Taira Sushi&Sake

Had such a great omakase experience here the other day! I loved the pacing and thoughtful flavors, and had some of the best trout, uni, and otoro I’ve had ever. The nanban chicken and beef tongue were really good and I want to come again to try the sampler. The husband and wife team were so nice! Will be back sometime!!

This was such an incredible experience, my group sat at the sushi bar and this was all our first times having Omakase. We couldn’t have asked for a better and more delicious experience. The couple that owns this restaurant is so sweet and absolutely incredible with customer service. We felt like we had been coming here for years, and ordered more food at the end of our 12 piece meal bc it was all so delicious and we couldn’t get enough. I think we each got 3 more pieces. I can’t wait to return. This made my husband’s birthday, so very special. Thank you again for such a night to remember. One of the best meals I’ve ever had!!

Exquisite restaurant owned by husband and wife team. The sushi is mostly imported and is of rare quality. Culinary skills are top notch. We spent about $150 per person between the drinks, appetizer platter (one per persons); 10 pcs Omakase, couple Extra orders and complete desserts to share,

The sushi grade was above and beyond what I anticipated in OC. You definitely get your "bang for the buck". It's run by a husband and wife, so they have limited seating. You need to call for reservations. Sometimes hard to get, but once you do, it is so worth it! The omakase is worth it, especially the 12 pcs. I've gone to so many, where the fish grade wasn't bad, but didn't feel like the price. This...I dunno where they "bid" on their fish, but, it is definitely of high grade.

Taira Sushi is a true hidden gem in Garden Grove, offering an exceptional omakase experience that won’t break the bank. It far exceeded our expectations! The quality of the fish was impeccable—each piece was fresh, expertly prepared, and perfectly balanced in flavor. It’s clear that every detail, from the rice to the presentation, is crafted with care and precision. Owned by the chef and his wife, Taira Sushi is a cozy and intimate restaurant tucked away in an unassuming strip mall. Don’t let the location fool you, reservations are an absolute must, as seating is limited, and demand is high (for good reason!). Lots of parking. I can’t recommend Taira Sushi enough—this spot is a true treasure, and I’ll definitely be coming back!

Absolutely blown away by this hidden gem of a sushi restaurant, owned and run by the sweetest Japanese couple. The quality of the sushi here is genuinely top-tier — freshest fish and the great rice (the sushi rice makes or breaks). You can tell there’s a lot of care and pride in what they serve. Their omakase is an absolute steal for the quality and quantity you get. It’s hands down the best value omakase we’ve found in Southern California. Don’t sleep on the appetizers either. The chicken nanban is a must-try: crispy, juicy, and perfectly balanced with their house tartar sauce. Every dish hits the mark. It’s rare to find a spot that combines this level of quality with such warmth and authenticity. This place deserves all the hype — best sushi in SoCal, no contest.

Wow. Best omakase experience I've had outside of a Michelin star restaurant. The chef uses only the highest quality fish and made some extremely creative sushi. I can't say I've ever seen lemon zest or truffle oil on sushi but holy cow some of the flavors the chef brought out were mind blowing. My only complaint is it was a bit expensive for the quantity of food but the quality definitely shines in addition to the creativity. Be sure to call ahead to make a reservation as they are required.

Great quality, friendly atmosphere, definitely going to be a regular! A hidden gem in Garden Grove. Japanese owned omakase that focuses on seasonal offerings. Ben and Ayako make you feel welcome once you walk in those doors. The menu is hand written and you can see the focus and care that Ben puts with each piece of nigiri. If you want to come and get a bite, make sure you make your reservations at least 2 weeks in advance.

My pictures are very out of order but the 12 piece omakase was very delicious. The sushi chef and his wife were very lovely people and worked hard to keep everything going. My favorites were the amberjack and black cod. We also ordered the appetizer sampler which was very fun and interesting. However, the dessert was also amazing. Not too sweet and great with the hot tea. Definitely make a reservation over the phone. It took over a month to get a Saturday at 6pm but they have earlier availabilities if you pick a weekday. Decent amount of parking and it's the plaza next to Garden Grove Hmart.

I highly recommend this restaurant if you want an affordable, high-quality omakase experience. The moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles by the owners, Ben and Ayako, setting the tone for a wonderful evening. I went here tonight with my family and all 7 of us enjoyed everything they brought out. The atmosphere was intimate and inviting, perfect for a special family dinner. Ben and Ayako own and run the restaurant and are so sweet. Their passion for providing an exceptional dining experience was evident in every detail. We ordered the 10-piece omakase with the appetizer plate. Ayako took the time to explain each piece that came out, sharing stories about the ingredients and inspiration behind each dish. She taught us which order to eat them in, enhancing our appreciation of the culinary journey. I would eat this every day if I could! The combination of fresh, expertly prepared sushi and the personalized service made for a truly unforgettable meal. Thank you for such a great dinner! We can't wait to return and experience more of what this hidden gem has to offer.

