I've been going here for almost forty years, through multiple owners. The menu changed after the first ownership change. The off the menu, menu pretty much disappeared. This was one of the main reasons I went here. Being able to order something unique to insiders and the main chef's likings for the day was wonderful. Things the regular crowd was not ready for, at the time. The new setup took some time to settle into its groove, although the line of patrons was still camping out, a line waiting for the restaurant to open. I felt that the menu was a bit lacking and did not frequent it as often. Then it appears to have changed again and a friend coaxed me to go and try it again. The appetizers (Fried Oysters, Salmon Kama, Seaweed Salad, Karaage Chicken) and rolls (Volcano, Spicy Salmon, Scallop Handroll) were good, but I felt that the combo plates were lacking in choice and visual appeal. It may be that I have a too sensitive of a sense of smell, but this is the second time the dining area smelled of a homeless person who relieved themselves in this area. They need to fix this, or next time the health department may pay them a visit.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tammy Reyes
Celebrated my friend's anniversary. Amazing service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maker Daddy
This place used to be decent, but when we came around noon on January 5, the food quality and service had deteriorated fast — and badly.
First, while we were waiting to be seated, a Hispanic server completely ignored us. At 2 p.m., with plenty of empty tables, what exactly is the justification for making guests wait 5–10 minutes just to sit down? It’s a great way to make customers feel unwelcome from the very first minute.
Second, the staff member handling orders had zero patience. We were told they couldn’t do fried items today, which meant half the menu was unavailable. Fine — things happen. But when the restaurant isn’t even busy, why the attitude and impatience? It’s honestly baffling. Japanese restaurants are usually known for attentive service, and this place used to reflect that. Now the service is simply low-level.
Then the food arrived: the chicken was cold. You don’t serve cold cooked food to paying customers — that’s basic restaurant hygiene and professionalism. On top of that, we asked this same server for a straw and he completely brushed it off. Unacceptable.
I’m leaving a negative review because this experience showed a clear lack of care for customers. I used to like this restaurant, but whether it’s new staff or poor management, the current food and service don’t deserve my respect — and I won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
AizhanKap
I loved the quality of food and service👍🏻 We arrived around 5-6 pm on Sat night, it was all busy, a few tables were available. The portions were huge)) We really enjoyed dinner at this place. Highly recommend👍🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
TK LEE
I first came here nearly 30 years ago, and while many things have changed since then, it’s still familiar in its own way. The food is decent, and the portions are very generous—perfect for bringing some home for a late-night bite.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Carlos Gan
It is not what it used to be. The quality of the food is not as good as it once was. I ordered unagi kabayaki which fresh water eel over rice. Instead all I got was the unagi with a bit of pickled kelp. Had to order the combo in order to get rice. The other 3 item combination was only ok. The steak was tender but cold once it got to the table. Service was acceptable.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Justin Pham
My favorite spot to get raw oysters!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
、、
Great local Japanese restaurant! The fish is fresh, portions are generous, and it’s a perfect place for family dinners. We always enjoy the sushi and the friendly service. Definitely one of our go-to spots in Irvine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris von Kaenel
We have been here many times before and loved it. Most recently we were… disappointed. The biggest gripe I have is way too much mayo. In everything. Anything with crab salad (aka 90% of rolls) were way too saturated with mayo, to the point where that was the main thing that I could taste. Same with the volcano roll, absolutely drenched in mayo. Usually I go to sushi for a cleaner, healthier meal, and this felt at ends with normal sushi meals. We also had some rolls that came out ~1 hour after ordering on a not very busy night. I think for the cost it was not very worth it. I hope they can work on this issue because it used to be my favorite local sushi place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Ramber Matz
Very fresh and large pieces of fish. Good value for the price
Celebrated my son’s birthday here at dinner time on Sunday, no wait. Very good quality Sashimi, tuna and albacore roll, Teriyaki chicken, tempura, good portion, quick service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Y C
Very good taste, affordable price, and excellent service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jack Liu
Shoutout to Taiko for the HUGE proportions for the bucks. Food was fresh, tasty, and served fast. The sesame chicken was amazing.
M R
The food and service were great! I'll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Quinn
Food was decent, but the service was poor. The older lady serving us was impatient, which spoiled the dining experience
I've been going here for almost forty years, through multiple owners. The menu changed after the first ownership change. The off the menu, menu pretty much disappeared. This was one of the main reasons I went here. Being able to order something unique to insiders and the main chef's likings for the day was wonderful. Things the regular crowd was not ready for, at the time. The new setup took some time to settle into its groove, although the line of patrons was still camping out, a line waiting for the restaurant to open. I felt that the menu was a bit lacking and did not frequent it as often. Then it appears to have changed again and a friend coaxed me to go and try it again. The appetizers (Fried Oysters, Salmon Kama, Seaweed Salad, Karaage Chicken) and rolls (Volcano, Spicy Salmon, Scallop Handroll) were good, but I felt that the combo plates were lacking in choice and visual appeal. It may be that I have a too sensitive of a sense of smell, but this is the second time the dining area smelled of a homeless person who relieved themselves in this area. They need to fix this, or next time the health department may pay them a visit.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Celebrated my friend's anniversary. Amazing service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place used to be decent, but when we came around noon on January 5, the food quality and service had deteriorated fast — and badly.
First, while we were waiting to be seated, a Hispanic server completely ignored us. At 2 p.m., with plenty of empty tables, what exactly is the justification for making guests wait 5–10 minutes just to sit down? It’s a great way to make customers feel unwelcome from the very first minute.
Second, the staff member handling orders had zero patience. We were told they couldn’t do fried items today, which meant half the menu was unavailable. Fine — things happen. But when the restaurant isn’t even busy, why the attitude and impatience? It’s honestly baffling. Japanese restaurants are usually known for attentive service, and this place used to reflect that. Now the service is simply low-level.
Then the food arrived: the chicken was cold. You don’t serve cold cooked food to paying customers — that’s basic restaurant hygiene and professionalism. On top of that, we asked this same server for a straw and he completely brushed it off. Unacceptable.
I’m leaving a negative review because this experience showed a clear lack of care for customers. I used to like this restaurant, but whether it’s new staff or poor management, the current food and service don’t deserve my respect — and I won’t be coming back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
I loved the quality of food and service👍🏻 We arrived around 5-6 pm on Sat night, it was all busy, a few tables were available. The portions were huge)) We really enjoyed dinner at this place. Highly recommend👍🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I first came here nearly 30 years ago, and while many things have changed since then, it’s still familiar in its own way. The food is decent, and the portions are very generous—perfect for bringing some home for a late-night bite.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
It is not what it used to be. The quality of the food is not as good as it once was. I ordered unagi kabayaki which fresh water eel over rice. Instead all I got was the unagi with a bit of pickled kelp. Had to order the combo in order to get rice. The other 3 item combination was only ok. The steak was tender but cold once it got to the table. Service was acceptable.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
My favorite spot to get raw oysters!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great local Japanese restaurant! The fish is fresh, portions are generous, and it’s a perfect place for family dinners. We always enjoy the sushi and the friendly service. Definitely one of our go-to spots in Irvine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We have been here many times before and loved it. Most recently we were… disappointed. The biggest gripe I have is way too much mayo. In everything. Anything with crab salad (aka 90% of rolls) were way too saturated with mayo, to the point where that was the main thing that I could taste. Same with the volcano roll, absolutely drenched in mayo. Usually I go to sushi for a cleaner, healthier meal, and this felt at ends with normal sushi meals. We also had some rolls that came out ~1 hour after ordering on a not very busy night. I think for the cost it was not very worth it. I hope they can work on this issue because it used to be my favorite local sushi place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Very fresh and large pieces of fish. Good value for the price
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Celebrated my son’s birthday here at dinner time on Sunday, no wait. Very good quality Sashimi, tuna and albacore roll, Teriyaki chicken, tempura, good portion, quick service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very good taste, affordable price, and excellent service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shoutout to Taiko for the HUGE proportions for the bucks. Food was fresh, tasty, and served fast. The sesame chicken was amazing.
The food and service were great! I'll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was decent, but the service was poor. The older lady serving us was impatient, which spoiled the dining experience
Service: 1
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