Review Tanto Japanese Dining - Auckland

This little Japanese restaurant offers such lovely sashimi. The prawn and scallops were so tasty. The staff were so very nice and food was served quick. They offer great quality rice which makes such a big difference to the food. Price was very good. I would recommend coming here for special occasion or just to treat yourself.

Tanto Japanese Dining focus on serving small sharing plates in a casual sake bar. Tonight we stopped by and had a selection of fresh seafood dishes. We were rewarded with the chefs special that's only available a few times of the year (also our dish of the night), the Southern blue fin tuna belly fresh from the Hawkes Bay. The toro sashimi had a rich buttery smooth texture as expected. With a touch of wasabi and light dip in soy sauce it was a delightful morsel. For a deeper unami, the unagi donburi (smoked eel on rice) was another highlight choice - special order since it wasn't on the menu tonight. A simple dish done well. Overall other dishes were very good too, from the tempura batter that had a light crispy crunch to reveal the moist vegetable beneath to the smooth agedashi contrast with the crunchy seasonal vegetables. The colour and presentation was very appealing too. We dined early so it was quiet start but soon began filling up. Being a suburban restaurant I suspect the locals are trying to keep it a secret.

Absolutely fantastic time and place for us. Mr.Kuni is nice guy and Mr.Makoto is awesome Japanese chef. We will come back next sushi night! Cheers

It was our second time visiting Tanto and I'm really glad we decided to come again for another very enjoyable dining experience. The atmosphere is cozy and elegant, relaxed and unpretentious. The owner is a very welcoming and gracious host. The food is a good balance of traditional Japanese dishes tuned just right to western tastes so everyone will be able to find something appetizing whether they're re familiar with Japanese food or not. And don't miss out on the desserts! The sesame tiramisu with matcha ice cream is a delicious and unique treat, highly recommend. Definitely one of the better Japanese restaurants I've visited in NZ!

I really enjoyed their fantastic Sushi night. Amazing taste and very nice atmosphere. I definitely want to eat their sushi again .

I came here from a recommendation from my uncle and thoroughly enjoyed it with my partner! I’m vegetarian and was really happy with the options on the menu. I had the vegetarian pan-fried dumplings for entree, vegetable tempura for a main and the baked apple for dessert. My favourites were the dumplings and the baked apple. Super delicious and the owner Kuni was extremely friendly and gave us a rundown of some of the menu options. Beautiful restaurant and the lovely decorations added to the experience.

This is my top recommendation for Japanese restaurants in Auckland. The sushi, beef tataki, tempura and karaage are especially good and I always order them every time I visit. There are also many varieties of sake, so be sure to order the tasting set. Surprisingly (pardon the pun), the desserts are also delicious. The chocolate brownies are my favorite dessert in Tanto. I really love this restaurant where you can enjoy the traditional Japanese izakaya style. The only drawback is that it is far from the CBD and difficult to access by public transport. There is no parking space, so you have to park on the street nearby. (Uber Eats Experienced in 2021 ) True Japanese style restaurant. Fresh sashimi and sushi also good for takeaway. My recommendation is Karaage with mayonnaise.

Super delicious and the owner Kuni was extremely friendly and gave us a rundown of some of the menu options. Tried the Beef Special from based on Kuni's enthusiasm about the specials, and was not disappointed. Never had beef prepared like this, and would recommend it to my friends. The Dumplings and dessert were also very nice

Highly recommend this restaurant. The food is spectacular, great variety, I am stuck on the dumplings lol. The menu is a real treat because it is so interesting, and is always so fresh. The seafood for example tastes like it was caught an hour ago. The staff (Kuni) always has a smile and remembers who you are. We have been going there for over five years - and it has never disappointed ........ Seeing the specials on the tablet by Kuni is a great way to see what's on offer. If you want, there is the option of sitting up the top and watching the chefs cooking. SO GO THERE - YOU WILL LOVE IT

This is the place if you want to try the most authentic Japanese food in Auckland with great service. Everything is so good! Must try their AMAZING sushi and dessert :)

Lots of deliciousness from this place. The care and passion from the owner and the chef can be found in the food and that's every single dish.

