Izakaya, a portmanteau composed of the Japanese words for “to stay” and “sake shop”, refers to a place where you can eat, drink, and relax, and by that definition Tustin’s Honda-Ya fits the bill. Guests can choose to be seated at the bar, at a table, or on the tatami floor. Start with an appetizer like the crab shumai or takoyaki, then move onto an entrée like the delicious bacon-wrapped asparagus, one of the most popular items on the menu. For those seeking libations, Honda Ya offers an excellent selection of beer, sake, and even Japan’s other indigenous beverage, shochu. Green tea ice cream makes for a great dessert, especially on your birthday when it comes free. Ambience is casual, though as a fairly popular spot the restaurant can sometimes get loud. The portions can be a little small, so keep your eye on the price to make sure you don’t overspend.

Honda-Ya
556 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 832-0081
http://www.yelp.com/biz/honda-ya-tustin