Taira Sushi&Sake — Restaurant in Garden Grove

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...

All these great reviews are spot on, and you shouldn’t think otherwise. This is the 2nd time coming here with my family and it doesn’t disappoint. So now let me add another 5-star review, to the already many well earned 5-star reviews. Both times coming here we opted for their 12 piece omakase course with assorted appetizers. Rather than keep repeating the other great reviews on how good the fish tasted, and how fresh the fish was, I’d like to bring attention to how good the rice being used was. Sushi lovers typically focus on the fish, but at the end of the day, fresh fish, is fresh fish… In my opinion, I agree with the notion that it’s the rice that truly makes or breaks the nigiri. And however way the Chef makes his rice is really exceptional, in addition to using the right amount with each piece. Include this with very cold beer, and now you have a winning combination. In addition to the food, I appreciated the comfortable atmosphere Taira has. Sometimes when we would try other omakase places, the atmosphere was a little too pretentious, just to justify the higher price point. Thank you Ben and Ayako for another great family sushi night, and next time we will definitely opt for...

I had an exceptional dining experience at this sushi restaurant! The service was attentive and friendly, making me feel welcome throughout.

To start off my meal, I ordered the jellyfish with ume and the fried wings, and I was not disappointed. The jellyfish had a crunchy texture, while the fried wings were crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. Both dishes were seasoned to perfection.

I decided to indulge in their 12 piece omakase, and I'm so glad I did. The chef's creativity truly shone through in every bite, showcasing a delightful combination of fresh fish and expertly paired ingredients.

As for dessert, the roasted brown rice pudding was a standout! This treat had a distinct tea flavor that was bold without being overpowering. The texture was spot on, with a smooth and creamy consistency.

I highly recommend this place to all sushi enthusiasts and food lovers seeking an elevated culinary adventure. Kudos to the talented chef and the staff for creating such a memorable dining experience. I can't wait to return and explore more of their...