So I have lived in Irvine for 10+ years and I have never tried this place out. I always see it being super busy and a line is always out the door. But this year for my birthday, my friend decided to take me here. She waited in line at around 4:20pm and there was already 3 large parties ahead of her. The door opened at exactly 5pm. You would have a choice of sitting at the bar or the dining area. We got seated at the bar because my friend raved about how the sashimi have better cuts at the bar. We weren't really given a menu and the one that they did give us was mostly just sashimi and a couple of special rolls (the sushi menu) and it wasn't very descriptive either. I wasn't really sure what to order so my friend just ordered for us the sashimi salad that had tuna, yellow tail, and salmon sashimi layered on top of a bundle of onions and thin cuts of salad drenched in ponzu sauce. Next we ordered the white shrimp...not sure what its called but it was 2 big shrimp that were not cooked and layered on top of some sushi rice. It was somewhat slimy but has a very refreshing taste to it. Then we ordered the crunchy, ninja, and rainbow rolls. They were all really good and the cut of the fish were really good! You could taste the fat and freshness of it. My bf also ordered the yellowtail collar...which was basically like boiled fish. Wasn't that great, tasted like boiled fish. We probably wouldn't get that next time....probably just stick with the fresh fish. Not really sure the prices of everything...it wasn't really printed out on the receipt.... read more

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I came here a couple months ago and was disappointed that the sushi bar was still closed. I'm not sure if they've reopened the sushi bar since but have to say that the quality of the sushi is very mediocre if you're not sitting at the sushi bar. The best part of Taiko was the chefs creations and ability to customize your rolls and unfortunately you can't do that at the tables. Or if you do it just doesn't taste the same. This made me realize how much the sushi chef behind the bar really makes the sushi shine. Sure good quality sushi is a start but the way they cut and season the fish makes all the difference. read more

Our friends from Tustin are huge fans of Taiko, and warmly introduced us to their favorite Irvine sushi spot back in 2014. I must admit, the first few times, I had neutral feelings about this place, but over the years as we accompanied our friends more frequently to Taiko, it grew on me. Since no reservations are available, and the lines are very long, I recommend coming earlier to stand in line. What makes Taiko so popular, in my opinion, is the huge portions of fresh fish they serve for every dish. The sushi chefs here do not hold back on portions, which is what I admire about them! For our most recent visit, we enjoy: - Yellowtail Nigiri* - Eel Nigiri* - Japan Scallop Nigiri* - Octopus Nigiri - Sea Urchin Nigiri - Salmon Egg Nigiri - Salmon Skin Handroll* - Toro Sumaki* - Salmon Sashimi with Asparagus* - Tamago Nigiri The items with the asterisk (*) are the items that we truly enjoyed, especially the Salmon Sashimi with Asparagus as an appetizer item. The Salmon Skin Handroll here also explodes with deep fried salmon skin, you really get the quality and quantity you pay for. Taiko is busy, so expect a wait in between each dish ordered. Use the time to enjoy hot green tea and enjoy the conversation with your party. Sit back and enjoy the meal! read more

Have been coming to Taiko since 1986. Introduced the wife and kids to sushi here. Would have loved it to make it to 40 years, but sadly, it's time to say goodbye. Used to be big cuts of high quality fish. 1-2 hour wait was standard but oh so worth it once you got a seat! Now, it's a take out place that's way overpriced. Even for Irvine, they are priced high. Latest shocker was finding out nigiri is only 1 piece (website state both 1 and 2 pieces per order, in different areas). Cut rolls and special rolls are smaller/less pieces. Had ignored replacing real crab with fake crab...but just too many changes to make it worthwhile. Relying on past reputation will only get you so far. With so many regulars leaving, it's time to reconsider what you guys are doing! read more

