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Takaya Yakitori Izakaya: Authentic Japanese Dining Experience in Costa Mesa

At Takaya Yakitori Izakaya, the essence of authentic Japanese cuisine comes alive in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Nestled in Costa Mesa, this family-run gem offers a delightful menu specializing in yakitori, bringing together quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. As patrons savor skewers of tender chicken and flavorful vegetables, they’re treated like family by the attentive staff, creating a sense of comfort and belonging. The lively ambiance is perfect for both intimate dinners and family gatherings. Every dish, from the rich udon to the crispy karaage, reflects a commitment to authentic flavors and memorable dining experiences, making it a true culinary treasure in Southern California.

Takaya Yakitori Izakaya at a glance

  • Address 891 Baker St # B15, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
  • Phone (714) 557-8715
  • Restaurant type Izakaya restaurant .
  • Popular for Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Takaya Yakitori Izakaya: Reviews & Ratings

Kurina Wolff
5

New favorite izakaya in OC. Hondaya was our go to but I feel like lately we had been unimpressed and the wait is always so long. Takaya requires reservations (no walk-ins) but we called the day of and got a reservation for an hour later. This was a Thursday so maybe it’s harder to get reservations on the weekend. Everything we ate was amazing, the service was great and the pacing of all the dishes made sense.

Helen Lee
5

I have been to many Japanese restaurants in the US and no restaurant can beat this. We live in LA county and we have been traveling 50+ miles just to visit this restaurant. They serve very high quality authentic Japanese food. The salmon sushi and sashimi are my favorites! Other foods are great too! The waitress speaks Japanese and English. I feel like I’m in Japan every time I go there. Highly recommended!

Miss HD
5

A yakitori gem nestled in OC! Place is pretty small, and it's by reservation only. Reminds me of a neighborhood restaurant in Japan. Yakitori was so darn tasty!! I can eat a dozen of the grilled shrimp. The sashimi special was amazingly fresh. Enjoyable meal! Can't wait to come back.

Brandon Wee
5

You have to call to reserve a spot & it seems to be run by only two people and family owned. Food was amazing and so was service - prices for yakitori are very well priced (same price as when I was in Japan) and just as (if not more) delicious! Definitely coming back here again.

Chris Lam
5

We loved our experience at Takaya Yakitori Izakaya. We would suggest calling ahead to reserve a table as it fills up quickly and is a relatively small place. The servers were quick and friendly.

Brian Ahn
5

Compared to other Yakitori places, the food is perfectly seasoned. If you like strong flavors, I would recommend going to other popular yakitoris around. Takaya is reservation only, and the space is quite small and cozy. I definitely recommend the Black Cod, and the Spicy Nabeyaki udon.

Krystal Liu
5

Visited this cute little restaurant a couple months ago and really enjoyed it. It is by reservation only, I guess it’s because it is run by only 2 people. We ordered quite some yakitori and they were so good. They were lightly seasoned but it brought out the ingredients’ original taste. And service was nice and friendly, cozy and reasonably priced.

Alex Wang
5

Remains my favorite japanese food place of all times. The mochi in broth dish is to die for. So are all the yakitoris I had ever tried here! I low key drove 2700 miles to California just for this meal.

Location

  • Takaya Yakitori Izakaya
    Takaya Yakitori Izakaya
    891 Baker St # B15, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Hotline: (714) 557-8715

Welcome to Takaya Yakitori Izakaya, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Costa Mesa, California. Located at 891 Baker St # B15, this charming establishment offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, where warmth and hospitality blend seamlessly with mouthwatering cuisine.

As you step inside, you're greeted by an inviting ambiance reminiscent of traditional izakayas found in Japan. The intimate setting, adorned with cultural artwork, sets the perfect backdrop for a delightful meal with friends, family, or that special someone.

Reservations are recommended here, as the restaurant limits walk-ins to maintain a cozy atmosphere. Fortunately, the dedicated staff, often recognized as a husband-and-wife duo, ensure personalized attention to every guest. The wife, serving as the sole server, is known for her warm demeanor, making dining here feel like a visit to a friend's home.

Now, let's talk about the food. Takaya Yakitori Izakaya specializes in yakitori, expertly grilled skewers showcasing the best of Japanese flavors. From succulent chicken thigh skewers to indulgent pork belly, each bite offers a delightful smoky char that keeps diners coming back for more. Don't overlook their other offerings, such as the karaage fried chicken, recognized for its tender dark meat and light, crispy batter.

The udon noodles are a highlight as well. With options ranging from the comforting Kitsune Udon to the savory Curry Udon, each bowl is crafted with care. Customers rave about the flavorful broth, perfectly complementing the udon’s texture. And if you're a fan of decadent toppings, the creamy egg mixed into your soup elevates the experience to another level.

  • Reservations: Strongly encouraged for a seamless experience.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with outdoor seating options available.
  • Dining Options: Takeout, delivery, and catering services available.
  • Vegan Options: Satisfying choices for plant-based diners.
  • Parking: Limited spots, best to arrive early.

What sets Takaya Yakitori Izakaya apart isn't just the food, but the genuine care and comfort that envelops each dining experience. The attention to detail, from the friendly greetings to the beautifully presented dishes, creates a memorable atmosphere. As one customer put it, every visit feels like a meal at a friend's house where the chefs are truly passionate about their craft.

In summary, if you find yourself in Costa Mesa and crave authentic Japanese yakitori and comforting udon, don't miss out on Takaya Yakitori Izakaya. This culinary haven is not just a restaurant; it’s a shared experience that connects flavors, culture, and community.

For reservations, call (714) 557-8715 and get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary journey. Your taste buds will thank you!

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards