Takaya Yakitori Izakaya

yakitori costa mesa

For those living in California, especially within the vibrant and culinarily rich landscape of Orange County, the quest for authentic Japanese dining often leads beyond the familiar sushi bar. While sushi is a beloved staple, the true heart of Japanese casual dining, particularly in the evenings, can be found in an izakaya—a traditional Japanese gastropub. These establishments offer a diverse array of small, flavorful dishes, perfectly complemented by alcoholic beverages. In Costa Mesa, a true "yakitori gem" that captures this essence is Takaya Yakitori Izakaya. This article will guide you through what makes this cozy spot a must-visit for locals seeking a genuine taste of Japan's grilled delights and more.

Takaya Yakitori Izakaya is an intimate and highly regarded Japanese restaurant that specializes in yakitori, the art of grilling skewered meats, seafood, and vegetables over charcoal. It's often described by patrons as a "yakitori gem" that "reminds me of a neighborhood restaurant in Japan," suggesting an authentic and unpretentious atmosphere. Unlike some larger, more boisterous izakayas, Takaya offers a "small and cozy" space, often necessitating reservations due to its limited seating, typically accommodating around 15 people. This intimacy contributes to a more personal and focused dining experience, allowing guests to truly savor the meticulously prepared dishes.

While yakitori is their specialty, known for being "so darn tasty" and "perfectly seasoned," Takaya Yakitori Izakaya also offers a broader izakaya menu. Patrons rave about specific dishes like the "Black Cod" and the "Spicy Nabeyaki Udon," highlighting the restaurant's versatility beyond just grilled skewers. The quality extends to their raw offerings, with the "sashimi special" being lauded as "amazingly fresh." The overall impression is one of high-quality ingredients, careful preparation, and a commitment to authentic Japanese flavors, making every meal an enjoyable and memorable experience for those seeking genuine Japanese cuisine in Costa Mesa.

Takaya Yakitori Izakaya is conveniently located at 891 Baker St B15, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA. This address places it within a well-known commercial complex on Baker Street, a prominent thoroughfare in Costa Mesa. This location makes it easily accessible for residents across Costa Mesa and from neighboring Orange County cities such as Irvine, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.

Being situated in a unit within a plaza, Takaya Yakitori Izakaya benefits from the presence of a private parking lot, which is a significant convenience in a bustling area. While some customers note that "parking was limited" during peak times, arriving slightly earlier than a reservation can often secure a spot. The restaurant's policy of being "reservation only" and having doors that are locked (requiring a call for entry) suggests a controlled and exclusive dining experience, ensuring that guests with reservations are seated promptly and receive attentive service. This approach, combined with its central location, makes it a desirable and accessible destination for those seeking an authentic Japanese meal.

Takaya Yakitori Izakaya offers a curated set of services designed to provide an authentic and intimate Japanese dining experience:

• Reservation-Only Dining: A key aspect of their service is the requirement for reservations. This ensures a managed flow of customers, allowing the small and cozy space to provide dedicated service and avoid overcrowding. Walk-ins are generally not accepted.
• Specialized Yakitori Grill: Their core service revolves around expertly grilled yakitori skewers. These are cooked over binchotan charcoal, ensuring an authentic smoky flavor and perfectly cooked texture for various meats, seafood, and vegetables.
• Dine-In Experience: The restaurant offers a comfortable and intimate dine-in setting, reminiscent of neighborhood izakayas in Japan. The focus is on a relaxed and enjoyable meal.
• Broad Izakaya Menu: Beyond yakitori, they provide a comprehensive menu of small plates (izakaya dishes) including highly recommended items like Black Cod, Spicy Nabeyaki Udon, and fresh sashimi specials.
• Beverage Selection: As a traditional izakaya, they offer a selection of Japanese beers (e.g., Asahi Draft, Orion Draft), sake, and other non-alcoholic beverages to complement the food.
• Takeout Service: While primarily a dine-in experience, Takaya Yakitori Izakaya does offer takeout, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes from home.

