Found this place on Yelp and had some hope this might be a delightful mom and pop shop. The first thing I noticed was the 'fishy smell' in the restaurant; like a mixture of heat and spoiled fish. It may be due to the lack of ventilation. If you're sensitive to smells, I would say turn back now.Tried the chirashi, nigiri, and handrolls. Price overall was not bad, but the food was. 1. Chirashi - Everything on the chirashi was unpalatable, at least for me, and I could not endure to finish. The sushi rice was overcooked, and the fish was very 'stringy' and difficult to swallow. I had to chew the fish for a few moments before spitting it out. The fish was noticeably cold, as if it was defrosted from the freezer and not fully set to room temperature. I don't expect premium cuts for a chirashi but this was really, really, bad. I felt so bad for wasting food. 2. Nigiri - quality of fish okay. Scallop and squid was decent. Yellow tail meh, and the sweet shrimp was bland. Fried shrimp head tasted really good though! 3. Handrolls - these were okay. Found it odd the blue tuna handroll was leaking. Reminded me a bit of canned tuna without the liquid removed. This won't be a repeat spot for me. read more

Sheesh - how can you trust yelp if this place gets four stars when it should be between 2-3. I ordered the sushi combo - good price but the octopus was tough like leather, the tuna tasted icy and frozen. Everything else was just ok. Also the place smelled fishy which made me wonder how fresh everything was. Disappointed - hoping I don't get sick - and won't go back read more

Extremely nondescript Japanese restaurant tucked onto a corner just south of Garvey/Garfield. Signage is nearly nonexistent. Parking is easy, with plenty of street parking available. We rolled in for dinner on a Sunday right around 6pm. To our great surprise, we were seated immediately - the place was packed, but they gave us the last booth. Service is quick and gracious. The two of us ordered (and semi-split) the following: * Matsu Sashimi: 7 types of fish, 20 pieces total. Some extra pieces, and beautifully laid out. The squid was cut so satisfyingly. I enjoyed their thick cuts of salmon. I want to try ordering off their nigiri menu next time. * Udon Sukiyaki: The udon was probably unnecessary, since the sukiyaki already comes with glass noodles. Minimum of $14/person for dine-in. They take credit card (just not American Express). read more

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Hole in the wall Japanese restaurant in Monterey Park. I've been here twice since I found out about this place through SGV EATS. Came for the sashimi, which was SUPER FRESH and also tried out other items as well such as the udon noodles, sushi rolls, hand rolls, and the octopus. Everything was so good. My tummy was happy with all the variety. Prices are great too. They have a small bar where you can sit and chat with the chefs. I came around 7pm both times, first time we had to wait maybe 10 mins and the second time we got seated right away. There's a small parking area in the back and a lot of street parking in the surrounding area. Servers are super nice and friendly. They're very attentive. read more

Can't say too many nice things about this restaurant. Food is consistently fresh and service is always very responsive. Their sushi is so fresh!!! Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, etc are of the highest quality. It sure beats any place around the SGV. Seating is very limited so there will be a wait on most nights. But with patience, you will be rewarded with fresh, tasty dishes. I have always order their sushi, but last time we were there my sons ordered their combos. Combos are priced around $14-20 and they're really good. Please be advised that their sushi is not cheap. You get what you pay for and their prices are higher than other places. But, it is well worth the price. They serve alcohol but it's limited to some Japanese beer and sake. read more

Taihei is a classic Japanese restaurant and they know what they're good at (the entire menu). The prices are extremely reasonable and I haven't found another place that is comparable in price and quality-- The sashimi is always stunningly fresh and will (almost) literally melt in your mouth. My boyfriend loves the oysters here and raves that they are the best oysters he has ever had. They are succulent and while I'm not 100% what they're topped with, I know they're 100% magical. My parents are big fans of their various fish collars and soups. I recently tried their salmon teriyaki on a whim and was floored by the tenderness of the fish. So if you have a friend who's not a fan of raw fish, know that they can still enjoy the salmon teriyaki :) read more

