Honda-Ya — Restaurant in Tustin

TL;DR: Terrible service. If I could give this place zero stars, I would. The host named Lina was especially mean and disrespectful from the get-go. Food was mediocre at best and lacked flavor. Some dishes were even served lukewarm. Overall this isn’t an authentic Japanese Yakitori restaurant.

Before we even got seated, the host, Lina, displayed a haughty attitude and gave us side-eye. We were a group of three and were seated at a shared table near the entrance. Immediately, we noticed that two of the seats were next to an exposed outlet with wires which could be a safety hazard (images attached). We also saw that two other tables nearby had freed up, so we asked our waitress if we could switch to one of them. She told us that one table was for a larger group, but we could move to the other smaller table.

We watched as the waitress informed Lina about the switch, but nothing happened. After waiting a while, another group of three was seated at the table we had requested. We were confused but had no choice but to stay at our original table. Despite several staff members walking by, no one offered us water or took our order. But this is understandable, because it was during dinner time and we understand that things could get hectic. However, when the group that arrived after us was quickly served water and drinks, we realized we were being ignored.

After waiting for a few more minutes and still no one came to our table even though the three of us all had huge menus opened in front of us on the table, I finally got up and told our waitress that we were thirsty and hungry. She noticed I was upset and quickly brought us water and took our order. I didn’t ask about the table switch since the other group was already seated, but our waitress also noticed so she went to Lina to ask why we weren’t moved. Lina shook her head and didn’t offer any explanation.

Feeling disrespected, I politely asked Lina for her name after she walked by again so I could mention her in my review :). She then approached me with a confrontational attitude, demanding to know why I wanted her name. I calmly told her not to worry about it. She then asked if it’s because we weren’t able to switch tables which I told her no. Her self-entitlement is annoying and I don’t owe her any explanation. She continued to claim that the restaurant had a policy against table switches, which was clearly false since no one informed us of this policy, and our waitress said switching was possible. I would understand that switching tables is not permitted if we already had food on the table, however we weren’t even served water! Lina even lied, saying our waitress hadn’t told her about the switch, even though we saw her do so.

After refusing to continue the conversation, Lina angrily spoke to our waitress about us. It’s ironic that once we stood up for ourselves, we finally received the basic respect we should have had from the beginning. This experience was incredibly disappointing and dehumanizing, and I wouldn’t recommend this...

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...

6/9/2025 (Bad experience) First Impression: Good amount of parking in the lot as well as additional 2 Hour street parking. The restaurant looks inviting and is Japanese themed. Although they left us waters immediately, they didn't check on us enough, nor take our order very quickly at all for being in a seemingly empty restaurant. We had to flag them down. I don't want to ask for our order to be taken. After several minutes of staring in their general direction with the menus close indicate, we were ready. We have called them over to order more things throughout our stay here, and they haven't refilled our waters once. Each time we decided to order more food. We had to flag them down because they didn't just come over as we were like looking at them. So there were a couple times they walked past the table, but didn't even stop to ask how we were doing, Nor to take the empty dishes that were on the edge of the table. The cooks seem to have seen us Obviously looking for a server or waving for a server. But it didn't seem obvious that the cooks said "hey, these customers need you" prompting them to do their job. We did eventually get a water refill, but it was after both of our cups were empty for a while. Fortunately, once the order was in it didn't take food long to come out

Just waters were placed, we weren't offered or I asked if we wanted any drinks. We got the chicken karaage the sexy roll, edamame, Gyoza, and tonkostu Ramen. The presentation was appealing, it was placed well. The tonkotsu seemed lackluster and very little meat and usually they come at other restaurants with a soft boiled seasoned egg. The chicken i was expecting some kewpie mayo or something but the lemon was nice but had the servers come by to check in I would have ordered or asked for some. At one point, they did bring us the wrong roll.And as far as portion size, that roll was pathetic! Tiny and small let's hope when our correct roll comes it doesn't come out like that. Probably will not be returning,.. Sadly a 2-star rating, ⭐️⭐️ Thank you...