Came here for a birthday celebration. Storefront is unassuming on the outside, but quite intimate and traditional on the interior. Only accepts reservations, no walk-ins. The restaurant is owned by the sushi chef and his wife, both from Japan. My partner had a lovely conversation with them regarding their trips to Japan. They are extremely personable and welcoming. We ordered the 12 piece omakase, beef tongue starter, and uni appetizer. Everything was delicious. With the omakase, chef explained each piece was made with his own specialties - drizzled atop with homemade soy sauce. It was a wonderfully memorable meal. For dessert- out of kindness, they offered complimentary dessert- which was homemade by his wife. The brown pudding was so smooth and rich, and the matcha cake was deep in flavor. An excellent way to end the meal. Would be back again!

Chef Ben and his wife are a dynamic duo. They run the entire place by themselves. A 12 piece omakase is $85 and worth every penny. We have tried almost every omakase in Orange County and Taira is our new favorite. When we walked in for our 8:30p reservation, the small restaurant was completely full and as the first seating was exiting, it was evident that everyone dining was a regular/ repeat customer. And now we know why! The food is excellent. We ordered the beef tongue appetizer and the small neck clams in butter. Both were excellent! And the omakase just speaks for itself. If I had the stomach capacity, I would have ordered it all over again. Every piece was beautiful and delightful to the tastebuds! We will certainly be back! Taira is our new favorite omakase!!!

Amazing!! We had a 10-piece omakase each, and every bite was just perfection! Ayako kept our teas topped up. Everybody that came in seemed to be having a blast! Dessert was the perfect finish to an incredible meal! I can't wait to go back!!

Been here twice now - first when it was newly opened and then a year after our first visit. Both times were a great experience. It's owned by the sushi chef and his wife and are both very friendly. We came for the omakase and were not disappointed. Our omakase consisted of 12 pieces of nigiri of what I would say is more premium fish. He doesn't the usual choices like yellowtail or regular salmon. Nope - we got some awesome stuff like halibut, sea perch, golden eye snapper, firefly squid- just to name a few. So if that's the kind of omakase menu that's your jam, then it's worth giving this spot a try! The cuts of the fish weren't huge, but it worked because the amount of rice with each piece of nigiri was smaller, so it was proportionate and a good balance. We prefer this because we don't want to be getting full off of rice. Don't sleep on the appetizers either. We had the special appetizer plate and the simmered beef tongue, which was our favorite of the two. This wasn't our last visit there as I'm sure we'll be back again for more.

What we ordered: - Sakura shrimp kakiage tempura - 10 piece omakase Chef Ben and his wife Ayako, who have been together for over 5 years, decided to open Taira over a year ago. They chose the area because of its strong mix of Asian cultures and lack of a high quality omakase spot. We chose the 10 piece omakase course for $74, which we think is more than fair considering other omakase spots in OC and the quality of fish being served here. Sakura shrimp kakiage tempura was a great appetizer. Kakiage means "gathered together and fried". It was light and crispy, but not oily. Ginger and daikon made the dipping sauce light and refreshing. The combination of shrimp and freshness from thinly sliced vegetables made it a light appetizer, despite being fried. Omakase consisted of 10 pieces. Highlights of the night were the seared ootoro, amberjack, hokkaido scallop, and golden eye snapper. The seared ootoro had a comforting, roasted aftertaste while completely dissolving in the mouth. The amberjack was the softest amberjack we have ever tried; the yuzu and lemon juice provided a nice citrus punch as well. The Hokkaido scallop had the same touch of citrus as the amberjack, and it just fell apart in the mouth; it was definitely the best scallop we have tried so far. The golden snapper had a blend of chewiness and softness in parts, becoming one of our favorite cuts of fish!

