Yakitori Taisho

Quiet, relaxed environment, good food.

Amazing. Hands down amazing. Fantastic yakitori! Everything I had was delicious and I ate almost every different skewer on the menu. My favorite was the wasabi beef. 10/10

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

(Buy a round for the kitchen - you won't regret it)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We reserved for 4 with two birthdays in our group last night, all the food was amazing and the sake selection was very good, decided on a bottle of the black dragon, the beef tongue was my personal favorite paired with the yuzu sauce, kimchi had a great flavor to pair with everything. I had a peach shochu drink and it was smooth. Ended the dinner with their ice cream, sesame and lychee sorbet are their options, had one of each, sesame was light and lychee was sweet (my favorite) The service was amazing, the staff would check on us frequently. I can't say enough great things about this place.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Yakitori Sauce, Quail Eggs, Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon, Thigh, Chicken Karaage with House Spicy Sauce, Braised Beef Tongue

Food was decent, but the service had a weirdly controlling vibe (reservation by phone only already says some). In under two hours, here’s what I apparently did “wrong”:

- Was told not to stand near the entrance while waiting—had to wait outside until the table was ready

- Got corrected for not leaving the pen at the table after ordering (you write the quantity of what you want on the paper, but pen must stay!!)

- Was told I dropped napkins “too many times” after being handed another.

- Got repeatedly asked if we wanted more water, food, or drink even though we were clearly still eating. The question started after 1 hr of sitting

- They would just point at the plate without saying a word, so I’d have to guess—“Yes?”—and only then he’d say, “Can I clear it?” Just awkward and passive-aggressive.

Just didn’t feel welcome or relaxed. Definitely not the vibe I’m looking for in a dining experience. All of them had that typical San Diego vibe—polite on the surface, but with a condescending tone that made the whole experience uncomfortable.

Great little izakaya. Food is good, staff is friendly, and vibes are chill.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Not friendly for solo diners. I was told a 2.5 hour wait time, but a couple that came after me was given the next table. Disappointing to be turned away just because I was alone.

Service: 1

Very legit yakitori place, the yakitori were cooked and seasoned perfectly. The Brussel sprouts yakitori was very tasty and unique that I haven’t seen it offered anywhere else. The pork neck with garlic was very good as well. Nice sake selection too. This is my happy little place :) recommend making a reservation otherwise you’ll most likely have to wait!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was fantastic!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings, Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon

Wow, I'm definitely going back! There were a lot more items on the menu I wanted to try. Didn't have much time to spend there but everything we had was excellent. We sat at one of the outdoor tables, they had propane heaters which was a big plus as my elderly father would have been top cold otherwise. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. I lived in Japan for several years and would say this was equivalent to the Yatai stands I occasionally ate at back in Fukuoka. The place is very small so I would recommend making reservations.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One of my favourite dinners we've ever had in San Diego. We were seated at the bar, but with the dividers they placed it felt very intimate still, and we loved watching the chefs cook. The meal is very intentional, with each item paced perfectly. Everything is delicious and the sake menu is also great, and very detailed about flavor profiles.

My only complaint is the server argued with me about the sake I wanted to order, which was a little odd (it was a great choice by the way).

Make a reservation just in case because the restaurant is very small and fills fast, but definitely well worth the stop.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My husband & I have been chasing the flavors of Japan, since we got back to the states last week & we found 'em . This place nailed it.
I recommend making a reservation, but we were seated within an hour, of making a walk-up res.
We got 2 of the last 4 orders of chicken skin to start, & it stopped us dead in our tracks. Love at first bite, which set the tone for the rest of our meal.
Every. Single. Thing. was incredible.
We even went so far as to agree that their liver was better than our favorite izakaya's- which is massively difficult to achieve.
We will forever be guests of this lovely spot.
Brusslesprouts - to die for.
Liver - melts in your mouth.
Yuzu chili paste - give me 77 of these.
Chicken meatballs- I ordered 4 sets to myself.
& the staff is unmatched!!!
We never needed for anything & our table outside had TWO heaters.
I love this for us!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Enjoyed the first visit, although overpriced for the quantity and quality. 2nd visit was all around just a bad experience. Unfortunately the 2 other yakitori spots in the area owned by same company and they all have absurd prices these days.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 2

My favorite yakitori restaurant in San Diego. I almost don’t want to leave a review because I don’t want more people to go. Really tiny Restaurant, you need to have a reservation a few days in advance or walk-ins they seat outside. Pork neck is my favorite skewer. They also have great appetizers, including fresh sushi. Everything is amazing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We love Yakitori Taisho! It’s quick and easy to call a few days or a week in advance to book a reservation. If you’re sitting for just two, we recommend sitting by the bar and seeing the action.

Some of our favorites:
* Deep Fried Garlic
* Chicken Skin
* Pork Jowl
* Quail Egg
* Yellowtail
* Chicken wings!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5