The sashimi quality is mediocre at best. The Tuna sashimi pieces are sliced about an inch thick. I thought they served me slices of filet mignon steak. It tasted bland and the thickness is not appropriate. It took away the flavor within each bite. The cooked food however isn't bad. It isn't very good either. The service is ok. I didn't expect much from service after experiencing the food. Coming from San Gabriel valley, the price point is a little too high for the quality of food. Perhaps it is because it's in Irvine, so cost of doing business could be higher. I don't understand why there's such a long wait for this place. Probably not enough sushi/Japanese restaurants around. I would not come back or recommend it to anyone. Again, it's not bad and it's not great. It's just not my cup of tea. I've had much better food experience at the same price point at other restaurants. read more

Taiko - I ordered tuna sashimi and got a piece of steak! - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

I came here on a Thursday afternoon for lunch and the combos offered at lunch are great! My mom and my aunt were huge fans of the dishes since they love sashimi. Food ordered: - B Combi: 5/5 - Sashimi, Beef Kushiyaki (ordered with medium well), Sesame Chicken The sashimi in all dishes were cut into thick and smooth chunks. Beautiful tuna and tilapia. Although I initially thought that the sesame chicken was going to be average, other Yelpers are right! The sesame chicken is actually really delicious, with the crispy outside and sweet teriyaki tasting chicken interior. - Combination Lunch #5: Tempura and Sashimi There was tempura chicken, kombucha squash, green pepper, and sweet potato. The sashimi fish was the same as the other dish. Fresh and silky sashimi, yum! The service was great and the food was delicious. All combos came with miso soup and rice. I will be back. read more

Taiko - Combo with tempura and sashimi - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

The BEST SUSHI in OC! My family and I have been coming here for over 15 years! The Spicy Tuna is so good! Not too spicy and always fresh! We do the Cucumber Special with crab meat! New item is the spicy edamame sauce is addictive! read more

Ugh. WHY is this place crowded all the time? The hubs and I went here for lunch on Saturday a few weeks ago and it was the worst sushi we have ever encountered. How does ANYONE ruin salmon sushi??? Every single piece of sushi was STRINGY and RUBBERY - Salmon, Tuna, EVEN THE TORO!!! Ugh. How does ANY sushi restaurant RUIN TORO??? I took one bite and could not even bite off a piece because it was so STRINGY! I ended up spitting it out. The Aji (Mackerel) sushi made me gag when I took a bite and I ended up spitting that out too. My husband and I were seriously TRAUMATIZED by the sushi at this restaurant. A friend of ours said that sushi at the bar is different and is a premium sushi experience. I have a problem with this, however. HOW can the same restaurant serve premium sushi at the bar and STRINGY, RUBBERY sushi within the restaurant (at the tables)? This is absolutely unacceptable, especially as there are no signs indicating this. Quite frankly, I will NEVER waste my hard-earned money at Taiko, whether it is the bar or table. Actually, even if someone were to pay me to eat sushi here, I would decline. That's how bad it was. read more

love this place! came here all the time. All the dishes are fantastic and the all the fish is very fresh. I can bring anyone here and know that it's going to be a good time. all the servers are also very experience and are quick to take your order and refill. it's very comfortable read more

Good Quality sushi, very clean. We had reservation and sit right away. Server was professional. I asked for sashimi salad, it was not in their current menu but chef made it with reasonable price. Their price and service was good not excellent. But considering inflation and labor market today, they earned their 5 stars. I probably will go there again. read more

Came in to celebrate my boyfriends birthday with friends. This place was recommended by a friend and it did not disappoint. All the food was delicious and our server was very helpful! We will definitely be coming back soon! Near the beginning of our arrival we mentioned to our server that we were celebrating a birthday and he told us we would get a complimentary dessert and they would come sing but that never happened. I understand that it was nearing closing time or maybe our server forgot but it didn't make the experience any less great. Can't wait to come back! read more

Taiko - Combination dinner #2 - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

honestly, the food is really good but just way over priced. And the fact that they don't have any option for all you can eat sushi kinda blows. Everything a la carte and that sucks especially if you're on a budget. But if you want some good sushi and good food overall I definitely recommend this place. read more

