Maki Yaki OC

The food was amazing we ordered a poke bowl and a crunch roll we also enjoyed the Salmon teriyaki bento box and a chicken teriyaki bowl everything tastes amazing.

Small & mighty sushi place! I love that this place at times is quiet and not too busy. Perfect for a solo date 🫶🏼

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

Vitali Zabelin

If you’re in Dana Point and looking for something simple, honest, and actually made with care — this little spot surprised me in the best way. I ended up here in the middle of the day while working in the area. Never been before. I try to avoid chains when I can and pick something new each time. This place caught my eye, and I’m glad I walked in. It’s a small, family-run vibe — and I mean literally. Looked like a husband and wife running everything themselves. They were both super polite, calm, and you can tell they really care about the food and about every guest who walks in. No rush, no attitude, just warm hospitality. I went with something safe for me — ramen and salmon sushi. And both were just… really solid. Not overcomplicated, not trying to be something fancy. Just good food made right. The broth had depth, noodles cooked right, and the sushi was fresh with balanced flavor. No complaints there at all. The place itself is small. Not a big dining room. A few tables inside, clean but definitely more of a takeout–focused spot. They don’t have a restroom available inside, which kind of confirms that they expect people to grab food and go. And honestly — I would. Not because it’s bad to sit there — it’s fine. But this is the kind of meal that hits even better sitting somewhere by the ocean with the breeze. I’d definitely order takeout from here and eat outside by the water next time. I paid around $30, which is very fair for the quality, especially in California. They do ask about tip at checkout before you get your food — that part always feels a bit weird to me, but I get it. Overall — 5 stars for the food and the heart behind the place. I’ll remember it. And I’ll be back — probably to pick up a to-go order and take it straight to the beach.

Brianne Underwood

Came here for dinner with my mom to celebrate the 15th anniversary of my dad’s passing. The fish was fresh, the miso soup was delicious, and the staff were so hospitable! We loved that it was quaint inside and easy to walk to from our Inn. Definitely recommend Maki Yaki!

Riley Ittidecharchoti

At first I did not expect much from this location, but it was a hidden gem. The high quality of the fish was superb and surprised me. The owner/chef was a professional omakase chef and it really shows in the dishes’ taste and appearance. I am coming again!

Chirag Shah

“My daughter loves sushi, so we were looking for some good vegetarian options—and this place turned out to be one of the best! The service was excellent, and the chef was very helpful and accommodating. Thank you! Highly recommend.”

Mari

I have ordered sushi from here many times and it’s always the best. It can be hard to find sushi places that are consistent in quality and taste but Maki Yaki is always consistent in both! The staff is also very kind. I absolutely love this place and their food!

Tessie Ochoa

I don’t really live in the area but was craving some fish and this spot sounded real chill. Turns out it was more than chill, it was fantastic! Atmosphere was comfy and the man taking my order was nice. Food was 10/10 satisfied my craving for sure and would def come back again to eat if I come by here.

Hwa Suk Chai

This must be a little hidden gem Japanese restaurant in Dana Point area. It looks like a small typical teriyaki shop but some of their dishes’ quality was surprisingly amazing! Halapeno Hamachi appetizer sashimi was superb with a pinch of spice👍🏻 Fullmoon rolls doesn’t have any rice so it’s perfect for people who need to avoid too much carb and it’s delicious! Green dragon rolls, fire cracker rolls, and veggie rolls were served together on a long plate which looked beautiful and every one of them was yummy👍🏻 I’ve heard that their chicken teriyaki is absolutely the best, so I’ll try that next time. Will definitely return👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

SOPHIA HSU

Food is amazing! It was my bestie’s birthday and Andy gave us birthday mochi’s. Will definitely come back!

Axel V

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.

Melissa Brown

Small & mighty sushi place! I love that this place at times is quiet and not too busy. Perfect for a solo date 🫶🏼

Jenny Chang

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!

Esme

The food was amazing we ordered a poke bowl and a crunch roll we also enjoyed the Salmon teriyaki bento box and a chicken teriyaki bowl everything tastes amazing.

Daniel Cayetano

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

Smaller place with amazing vibes. The gyroza bowl and the chicken teriyaki are amazing. BUT THAT MANGO SALAD THO!!! GET IT! JUST DO IT! (but not if your allergic to ginger) Hands down the Best thing on the menu!! You can order To Go easily, and saw several Door Dash orders headed out the door.