Truly a hidden gem in the OC! My bf and I had the chicken nanban to start. We had to order one for each of us because it's that good!! The chicken is light and crisp, and even the batter is so flavorful. No crumbs were left. We also had the 8 & 10 piece omakase. The omakase sets consisted of premium fish selections with affordable pricing! Each nigiri was a party in my mouth lol great pairings of flavors and the fish tasted so buttery and fresh. We will definitely be back when we need our sushi fix! Great food and also a great staff! Can't recommend this place enough :)

OMG! I wanted to gatekeep this place for a bit, but this spot is all bang for your buck. After extensive research, I came across this place on a whim. Ben and Ayako are the sweetest chef duo. They make the perfect team. I decided to take one of my bestie's here for her late birthday dinner. In an unassuming plaza, you can find Taira. The setting was very relaxed and welcoming. We went with the 12 piece omakase set for $84 per person. We added on the ankimo (since it was the best seasons to eat it) and the cold stewed eggplant for our appetizers. Both appetizers were delicious! It was probably the best ankimo we've ever had in our lives. Now onto our set .. every bite was perfect. All the seafood pieces tasted so fresh. Ben did a great job highlighting each piece of nigiri with complementing flavors. I'm still thinking about it to this day. Since they are only a 2 person team, they keep their reservation slots small so that your experience isn't a super long journey. Ben is a one-person sushi chef. It was very intentional. During our visit, it was just us and one other party. We loved every minute of our experience. Ayako even brought out dessert for my friend's birthday. It was like a black sesame pudding with some kind of matcha cake. We learned she had also made these dessert, and they were delicious! Can't wait to go back and take my husband!

My fav omakase experience in OC!!! I always omit mackerel and they are very accommodating *call for resos bc it's a cozy restaurant *their appetizers are a MUST and there's always room for dessert *most kawaii wife server & chef husband duo ty Taira for being in Garden Grove of all places :') PS there's kareoke next door if u want to keep the sake party going

My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and it was our first omakase EVER. I had never been so excited for a meal in my life. Taira is a little hidden gem in Garden Grove led by Chef Ben and his wife Ayako bringing amazing cuts of the freshest, high quality fish and more for so much cheaper than other omakases I've seen on social media. It's not a huge restaurant, but the smallness of it adds to the cozy and intimate experience that I feel that omakase needs. We sat at the bar and got to watch Chef Ben put together the nigiris and it was honestly a dream. We started with the appetizer set that featured a number of different appetizers like whelk, spinach, pickled tomato, eggplant, jellyfish, and steamed egg with uni. When you first hear about what you get, it doesn't particularly sound spectacular, but trust me, EVERY BITE blew me away. It speaks to amazing talent to turn simple things into flavor explosions. Please get this. At $85, this 12 course omakase was the most reasonably priced one I had ever heard of and just like the appetizers, EVERY BITE, was beyond flavorful. I was so sad when I finished my bite. I can't put it into words. Just go try it. We also got the roasted brown tea pudding and surprised me with a fruit tart for my birthday since my boyfriend mentioned it in the reservation. Chef Ben and Ayako were so sweet and they created such an amazing first omakase experience. We will 100% be going back and I can't wait to do so!

Taira Sushi deserves a Tiara for the amazing sushi and service! Brought the hubby here to celebrate his birthday and this hidden gem did not disappoint! We thoroughly enjoyed every piece of fish served. Initially we ordered a 10 piece omakase set but after savoring over everything we ate we had to upgrade to 12 pieces! We truly appreciate the chef's taste profile. Each cut of fish was paired so well with their respective sauce/salt/pepper/etc. the rice enhanced the sweetness of the fresh sashimi. We really appreciated that the chef kept the flavor of each bite simple, fresh, and with a taste of Japanese tradition. The sweet owners celebrated hubby's birthday with free dessert and that too should not be skipped! Ayako (chef's wife) actually created the brown tea pudding and matcha white chocolate and both were delightful! I loved the pudding! It was "Asian sweet-" aka not too sweet! =P Our dining experience was intimate and personal. We really enjoyed our conversation with the chef. Timing of each piece was just right. We had enough time to enjoy and each bite before appreciating the next. Chef made sure everything was delicious and to our likings! His wife constantly checked up on us and refilled our teas/drinks. Both are such wonderful hosts. We felt like we were dining at a friends' place- welcomed and cared for. I can't wait to come back here! After so many bad experiences (involving GI system) with other sushi places, I have been refraining from eating sushi for some time until I've found you, Taira!! See you again soon!! Enjoy!! You're welcome, friends! :)

This is a reservation only restaurant, and I really liked the private atmosphere of the place. We got Omakase here, and the chef and waiters were all really nice. The biggest caveat here being the price. With omakase being 89, you potentially get good value given the selection of fish that was offered. But definitely a pricier and treat yourself kind of meal This review will be short - the fish quality was out of this world. I was constantly surprised by the selection of fish. For example, I generally do not like tuna due to it, being usually a rougher texture, but today, even though they only put soy sauce on it. They had chosen such a good selection of blue fin tuna/or prepared it so well that it was really soft and had great depth of flavor. Maybe I'm a tuna person now! Things I've never tried before I particularly liked the sour eggplant that they served.

