Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Maki Yaki Japanese Restaurant in Dana Point

4.3 (103) 34119 Pacific Coast Hwy C, Dana Point, CA 92629, United States

Categories

Japanese restaurant
Sushi restaurant

Location on the map

Dana Point, Orange County, California, US

Phone: +1 949-234-1235
Site: http://makiyakijapanese.com/

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday:11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday:11 AM–9 PM
Thursday:11 AM–9 PM
Friday:11 AM–9 PM
Saturday:11 AM–9 PM
Sunday:Closed

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.3

103 Reviews for Maki Yaki Japanese Restaurant 2024:

Review №1

2023-03-02 03:58:31

Simon is always on top of making delicious sushi and rolls. I’ve been coming here for 6 years. Always very happy with delicious food and personable service. Highly recommend to all our neighbors in Dana Point and surrounding areas for dine-in or take out. Most of the times I call Simon at Maki Yaki on the phone while on the way, and by the time I arrive it’s already prepared and ready to take out.

Review №2

2021-05-30 04:29:06

The sushi is great. I went down to Dana Point and this place hit the spot. The flavor was fresh and good quality. The Jalapeño peppers were tasty but i wish they were a little more crunchy.

Review №3

2023-12-01 00:07:10

Good sushi & roll restaurant in Dana Point, CA

Review №4

2020-01-05 01:04:05

We had Korean spicy noodle, fried oysters and fire cracker rolls. They are all delicious! This is by far the best Japanese restaurant we’ve ever tried here!

Review №5

2023-08-06 07:11:02

Teriyaki chicken bowl was over cooked and dry. Only a teaspoon of teriyaki sauce. Take out only. I wont visit again. 👎

Review №6

2017-07-04 16:14:42

Cheap and very fresh sushi. Awesome chicken bowls. Great atmosphere. Sit and eat or take home.

Review №7

2023-05-09 19:14:29

Shop no longer has dining. There are 10 tables and chairs in the restaurant. Owner asked if order was to go, I said dine in. He aggressively said no dining. It was very odd. I said there are 10 tables here, he said let me repeat myself. NO DINING. Very off-putting. I like the teriyaki here, but not sure if I will decide to come back.

Review №8

2022-11-05 02:55:28

Love the place ! The sushi always so fresh & delish !!!The service is exceptional ! The owner has amazing human qualities, he cares about his customers and always greet you with a contagious smile !You leave the place with a smile on your face !

Review №9

2021-10-31 02:33:00

We ordered there today, the first time. We ordered Salmon Teriyaki and Tuna Poke bowl. My husband usually is very picky but he said this salmon teriyaki’s the best he ever had, not too raw and not too old, just properly done with perfect flavor. I’m quite satisfied with my poke too. One of the best. Only thing I hope they can do better is that I hope they could have indoor or outdoor seating instead of serving only takeouts. We would revisit anyway.

Review №10

2022-12-14 09:12:04

Avoid the beef bento. The taste, texture and cook was off. The tempura was wet. Four hours following my meal it is forcing itself out of my body. Never again maki yaki!

Review №11

2023-03-03 03:17:59

Fresh and good quality fish, good portions, and amazing service from Simon every time. Love this place!

Review №12

2018-03-01 05:59:13

Small, clean, and simple place with great prices and the food was good. We were pleasantly surprised that they serve miso soup and a salad with the rolls, which makes the price even more reasonable and more of a meal. The popcorn shrimp roll was very good and the mango avocado roll too. Our waiter was cheerful and on the ball. Four stars because its not that decorated inside but not dingy either.

Review №13

2022-09-15 23:42:16

Terrible sushi. Tasted old. Husband’s poke bowl tuna was hard. Even the ginger tasted off. I never leave bad reviews, but when you pay that much for sushi and end up throwing it away, it’s a shame.

Review №14

2023-08-27 23:15:43

Great place good food fairprice.

Review №15

2017-08-22 20:15:26

Simon, the owner, has really put his best foot forward with his restaurant. The food is always extremely fresh, served in a reasonable time, and its consistent. Portion sizes are on the large size and you get a lot for the money. Simon never fails to remember our names when we come in and I always feel welcome and relaxed there. If you havent tried Maki Yaki yet, stop by and try it for yourself. You wont be disappointed!

Review №16

2023-01-06 23:13:56

This place does not have dining inside the restaurant anymore what a joke. I sure do not want to have to take miso soup beef teriyaki and shrimp tempura and eat it outside in my car this is ridiculous that I will never go here again

Review №17

2019-07-04 22:15:59

One of the best sushi places that Ive been to in California. The people there are really kind, and the food is awesome. Its a small place, but very homey and immersive. I personally love their bento boxes; the tempura is incredible! Their rolls are unique and have real craftmanship put into them.

