Takaya Yakitori Izakaya Menu (Update 2026)
Takaya Yakitori Izakaya offers an authentic Japanese dining experience in the heart of Costa Mesa, with a strong focus on high-quality ingredients and traditional flavors. The menu features an array of expertly grilled yakitori skewers, each seasoned delicately to highlight the original taste of the ingredients, perfect for those who prefer subtle yet satisfying flavors. Customers praise the Black Cod marinated in miso and the Spicy Nabeyaki Udon, both standout dishes that exemplify the kitchen's commitment to quality.
The menu extends beyond yakitori, including fresh sashimi specials, sushi rolls like the vibrant Rainbow Roll and the robust Godzilla Roll, and comfort food options such as Japanese Beef Stew and Karaage Fried Chicken.
For those who enjoy smaller plates, Takaya serves imaginative salads like Tuna Sashimi Avocado Salad and Spinach Bacon Salad, as well as traditional sides like Miso Soup with Clam. The drink selection complements the food perfectly, with a range of Japanese beers like Asahi and Orion on draft, plus non-alcoholic options like Yuzu Soda and Ramune.
Takaya is cozy and intimate, requiring reservations due to its limited seating and the dedicated two-person team running the kitchen and service. The setting is casual yet trendy, welcoming both locals and groups, with accessibility features including wheelchair-accessible parking and seating. This commitment to community and inclusion enhances the dining atmosphere, creating a friendly space reminiscent of a neighborhood izakaya in Japan.
Whether you join for dinner, solo dining, or a lively happy hour, Takaya Yakitori Izakaya invites you to experience authentic flavors and warm hospitality within a charming Costa Mesa locale.
Interior, Food, and Ambiance
Step inside Takaya Yakitori Izakaya to experience a casual yet trendy ambiance paired with cozy seating. The interior’s limited, thoughtfully arranged space creates a setting perfect for solo diners or small groups seeking a calm yet lively evening. The bar serves expertly grilled skewers with fast, attentive service, balancing quality and efficiency. Highlights include fresh sashimi, miso dishes, and an excellent beer and wine selection. The seamless pacing of dishes keeps every visit comfortable and satisfying. This atmosphere invites guests to savor every bite while feeling right at home in an authentic Japanese izakaya environment.
About Takaya Yakitori Izakaya
Takaya Yakitori Izakaya stands as a cherished gem on 891 Baker St Unit B15 in Costa Mesa, CA. This intimate izakaya brings authentic Japanese dining to life with a focused menu centered on yakitori and fresh sashimi. Patrons appreciate the carefully balanced seasoning that highlights each ingredient's natural flavor, setting Takaya apart from other yakitori spots. The cozy, reservation-only setting fosters a neighborhood feel reminiscent of small eateries in Japan. This place attracts locals and food lovers eager for quality skewers, indulgent pork belly, and inventive dishes like spicy nabeyaki udon, all served at a reasonable price range of $30–50. Its wheelchair-accessible space, friendly service, and authentic atmosphere make it a welcoming dining destination in Orange County.