Probably a 3.5/5 for me but rounded up because of the chef/waitress power couple. Cozy ambiance. They were super sweet and hearing about their story added an extra layer of endearment to the meal. We ended up choosing the omakase 12 piece set for around $80. Really good price for the number of pieces but I just wasn't too impressed by that many of the dishes. The beginning six we had were just okay. Really liked the uni and ikura and chuutoro but otherwise it left something to be desired. Overall pretty nice experience but probably not my go to omakase spot despite the great/affordable price.

We got a 8:30pm reservation! Dined at the bar in front of the chef. Ordered the following 1) omakase 12 piece - pieces are small but we ordered enough of the appetizers to fill our stomach, price is affordable! 2) monk fish liver - husband liked this!! 3) sea urchin tofu - the tofu was a bit stinky, not sure if that's how it should be? Urchin was good 4) beef tongue - yum, soft and delicate tasting 5) miso soup, there's a fish ball inside? 6) stewed egg plant - flavorful! 7) green tea chocolate cake x 2 - very dense and full of matcha flavor, melts in your mouth Chef is super friendly and wife is very busy serving everyone in the restaurant! It's only a two person team.

Hidden gem for omakase.. maybe not so hidden since mentioned in the Michelin Guide. Located in a very quiet plaza with plenty of parking, most people (like me) wouldn't even notice the plaza. The restaurant is very small with up to 10 bar sets and maybe 3 smaller tables. Make sure to reserve well in advance for the bar, I have had to reserve 2 weeks in advance as well as reserve a two months in advance if I know for sure I am coming. Chef Ben and Ayako really make this place feel so welcoming and very, very focused on your eating experience. The restaurant is really run by them both (with an occasional other server) so everything definitely comes out leisurely, a perfect spot for lots of conversation and probably not time-sensitive plans afterwards. I love the omakase sets and the flavor pairings with the fish. All the fish is fresh and sourced from all over the world. Chef Bens really explores new flavors that just work (my partner has a note on his phone with all the different flavor pairings cause I loved them so much). Some are stronger than others, so if you're not into stronger flavors with your omakase this place may not be the preferred spot. Favorite appetizers: sesame tofu with uni and simmered beef tongue. Both soft and melt in your mouth in different ways. Pro-tip: bring cash to avoid the 3% card fee. 100/10 recommend Taira. I LOVE the ambiance, both Ben & Ayako and always have the best omakase experience.

We came here to celebrate our wedding anniversary and food was amazing. We both got the 12pc omakase and then an appetizer platter to share. There were 2-3 things that were a tad bit under seasoned but most everything was delicious. The fish was fresh and melt-in-your-mouth high quality. The service was A+. The restaurant is run by the sushi chef and his wife. The only qualm we had was it took a very long time for our first dish (appetizer platter) to come out..almost 30 minutes. We were starving. But once the first item came out, the rest followed suit pretty soon after. We loved that they gave us a complimentary dessert for celebrating our anniversary. Reservations are required. Parking is a-plenty.

This place was so delicious! The Omakase is a must have. We ordered their 12 piece Omakase with the appetizer add on. Their menu is season, sourced directly from Japan so you know that you're getting the freshest and best seafood. Each bite was so delicious and they also topped each one with its own unique complimenting seasoning or sauce, that elevated the natural flavor of the fish.

I've been having this placed saved on my go to's for awhile, and tonight was the perfect occasion for me to go since I was celebrating my boyfriend's birthday! Everything was so good and flavorful. It's hard to describe it unless you have been here before because every bite I ate was a frenzy in my mouth and my tastebuds were out of control. All the fish melted on my tongue and was very fresh. Ben, Ayako and Haruka were pleasant people to be around and were very friendly to everyone! It didn't feel like we were just guests at their restaurant but more like old friends catching up. Everyone who dined there as well had an excellent experience. Overall, I would definitely come back because this is one of the best places I've been too.