Review №18

2022-10-02 01:04:47

Super tasty, authentic, well made and fresh!

Review №19

2013-02-28 19:39:21

Love these guys! The fish is always fresh and I am very picky- I worked in the fish business for 13 years- I know good fish!!!The owner will do whatever it takes to make you happy- give it a try- dont go for the decor- but go for the sushi!Priced fair and they will deliver in DP.

Review №20

2016-04-30 02:23:58

Great place to stop after work to pick up some sushi to go. Love the tempura and rolls. The raw fish could be fresher, but everything cooked is tremendous. I eat there a couple of times a month.

Review №21

2019-03-02 19:28:37

This has been my favorite sushi restaurant for over 10 years. This is a Hidden local gem in Dana point, the owner is always so welcoming. I have moved abroad for work for a few years but this remains my first stop every time I go home!

Review №22

2018-08-16 19:00:56

My husband and I have been going to this place for years because the food here is always amazing. The owner, Simon, works so hard and you can see his passion paying off in this business. He recently introduced some new items to his menu (Korean ramen and Udon) and I am stoked to try them once winter comes. Highly recommend this place especially since it is an independent and local business.

Review №23

2018-09-03 23:15:32

Get your Poke Here! The freshest sushi in the area. Great place to relax while taking in the friendly service. Food was very fresh and restaurant was clean. Acrossed the street the Starbucks that has nitro cold brew.

Review №24

2016-07-26 03:58:19

Super sweet owner, we came in 15 minutes before closing and he was happy to make us some roll togo. Affordable small cute restaurant that cares about each customers service. Of course for the food was delicious too.

Review №25

2019-04-06 22:33:13

Great quiet environment with a few tables. The place is ideal for groups of 4. I enjoyed the overall atmosphere on Sunday at 3 pm.Food was amazing!!!!Highly recommend the place. Decent price.

Review №26

2019-08-22 01:28:37

Great food! The service was also very quick! I got my miso soup in 2 minutes! I also got my meal in only 10 minutes! The staff was also very polite, and they had great prices! 10/10 recommend

Review №27

2019-08-18 19:32:26

HORRIBLE!! food was nasty, cold and very bad service. they are serving INSTANT RAMEN with fried egg and because i sent it back he never checked back on my table or refilled our drinks. the man who was managing the restaurant tossed the receipt and pen at my mom and was just incredibly disrespectful. if you are looking for authentic korean food this is not the restaurant you’re looking for. look elsewhere

Review №28

2020-03-28 03:45:09

Value of food wasn’t worth the price. Their food didn’t taste freshly prepped. Instead, tasted like it was made at 8am and I got it at 8pm. Also, their pot stickers tasted a few days old (if not reheated).

Review №29

2018-06-16 05:15:51

Surprisingly this sushi was excellent for being located at a strip mall location along busy PCH. The service was fast, reasonably priced, the food is fantastic, but the place is a little small for my tall self, but worth trying, and I would recommend for anyone looking for a quick sushi lunch fix.

Review №30

2015-09-29 14:17:18

Calling all seafood lovers! In the lantern district of Dana Point, lays a hidden treasure for sushi lovers on a budget. Once you step through the doors of the bamboo bead clad door of Maki Yaki, you know you have reached the right place for a cheap bite. The lovely, authentic, Japanese decor livens up the miniscule restaurant; intricate hand made paper and fabric dolls line one side of the wall, while a beautiful bamboo waterfall is on the other. Yes, the mustard yellow walls may be a bit frightening at first sight, and the sticky tables may encourage your fears, but do not run away yet, there is abundance of other specialties to make up for these errors. Even though this restaurant may not be for everyone, especially children and those who dislike fish. Although the manager/owner will make it seem like the restaurant is for everyone. The staff here truly give Maki Yaki a homey feeling.The menu may not be the largest, but there is enough to choose exactly what you would prefer. Whenever I eat here, I always go for the Lunch Special B which comes with: a roll of your choice, five piece sushi, a salad, and some miso soup. Just make sure to show up at the right time, from twelve P.M. to three P.M., in order to access this deal. My all time favorite roll to purchase with the lunch special is the delectable Green Dragon Roll. The Green Dragon Roll is everything good in life, warmed up. The inside of the roll includes crispy shrimp tempura, not-so-tasteable crab meat, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber. Lying on top is evens more avocado, and the golden child, the melt in your mouth, eel, and finally some of their special sauce to complete it. No other sushi place has eel like Maki Yaki. Even though Maki Yaki is not the best quality sushi place around, their eel makes them seem like a five star restaurant. The Dragon roll is also warmed up, which gives it a perfect flare. The only criticism I have for this roll is for there to be a spicy variation of it. Although, this roll is perfect for anyone looking for something to treat themselves with.Even though the Dragon Roll is the best, a close second would be the spicy salmon handroll. This sinus-clearing dish is best served on those cold days when you need to be warmed up from the inside out. It includes sticky rice, cucumber, avocado, crab meat, a slab of delectable spicy salmon, all wrapped up in salty crunchy seaweed. This is a great option if you are not quite ready to devour a roll, but are still hungry. Or even if you want to eat something before your roll. Either way this handroll is a great choice. Also, if you do not prefer spicy salmon, there is a choice of spicy tuna, spicy calamari, and a plain California handroll.The next runner up is something to help refresh you during your meal: boba drinks. Boba drinks are like the icing on a cake, for your meal. My favorite would be the flavorful green tea. Whenever I purchase one of these, I have to restrain myself from not gulping the entire drink once I receive it! If you have never experienced boba, this drink is a must have. Boba is soft, squishy, brown sugar tapioca balls. They are then mixed with the drink of your choice. You can have boba in either a slushy or a tea, either way it is absolutely to die for. If you are lactose intolerant, like me, be prepared; most boba drinks contain a lot of milk. Overall, I hope you will give this not-so-shabby sushi place a try. Once you go there, youll never want to leave. Just remember, the food is superior to the walls!