Best sushi in New Zealand and the sweetest staff! Thank you for the wonderful meal last night.

Great food! Authentic Japanese food. The pork belly melts in your mouth. The best Japanese restaurant in Auckland. Great service!!! Thank you

although we have only been here twice but enjoyed our meals and the experience in both occasions. Prices are reasonable, great service, tasty food. We will be back. soon :-)

What can I say...everything we have ever had at this restaurant is exceptional. Last night [Sunday] @ Tanto was amazing, once a month they have a specialty [authentic] Sushi night featuring, Crayfish, Oyster's, Octopus, Scallops, Squid, John Dory, Gurnard, Snapper, Hamachi [kingfish from japan], Tuna, Eel, the list goes on.. insanely good, hence please treat yourself to an amazing experience, but get a reservation well in advance as books out quickly. Enjoy :)

great food and super friendly staff.

Authentic Japanese fine dining. Kuni leads the team and runs the show. Excellent food and service. Friendly staff, we return here regularly and feel very welcome. Best Japanese restaurant in Auckland. A real gem.

We had a great night at Tanto with a large group for a set menu. The selection of food was perfect and tasty. Kuni and staff looked after us so well.

Great japanese food, excellent service and nice presentation. Everything was delicious and staff very friendly and professional. The atmosphere was intimate and relaxed. I really had great time in this place. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are around.

Great food, great services, good value for money! I would highly recommend it!

Nice food but not enough of it. Also expensive for what you get. Really dislike going out for dinner and feeling like I need to eat a takeaway on the way home as I'm still hungry! Had thoughts of bringing the family but have changed my mind.

Awesome food omg and best customer service. Loved it!!! Highly recommended ��❤️

Good to be back at Tanto. Kuni the owner is so friendly and remembered me from 3 years ago and even told me that the miso soup is now vegetarian. Always feels good to support local owner operated restaurants.

The amazing food and fantastic service keeps us coming back! Kuni, you are a star!

I do enjoy the dinner in Tanto tonight. They do have a good presentation and delicious food!

Tanto was amazing! Great service. Amazing food which not only looked great but tasted like perfection! Simple, elegant and friendly.

Great food great people and excellent service awesome!!!

This is our favourite Japanese in Auckland. Consistently high standard in a family friendly environment. Kuni has created a beautiful neighbourhood restaurant.

ありがと so delicious today for lunch. Highly recommended

Best Japanese food . Taste the freeness .Great service .

I would just like to say that we are unimpressed with the rudeness of the owner of this restaurant. If children are not welcome in the restaurant, perhaps put a sign to say so. At least it'll discourage patrons with young children in going and "ruining" the ambience of your very mediocre place anyway. Just for the record, we went with our 2 year old (who was having a bit of a whinge at that time but she was by no means loud or unruly). We are actually quite taken aback of the rudeness that was thrown at us by asking us to keep our child quiet as there are other patrons. Good grief, my child complaining isn't any louder than a normal adult having a laugh and a conversation. Get a grip of yourself. And when you turned your back on my friend who was requesting for additional cutleries, you clearly showed your lack of finesse and manners. Maybe you should rethink about running a restaurant. Also for the record, we left the place clean too - no messy table messy floor. Next time, please mind your manners, Mr. Rude Owner.

We had an amazing lunch today. .great service& great foox...so so good!

This is the second time we came here. We ordered combination sashimi, Crispy prawn sushi, sashimi on rice, Tarayaki salmon for the main and had Green tea brownie and baked apple with ice cream for dessert. All dishes are very good. The service was friendly. The environment is comfortable and the cozy. Will come here again.

