Fueled by Passion: How One Employee Revived Honda-ya’s Beloved Lunch TOGO—and Sparked the Return of Dine-In Lunch

It’s not every day that a single employee’s vision reshapes the rhythm of a beloved restaurant. But that’s exactly what happened at Izakaya Honda-ya’s Tustin location, where a staff member named Hugo brought new life to an old tradition—the return of their popular Lunch TOGO menu, now available again for the first time since 2020.

Hugo, Creator of Honda-ya’s TOGO Lunch Revival

When indoor dining took center stage again after the pandemic, lunch TOGO fell by the wayside. But Hugo saw an opportunity. Inspired by Honda-ya’s diverse flavors and the convenience modern diners seek, he proposed a full revival of the takeout lunch concept. The team was impressed by his passion and dedication—and they said yes.

Today, Honda-ya is once again serving lunch-exclusive bento boxes packed with satisfying portions of classic Japanese fare, made fresh daily. Available Monday through Friday, from 11 AM to 2:30 PM, these meals are perfect for a quick office lunch, a leisurely park picnic, or just a cozy meal at home. Takeout orders can be placed online, or in person directly at the Tustin location.

The two most popular items on the TOGO menu? The Yakitori Bento—a delightful box featuring an assortment of charcoal-grilled chicken skewers with rice and sides—and the Harami Don, a hearty rice bowl topped with juicy skirt steak and drizzled with the manager’s signature umami-rich sauce. These dishes capture the soul of izakaya-style comfort food in a portable form.

And thanks to the overwhelming popularity of these TOGO lunches, Honda-ya has now brought back DINE-IN lunch as well—after nearly 25 years.

Guests can now enjoy these beloved TOGO items such as the Yakitori Bento and Harami Don in the restaurant, served fresh and hot. Even better, the dine-in menu doesn’t stop there. With more than 40 types of yakitori available during lunch hours—including pork, beef, seafood, and vegetarian skewers—lunchtime at Honda-ya is beginning to rival the famously expansive dinner service.

Known throughout Southern California, Izakaya Honda-ya has built a loyal following since it opened in 1993. Part of its appeal lies in its massive menu—offering over 300 items, including grilled skewers, small plates, sushi, noodles, and more. The beef tongue skewer, rich in flavor and tender in texture, is one of the most requested.

While Honda-ya remains a go-to destination for late-night dining with friends, romantic dinners, and family outings, this reinvigorated lunch program offers a rare chance to skip the crowds and enjoy your favorite dishes during the day. It’s also an ideal introduction for those who haven’t experienced Honda-ya yet.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Japanese cuisine or simply looking to upgrade your lunch routine, the return of Honda-ya’s lunch program—both TOGO and DINE-IN—delivers convenience, flavor, and heart. It’s a testament to what passion, vision, and teamwork can achieve.