Taiko Japanese Restaurant

14775 Jeffrey Rd, Irvine, CA 92618, United States
$$$ Japanese restaurant
(934 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Taiko Japanese Restaurant, a beloved gem nestled in the heart of Irvine, California. This authentic Japanese dining spot has been a culinary staple for families for years, continually drawing guests in with its delectable offerings and warm ambiance. Whether you’re savoring a meal with loved ones or enjoying a casual lunch, Taiko promises an experience that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the heart.

As soon as you step through the doors, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that feels quintessentially Japanese. The gentle decor, paired with the aromatic scent of freshly prepared dishes, sets the stage for a delightful dining affair. Popular among locals, it's not uncommon to see a line forming before opening, a testament to the restaurant's reputation for excellence.

The menu at Taiko is a celebration of vibrant flavors and quality ingredients, focusing on traditional Japanese cuisine. Guests can enjoy choices such as the Combination Teishoku, which offers delightful pairings like Tempura & Sesame Chicken or Teriyaki Chicken & Tempura, each served with fluffy rice and a refreshing salad. For sushi lovers, the selection here is impressive; try their sushi platter alongside Tempura for a harmony of textures and tastes that is not to be missed.

For those seeking something heartier, the rice bowls such as the Grilled Eel Rice Bowl (Una Don) or the Teriyaki Chicken Don offer a rich and comforting experience that showcases the restaurant's dedication to flavorful cuisine. Don't overlook their Lunch Specials Udon Set, which pairs classic udon noodles with sushi or enticing dishes like Sesame Chicken, providing diners with a satisfying and fulfilling meal.

The reviews speak volumes: guests rave about the freshness of the fish and the authentic taste, with many returning for their favorites. For instance, William, a guest with Japanese heritage, highlights the quality of the sushi, noting it's “very Japanese and authentic.” Priscila Gilbert joyfully confirms the lasting affection her family has for Taiko, speaking fondly of their frequent visits. Meanwhile, Kamilla Kh emphasizes the welcoming atmosphere, not just for people but for furry friends too!

While some reviews mention service could improve during busy hours, this only underscores the genuine popularity of the restaurant. Despite occasional delays, Craig Takata insists that it remains worthwhile for the delicious offerings. It's this blend of heartfelt service and outstanding cuisine that makes Taiko an enduring favorite among Irvine residents.

Whether you’re new to Japanese cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, Taiko Japanese Restaurant invites you to indulge in a flavor-packed journey that stays true to its roots while welcoming everyone through its doors. So come hungry, and prepare to enjoy a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of Japan right here in Irvine.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

4:30 AM - 8:30 PM

934 Reviews
Priscila Gilbert

10 Sep 2025

This has been a long standing favorite place of my family. We have been coming here for as long as I can remember. There is already a line outside before they open cuz it’s that good!!!

Kamilla Kh

09 Sep 2025

If you’re looking for a place where both humans and furry friends can enjoy a meal, Taiko Japanese Restaurant is the spot! This happens to be my uncle’s favorite restaurant (and, let’s be honest, his dog’s too—especially when it comes to their delicious chicken). We were invited to join him, and it was such a treat for all of us! Not only is the food absolutely amazing, but the bonus is that they’re pet-friendly. So yes, we brought the dog, and he definitely enjoyed his fair share of attention—and maybe a little chicken too! The restaurant has a convenient parking lot right next door, so no need to stress about finding a spot. The atmosphere is super friendly, and the staff made us feel right at home. We tried a variety of dishes, and every single one was mouth-wateringly good! Whether you’re a sushi lover or craving something warm, this place has something for everyone. Can’t wait to go back with my uncle and our furry friend for round two!

William

14 Aug 2025

Many reviews are talking about how Americanized the sushi was but I’m half Japanese, half Chinese, and if you know how to order, very Japanese and authentic. I recommend mainly going for the sushi and getting a variety to try each type of fish. Premium Japanese food, everything was so good and the matcha Mont Blanc ice cream dessert was unbelievable. The fish is incredibly fresh, and the a5 Wagyu is so fatty and satisfying to eat. My favorite food was the sweet shrimp boat and it was loaded with crab, shrimp, and the fried head was out of this world, incredible rich and soft. Overall, one of the best sushi restaurants in Irvine and it was reasonably priced. The service was very fast as we were at the sushi bar

Jade Chang

14 Jul 2025

Taiko has been a Japanese food stable in Irvine for many years. They have updated their menu and prices. Most items are the same. The food is great, I love their sushi. The service is also very nice. The store has a Japanese feel to it. I noticed the air quality hasn't been that great. It's not as bad as a Korean BBQ place, but I usually smell like tempura after eating there. To go is usually fast if ordered ahead. I also like they start using point system to give you some discount. Overall, it's a nice choice if I'm craving for some Japanese food.

Rainy Peng

12 Jul 2025

Sweet shrimp is good. I was a bit underwhelmed by the salmon sashimi—it was just okay. handroll i love it

emily halperin

07 Jul 2025

Solid portions with good food that looked even better than the menu! It was difficult to get through via phone to make a reservation

Brandi

17 Jun 2025

It was easy to make a reservation here. We ordered appetizers before our food, but it still came out at the same time as our food did. Honestly, I thought everything was ok. Some our meat was over charred. The chicken was good though

Craig Takata

29 May 2025

We had large group with 1 server. Order was taken by table...tables that were pushed together for our families. Ordering was slow and not smooth. We had three separate orders, and food came out at staggered times. And ordering by table did not facilitate the placement of each dish; they had to ask who ordered what, for every plate. Still worth it! Will be back.

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