Great food. Great service

My family has been their loyal customers ever since they opened! Consistent delicious food and services, Katsudon is our all time favourite. Tempura udon is the kids must have too. We always looking forward to the next gathering at Tanto.

Turn up at 1.20 for lunch, they are half full, they close at 2.30 and they turn you away. Have been a really loyal client of Tanto, not any more. Hopeless Kuni, look after your regular clients

We had tempura udon, karaage chicken, and chirashi sashimi. Sashimi on the rice was generously big size. Karaage chicken was nicely fried, crispy and tender. We also had green tee brûlée and apple tart for desert. They both tasted so good. Green tea brûlée has a good strong Japanese green tea flavor with the right amount of sweetness. Lime and ginger sorbet came with the brûlée totally matched as its got a fresh and sour flavor to offset the creamy brûlée. Apple tart was soft, crispy outside and moist inside with tasty plum wine sauce. I will definitely come back!!!

Everything from the atmosphere, food and service was excellent. The staff were friendly, prices were reasonable and I would definitely come again

Great service and authentic Japanese style. Definitely recommend their sashimi and sushi dishes and they have a lovely selection of desserts. Will come again.

We are always regulars at tanto, the head chef/ owner knows us so he always strikes conversation with us. The food is always consistently great and delicious, the kitchen is clean and the food comes out very quickly we always love coming here.

4/5 can really taste the goodness of the ingredients, food is served fresh, reasonably priced. Amazing dish is not the case, maybe fine dining standards which is good in Auckland. +Best Sapporo tap beers.

Had their Tanto Gozen dinner set. Entree are really good (sashimi, sushi, crumbed prawns, tuna tatare), main is average (had salmon teriyaki). Their special dessert is yummy as well. Its pannacotta with mochi, jelly, vanilla icecream and brown sugar syrup😋 . <br/>we were so full and need to take away some food home :)

Not sure if it was a bit of bad luck because I've been told this place is good and it has quite good ratings but came here the other weekend and got takeaway with my boyfriend and we both felt quite ill afterwards? The chicken did look very dull and brown inside. Unfortunate as I was looking forward to it. The staff were really lovely and ambience was nice but can't give this place a good review

Amazing Sashimi, best scallop. <br/>Ordered plum wine and Tempura don don to finish. Really good. Will come back again.<br/>Very very very very very good.

Barely come to Epsom but was told it is a good restaurant to dine-in. <br/>I really love the atmosphere and the location of the place. Staffs are friendly and attentive about their customers. 👌🏻<br/>Food is delicious however personal opinion, it is expensive for a small portion and at the same time it is not as great as other Japanese restaurant I've been too. I had bits and pieces by tasting other dishes but I had a gyoza. And it cost me $10 for 5 tiny pieces . I could get 8 for $10 in another Japanese restaurant. <br/>Overall , it is satisfying but cost wise and the portion puts me off

Everything was delicious, the service was super quick and friendly. Highly recommend the beef tataki and the green tea brûlée for dessert. We love the place nice decor and very cozy

Great service and large range of quality japanese delicacies. Beef tataki was amazing and very delicate and pork belly melts in your mouth. Highly recommended. Will definitely visit again 🤗🤗🤗

Gem of a restaurant in the heart of Epsom, having been there a few times for dinner we can definitely recommended it. <br/><br/>Host and the service staff are amazingly friendly, from the moment you walk in to walking out. They always have a few specials and bring around an iPad with pictures to show their creations (which works out great for those of us that aren't good at remembering names). Food is always presented to a high standard and taste very good. We've tried most of the menu and have no complaints. We tend to order a lot of smaller tapas style dishes to share, which adds up in the bill, but always walk away feeling satisfied.

