This restaurant really captures the spirit of a classic Japanese izakaya — lively, cozy, and full of energy. The menu is extensive, with nearly a hundred options ranging from yakitori and fried bites to noodles, rice dishes, and grilled items. The skewers are the standout: well-seasoned, nicely charred, and great for sharing. The yakisoba also has that nostalgic savory-sweet flavor that really feels like true izakaya comfort food.
Some of the fried dishes were enjoyable, while the sashimi felt more standard — decent, but clearly not the main focus here, which fits the concept. Service was warm, attentive, and efficient despite the crowds, and the staff handled the busy environment very professionally.
The atmosphere is where this place truly shines. Compact seating, lively conversations, and a social, casual vibe make it ideal for gatherings and long chats over food and drinks. Be prepared for a wait (often around an hour), but once you’re seated, it’s a fun and engaging dining experience that delivers an authentic izakaya feel.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jessie Ibarra
Went to visit a friend and he invited us to Honda-ya and it was incredible. Walking in looks like a little china town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J C
The food was amazing. The servers were very attentive and nice. I was not prepared for how big their menu was. I enjoyed most of things we tried. I was disappointed in the beef teriyaki which was way overcooked and dry. The sashimi and yakitori is what you want to stick with. Located in a shopping center. Lots of free parking, although it gets crowded.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Andrew Vahidy
Solid evening spot!! Food is superb and honestly doesn't get enough credit. The atmosphere is cozy and approachable for any environment but best used as a nice hangout gastropub amongst good friends over a pint.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Melodic Verse
Craving yakiniku good place but can be a bit pricey. The chicken thigh with tare is good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rhean-Heather Mendoza
Always a great and fun place to dine at. We always try to make a stop here when we’re in town visiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Quality Queen
My husband and I stopped here on our way back to San Diego from Long Beach. This was one of the restaurants that was open late night. The restaurant is cute, I enjoyed the vibe and enjoyed the menu with the pictures (super visual person). We ordered the potato croquettes, a Sexy Roll and the Tonkatsu Ramen. I do not recommend the ramen, it was not good and the taste of lemongrass was overwhelming. We enjoyed the croquettes and sushi. After reading other reviews I would try the skewers if I went back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Danielle Mitchell
Excellent food, lively atmosphere. We loved sharing family-style at our table while drinking warm sake. Sushi was good and all of the grilled food top notch. We thought maybe our server didn't like us, but she was just overwhelmed with the busy evening. She was very nice towards the end of our meal when things were calmer in the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
FIONA Z.
Delicious food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Sammi L.
I had the pleasure of dining at Honda Ya in Tustin and their skewers are exceptional. Each skewer was grilled to perfection, with the meats juicy and flavorful. The variety on offer was impressive, allowing us to try everything from chicken to tender beef and succulent shrimp. The atmosphere was cozy and the service attentive, making for a delightful dining experience.
If you're in the area, don't miss out on these delicious skewers!
Always great food and atmosphere. Walk around Old Town after putting in your name, as the normal wait is just enough time to grab a beer at one of the local watering holes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Jon ssdafergtwv e
Generally speaking the food was good. Not good to the point you want to come back tomorrow but let's go back when we can't think of anything else. Maybe it's just me. Because of that I felt the prices were a tad high. Excellent atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Paul Le
I went there the first time and it was good, but I returned there last week and it wasn’t taste as good. I don’t know why. But I will be looking for a different place now.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Vi C
I absolutely love this place! I’ve visited several times and finally had to leave a review. I brought my daughter and some friends, and everyone was so impressed.
The food was amazing, everything we ordered was delicious and melted in your mouth. Especially The Yellowtail Belly Sashimi $19.95 was super fresh and flavorful, and the Japanese Beef $17.85 was incredibly tender. The prices are fair, and the quality is excellent.
This time, we ordered a lot for just the three of us. When I got home and looked over the bill, I noticed we were charged for the Bacon Asparagus $10.50 but it was never brought to the table, that was a bit disappointing. I usually take pictures of everything that comes out because I love sharing on Yelp, and it wasn’t there.
We sat on chairs without back support not the most comfortable, but it was still a nice experience overall.
The service was outstanding, our server was so sweet and attentive, making sure we were well taken care of.
Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or on a date, you’ll feel right at home here. Can’t wait to go back but make sure to check your bill before you leave.
Be prepared for significant waits, especially on weekends and during peak dining hours and limited parking !