Taira Sushi & Sake is Garden Grove's best kept secret. I'm even hesitant to write a review because I would love to keep them all to myself. However, it would be a disservice to Chef Ben and his lovely wife, Ayako if I did not write them a rave review. My boyfriend and I visited for his birthday dinner. I made a reservation two weeks prior, asking for two seats at the sushi bar since we were planning to try their omakase. Taira is located in a sleepy plaza next to Hmart. When we walked in, we were greeted by Chef Ben and the sound of Japanese being spoken by several customers. Always a good sign. Chef Ben and Ayako's service is friendly, welcoming, and generous. The small venue felt intimate, like we were invited into their home. As for food, their well-rounded and unique menu features a la carte items and three types of omakase (8, 10, and 12 piece). We opted for the 12 piece omakase for $80pp and the sample appetizer. We also enjoyed their amazing selection of sakes, some of which are imported from Japan. Sample appetizer 5/5: We loved trying a variety of appetizers from their menu. The stand out was definitely the tofu with sesame truffle oil. The tofu is housemade and so silky. The sesame truffle oil explodes with flavor. We could've eaten four of these alone. Omakase 5/5: We loved their omakase selection, which ranged from toro, golden eye snapper, and scallop. Each piece tasted fresh and carefully constructed. Chef Ben uses the perfect amount of warm sushi rice and sauce to complement each piece of fish. He was also happy to explain which Japanese region each fish came from. The omakase at Taira is an absolute steal. Even better, Chef Ben and Ayako do an amazing job at making customers feel right at home. We will definitely be coming back often!

Amazing quality food for great prices, no wonder they are always booked. Not only was the 12 piece omakase delicious and creative, but the izakaya items we ordered were also a hit. The chicken wings were probably the best I've ever had. Eggplant and shishito peppers were also good. Definitely making this one of my must visits every time I'm back in SoCal to visit family.

This review is long overdue. My family and friends love this place. It's definitely one of the best sushi restaurant in Orange County! Get the omakase! Also make sure you call in to make reservations! The restaurant is also kid friendly. We took our twin boys who are 2.5 year old. I can't wait to be back.

I previously reviewed the omakase and sushi here. This time, I tried their Izakaya food. Don't sleep on that side of the menu! My wife and I tried the Chicken Nanban, Kakiage, Crab Ponzu, and Beef Tongue. Everything was just as delicious as the sushi. The chicken nanban was crispy and nicely seasoned. I wish I could get this as a bento meal! The beef tongue melts in your mouth. Our absolute favorite was the kakiage. We'll definitely be getting that next time with our meal here.

I have been coming to Taira for over a year now and I can confidently say that it never disappoints. Chef Ben, Ayako, and Haruka are the best hosts anyone could ask for. The ambiance in here is the coziest, making you feel like you are with your family and close friends. Make sure to order the appetizer as it is a unique selection of specialty dishes. If you are feeling extra hungry, ordering an extra appetizer of the delectable monkfish liver will never disappoint. I also highly recommend getting the 12 piece omakase as it comes with a wide variety of fresh fish. Taira is a MUST try if you are in the OC area!

Loved our omakase experience at Taira, the staff is friendly and accommodating plus the fish they serve was great quality! Omakase is very affordable, especially if you do the 12 piece (we ended up doing the 10 piece but probably could have done 12 haha it was all so good!) They also served some fish that I had never tried before, I already forgot the name of the fish but I'll be back soon to try more! NOTE: the plaza Taira is located in is a no frills plaza but don't worry, you are in the right place!

Absolutely amazing! We were seated in the table area although we were hoping to sit in the counter but regardless, hands down!!! Everything was delicious. The server was kindly explaining each pieces of sushi and which region each fish is from as well. No need for a side of Wasabi or soy sauce because one piece literally was a work of art! Beautiful small little place in Garden Grove. Felt very lucky to find this little treasure island :) Will be back again soon!

Amazing! Best sushi we've had OC. Will definitely be back!! Recommend reservations and one of the omakase options. The beef tongue was also superb!

After coming here 3 times Taira has become one of my favorite places for omakase in OC! I love that they have an 8, 10, or 12 piece omakase option as well as an appetizer platter you can add on. Appetizer Platter: I love the traditional Japanese flavors of the appetizers and it's so fun to eat. Tomato Pickle: sounds odd, but so flavorful and delicious. One of my favorite things here. Pork Jowl: love the flavoring on this, some pieces were a little tough though. Omakase: I usually go with the 10 piece option and each piece was delicious, I really like how the sushi chef tells you how he seasoned the nigiri and where the fish is from. Overall great place for omakase. Reservations need to be made over the phone in advance, it's not a walk-in type place. The owners are a wife and husband duo and they're always so sweet and nice!

