Social Profile: 
✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
… View more
HONDA-YA was first founded in 1993 in the city of Tustin. Starting from modest means, HONDA-YA has become a destination for fine Japanese cuisine in Orange County. Developing an extensive menu over the years, we now serve over 300 dishes specializing in sushi and yakitori. Not only have we expanded the menu of HONDA-YA, but our atmosphere has adapted to include seating like the zashiki room.
Japanese izakaya chain serving a menu of homestyle comfort dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–2:30 PM, 4:30 PM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–2:30 PM, 4:30 PM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 4:30–11:30 PM |
| Monday | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5 PM–12 AM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–2:30 PM, 5 PM–12 AM |
| Wednesday | 5 PM–12 AM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–2:30 PM, 5 PM–12 AM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 556 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780
Phone: (714) 832-0081
Website: https://www.izakayahondaya.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
hondaya | Authentic Japanese Restaurant
TUSTIN. 556 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780. TEL: (714) 832-0081. KAPPO_toplogo_blackbg | Izakaya Hondaya. FOUNTAIN VALLEY. 18450 Brookhurst St. Fountain Valley …
Tustin | hondaya
TUSTIN. 556 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780. TEL: (714) 832-0081. KAPPO_toplogo_blackbg | Izakaya Hondaya · FOUNTAIN VALLEY. 18450 Brookhurst St. Fountain …
Honda-Ya Tustin | Tustin CA – Facebook
Thank you always for supporting HONDA-YA Our whole team will do our best to make you want to come back again and again. We’ll be open starting January 2nd – …
Reviews
Tammy W
Food: 4/5｜Service: 5/5｜Atmosphere: 5/5
This restaurant really captures the spirit of a classic Japanese izakaya — lively, cozy, and full of energy. The menu is extensive, with nearly a hundred options ranging from yakitori and fried bites to noodles, rice dishes, and grilled items. The skewers are the standout: well-seasoned, nicely charred, and great for sharing. The yakisoba also has that nostalgic savory-sweet flavor that really feels like true izakaya comfort food.
Some of the fried dishes were enjoyable, while the sashimi felt more standard — decent, but clearly not the main focus here, which fits the concept. Service was warm, attentive, and efficient despite the crowds, and the staff handled the busy environment very professionally.
The atmosphere is where this place truly shines. Compact seating, lively conversations, and a social, casual vibe make it ideal for gatherings and long chats over food and drinks. Be prepared for a wait (often around an hour), but once you’re seated, it’s a fun and engaging dining experience that delivers an authentic izakaya feel.
… moreThis restaurant really captures the spirit of a classic Japanese izakaya — lively, cozy, and full of energy. The menu is extensive, with nearly a hundred options ranging from yakitori and fried bites to noodles, rice dishes, and grilled items. The skewers are the standout: well-seasoned, nicely charred, and great for sharing. The yakisoba also has that nostalgic savory-sweet flavor that really feels like true izakaya comfort food.
Some of the fried dishes were enjoyable, while the sashimi felt more standard — decent, but clearly not the main focus here, which fits the concept. Service was warm, attentive, and efficient despite the crowds, and the staff handled the busy environment very professionally.
The atmosphere is where this place truly shines. Compact seating, lively conversations, and a social, casual vibe make it ideal for gatherings and long chats over food and drinks. Be prepared for a wait (often around an hour), but once you’re seated, it’s a fun and engaging dining experience that delivers an authentic izakaya feel.
Nick Su
I had a craving for yakitori and decided to revisit Honda-Ya in Tustin. It’s been years since my last visit, but the food and energy here still hit all the right notes.
We came around 8:30 PM and the wait for two was about 25 minutes — not bad considering how packed it can get. The ambiance is cozy and bustling, with warm lantern lighting, wooden decor, and that nostalgic izakaya charm. You can hear the faint sizzle from the grill and laughter from nearby tables, which just adds to the whole experience.