UPDATE: Owner replied and said issue was due to short staff from long weekend with Valentine's Day. Will try again to see if service improves. Pre paid take out. Waited 30 minutes outside with 20+ people. Got to the front and order was there for 30 minutes. Worst take out system ever. All food is cold or stale after long wait. Will be one star until I revisit after covid... IF I revisit Even worse, this was true for everyone on the takeout line. Person in front of me had their order sitting there for 40 minutes. The take out table had lots of food sitting there also getting cold. read more

This was my second time at Taiko...and I have declare it as my favorite Japanese sushi spot in OC. Both times I've been here, we sat at the sushi bar with sushi Chef Aiko...he's definitely the best and always super attentive! He serves up thick cut sashimi and nigiri. Everything is super fresh and delicious...especially their uni, sweet shrimp, and yellowtail! I even brought my aunt that is a pretty picky eater and she said she definitely wants to come back with us next time we come. This place is a gem...so if you like sushi as much as I do...you gotta check this place out!! read more

Taiko - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Taiko is really excellent, especially for their fair pricing and huge amounts of food, especially for their dinner Combos. Great date night spot. read more

Taiko - Chicken & Beef Combo - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

First time I heard this place 5-7 years ago haven't had a chance to visit till last weekend. The order was sushi and chirashi. Both came with almost identical ingredients which is very convenient to restaurants but not exactly impressive to customers. The quantity was great but not so much for quality. Tastes are just little better than boxes sold in Tokyo central or mitsuwa. Sure it's better than korean made fake Japanese restaurants but if this place is in Japan, it won't survive. read more

Hands down, one of the best sushi restaurants I have been too in Irvine. Everything is fresh and delicious, and it doesn't break the bank either. Just get there early ~4:30-4:45, before it opens at 5:00 so you are able to get a seat at the bar area. If you can't it's fine, you can grab a booth or table. 11/10 would recommend read more

We went during lunch hour. Parking will be very difficult to find because it's so packed. Wait time will probably be between 20-30 min but you can join with yelp too, which is very convenient. You don't really have the choice of choosing the kind of sushi you like during lunch, as there are mostly combos and will come with certain kinds of sushi (shown in the pictures) even if you don't like those and can't exchange them with a different kind. The miso soup is really good though and unlimited which is nice. The service was also really nice and friendly. But based on the food and it's taste I have to give it 2 Stars. The sashimi was so hard to eat because the slices were so thick. I had to eat it in one bite cause I couldn't bite it off unless i was ripping it off with my hands lol. And the taste of the sushi itself was just okay and nothing spectacular. I really like chicken teriyaki but this one disappointed me as well. The skin was left on the chicken which made it very chewy, there was so little teriyaki sauce on it or was probably watered down. The lettuce was fresh. We came here based on the many good reviews but sadly had a different experience. read more

Taiko - Chicken Teriyaki - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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I think it's the end of Taiko and og Irvine era. Sushi bar closed, fish is pre-cut and dry, the sushi rice is cold, missing vinegar and sugar, soggy .. what a dramatic difference so disappointing, been coming here for over 25 years read more

I've been eating here for over 30 years. I love the food here and the portions are great. read more

Taiko - Baked Scallops - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Taiko is one of my go to places for Japanese food in Irvine. Since they opened in 1980, they've sought and succeeded to revolutionize the way people eat in Irvine. From the classics to the innovative, a variety of options including sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles, they've got it all read more

Taiko - Combination with shrimp tempura and beef teriyaki. - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Service was ok but the food quality has significantly gone south from years ago when we went here. The tempura was not of quality either with the shrimp tempura baked with a whole inch of batter and was not even edible. Prices have gone up significantly but quality has gone down. The sushi was very small and quality not very fresh. Very disappointed. I would not come back here. read more

