Tucked away, in its nondescript strip mall location is Taira Sushi & Sake in Garden Grove, California. And, if you’re not careful, you may just miss it. The restaurant is on the smaller side and is very cozy and intimate. It feels like Chef Ben and Ayako Sato have personally invited you over for dinner. From handwritten menus (written nightly, I’ve read) to the wonderful hospitality, everything was handled with such great care and detail.

The Michelin Guide describes Taira as a penned love letter to Japan and we were lucky enough to have our very first Omakase experience at Taira. Thank you Chef Ben & Ayako Sato for an experience to remember. Unfortunately for us, nothing in Michigan will ever compare. We’ll be counting down the days until we can visit again.