Review №31

2018-02-06 15:40:27

Pretty good. Loved the salad to start! Miso soup was just ok. Sushi was not the best but tasted very good and hit the spot.

Review №32

2019-08-14 02:12:17

Very modern sushi restaurant and the food is so delicious. We come here to eat many years. Best in Dana Point and beyond.

Review №33

2018-02-03 17:42:01

Food was good. I have to mark down because no bathroom for customers. I would love to have washed my hands before I ate. Customer service was average. But not bad

Review №34

2018-12-25 23:48:45

Sushi is my favorite food. Ive been all over the world, and have eaten sushi on 4 different continents, obviously in Japan itself as well. And i just have to say, I havnet tried this restaurant yet. Thanks for wasting your time.

Review №35

2017-09-04 22:05:01

Great sushi. The staff are so friendly. They have yummy food. I love this place. Recommend it.

Review №36

2019-08-01 02:37:14

Dont go here if its Busy beacuse apparently according to the owner he doesnt make Bobas when its busy. He will give you attitude and aggressively take the menu away If you try to look at it and are not sure of what to order!

Review №37

2019-03-23 03:06:52

I was very satisfied with their offerings, I had a tempura bento plate, a seaweed salad, and a tuna roll, very good (no tempura eggplant which I am not fond of).

Review №38

2022-05-10 05:28:04

Great staff! We got our two sushi rolls under 10mins

Review №39

2019-04-03 07:23:27

Enjoyed the Sunset Sushi Roll and Dynamite Roll!

Review №40

2020-02-12 15:32:10

Very friendly owner and staff. We get take out 2-3 times a month. Food is always fresh and very tasty.

Review №41

2023-08-15 19:41:29

Sushi for to go was amazing!!

Review №42

2021-01-03 22:57:17

Excellent sushi. I drive all the way from San Clemente at least once a week to get Sushi from Maki Yaki.

Review №43

2019-09-21 15:56:58

Great spot to have something when in a hurry. The customer service is quick, rates are affordable, fantastic ambience. Will visit here again

Review №44

2018-12-30 01:35:46

Standard Japanese place run by Koreans, but decent prices and the sushi was good. These guys know what they are doing.

Review №45

2017-09-30 17:58:51

I love this place. They are open for lunch and have super good sushi for a reasonable price

Review №46

2017-01-20 07:08:35

Enjoyed the sushi here. Simple, modest place with friendly, courteous staff and good food.

Review №47

2019-06-21 12:29:33

Owner was super friendly and the sushi was delicious. I highly recommend this place.

Review №48

2020-08-11 04:31:03

Delicious and very fresh Japanese cuisine dishes. I am so happy I discovered this restaurant!

Review №49

2018-07-28 02:42:45

I’ve been coming to this restaurant for years, the food is good and all, but the manager is rude, we waited for at least 45 minutes for our food to come while he assisted everyone else that came AFTER us, it’s such a disappointment because the food is good but the service is so poor, I think this will be my last visit here, do not recommend

Review №50

2022-10-27 19:16:48

Good food, but 👎for not having dine in.

Review №51

2017-11-11 21:37:02

I like the place. This place needs more staff and tables. Food is amazing, thats all I can say.

Review №52

2018-07-02 05:56:05

Excellent sushi. and Salmon Teriyaki with rice was excellent. very small place though.