Takaya Yakitori Izakaya distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that consistently receive praise from its patrons:

• Perfectly Seasoned Yakitori: Customers consistently praise the "perfectly seasoned" yakitori, noting that the flavors are balanced and not overly strong, catering to those who appreciate nuanced tastes.
• Authentic Neighborhood Feel: The small, cozy space "reminds me of a neighborhood restaurant in Japan," offering an immersive and genuine Japanese dining atmosphere.
• Exceptional Black Cod: The Black Cod is a highly recommended dish, indicating a mastery beyond just skewers and a commitment to diverse, high-quality Japanese cuisine.
• Delicious Spicy Nabeyaki Udon: Another standout, the Spicy Nabeyaki Udon is noted for its flavor, providing a comforting and satisfying noodle option.
• Amazingly Fresh Sashimi: Despite specializing in grilled items, the "sashimi special was amazingly fresh," highlighting their commitment to quality ingredients across the menu.
• Intimate and Cozy Ambiance: The "small and cozy" environment, which seats approximately 15 people, provides a more personal and relaxed dining experience compared to larger establishments.
• Dedicated Service: The reservation-only policy and the method of entry (calling the store) suggest a focus on personalized and attentive service, ensuring a smooth experience for confirmed guests.
• Broad Menu Beyond Yakitori: While yakitori is a highlight, the extensive menu includes dinner sets (Sashimi Dinner, Short Rib BBQ Galbi, Chicken Teriyaki), various broiled and fried dishes, salads, rice bowls, and a wide array of yakitori options (chicken, pork, beef, vegetable skewers), catering to diverse palates.

Based on the available public information, Takaya Yakitori Izakaya's charm lies less in overt, regularly advertised "promotions" and more in its consistent value and unique dining experience. However, an analysis of common practices for izakayas and some menu information suggests potential offers:

• Daily Specials: While not explicitly stated as a promotion, the mention of "sashimi special" implies that Takaya Yakitori Izakaya likely features daily or seasonal specials based on ingredient availability, offering fresh and unique dishes to regulars.
• Dinner Sets: The menu includes various "Dinner Set" options (e.g., Sashimi Dinner, Short Rib BBQ Galbi Dinner, Chicken Teriyaki Dinner). These sets often provide a more comprehensive meal at a bundled price compared to ordering individual à la carte items, serving as a form of built-in value.
• Happy Hour Concept (Implicit): While not explicitly a "happy hour" by name, some izakayas in Japan and the US may offer discounted drinks or certain skewers during off-peak hours to encourage early or late dining. It is worth inquiring directly with the restaurant if they have such an arrangement.

Given that Takaya Yakitori Izakaya is a "reservation only" establishment, its primary "promotion" is the quality and authenticity of its food and experience. The satisfaction expressed by customers about the flavors and freshness serves as its best advertisement. For the most current information on any specific specials or unique offerings, it's always recommended to contact Takaya Yakitori Izakaya directly.

For inquiries, reservations, or any other needs, Takaya Yakitori Izakaya can be reached directly via the following contact information:

• Address: 891 Baker St B15, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
• Phone: (714) 557-8715
• Mobile Phone: +1 714-557-8715

These contact details provide a straightforward way for locals in the California region to connect with the restaurant, whether to inquire about menu specifics, make a required reservation, or understand their unique entry process.

For locals in California, particularly those in the Costa Mesa area, Takaya Yakitori Izakaya is an exceptionally suitable dining destination for several compelling reasons. Its intimate "small and cozy" setting, combined with its "reservation only" policy, cultivates an exclusive and relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a true neighborhood restaurant in Japan. This provides a refreshing alternative to larger, more bustling dining establishments, allowing for a more focused and personal culinary experience. The restaurant's dedication to "perfectly seasoned" yakitori, using traditional grilling methods, offers an authentic taste of Japanese skewers that is both refined and deeply satisfying. Beyond the yakitori, the highly recommended Black Cod, Spicy Nabeyaki Udon, and "amazingly fresh sashimi special" demonstrate a broader commitment to high-quality Japanese cuisine. For those who appreciate nuanced flavors and a quieter, more genuine dining experience, Takaya Yakitori Izakaya provides a unique and memorable escape, making it a true hidden gem for discerning locals in Orange County.

Takaya Yakitori Izakaya

891 Baker St B15, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA