology. She didn't even genuinely apologize and avoided eye contact. With that out of the way, was it worth the hour wait? NO. The sushi did not taste fresh especially the nigiri where you have no room to hide the quality. The salmon skin hand roll was good and crispy. The Kill Bill roll was okay. But the quality of fish is obviously buried under the crispy onions, spicy tuna mix, seared tuna, and sauce. The tuna nigiri was extremely fishy tasting which is a sign of bad quality fish. It also slightly smelled and the salmon wasn't any better. Again, what a joke. Waste of time and money and nothing good to make up for it. I would not recommend this place at all.
Jayde Le
Cute little mom&pop shop.We had an event here and they were so kind and accommodating to our large group. The food was sooooo good.I tried the riceless roll, baked salmon and a mango one. I really enjoyed all of them. I'd definitely come back.
Alyssa N.
The food was pretty good. I felt badly for the host,/server bc the service was pretty slow. They only had one sushi chef and one regular chef. I believe they forgot one of our sushi roll orders. Times are tough w short staff. So, we were understanding.
Ratta B.
One of the best place in OC!!! The food was so good .The presentation was amazing. We will definitely come back again.Highly highly recommend.
Pook Pookie
Love this Sushi place I found in Gardengrove. Fresh and healthy sushi. Nice and welcome ambience. Will definitely go back
Great food and wonderful hosts. Would dine here again for sure! I got a Bento box with fish that was cooked perfectly, and a delicious sushi roll as well.
Taylor C.
Yuuko Sushi is so yummy! Their fish is fresh and the staff is very friendly. Atmosphere was comfy. ALSO, CLEAN BATHROOMS. 11/10 would come back again with friends
Darin G.
Second time here and it's even better than the first time. Today I got sashimi combo, I don't eat salmon but the owner is so nice to accommodate me for that. She take salmon out and get scallops for me! I would recommend for you to come here and try it out, you won't be disappointed
J F.
Holy mackerel BATMAN! That was so fresh n tasty! A thick bite too! Haha! Oo I can't wait to come back! Yummmmo
Vinh Ngo
Excellent and friendly service with great food to boot!This family runned sushi spot takes pride in delivering a quality dining experience in a casual environment. They have bento box style combos that are perfect for a quick lunch, the usual suspects of rolls, more creative unique rolls, as well as traditional nigiri.
Ben & Ayako (husband & wife, Fufu) have opened their dream restaurant. If you're looking for a traditional Japanese taste with a nouveau twist, then this is a MUST. If you're looking for a quick to go order or a quick bite then you're missing the point. My husband and I have known this husband and wife team for several years and we're so excited to see their dream come to reality. We ordered the "Omakase" - "selected by the Chef" and were not disappointed - fresh & delicious!! We can't wait to see what's next!
I have been to taira four times now in the past month, three times before their official name change and once right after their grand opening. The food and service from Chef Ben and Ayako is an absolute gem to come across, especially in garden grove which lack great options for Japanese cuisine. Taira Sushi is located in a "New Seoul Plaza" which is adjacent to hmart on Garden Grove Blvd/Magnolia. Each appetizer/dish is made in house with distributors that source fish from different prefectures in Japan. Through Chef Ben's preparation, I was able to try fish/seafood from areas I've never had before which is such a delight. If it is your first time, I'd highly recommend trying the omakase with appetizers. As previously mentioned, the appetizers are all made in house. The sesame tofu is paired with pickled veggies, such as beets that give it the color - the perfect balance between the nuttiness of the sesame tofu, savoriness and acidity from the pickled beets. The pickled tomatoes act as a palette cleanser, cool and refreshing. The simmered beef tongue is a dish made with love, you can taste the labor and hours that went into preparing this dish as it completely melts in your mouth with this unctuous and tender bite. The wings are simple but executed well, super crispy and savory. It's been a while since I've been thoroughly impressed with a meal and was absolutely blown away with the preparation of barracuda - it was my first time having barracuda and it was seared with house soy and green onions. The texture of the fish was soft, delectable, and the sushi soy sauce complimented it very well. Chef Ben noted that the yellowtail served that day was wild yellowtail, which is rare to come by as many places source farmed yellowtail. The color was a deeper pink and the texture was firm with a bite to it. The food at taira is a mix of elevated cuisine with fun dishes in a non-intimidating environment that allows you to socialize, drink beer, and enjoy a meal with great company. Be sure to save room for desserts Ayako made the matcha white chocolate terrine that has a melt in your mouth texture that reminds me of meltyblends/Royce chocolate, I could not stop going back for more hojicha (roasted brown tea) pudding. I am so happy that Taira is here to be a closer option for authentic Japanese cuisine. I can't sing praises for taira loud enough, add it on your list to try and prioritize a visit there soon!
