This izakaya has something for everyone. There's ramen, udon, sushi rolls, but most importantly, they serve grilled skewers which are perfect accompaniments for beer and sake. Long lines so prepare to wait, or just go when they open! The restaurant can be a little loud, but it's fun and food is always on point.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
miggs
Like the location. Many options to choose from. I liked the variety of food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Joon I
I have been a loyal customer of Honda-Ya for over 20 years, consistently coming back because of the great memories and experiences I’ve had here. Today, I visited again with friends from Torrance and LA, while hosting from my home in Irvine. For me, Honda-Ya has always been more than just a restaurant—it’s been a place filled with memories. My wife and I had our very first date here, and it was also the very first restaurant I took my child to. This place has always carried a special meaning in my life.
When it comes to the food, it was exactly as I remembered from my first visit two decades ago—comforting, consistent, and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the overall experience today was far from the Honda-Ya I have loved and supported for years. At some point during our meal, I couldn’t help but feel that we were being rushed to leave. Our plates were being cleared away before we were even finished, and without any prior notice, we were suddenly informed about a two-hour dining limit. It was frustrating to hear this not when we were seated or placing our first order, but in the middle of our dining experience, as if we were being hurried out. Only later, on our way out, did I see the posted notice about this policy. But by then, the damage was done. Basic courtesy and common sense would suggest that such an important rule should be communicated upfront, not enforced mid-meal in such an abrupt manner.
What makes this experience even more disappointing is my history with this restaurant. During the pandemic, when I was worried Honda-Ya might not survive, I consistently ordered takeout every week to show support and do my part as a loyal customer. That was how much this restaurant meant to me. Tonight, the four of us spent $403 within two hours—easily the highest per-person spend I’ve made here in all these years. And yet, despite being among the most loyal of customers and spending generously, I felt I received the worst treatment I’ve ever experienced at Honda-Ya.
It’s truly disheartening. I will always cherish the memories I’ve made here over the past two decades, but after tonight, I can no longer see myself coming back.
In the end, what hurts the most is not the money spent, but realizing that the place I once considered special no longer feels the same.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Jared Wasserman
Food is good but service felt slow. Servers seemed to not care very much.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Michael and Oliver
Came here for lunch and Yakitory don is an amazing deal! Good amount of food and everything was delicious. We ordered Yakitory don, some skewers, potato salad, and yakiudon. On top of skewers, I highly recommend yakisoba or yakiudon also.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jenny Chau
We visited during lunch time, so there weren't many options. However, the food was amazing! We ordered several types of stew and all of them were delicious. I highly recommend the beef tongue, pork belly, skin, and chicken cartilage. We also loved the vibe of the restaurant - it really felt like we were in Japan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex K-P
Been about 5 times. The food has been amazing every time. The skewers are of course, a highlight. The sushi is really good too! I would recommend the TJ roll.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erik Ochwat
5 stars all around. So many options for food. Fun ambience inside and great service. Got there at 5 on a Wednesday but I've read that it can get pretty busy later and on weekends.
Definitely a neat spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hannah Kim
Our server didn’t seem happy to be working. It took a long time to get our food, and while the taste was fine, the service was not.
She got our order wrong, and someone from the kitchen: still wearing gloves - had to bring the missing food. During our meal, the server looked annoyed and kept checking the time in front of us. When we asked her name, she said “Ashley” without even looking at us.
It was not a pleasant lunch.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
P M
I really wanted to like it. I love these kind of restaurants in Asia.
Portions are small. And whoever is grilling back there tonight is not the best, inconsistent.
I will say the meat had a nice char taste to it and the service was great. The interior design is super authentic, just like in Asia. They even have a Japanese style dining room with shoes off and sitting on the floor. Cool!
This izakaya has something for everyone. There's ramen, udon, sushi rolls, but most importantly, they serve grilled skewers which are perfect accompaniments for beer and sake. Long lines so prepare to wait, or just go when they open! The restaurant can be a little loud, but it's fun and food is always on point.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Like the location. Many options to choose from. I liked the variety of food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
I have been a loyal customer of Honda-Ya for over 20 years, consistently coming back because of the great memories and experiences I’ve had here. Today, I visited again with friends from Torrance and LA, while hosting from my home in Irvine. For me, Honda-Ya has always been more than just a restaurant—it’s been a place filled with memories. My wife and I had our very first date here, and it was also the very first restaurant I took my child to. This place has always carried a special meaning in my life.
When it comes to the food, it was exactly as I remembered from my first visit two decades ago—comforting, consistent, and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the overall experience today was far from the Honda-Ya I have loved and supported for years. At some point during our meal, I couldn’t help but feel that we were being rushed to leave. Our plates were being cleared away before we were even finished, and without any prior notice, we were suddenly informed about a two-hour dining limit. It was frustrating to hear this not when we were seated or placing our first order, but in the middle of our dining experience, as if we were being hurried out. Only later, on our way out, did I see the posted notice about this policy. But by then, the damage was done. Basic courtesy and common sense would suggest that such an important rule should be communicated upfront, not enforced mid-meal in such an abrupt manner.
What makes this experience even more disappointing is my history with this restaurant. During the pandemic, when I was worried Honda-Ya might not survive, I consistently ordered takeout every week to show support and do my part as a loyal customer. That was how much this restaurant meant to me. Tonight, the four of us spent $403 within two hours—easily the highest per-person spend I’ve made here in all these years. And yet, despite being among the most loyal of customers and spending generously, I felt I received the worst treatment I’ve ever experienced at Honda-Ya.
It’s truly disheartening. I will always cherish the memories I’ve made here over the past two decades, but after tonight, I can no longer see myself coming back.
In the end, what hurts the most is not the money spent, but realizing that the place I once considered special no longer feels the same.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Food is good but service felt slow. Servers seemed to not care very much.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Came here for lunch and Yakitory don is an amazing deal! Good amount of food and everything was delicious. We ordered Yakitory don, some skewers, potato salad, and yakiudon. On top of skewers, I highly recommend yakisoba or yakiudon also.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We visited during lunch time, so there weren't many options. However, the food was amazing! We ordered several types of stew and all of them were delicious. I highly recommend the beef tongue, pork belly, skin, and chicken cartilage. We also loved the vibe of the restaurant - it really felt like we were in Japan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Been about 5 times. The food has been amazing every time. The skewers are of course, a highlight. The sushi is really good too! I would recommend the TJ roll.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
5 stars all around. So many options for food. Fun ambience inside and great service. Got there at 5 on a Wednesday but I've read that it can get pretty busy later and on weekends.
Definitely a neat spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our server didn’t seem happy to be working. It took a long time to get our food, and while the taste was fine, the service was not.
She got our order wrong, and someone from the kitchen: still wearing gloves - had to bring the missing food. During our meal, the server looked annoyed and kept checking the time in front of us. When we asked her name, she said “Ashley” without even looking at us.
It was not a pleasant lunch.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
I really wanted to like it. I love these kind of restaurants in Asia.
Portions are small. And whoever is grilling back there tonight is not the best, inconsistent.
I will say the meat had a nice char taste to it and the service was great. The interior design is super authentic, just like in Asia. They even have a Japanese style dining room with shoes off and sitting on the floor. Cool!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Very authentic
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice n cozy atmosphere restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent, it was like you're actually in Japan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Authentic Japanese restaurant. Casual, delicious. Wide-ranging menu. Expect a wait to get in, but worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
🍺🐟🍢
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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