Some of the best sushi I’ve had and the jalapeño bombs were also delicious! They were also incredibly nice. They even gave me some miso soup on the house! I’m surprised they didn’t have a line out the door. 100% recommend

Maki Yaki OC – 5 stars If you're in the mood for some incredible sushi in the OC, Maki Yaki is the place to be. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a modern yet cozy vibe that makes it perfect for both quick bites and leisurely meals with friends. The star of the show is, of course, the sushi. The quality of the fish is top-notch, fresh, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I highly recommend trying their signature rolls – the Maki Yaki roll is a standout, with a perfect balance of flavors. The spicy tuna roll is also a must-try, packed with bold flavors without being overwhelming. The service here is friendly and attentive, with staff always willing to offer recommendations or chat about the menu if you're not sure where to start. It's clear that the chefs put a lot of care into their dishes, and the attention to detail shines through. They also have a great selection of appetizers and sides, like the crispy gyoza and miso soup, which are perfect to start your meal. And for those who love a good drink, their sake selection pairs wonderfully with the food. Overall, Maki Yaki OC has quickly become one of my go-to spots for sushi in the area. Whether you're a sushi connoisseur or just someone craving some great food, this place won’t disappoint. Highly recommend!

Lilah Holt

Smaller place with amazing vibes. The gyroza bowl and the chicken teriyaki are amazing. BUT THAT MANGO SALAD THO!!! GET IT! JUST DO IT! (but not if your allergic to ginger) Hands down the Best thing on the menu!! You can order To Go easily, and saw several Door Dash orders headed out the door.

Ben Monahan

Some of the best sushi I’ve had and the jalapeño bombs were also delicious! They were also incredibly nice. They even gave me some miso soup on the house! I’m surprised they didn’t have a line out the door. 100% recommend

Sam Han

Maki Yaki OC – 5 stars If you're in the mood for some incredible sushi in the OC, Maki Yaki is the place to be. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a modern yet cozy vibe that makes it perfect for both quick bites and leisurely meals with friends. The star of the show is, of course, the sushi. The quality of the fish is top-notch, fresh, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I highly recommend trying their signature rolls – the Maki Yaki roll is a standout, with a perfect balance of flavors. The spicy tuna roll is also a must-try, packed with bold flavors without being overwhelming. The service here is friendly and attentive, with staff always willing to offer recommendations or chat about the menu if you're not sure where to start. It's clear that the chefs put a lot of care into their dishes, and the attention to detail shines through. They also have a great selection of appetizers and sides, like the crispy gyoza and miso soup, which are perfect to start your meal. And for those who love a good drink, their sake selection pairs wonderfully with the food. Overall, Maki Yaki OC has quickly become one of my go-to spots for sushi in the area. Whether you're a sushi connoisseur or just someone craving some great food, this place won’t disappoint. Highly recommend!

So here’s the awesome good news for most readers- you like sushi, you’re not really knowledgeable or brave to try “new” things…and AYCE isn’t your style…this is your place! Quality is very high in a more limited variety of familiar and friendly to newer palates! Cozy, low intimidation and easy in/out for a quick quality and quiet meal. Pictured is the 12/13 piece sashimi along with an Aloha roll and some miso soup.

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.

Hosia Towery

So here’s the awesome good news for most readers- you like sushi, you’re not really knowledgeable or brave to try “new” things…and AYCE isn’t your style…this is your place! Quality is very high in a more limited variety of familiar and friendly to newer palates! Cozy, low intimidation and easy in/out for a quick quality and quiet meal. Pictured is the 12/13 piece sashimi along with an Aloha roll and some miso soup.

Omar R. Canales

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.

we’re is the fish lol ? Unfortunately I don’t think this is them having a bad night. This is the 3rd time this has happened where there is minimal/ very little fish. I order here a lot. This is the 3rd time this has happened. I will be taking a break from this restaurant. I hope they can get better with serving sizes. It was a good spot. Same amount of fish on the other side of the sushi as well

mitchell schusler

we’re is the fish lol ? Unfortunately I don’t think this is them having a bad night. This is the 3rd time this has happened where there is minimal/ very little fish. I order here a lot. This is the 3rd time this has happened. I will be taking a break from this restaurant. I hope they can get better with serving sizes. It was a good spot. Same amount of fish on the other side of the sushi as well

We came here around 6:40 pm after seeing good reviews, with a hungry 3-year-old. The restaurant was completely empty, yet the manager said the kitchen was “busy” and food would take 40 minutes. This made no sense and felt like they simply didn’t want to serve us. Very disappointing experience. Be cautious if you plan to visit, especially with kids.

Jiajia Li

We came here around 6:40 pm after seeing good reviews, with a hungry 3-year-old. The restaurant was completely empty, yet the manager said the kitchen was “busy” and food would take 40 minutes. This made no sense and felt like they simply didn’t want to serve us. Very disappointing experience. Be cautious if you plan to visit, especially with kids.