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Taihei is a Monterey Park oldie and a very goodie. My mom introduced me to sushi here when I was 11 years old. I fell in love with hand rolls, salmon nigiri, salmon collar, and began being more adventurous in what I tried here. It's no frills and is a place that lets the food speak for itself. The food is always consistent, delicious, and the service kind and quick. Treat the staff kindly and tip well. read more

Looking for BOMB sushi in Monterey Park? Look no further! This sushi will knock your socks off. My favorites: - the sweet shrimp. They give you the option of getting the shrimp heads either fried (more traditional) or in a miso soup. - rainbow roll is especially delicious since it has tobiko (small fish eggs) inside. - clam clear soup. The clams are fresh and delicious! read more

Taihei - Assortments of my favorite sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Got takeout from here - we called it in around 5, asking for it to be ready for pickup at 730! It was easy to pickup and so yummy! I forget how high quality this place is - extra good and fresh! read more

Taihei - Matsu sushi box to-go - Sushi Bars Near Me - Monterey Park, California

This is one of my favorite places. Their cooked food is consistently at a pretty good level and their sushi is also very good. I wouldn't give this place 5 stars because that would give you the impression that it's perfect or a premium place. However, it is an excellent value. The cuts of striped bass, yellowtail, & salmon still rock and blue crab roll are always great! The ankimo is almost always on point. Certainly one of the best in the Southland. Last time I was there the miso soup quality wasn't quite what I was used to after decades of going there. But maybe that's nitpicking. The service is also fast, courteous, & excellent and that certainly has never faltered. read more

This feels like a sushi spot for the locals. Old school Japanese restaurant. Sushi was very fresh, one of the best uni I had in awhile. Service was good, very attentive waiters/waitress. read more

Taihei - Salmon Belly, snapper, Mackenzie, uni, hotate, sweet shrimp, ika, blue crab hand roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Always great to stop by Taihei. Everything is fantastic and the staff are always helpful and friendly. My personal favorite is the eel sushi! Will always come back when the chance is given! read more

My fav Japanese casual restaurant still Japanese family owned & runs. Tahei has been there for decades (think +30 years) and still delivers great consistent Japanese food. Some of the best comfort Japanese food and sushi in the area with fair prices and great service. The combo plates are still the best value in town with The quality of the ingredients that they still take pride in. Smaller dining area of only less than 50 seats so expect a wait as it is very popular still with generations of American Japanese families that use to popolate the montebello/Monterey park area. read more

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It's been a while since my last visit, and I was pleasantly surprised that the quality of the food and service was very good. This is an old school traditional Japanese American family type restaurant. The menu, service and quality of the food reflects tradition and pride. We had the Chirashi 4/5 and the Misoyaki Butterfish 5/5. The selection of items in the chirashi were fresh and high quality. Misoyaki butterfish is what is often called miso black cod and was delicious. You get 3 pieces and a calamari salad and miso octopus; all for about $23. More cod than any other restaurant I've tried. There aren't many tables and it gets busy including take out, although we only had to wait a few minutes on a Thursday night. Look forward to coming back. Fish is very fresh; see live fish in tank. read more

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Food is yummy and no frills. My dad got the unagi donburi and he loved it. Generous portion of eel over a bed of rice. I got the special combo which was tasty and perfect for a light lunch. We'll come back to try the actual sushi and sashimi. read more

Taihei - Special combo:fish skin hand rolls, fish soup, shrimp/veggie tempura - Sushi Bars Near Me - Monterey Park, California

I want to gatekeep what feels like a true, old-school hidden gem, but I can't because this place deserves to thrive! It's super authentic Japanese food that reminds me of the decades old mom and pop Japanese restaurants that are abundant in hawaii where I'm from. The combos are huge and a great deal. The sushi and sashimi have large generous portions of fresh fish... you gotta get the salmon and the mackerel! The staff is amazing and welcoming - they even waited to bring my friend's miso soup and rice until he sat down because he came later than us and we ordered for him. Seriously love this place! read more