Review №53

2021-05-01 19:47:54

The manager there was very rude and was not welcoming. Will never come there again or recommend to anyone.

Review №54

2018-01-04 18:30:10

Best Japanese food around. Friendly personable owner. Love this place

Review №55

2021-07-11 22:14:45

Inexpensive and good food 👍 fav sushi place on earth

Review №56

2017-07-07 21:37:21

Good food, had the chicken teriyaki which was really good. Good prices and nice staff.

Review №57

2017-04-22 01:03:08

This place always has the most delicious food and the owner and staff are super friendly

Review №58

2019-07-27 05:03:28

Great sushi very small casual place with great service.

Review №59

2018-09-13 19:58:32

Great service, great food, great prices! I will definitely be back

Review №60

2015-07-02 00:51:05

The owner is the nicest guy ever. Food is tasty and they deliver :)

Review №61

2015-05-10 02:33:57

Good quality fish, quick and usually no ones there so its great for a date or someone who hate a crowd

Review №62

2016-11-19 14:51:21

Local small restaurant the owner is always welcoming and the food is good and reasonable

Review №63

2018-04-04 19:41:39

Love this place! Friendly service! Personable staff, good food..

Review №64

2019-06-19 04:02:42

Quality food at reasonable price, and great service.

Review №65

2012-12-07 01:09:33

Simon, is one of the nicest guys around, always great service and good attitude!!!Not to mention great food !!!

Review №66

2018-02-08 01:20:58

Very casual and very affordable. I really liked the bento box meal.

Review №67

2015-06-15 20:03:50

The sushi wasnt amazing but the service was good

Review №68

2017-07-07 21:36:40

Great and cheap sushi! Staff is awesome!

Review №69

2017-03-29 21:13:18

Decent sushi, loved the tempura, good friendly service

Review №70

2017-09-24 17:35:16

GReat sushi. Really nice staff. Automatically 5 Star. Recommend it

Review №71

2020-05-17 17:37:04

Our favorite rolls were the salmon tempura and mango tuna!

Review №72

2014-08-03 06:27:11

They do not open until 11, we went there on Thursday at 9 and they close when they show us coming!

Review №73

2019-03-13 03:45:22

Excellent selection and all very fresh. Highly recommend.

Review №74

2019-03-09 19:54:35

Owner is extremely rude and racist, I do not recommend supporting a business with such hateful attitude!

Review №75

2020-02-18 00:00:46

A small Japanese restaurant inside strip mall. Authentic Japanese food at reasonable priced.

Review №76

2015-05-18 03:27:16

This place is so I dependable...always closes early or says open but not...

Review №77

2015-04-30 05:40:55

A small restaurant has good testy quality and payless 3 weeks ago I stop by.

Review №78

2021-06-11 01:29:02

He told me to calm down and I was just talking with a friend

Review №79

2018-03-31 20:56:56

Great food at great prices. Definite yes.

Review №80

2017-07-01 20:04:11

This place is awsome

Review №81

2019-07-25 04:22:05

Small, modern, great sushi spot.

Review №82

2020-07-07 04:40:18

Great service, delicious sushi

Review №83

2018-10-01 20:37:42

Great service; great food.

Review №84

2018-05-11 21:41:21

Good prices and good sushi

Review №85

2021-04-15 21:37:40

One of my favorite spots in Dana Point.

Review №86

2019-05-22 22:55:44

Hole in the wall and amazing poke bowl!

Review №87

2019-07-23 19:55:04

Nice little sushi spot.. And I mean little

Review №88

2017-09-20 18:29:36

Best place in town for sushi and poke

Review №89

2018-01-28 14:48:17

Clean place and good sushi

Review №90

2017-05-31 12:43:59

Great food and service.

Review №91

2017-06-23 02:20:41

The boba is good.

Review №92

2018-09-16 02:47:43

Always delicious!

Review №93

2019-05-01 00:50:55

Good sushi at a good price

Review №94

2019-03-30 04:07:32

Delicious and mild

Review №95

2017-06-22 04:03:48

Yummy

Review №96

2019-10-25 23:44:08

Always awesome

Review №97

2018-05-23 00:27:33

I love this food

Review №98

2019-12-03 00:30:48

Bento Box👍

Review №99

2019-03-07 05:23:59

Rude staff.

Review №100

2020-01-09 07:26:25

Fresh Sushi

Review №101

2019-10-11 20:59:18

Really nice japanese food. And thoughtful service!Very good Japanese food! Worth knowing.

Review №102

2019-04-17 03:49:37

I love swearing yaki.

Review №103

2019-07-17 04:02:43

Salmon Vento delicious