Maki-Yaki Express — Restaurant in Laguna Hills

Go to Maki-yaki Express if you are feeling like sushi and don't want the fancy restaurant...saying that reminds me of Carls Jr's pitch about their six dollar burgers without the restaurant cost. This place is not fancy its a small restaurant in Laguna Hills near Seven-Eleven. When you first walk in, you will be greeted by a very friendly Korean lady. There are a lot pictures of all the various types of rolls so you don't need to know what the roll is called just know what it looks like. I ordered the udon combo with tempura shrimp and crunch roll for about 7 dollars. My friend ordered the Spicy Tuna roll. After adding a drink this was about 18 dollars not bad for 2 people. (half the price of Niko Niko. Don't get me started on that place -1 star) If you order in you will eat on actually Japanese bowls and plates. If you order out you will get everything packed in separate packages, which is nice since every order comes with a small salad and miso soup. If you are looking for the highest quality sushi this is not the place, but if you are looking for above average sushi minus the wait and cost go to MAKI-YAKI! Highly Recommend. Great...

First and foremost this place is amazing. The service is fantastic. Mom and pop shop. The owners are so friendly and welcoming. The moment I stepped foot through the doors I was greeted. They have tons of specials. Which is really reasonable being their surrounded by these office buildings. I came in for lunch on my break been passing by this hidden gem since I been working around the corner. The bento box is really good but who doesn’t like a good bento. Their salmon skin hand roll is so savory and crunchy cooked to perfection. Don’t let the portions fool you you may think that the portions are small yes but you do defiently get full. I also ordered their spider roll which was really tasty. Super crunchy and their unagi and avacado bowl is fantastic as well. If you are ever in the area and you are doubtful of coming to this spot don’t they will take care of you and ensure you that your well taken care of. I will most definitely will be returning here when I’m in the mood for Japanese...

FOOD is 4 STARS: The flavoring, the textures, and his cooking skills are immaculate. But the portions are off. There were more rice than there was meat/veggies. I’m sure their sushi IS BOMB though. I predict their sushi would be just as good as any other, big and popular sushi restaurant because the flavors, smell, and the taste of everything is reaaally good.

Service is 5 since it’s easy and straightforward. You get your dish served on the counter, and you pick it up to bring it to your desired table. They offer everything you need to eat on a table nearby the Ordering Counter.

Atmosphere is a 3, but I only say that for people who are picky. I personally don’t care much about atmosphere; I just go out to eat, so I give it a four. It’s just not modernized, and it does look run-down, but I’m very accustomed to shops (especially Asian shops) being that way. The radio plays music and ads.

Overall, this shop provides you what you can’t...