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Called in an order as soon as they opened on a Friday and it took about 10 minutes until we could get through (they seemed very busy!). We ordered a Chirashi bowl, sushi set, oyakodon, and katsudon and they were ready to pick up 50 minutes later. The Chirashi and sushi were soooo good! We loved the quality of the fish and will definitely go back! The donburis were huge so we were able to split them into two meals! Lots of rice! Miso soup is also included for free (we got asked if we wanted them). Easy free parking in the lot behind the restaurant. Health and safety measures during the pandemic were all in place. read more

My friend recommended this place for sushi and it was delicious. I only eat sashimi and their Matsu sashimi has a great selection. 20 pieces of sashimi for $33. The octopus is a little chewy and hard to bite with my teeth. I wish the pieces were cut smaller. But the chunk is definitely worth the price. The pieces are a good amount. Not too thin. We also got the matsu sushi and it's about the same amount as the sashimi. Except there's 6 pieces of tuna roll which is perfect cause my son loves their tuna. Most places you can see the tuna bleed out like it was added color, but here... it seems more reserved. Got the 2 item bento box. We got salmon and tempura. What a big box! It took two people to finish. Comes with salads, edamame, rice, soup. Tempura udon was so warm on a rainy day. The broth was so healthy and the udon was cooked to perfection. No chewy and not too soft. My youngling loves salmon roll. He ate 3 orders. Each order is 6 pieces and he killed it. Quality of salmon looks and tasted fresh. Totally recommend this place. They get crazy busy fast. So either be there early or a little later. They only have about 5 booths and two small tables. Not recommend for big parties unless you're ok to seat separately. We had 7 people and had to wait for 2 booths. But worth it. read more

My favorite sushi and donburi place! The spicy tuna rolls and salmon sashimi are soooo good! I also like the sweet shrimp and blue crab hand rolls...I always get the chicken egg bowl too :) come early to get seated quick! read more

Great sushi, small family owned place. Not inexpensive, but it is sushi... Friendly staff. read more

Been coming here for years and today was my first time getting Togo during COVID . I usually come here to dine in but I needed my fix from them since it has been so long :( I thoroughly enjoyed my food and the process was super smooth . Just call them, give them your order and they'll let you know what time to pick up . Everything was packed very neatly and all the sushi looked very presentable when I opened the box . read more

Taihei - Sushi Bars Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Wow. The age-old Yelp dilemma of either broadcasting about this place so it becomes too popular for the regulars, or letting people know so the restaurant stays in business. My altruistic side won out. This place really is a hidden gem. Fresh sushi made by Japanese sushi masters behind the counter. Old school Japanese dishes, which would be more than 3 times the price on the Westside. They even have the Shinto plates of salt to ward off evil spirits (sign of an authentic Japanese establishment) in front. read more

Taihei - Two small dishes of salt, a Shinto tradition to ward off evil, found at Japanese establishments. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Little local business and it's considered the best and authentic Japanese food in SGV. Every time I brought friends there, they all were satisfied. Besides raw fish, they also have cooked dishes. Good for family because kids may not like raw fish. Please aware that the restaurant is small. I usually go on weekdays to avoid traffic. read more

Taihei - Sushi Bars Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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We ordered the Matsu Sashimi Plate. It came with rice and miso soup on the side. We ordered another bowl of rice since I was sharing the platter with my bf. The fish was super fresh. We also ordered a salmon skin handroll and a spicy tuna handroll. Both were so good and we were full by the end of the meal. We went on Mother's Day right before their rush hit. We waited only for abt 15 mins and we got seated. read more

Taihei - spicy tuna handroll (top) salmon skin handroll (bottom) matsu sashimi plate - Sushi Bars Near Me - Monterey Park, California