I thought this place was pretty decent, and had its pros and cons! Definitely worth a try! Ordered the 12 piece Omakase for $80, sampler appetizer, firefly squid, beef tongue. Pros: 1. The sampler appetizer came with uni tofu cup which was really good! It also came with seasoned egg plant which to my surprise was amazing, I would come back for the eggplant, it tastes like it was marinating in sesame, very unique and tasty. 2. Firefly squid appetizer was pretty decent (First time having it) I would get it as a nigiri to eat it with rice. 3. The omakase came with some amazing pieces! The most memorable pieces was the ocean trout, the uni, and the toro. Just melt in your mouth goodness! 4. The beef tongue broth was very flavorful, but the tongue itself i thought was okay, a little chewy and tough. Cons: 1. For the sampler appetizer it also came with some tomato slices, baby sardines, and I believe snail, it wasn't too memorable. 2. For a 12 piece omakase I only really enjoyed about 4 pieces, the rest I thought were decent. I am a huge fan of scallop, but the scallop here wasn't as buttery soft compared to other sushi places I've had. 3. The wait was kinda long as well, there was only one chef and one server. Our whole meal took 3 hours. The bill was approximately $150 a person, for that price I just had higher expectations. But overall worth a try! I want to come back just to order the egg plant and some sushi pieces that I really enjoyed from my first visit.

If I could eat here everyday, I would. The quality of sushi and taste was perfection. This restaurant is truly a hidden gem and owned by husband and wife. It really shows that they put their true passion into their business. We rate Taira best sushi in Orange County, hands down!!

I think we had real high hopes up. This is a great place if you would like to get drunk and pay for overpriced appetizer. There was a bar where maximum 10 peopke can sit, and 2 tables of 4. They had a large selection of sake and drinks but mayve 12 kinds of sushi. Dobt get me wrong. Sushi was good just that 8 piece for $60 was overcharging. Paying 3% for using credir card was rediculous. The ambience wasnt great, the plates and cups they were using wasnt pretty. As for food, using truffle oil on everything was just annoying. On white fish sushi was ok but why on otoro which was great tuna and it just killed flavor. Maybe it was by chance, but seaweed wraped trout was good and was right on flavor. That was worthy of coming here. Oh and the water faucet came off in the bathroom. This place was comparable to dessert place where its pretty good but just added edible flowers and gold foil to look pretty but killing flavors. I would give another star if the bill was under $50 per peeson. Maybe another star if they had actual furniture and cleaner bathroom.

This place needs more reviews than what they currently have because the food was delicious and the service was amazing! My fiance and i came here for dinner and we both ordered 2 of the 12 piece omakase + 2 appetizers set and beef tongue. The appetizers came with 4 different things. The sushi pieces were all fresh & yummy. There wasn't a single piece that was "meeeeh" in my opinion. The beef tongue was insanely tender. I thought the texture of it was going to throw me off considering it's beef tongue but it was sooooo good. It's ran by a husband and wife & i appreciate how they only take a certain amount of people at a time to ensure quality of the food & great service. Will be coming back!

Always a lovely, lovely experience coming to Taria Sushi! We had the pleasure of coming back here twice within the last month -- We recently came to celebrate our anniversary and my boyfriends birthday. Both times, we opted out to have the 12 piece omakase and starters to share. Chef Ben and Ayako are a wonderful couple who truly care about the guest experience, their food quality, and overall ambience of the restaurant. We sat at the counter both times and Chef Ben and Ayako remembered us - we even sat in the same spot as last time. The intimate bar omakase experience is a must! Ayako's attention to detail coupled with Chef Ben's knowledge of his ingredients and technique truly make the dining experience elevated.

Been hearing a great deal about Taira Sushi & Sake so I had to stop by and check it out. Reservations are easy as we called the night before and got one for the next day at 8:30pm. We got seated on time and our server was fantastic. We got their assorted appetizer with the twelve piece omakase along with an order of beef tongue and grilled pork jowl. Both were great, but the pork jowl was standout terrific. The chefs choice omakase for $80 was well worth it. Really liked the choice of fresh fish. All of them were delicious. For dessert, I recommend both the flourless matcha cake and the kuromitsu kinako ice cream. They so were so goood, we even ended up putting them together for the best of both worlds. Super delicious and soft mochi accompanied by delicious brown sugar glazed ice cream. Highly recommend! Overall, we really enjoyed everything here. Gotta be one of the best new sushi spots in town.