The service was amazing and the food was very nice. <br/><br/>However, some of the menu was quite expensive for what we got, nevertheless a very good eat. <br/>

I like the decor and ambience here. They don't have dedicated parking so you have to park off street near an intersection.<br/><br/>Food is lovely. I love how it's plated. Highlights for me would be the tuna tataki, savoury steamed egg and the takoyaki. <br/>In saying that, I actually like all the items I have tried so far on the menu.<br/><br/>My favourite thing about Tanto is their desserts, which is ever changing on their blackboard.<br/><br/>So far my favourite dessert I've had so far would have to be their green tea panacotta. Loved it. Absolutely loved it. It would even be nice just to go for dessert.

We stopped in for lunch today. Despite being on a main road the restaurant was cool and quiet inside. We ordered a series of sharing plates, the quality was up and down but overall reasonable. Service was very good and my fussy son loved the sushi. Decent suburban Japanese fare

Went there on a saturday evening without a booking. We were seated promptly and given menus by the pleasant staff. We ordered japanese green tea, squid tentacles, beef tataki, salmon avo sushi and chicken katsu. <br/>Tentacles arrived in about 15 minutes and were soft and well made compared to other places. <br/>Tataki was spot on, divine! <br/>Sushi was a little disppointing tasting like a mediocre plate. <br/>Katsu was delicious and came with home made tartarea and vege sauces. <br/>I would surely go back there again!

This little restaurant located on Manuaku road is cute and cosy. It's bigger than it looks with more seating outback. They only had seats available at the sushi bar when we arrived but we were happy with these as here you get to see the chefs in the kitchen. <br/><br/>The service was really good - the staff were all friendly and very accommodating. Our waitress was knowledgable about the menu and made ordering a breeze. My partner is vegetarian and she even cared to point out that some of the dishes we ordered had fish stock in it and that she'd request for the chef to use seaweed stock instead. <br/><br/>We ordered the tempera vegetables, Agedashi tofu and the vegetarian Gyoza. The portions are smaller than some places but here it is all about quality rather than quantity. All the dishes were pretty good and well presented. The tofu was the star of the night for us - perfect for a cold night.<br/><br/>If your after good Japanese food with great service in a cosy environment then I'd recommend giving Tanto a visit.

My friends & I all had bento boxes at Tanto for lunch - tataki (seared beef slices) & sashimi, green salad & sashimi, aburi (seared salmon slices) & karaage (marinated fried chicken); all came with steamed rice & miso soup. Everything was good, except the salmon which wasn't very fresh for sashimi. I was lucky to have pick green tea brûlée for dessert which was excellent. (Food - 3.5/5; Service - 4/5; Ambience 3/5)

Best Japanese in Auckland. Tried very many and this takes the cake. Sashimi was Japan quality, not the chewy stuff you get usually here. Karaage Chicken an amazing family recipe, the pork belly melts off the tongue and the tataki beef is to die for. The special duck is roasted to perfection and the baked apple desert was not only unique but mind boggling delicious. The attention to detail was superb (carrots cut into butterflies) and the service included the owner I take it, seeing you out to the door and did so with every customer. Highly rated and absolute shame if you don't get a chance to experience this gem in Epsom!

Very conveniently located in Epsom, it is a Japanese dining experience worth a visit. The Baby Octopus dish was a unique starter & the mains was quite well prepared & presented. For me the star of the show was the dessert. We ordered the Lemongrass & Ginger sorbet & a creme brûlée, the sorbet was the most exquisite I have tasted & I was very pleased with how they brought out the unique combination of flavours with such a beautiful but not overpowering hint of Ginger. Very nice & friendly staff too. Overall a very pleasant dining experience. The ambience was quite welcoming & mellow, the seating was comfortable & the lighting quite soothing & relaxing.