David Bonilla
Very nice little place. Food and service are really good, but a couple of years was great. I hope they come back to their former glory.
｜｜
This restaurant really captures the spirit of a classic Japanese izakaya — lively, cozy, and full of energy. The menu is extensive, with nearly a hundred options ranging from yakitori and fried bites to noodles, rice dishes, and grilled items. The skewers are the standout: well-seasoned, nicely charred, and great for sharing. The yakisoba also has that nostalgic savory-sweet flavor that really feels like true izakaya comfort food.
Some of the fried dishes were enjoyable, while the sashimi felt more standard — decent, but clearly not the main focus here, which fits the concept. Service was warm, attentive, and efficient despite the crowds, and the staff handled the busy environment very professionally.
The atmosphere is where this place truly shines. Compact seating, lively conversations, and a social, casual vibe make it ideal for gatherings and long chats over food and drinks. Be prepared for a wait (often around an hour), but once you’re seated, it’s a fun and engaging dining experience that delivers an authentic izakaya feel.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Went to visit a friend and he invited us to Honda-ya and it was incredible. Walking in looks like a little china town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was amazing. The servers were very attentive and nice. I was not prepared for how big their menu was. I enjoyed most of things we tried. I was disappointed in the beef teriyaki which was way overcooked and dry. The sashimi and yakitori is what you want to stick with.
Located in a shopping center. Lots of free parking, although it gets crowded.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Solid evening spot!! Food is superb and honestly doesn't get enough credit. The atmosphere is cozy and approachable for any environment but best used as a nice hangout gastropub amongst good friends over a pint.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Craving yakiniku good place but can be a bit pricey. The chicken thigh with tare is good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always a great and fun place to dine at. We always try to make a stop here when we’re in town visiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
My husband and I stopped here on our way back to San Diego from Long Beach. This was one of the restaurants that was open late night. The restaurant is cute, I enjoyed the vibe and enjoyed the menu with the pictures (super visual person). We ordered the potato croquettes, a Sexy Roll and the Tonkatsu Ramen. I do not recommend the ramen, it was not good and the taste of lemongrass was overwhelming. We enjoyed the croquettes and sushi. After reading other reviews I would try the skewers if I went back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Excellent food, lively atmosphere. We loved sharing family-style at our table while drinking warm sake. Sushi was good and all of the grilled food top notch. We thought maybe our server didn't like us, but she was just overwhelmed with the busy evening. She was very nice towards the end of our meal when things were calmer in the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
I had the pleasure of dining at Honda Ya in Tustin and their skewers are exceptional. Each skewer was grilled to perfection, with the meats juicy and flavorful. The variety on offer was impressive, allowing us to try everything from chicken to tender beef and succulent shrimp. The atmosphere was cozy and the service attentive, making for a delightful dining experience.
If you're in the area, don't miss out on these delicious skewers!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Always great food and atmosphere. Walk around Old Town after putting in your name, as the normal wait is just enough time to grab a beer at one of the local watering holes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Generally speaking the food was good. Not good to the point you want to come back tomorrow but let's go back when we can't think of anything else. Maybe it's just me. Because of that I felt the prices were a tad high. Excellent atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
I went there the first time and it was good, but I returned there last week and it wasn’t taste as good. I don’t know why. But I will be looking for a different place now.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
I absolutely love this place! I’ve visited several times and finally had to leave a review. I brought my daughter and some friends, and everyone was so impressed.
The food was amazing, everything we ordered was delicious and melted in your mouth. Especially The Yellowtail Belly Sashimi $19.95 was super fresh and flavorful, and the Japanese Beef $17.85 was incredibly tender. The prices are fair, and the quality is excellent.
This time, we ordered a lot for just the three of us. When I got home and looked over the bill, I noticed we were charged for the Bacon Asparagus $10.50 but it was never brought to the table, that was a bit disappointing. I usually take pictures of everything that comes out because I love sharing on Yelp, and it wasn’t there.
We sat on chairs without back support not the most comfortable, but it was still a nice experience overall.
The service was outstanding, our server was so sweet and attentive, making sure we were well taken care of.
Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or on a date, you’ll feel right at home here. Can’t wait to go back but make sure to check your bill before you leave.
Be prepared for significant waits, especially on weekends and during peak dining hours and limited parking !
Very nice little place. Food and service are really good, but a couple of years was great. I hope they come back to their former glory.
Not cheap, but worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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