I had the pleasure of dining here for the first time tonight and it was amazing! Prior to arriving, our plans kept changing so we had to make adjustments to our reservation. Ayako was so accommodating and ensured the available times worked for us. My friend is a regular and had been recommending this place for months. You can tell that they care for their customers because we we arrived, they remembered my friend's name and greeted us with a warm welcome. The place was cute and cozy, with bar seating and a few tables. We wanted the full omakase experience, so we chose to sit at the bar. To start, we ordered the simmered beef tongue and chicken wings. So delicious and unique! I ordered the lemon sour cocktail, which was super refreshing and tasty. We then ordered the 10 piece omakase. This set included uni, chutoro, amberjack, and more. So so good, I will literally be dreaming about this meal. Great hidden gem for an affordable price! Definitely will be returning!

Nice hidden gem of a restaurant. It's a husband and wife team in a quaint sushi bar at the end of a small strip mall. It's a stones throw away from the HMart center. We opted for the 12 piece Omakase, the boiled beef tongue, and fried chicken. Everything is expertly executed and tastes delicious. Parking is easy, lots of parking in the lot. We had a 7:30 reservation time. The sushi bar is the best place to sit. You definitely need to make a reservation for this restaurant. We had a very nice experience last night. We will be back often. Happy Yelping.

Went here for my boyfriend's birthday and we loved it! Each piece was thoughtfully prepared and absolutely delicious.

Fun, delicious, friendly, and cozy. Chef Ben puts thought in every nigiri and cut and each flavor profile is well accented by the quality of the rice as well as slight touches, whether it is unique salts, truffles, or even a subtle amount of his soy sauce. He had ocean trout, one of my favorites, and did it justice. However, the biggest surprise of the night was the octopus, he was inspired by certain spices and seasons, and it really gave me flashbacks of my trip to Madrid many years ago. Ayako makes sure that you as a customer feels welcomed, and honestly, it made the mealband experience that more enjoyable. I will definitely be a regular and more excited about going through his whole menu.

This is on the Michelin Guide for as a new addition in California. I was surprised it's in our very own backyard so you bet I was excited to try it out. We drive by here so often and we never would have looked twice to know that this gem exists! Hidden in an inconspicuous plaza, you'd never think a Michelin place was there. Our close friends invited us and made reservations a week or so in advanced. Be warned, tables are limited as they are a small joint run by a couple from Japan; husband Ben runs the sushi making and wife Ayako handles the tables. But they are some of the warmest and friendliest people you'll meet. Everything, and I MEAN EVERYTHING, we ordered was 100/10. Yes, that's not a typo, it really was 100/10. From the fish cheek to the pork Jowel, to the omakase. Omg the omakase! They'll inform you of the order to eat the sushi for the best balance of flavors as you move from a different cut of fish to the other. We loved it ALL. Brought back memories of our Japan trip Come one, come all, and come soon because this place is a diamond in the rough.

Visited Taira while on a trip to Disneyland. The only reservation time available was 9:30PM and although we were starving waiting for dinner, it ended up being the best decision!!!! 9:30PM is the best time to come because everything is more chill and you can chat with the chef. Both the chef and his wife were extremely friendly, welcoming, and fun. We had a great time here and exchanged reality tv shows to watch! The sushi was spectacular. I will say that I was a bit drunk and therefore my opinion may be a bit biased, but everything i ate was delicious! My boyfriend and I both ordered the appetizer as well as the 12 piece omakase. FYI I was very sober for the appetizer and I highly recommend it. It was very refreshing and unique. My boyfriend commented that he enjoyed the monkfish, something he doesn't normally love. All in all, i would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this spot. I wanted to come back the next night to do it all over again but unfortunately they were booked. Regardless, the food was great, atmosphere was fun, and service was A+

Run by a lovely couple. They are so nice! Had their omakase and I enjoyed every piece. I was impressed how all the fish came from different places. Make sure to reserve in advance if you want want to seat on the counter .

New Favorite Omakase Sushi Restaurant! This restaurant is owned by friendly and passionated husband and wife team. The sushi quality was amazing with most fish freshly imported from Japan. Special appetizer for omakase was fantastic with an assortment of 6 samplers, which could be shared with 2 people. Beef Tongue was soft and tender and well-seasoned. The 12-piece Omakase was $80 per person. $2 for Hot Green Tea. There is a 3.5% credit card fee. Advance reservations recommended. Free parking in lot.

We tried their 12 piece omakase and this place is well deserving of their place on the Michelin Guide. The fish was fresh, prepared well. The accompanying sauces/salts/spices really made the fish stand out as the star of the show. Staff was very friendly. Reasonably priced and a great date night spot!