This is a new gem of a Japanese restaurant. Under new owners. Great food. Great Attitude. Wonderful sushi. Their Japanese beef stew was the bomb. Took another order how and tasted so yummy!Parking: Lots of parking
Beautiful experience! Came with my daughter and one of the waitresses literally taught my daughter how to use chopsticks. Not to mention the beautiful attention to the art and tradition of sushi. So fresh and delicious, you can taste that the food is made with love. Looking forward to coming back!
Great Food. Great Service. Ours was a party of three. we sat the small cozy sushi bar. We asked chef Ben to surprise us. Deeelicious. We had his Japanese stew that was so delicious. Sashimi was delicious and just the right quantity. The fried panko fish skewers were moist on the inside, crispy on the outside. Gyoza was perfect. Our waitress, Ayako, was over the top attentive and friendly. Highly recommend.
this place was an absolute joke. I placed an order online and waited over an hour for such a small order. This is the type of service you'd expect if the place was packed with a line out the door but there were maybe 3-4 tables. I came to pick it up 25 minutes after I placed the order which I think is a sufficient amount of time for it to have been ready. I came in and stood by the door for 5 minutes before someone even acknowledged I was there. I tell her that I'm there to pick up the order and she just says it's not ready. So, I sit back down for a good 5 minutes. Another person picking up their order seemed to have also been waiting awhile and seemed annoyed when he came in again and the order still wasn't ready. At this point, I decide to just leave for a bit and get boba which took 25 minutes maybe? Guess what? I come back in and they are only now starting to make the order... seriously? I then waited another 5 minutes until the bag was in my hand. The worst part was barely getting an apology. She didn't even genuinely apologize and avoided eye contact. With that out of the way, was it worth the hour wait? NO. The sushi did not taste fresh especially the nigiri where you have no room to hide the quality. The salmon skin hand roll was good and crispy. The Kill Bill roll was okay. But the quality of fish is obviously buried under the crispy onions, spicy tuna mix, seared tuna, and sauce. The tuna nigiri was extremely fishy tasting which is a sign of bad quality fish. It also slightly smelled and the salmon wasn't any better. Again, what a joke. Waste of time and money and nothing good to make up for it. I would not recommend this place at all.
Cute little mom&pop shop.We had an event here and they were so kind and accommodating to our large group. The food was sooooo good.I tried the riceless roll, baked salmon and a mango one. I really enjoyed all of them. I'd definitely come back.
The food was pretty good. I felt badly for the host,/server bc the service was pretty slow. They only had one sushi chef and one regular chef. I believe they forgot one of our sushi roll orders. Times are tough w short staff. So, we were understanding.
One of the best place in OC!!! The food was so good .The presentation was amazing. We will definitely come back again.Highly highly recommend.
Love this Sushi place I found in Gardengrove. Fresh and healthy sushi. Nice and welcome ambience. Will definitely go back
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food and wonderful hosts. Would dine here again for sure! I got a Bento box with fish that was cooked perfectly, and a delicious sushi roll as well.
Yuuko Sushi is so yummy! Their fish is fresh and the staff is very friendly. Atmosphere was comfy. ALSO, CLEAN BATHROOMS. 11/10 would come back again with friends
Second time here and it's even better than the first time. Today I got sashimi combo, I don't eat salmon but the owner is so nice to accommodate me for that. She take salmon out and get scallops for me! I would recommend for you to come here and try it out, you won't be disappointed
Holy mackerel BATMAN! That was so fresh n tasty! A thick bite too! Haha! Oo I can't wait to come back! Yummmmo
Excellent and friendly service with great food to boot!This family runned sushi spot takes pride in delivering a quality dining experience in a casual environment. They have bento box style combos that are perfect for a quick lunch, the usual suspects of rolls, more creative unique rolls, as well as traditional nigiri.