I have been on the look out for a different sushi place to try, and finally checked out this long-standing restaurant nearby. It is a small building, but has more seating than you expect. The servers are very attentive even during their busiest times! When our tempura was taking a while to come out, they gave us an extra piece of shrimp tempura They're only open a few hours a day for lunch and dinner, so a small wait is expected. Our party of 3 had to wait for about 25 minutes before being seated for dinner on a Friday evening. By the way, parking is a bit of a difficult situation because it's right in the middle of residential areas so look out for that! Their salmon sashimi and mackerel nigiri is especially delicious! The marinated squid that came with the special combo was SUUUPER delicious my new fave thing that I definitely have to come back for. read more

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Went for lunch and let me tell you this place did not disappoint . The staff and servers are so welcoming and so polite and attentive which is something I love. I had the miso soup and it was yummy. Shrimp tempura was so delicious. Strongly recommend this place . Its a hidden little gem. Don't let the exterior fool you. read more

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Amazing traditional sushi place! If you are looking for rolls like spider, dynamite, etc., they don't have that. They do have some other Japanese food like teriyaki, donburi, sukiyaki, etc. I got Scallop cut roll, Uni, Smelt Roe, Amaebi(they will fry the head for you but the head tasted a lil fishy), Mackerel, and Yellowtail Belly. They were all fresh and tasty! I don't know why I haven't tried this place earlier despite being walking distance from my house. I'll definitely be coming back if I crave nigiri again. I originally wanted to get Halibut or Snapper instead of Mackerel but they didn't have those the night I went. I didn't get the itemized receipt so I don't know how much some of the market priced nigiri cost but my total came out to be $64 with tax. I'm assuming the Amaebi and Uni cost about $15-18 which is on the more expensive side. It took about 15-20min at most to get my order made. I don't know if they have parking, I think you can park in the strip mall parking next to the restaurant but I walked here so I'm not too sure. They don't offer outdoor seating for Covid. It's a small restaurant. read more

Taihei - Scallop Maki roll, Smelt Roe, Uni (sea urchin), Amaebi (sweet shrimp), Saba (mackerel), and Hamachi Toro (yellowtail belly) - Sushi Bars Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Decided to come here one night for dinner with the bf because we were craving sushi and just wanted good sushi. I love this little sushi restaurant and love how homey it feels. This restaurant has been here for years and when I want good sushi, I come here. There sushi is always fresh and tasty. I love the ankimo (monk fish liver) because it's fresh and they give you A LOT! I can literally eat it all day! As for the service, I always feel that Japanese people are so humble and courteous. Our waitress was friendly and kept on checking in on us. She was this sweet obasan and she had the warmest smile. This sushi restaurant can get expensive but I feel that it is worth it. Overall, my bf and I love coming here when we want good quality sushi. read more

Taihei - Sushi Bars Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Best Sushi restaurant in the area. The dinner special is very special. 1) You get a choice of salmon or tuna sushi. 2) You get a choice of shrimp or fish tempura 3) You get a choice of 2 spicy tuna hand rolls or a grilled salmon collar 4) You get a choice of fish soup or chilled squid All for $31.99 A la carte sushi is very fresh too Best in town read more

Hands down, one of the best sushi bars I have ever been to. The freshest fish, and the coolest sushi master. Be sure to say hello to Nabe! (Nah-Bay) And yes, they serve beer read more

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The food is amazing. Order to go and ate at my hotel. My toddler love the tonkatsu. My spouse and I ate the sushi and chicken teriyaki. The to go is the best I have seen for any Japanese restaurant. The packaging for to go and the food is quality and quantity. We took a chance with the reviews and it did not disappoint. I give it 87% close to Japan quality of food. The price was really reasonable feeding three for under $50. read more

It's really good. Everything just seems like it was made with love, and everyone treats you so nicely.

The cutest small business ever. The food is always fresh and the portions are perfect. I love their service, the people are always so super kind! read more