I've visited Taiko several of times, and never been disappointed. They are always very friendly and helpful. We had California, crispy and spicy tuna rolls. They are big and very tasty. As well as nigiri, tuna, baby tuna and salmon. All melts in your mouth. Very authentic place. Recommended!! read more

Taiko - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Overall 4/5 Pros: 1. "Join the waitlist" feature is awesome and every restaurant should have this. I was on the freeway and was able to join the waitlist 15 mins before arriving and would get notifications of how many parties are ahead. 2. Big seating area- you can't tell how big the restaurant is until you get seated in the back. 3. Awesome service-waitress was attentive and quick 4. Food was also made and served very quick 5. MISO SOUP IS COMPLIMENTARY!! and you can get more than 1. Cons: I wouldn't really consider this a con but as for the taste, I didn't think what I ordered was THAT flavorful. And I'm not a saucey person. I ordered the tuna hand roll, shrimp hand roll and spicy tuna hand roll and they weren't spectacular. Tuna hand roll is very plain and I usually don't like to eat my sushi dunked in soy sauce but this needed it. Shrimp handroll was basically peels shrimp, lots of reg mayo, and rice. Spicy tuna was the best of the 3. Overall I didn't think the handrolls were worth the price. My favorite item was the baked scallops appetizer! Sooo much flavor and it was baked with mushrooms which I thought was different. Be aware if you don't like mushrooms though! read more

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After all these years, you'll still find an insane dinner wait line in front of Taiko. Parking at The Arbor during this time is such a nightmare that people will even park along the sidewalk. I'd recommend parking in the back where there's more space and just walk through the small plaza to reach Taiko. During a busy night, you're looking at anywhere between 45minutes to 1.5 hour wait depending on how large your party is. Free WiFi while you wait, just ask for the password. Personally I don't really care for their sushi. It's good, but not what I crave for when I stop by Taiko. I opt for their combination dinner plates. A better bang for your buck. The portions are huge and if you go during weekday lunch, it's almost $5 cheaper for the same amount of food. It's almost hard to tell unless you've been here for a few years, but their portions have actually gotten smaller over time. My favorites to order include their scallop tempura and sesame chicken. The sesame chicken can appear burnt, but it's so juicy and moist. The right amount of saltiness and you get double the amount of chicken when you order their regular sesame chicken entree compared to if you order it in a combination meal. They always provide tons of veggies and rice and miso soup is unlimited. The teriyaki beef is alright and I find it to be sometimes too well done when I order it medium rare. Their meat is also too chewy for my tastes. The service is quick, although you might might need to flag them when it gets crazy busy. The bathroom is also small and quite shabby. But, overall a good spot to have dinner with family or friends. It's really close to a lot of dessert places for after your meal. read more

I'm new to the area and Taiko was recommended by several people. I'm not a good cook so I rely on takeout to feed my family a lot. We came from West LA where our neighborhood was historically Japanese and the Japanese food is always exceptional. We'd get Japanese several times a week and my kids could walk to any of the restaurants by themselves and know they'd get great sushi and food. Sadly, my kids and I found the food pretty bad. One of my kid's favorite foods is tempura. She's never met a tempura she didn't like. Until Taiko, that is. The tempura was way over battered and soggy. I agreed with her that it was disgusting and didn't even ask her to try and eat it. I got the beef skewer and it was so dry, tough, and flavorless that I literally spit it out. We got a lot of other items but they were all subpar but at least edible enough. But, there must be a reason people keep recommending this place to me, right? So, despite my first experience, I get take out from them 4 more times. That's 4 times that I think it must be an off day for them, maybe it was a fluke, maybe we didn't get the right stuff. Each time, my bill is almost $100 for my family of 4. Place isn't cheap. Disappointing each time. My last time, I got spicy tuna rolls. Each roll had something in it that I had to pull out of my mouth- fish scales and sinew. I was so grossed out that I didn't even finish the rolls and threw them out. If this is the best Japanese food that Irvine has to offer, I'm in trouble. I gave them 2 stars because they always got my order correct and the staff is very hospitable. read more

I'm just going to start off by saying that since I first found out about this place on Sunday, I came back 2 more times during the week for lunch for a total of 3 times in four days. I'll try to give you insight on everything I ordered because it was a lot! First off, there are 2 types of seating an dining experiences: 1. the sushi bar, the sushi chef takes your order and makes it right in front of you and you can see other chefs nonstop making sushi orders. 2. the table dining area which is more space but you don't get the authentic sushi experience. Combi's- 5/5, these are absolutely the best values. You get a salad, 2-3 items, green beans, rice, miso soup. I got the beef/sesame chicken/shrimp tempura combi and that was my favorite. HUGE portions you can even share it with 2 people if needed. They're decently priced too under $15. Salmon Sushi- 5/5, these are humongous sized salmon slices over the rice. You get 2 for $5 and they're exquisite. I get these everytime and I don't want to stop. Albacore Sushi- 4/5, these are my 2nd favorite sushi. I can never decide whether to dip it in soy sauce + wasabi or eat them by themselves. Their quality varies but usually are on point, their size is also huge like the salmon. Lunch Sushi plate- 3/5, this is good for a basic lunch, it's filling and a good price but the wide variety of fish and quality varied. I feel like it's better to just stick with the staples of salmon/tuna/albacore but to each their own. Special Lobster roll for dinner- 3/5, Not entirely sure of the name but it was a lobster mixed with mushroom in a lobster shell. This was wayyy too rich for my taste and it tasted a bit oily or fatty. I wouldn't be getting this again. There's a lot of regulars here and I intend to be one, make sure to grab a punch card as they give freebies for return visitors 10+ times. read more

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This Japanese food spot serves thick cut sashimi and generous portions. The Taiko Bento has many different different flavors and all taste fresh and delicious. The ten don has big pieces of shrimp and veggie tempuras with crunchy coating. Though it's quite difficult to find parking in this plaza, the trip here was with the wait and hassle. read more

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Sushi bar review: totally bang for my money. A total bomb. You get one on one with the sushi chef. Ingredients are fresh from the oceans. The portions on the sushi are huge. My favorites are the hamachi and the scallops and toro. The tako was a bit chewy for my taste. Would prefer the slice to be thinner. You have to get there early before they open for lunch and dinner. Usually a line outside for first serve. Go for the bar don't be intimidated, this is best here. Only thing I forgot to ask was, do they have fresh wasabi? Ciao munch, ~Kevin read more

Stopped by for a sushi dinner fix. Prices are premium, but fish quality does not match. 6 pieces of sushi was $24. Portions were on the small side. The salmon was small but tasty. The albacore was nasty old fish taste. Also zero presentation. Nor the usual albacore sauce and onion treatment. Very disappointed. Won't be back. Many other sushi places nearby to try. read more

Slow at filling orders for pre-paid. Don't understand the delay... never order hot food for pick up from here... especially during rushes. 30 minutes later still haven't gotten the food. read more

My family and I have been coming to Taiko for over a decade and they have had their inconsistencies in portions and changes in their menu/pricing, but, we always had wonderful and well-mannered servers. Their food always comes out flavorful, however, the female server we had today made my family and I uncomfortable and most especially UNWELCOMED. At the start, she was neutral in terms of body language and tone while taking our order -- I requested medium-well on my beef teriyaki, but it came out well-done, so I had requested for a new one to be cooked (and no I did not go "karen" on her...). After that instance, her entire body language and attitude had changed serving us, I watched her treat other tables with a happier attitude and clearly there was a pattern, maybe even a racial one perhaps? She never checked on us, never refilled our waters, and when I tried to flag her down multiple times to get our check, she completely ignored us and we had to ask another server who was way more attentive than her. Finally, when she brought the terminal over to the table for us to pay, she let out a noticible sigh and her eyes opened wide as if she was tired of serving us when we had not shown her any negative attitude even when our order was made wrong. I was honestly disgusted by the ill-mannered behavior of this server and I hope management will assess this discrepancy by the next time my family and I dine in. read more

EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! This place always has great Japanese cuisine and sushi and never fails to deliver a great meal. I started coming here a couple years ago and have never stopped coming since. There are several "secret menu" items that I always order when I go such as the Cucmber Special and the Tea Pot soup. I would highly recommend trying those dishes. Their customer service is exceptional and they always have a positive attitude. read more

Great food! We have been going to this restaurant for over 30 years. Their food quality is consistent! Awesome service!Combo Plates - sesame chicken + tempura are awesome!!! My family really likes their Baked scallop read more

First time visiting Taiko. Overall: Lovely homey feeling & full of Japanese comfort food. Perfect for introducing people to Japanese cuisine outside of sushi & sashimi. I immediately got dine-in seating and recognized that it's a local favorite. Many of the visitors were happily chatting with their friends and loved ones. The tables and chairs are worn from the love & care from the visitors. I feel immediately warm and welcomed - especially when they ask me if the corner seating is ok & closed the blinds for me. I also observed the staff taking quick action to cleaning the tables with Purell after guests leave - their shirts "we'll get through this together" are heartwarming. Sadly, the lunch menu is a bit overwhelming as I was given two menus immediately. I opted for the Taiko Bento as I was curious as to what's in it. I tried to order ramune but was informed that it was sold out - the restaurant is clearly well loved. I received miso soup and ate some of it - the temperature is already at a good level for consumption. I also love the home cooked feel of it. When I received the Taiko Bento, I was surprised at the huge variety and the even bigger rice portion. An elderly lady actually walked over to my table to see what I was eating & commented that it looked good but she couldn't handle raw fish. It took me by surprise but it shows how friendly this place is. This is also a good sign that this is a good place to introduce people to sashimi & sushi as the other parts of the menu are delicious. My favorite parts of the bento are the chicken (super crispy on the outside yet easy to pull apart), the sashimi, and the group of friends with the tamago. I was a bit saddened that the cooked salmon was on the drier side but the mussel was full of flavor at least. But honestly the best part of the bento was the sashimi - I immediately could tell that the sashimi were fresh and not frozen. I felt it was heinous to eat rice immediately after as the fish was still firm and chilled. No fishiness and it makes sense why their sushi menu was so large - they know what they are doing. Overall, I enjoyed my time here and I want to bring my family here next time. read more

Taiko - Taiko Bento - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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This is the Japanese restaurant on walnut and Jeffrey where there is always a long wait line during lunch or dinner time. In my opinion one of the best simple Japanese restaurant in the area. They have very fresh fish for sushi and have chicken teriyaki, beef teriyaki and other items. The combos and bento are usually a good way to try multiple items and come in good portion size. Service has always been friendly to me, maybe it's cause I speak Japanese but in general they are all very nice people that work here. Make sure when you come here during peak hours to expect a wait. It is worth it! read more

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Went here after hearing recommendations from co-workers. The line was out the door when it opened and the restaurant was filled quite quickly! As you can see it the picture, there was a lot of rice, almost same size aa the fish which I think it's a bad ratio. You started to get full after eating a few of them and still didn't feel satisfied just yet. for that, the high price and not an AYCE, I didn't like it at all. The hotpot was pretty decent but a bit too salty for my taste. I forgot the name but it was on their specials if I remember correctly. Probably would not drive this far for this place if I were to come back. read more

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Relaxed, comfortable, restaurant with an extensive menu and fresh, quality, food. The staff is both friendly professional--- particularly server Anna, Frank S. read more

Very disappointed with this place. I always see lots of people here so I decided to try it out. Sushi was not fresh, place was dirty and service was awful. I came here with the intention of having an enjoyable dinner night, unfortunately it was everything but. Staff was also very rude. read more

So good. Very authentic. Clean and time efficient service. The chicken teriyaki is my favorite and also the baked scallops. read more

Taiko - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California