The fish quality is top notch, The restaurant runs by a husband and wife, very friendly and skilled

Tucked away in a small shopping plaza, Taira Sushi & Sake is only a month old but if its delectable and high quality sushi is any indication, it will get more popular very soon and thus unable to retain its hidden gem status for much longer! We first heard about the Japanese husband and wife team running Taira from a friend who told us we had to try the $80 12-piece omakase set as soon as we could; upon finally doing so we can see why - sushi Chef Ben treats each piece with loving care and attention and that translates to an awesome experience for your taste buds. From traditional favorites like the buttery toro, cherry salmon, and amberjack to ones that we've never tried before like smokey blackthroat seaperch and heart clam, each piece of seafood is incredibly fresh even after being flown in all the way from Japan, and all complemented by the right bit of fresh wasabi while each retaining a distinct tasty twist. For example, the marinated onions on the cherry salmon and yuzu sauced amberjack are incredibly nice touches and helped make those fish, some of the best versions of those types of sushi. We finished the night with a Hojicha pudding, which was as good as you imagine a Hojicha pudding could be. If there is one piece of constructive criticism I have to offer is that I wish the sushi rice was a little softer and warmer. That being said, it's a very minor quibble when you have fish prepared that damn good and even if all that being said, I find it difficult to believe the omakase here will stay at the more-than-reasonable price point it is now for long. The service we got from Chef Ben's wife Ayako was also excellent - it helps a lot that she is not only attentive, but warm and easy to talk to and we loved recounting our travels to Japan with her. Although we weren't able to reserve counter space, she was great at explaining what each piece of sushi we had was and where it came from. There are few sushi places I've been to where I think about the taste of the sushi after I've had it and Taira certainly did that for me - needless to say, this place comes highly recommended!

I've been raving about Taira since 2022 and can't believe it's taken me so long to write a review (I'm sorry)! I am so happy to have an authentic Omakase experience in Garden Grove that rivals Japan! The entire menu is curated by the loveliest couple, Ben and Ayako. They are SOOO welcoming and sweet. Every time I come, it feels like I'm visiting friends . Every single piece of fish is fresh and imported from Japan and various places around the world. You need to try the Hojicha Pudding, I literally dream about this dessert every week. Thank you Ben and Ayako!!

OMG, the sushi is just YUM!! I have been here a couple of times, and sushi is always fresh made, and ready to be served. I was here for both my Dad's birthday this past January as well as my birthday a few months back. Depends on how hungry you are, I'd suggest the omakase, which is basically the chef's special. The chef "Ben" will tell you what cut of fish he will make before serving it to you. Some of the fish that are made for the Omakase is made fresh from the waters in Hokkaido, Japan, and some of the types of seafood that I got, such as the scallops as well as the Nodoguro (Japanese Blackthroat Seaperc) (You can google it ) does not taste chewy at all. I'd definitely suggest this place if you want really great sushi - a bit on the pricey side for sushi, but it's definitely worth the money. Oh, and make sure you call in advance, since the place fills up quickly.

This is another hidden gem in Garden Grove. First, service is super friendly from chef to servers. I feel like home when I first dined here. Second,the fish quality is perfectly melt in your mouth, fresh quality, unique taste. Very nice knife skill. Third, the ambiance might not be welcome when you walked in but as long the food is good, I don't mind at all. Will be back!

WRITING THIS REVIEW SUCKS. Kidding. Sort of. Taira is just THAT good in terms of quality and value that I seriously hesitated writing this review. Even now I'm super torn about doing this: on one hand they deserve the 5 stars, on the other this means they will get even MORE popular and it'll be harder for me to score reservations again. But...here we go! Parking: private lot, good amount of parking for a Thursday night. Reservations: yes you need them, so call! If they don't answer, leave a message and they will call you back. Food: the price ($80 for 12 pc omakase, $18 for appetizer selection in Dec 2022) is great for the quality you get. Flavors were amazing and the fish was very fresh. And the dessert hojicha pudding was so good, I wished we didn't share. (Oh well.) Will definitely be coming back here soon! Note: there is a CC processing fee.

What a delightful new spot to eat it! The service is tentative, kinda, and provides exceptional services. Every dish was prepared with thought and flavor. You can tell the chef must spend hours prepping all the details and ingredients to here. We chose to do the 8 peice omakase, 10 peice omakase, and several side dishes. The munk fish is so buttery and prepared so well. They dont just wrap and steam like some places. The pork jowl was so good too. Every fish had such good flavor. The simmered beef tongue is a dish made care and melts in your mouth. The desserts are a hit too, hojicha (roasted brown tea) pudding and the white chocolate matcha cake (flourless) Ben and Ayako did a wonderful job with this place. I can't wait to come back again!!!