We sat at the bar and ordered a mix of skewers: chicken thigh with sauce, shishito peppers, quail eggs, scallops, pork belly, and a few adventurous organ meats. Everything came out perfectly charred and juicy. The chicken thigh with sauce and shishito peppers were absolute standouts — smoky, flavorful, and addictive. The bacon-wrapped tomato remains a classic favorite, bursting with flavor that balances perfectly with the saltiness of the meat.
To pair with the skewers, I had the Honda-Ya Original Beer — malty, smooth, and without a bitter aftertaste. It complemented the food perfectly.
Service was quick and friendly, even with how busy it was. Skewers were an easy 5/5, ambiance 4.5/5, and service 5/5. Prices are on the steeper side for yakitori, but given the quality and atmosphere, it’s well worth an occasional visit.
Pro tip: sit at the bar for the best experience — you get to watch the chefs work their magic right over the grill.
… moreWe came around 8:30 PM and the wait for two was about 25 minutes — not bad considering how packed it can get. The ambiance is cozy and bustling, with warm lantern lighting, wooden decor, and that nostalgic izakaya charm. You can hear the faint sizzle from the grill and laughter from nearby tables, which just adds to the whole experience.
We sat at the bar and ordered a mix of skewers: chicken thigh with sauce, shishito peppers, quail eggs, scallops, pork belly, and a few adventurous organ meats. Everything came out perfectly charred and juicy. The chicken thigh with sauce and shishito peppers were absolute standouts — smoky, flavorful, and addictive. The bacon-wrapped tomato remains a classic favorite, bursting with flavor that balances perfectly with the saltiness of the meat.
To pair with the skewers, I had the Honda-Ya Original Beer — malty, smooth, and without a bitter aftertaste. It complemented the food perfectly.
Service was quick and friendly, even with how busy it was. Skewers were an easy 5/5, ambiance 4.5/5, and service 5/5. Prices are on the steeper side for yakitori, but given the quality and atmosphere, it’s well worth an occasional visit.
Pro tip: sit at the bar for the best experience — you get to watch the chefs work their magic right over the grill.
J C
The food was amazing. The servers were very attentive and nice. I was not prepared for how big their menu was. I enjoyed most of things we tried. I was disappointed in the beef teriyaki which was way overcooked and dry. The sashimi and yakitori is what you want to stick with.
Located in a shopping center. Lots of free parking, although it gets crowded.
… moreLocated in a shopping center. Lots of free parking, although it gets crowded.
Henry J
It’s on the expensive side, but if you crave good Japanese skewers, this is the place to be. They seemed to clear the plates really quickly though, which may make you feel rushed. Overall, great ambiance and delicious even if expensive.
… moreQuality Queen
My husband and I stopped here on our way back to San Diego from Long Beach. This was one of the restaurants that was open late night. The restaurant is cute, I enjoyed the vibe and enjoyed the menu with the pictures (super visual person). We ordered the potato croquettes, a Sexy Roll and the Tonkatsu Ramen. I do not recommend the ramen, it was not good and the taste of lemongrass was overwhelming. We enjoyed the croquettes and sushi. After reading other reviews I would try the skewers if I went back.
… moreZhuoyang He
Great place to eat. The wait wasn’t too long. We sit at the bar it was fun to watch them cook. Tasty food nice atmosphere.
… moreSammi L.
I had the pleasure of dining at Honda Ya in Tustin and their skewers are exceptional. Each skewer was grilled to perfection, with the meats juicy and flavorful. The variety on offer was impressive, allowing us to try everything from chicken to tender beef and succulent shrimp. The atmosphere was cozy and the service attentive, making for a delightful dining experience.
If you’re in the area, don’t miss out on these delicious skewers!
… moreIf you’re in the area, don’t miss out on these delicious skewers!
Joon I
I have been a loyal customer of Honda-Ya for over 20 years, consistently coming back because of the great memories and experiences I’ve had here. Today, I visited again with friends from Torrance and LA, while hosting from my home in Irvine. For me, Honda-Ya has always been more than just a restaurant—it’s been a place filled with memories. My wife and I had our very first date here, and it was also the very first restaurant I took my child to. This place has always carried a special meaning in my life.
When it comes to the food, it was exactly as I remembered from my first visit two decades ago—comforting, consistent, and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the overall experience today was far from the Honda-Ya I have loved and supported for years. At some point during our meal, I couldn’t help but feel that we were being rushed to leave. Our plates were being cleared away before we were even finished, and without any prior notice, we were suddenly informed about a two-hour dining limit. It was frustrating to hear this not when we were seated or placing our first order, but in the middle of our dining experience, as if we were being hurried out. Only later, on our way out, did I see the posted notice about this policy. But by then, the damage was done. Basic courtesy and common sense would suggest that such an important rule should be communicated upfront, not enforced mid-meal in such an abrupt manner.
What makes this experience even more disappointing is my history with this restaurant. During the pandemic, when I was worried Honda-Ya might not survive, I consistently ordered takeout every week to show support and do my part as a loyal customer. That was how much this restaurant meant to me. Tonight, the four of us spent $403 within two hours—easily the highest per-person spend I’ve made here in all these years. And yet, despite being among the most loyal of customers and spending generously, I felt I received the worst treatment I’ve ever experienced at Honda-Ya.
It’s truly disheartening. I will always cherish the memories I’ve made here over the past two decades, but after tonight, I can no longer see myself coming back.
In the end, what hurts the most is not the money spent, but realizing that the place I once considered special no longer feels the same.
… moreWhen it comes to the food, it was exactly as I remembered from my first visit two decades ago—comforting, consistent, and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the overall experience today was far from the Honda-Ya I have loved and supported for years. At some point during our meal, I couldn’t help but feel that we were being rushed to leave. Our plates were being cleared away before we were even finished, and without any prior notice, we were suddenly informed about a two-hour dining limit. It was frustrating to hear this not when we were seated or placing our first order, but in the middle of our dining experience, as if we were being hurried out. Only later, on our way out, did I see the posted notice about this policy. But by then, the damage was done. Basic courtesy and common sense would suggest that such an important rule should be communicated upfront, not enforced mid-meal in such an abrupt manner.
What makes this experience even more disappointing is my history with this restaurant. During the pandemic, when I was worried Honda-Ya might not survive, I consistently ordered takeout every week to show support and do my part as a loyal customer. That was how much this restaurant meant to me. Tonight, the four of us spent $403 within two hours—easily the highest per-person spend I’ve made here in all these years. And yet, despite being among the most loyal of customers and spending generously, I felt I received the worst treatment I’ve ever experienced at Honda-Ya.
It’s truly disheartening. I will always cherish the memories I’ve made here over the past two decades, but after tonight, I can no longer see myself coming back.
In the end, what hurts the most is not the money spent, but realizing that the place I once considered special no longer feels the same.
Jay
Honda-Ya in Tustin is an absolute gem. The food and prices are fantastic, and everything we ordered came out quickly and fresh.
I tried the prime skirt skewers, sausage, garlic shrimp, jumbo shrimp, several of the soba options, and the asparagus wrapped in bacon — every single dish was packed with flavor and cooked perfectly. You can really tell they take pride in both the quality and consistency of their food.
The servers were incredibly attentive without being overbearing, which made the whole experience even better. If you’re looking for great Japanese comfort food and a lively, welcoming atmosphere, I would highly recommend checking this place out.
… moreI tried the prime skirt skewers, sausage, garlic shrimp, jumbo shrimp, several of the soba options, and the asparagus wrapped in bacon — every single dish was packed with flavor and cooked perfectly. You can really tell they take pride in both the quality and consistency of their food.
The servers were incredibly attentive without being overbearing, which made the whole experience even better. If you’re looking for great Japanese comfort food and a lively, welcoming atmosphere, I would highly recommend checking this place out.
Jenny Chau
We visited during lunch time, so there weren’t many options. However, the food was amazing! We ordered several types of stew and all of them were delicious. I highly recommend the beef tongue, pork belly, skin, and chicken cartilage. We also loved the vibe of the restaurant – it really felt like we were in Japan.
… more