Soooo good! Excellent service! Only the freshest Sashimi! Delicious Karaage!! Definitely a family favourite! If you haven't already... You MUST try the plum wine! ❤️❤️

Have always wanted to try out this place and definitely no regrets. Loved the atmosphere here and the staff are super friendly and helpful. <br/><br/>Ordered tempura udon noodle soup. It tasted nice and didn't taste like most of the udon noodle soup out there where you know and can taste the amount of MSG added into it. The tempura batter was nice and light. The tuna sushi we ordered was delicious too. Not too stingy on the tuna filling. Even amount of rice and tuna in there. <br/><br/>Their seasame pannacotta was amazing! Very different but very delicious. Loved it. Highly recommended if it's a permanent thing as their desserts were written on a small chalkboard. Green tea brûlée was ok. Wasn't set properly so it was quite runny and lumpy. The lemon sorbet was nice though! <br/><br/>Overall, would definitely come back here. Prices are overly expensive but still have that nice authentic Japanese taste.

Wow. This place is amazing, food are beautiful, service is exellent. Went there for dinner few nights ago and i ordered Bara Chirashi, Tuna and avo roll and seasame pannacotta. <br/><br/>Bara Chirashi was beautiful presented. The fish is very fresh, mixed with soya sauce brings out the sweetness of the fish. There is few raw prawns thats was fantastic and fresh and sweet. (Just wish there is more) <br/><br/>The pannacotta was good but the high light of the night was that Bara Chirashi.

One of our favorite Japanese restaurants. Love that it is small and comfy. Great food and great service. Fried squid tentacles and chirashi don are definitely recommended.

I have been to Tanto several times with family and friends. I keep coming back because of the good food, good service and warm cozy atmosphere of the place. The dishes are pure and visually pleasing. I love the Karaage, the seared salmon sashimi slices, the fried octopus balls and Agedashi tofu. The taste leaves you wanting more and never overpowering on the palate. I love the green tea brulee with lime sorbet for dessert. Wash it down with a hot cup of toasted rice tea to end a lovely meal.

always one of my most favourite Japanese restaurant in Auckland. Not only the food is great, but the siphon coffee is always well made with great precision in aroma, temperature, and taste. The team is very friendly anf provide excellent service everytime that I go!

Not too impressed with their service. Called these guys to enquire about a booking for 12 people - asked to speak to the owner or manager to discuss some special requirements which we have and they hung up on me. I've read good things about them but customer service like this is shocking. I called back and same thing happened. Not impressed.

Been back after a year and a little disappointed. We went lots when first opened and loved it. So what was wrong... we sat for ages to get drinks and thats only after we asked. Then had to ask for the food as well. Then ask again when one of the dishes never came. What really sucked was the table next to us got great service. <br/><br/>Over all the food was as good as ever and full marks there. The service was just poor. <br/><br/>Why is it a small place like this with the owner on the floor lets staff ignore customers!<br/><br/>

Tanto Restaurant, absolutely lovely! The food was lovely and not too pricey for what you get. I ordered the lunch bento box with the salmon and crumbed chicken. The salmon was half torched/cooked and the other half was sashimi which was a surprise for me. The crumbed chicken was very nice. The service was excellent :D Nice quiet place with a lot of class.

Really enjoyed Tanto. The food was fantastic quality but what sets this restaurant apart was the service. They were attentive without interfering and we did not feel rushed. A perfect balance. Our new favorite.

This is the best Japanese Restaurant I have ever been to in NZ! <br/>I am travelling a lot and everywhere in NZ for my work, and have tried many Japanese restaurants, but I can say that this restaurant is the best ever!<br/>Service is excellent too, very friendly and the most importantly professional. I keep coming back to this place whenever I feel like Japanese, and also keep recommending to my friends too.

Very tasty meal at a reasonable price!<br/>Friendly and nice staff.

Open the doors and you are greeted and immediately responded to. The atmosphere is intimate in conjunction with a nice level of sophistication. Tanto provides an excellent range of chilled and hot sake to cater for beginner and experienced sake consumers. The menu allows for sharing sized dishes and bigger substantial meal catering for the type of dining experience you wish to indulge in. One of the most pronounced differences to this Japanese restaurant was the consistency in the quality of the fish (particularly salmon and tuna!!!) wow, creamy, melt in the mouth, delectable and high grade. Other favourites include the beef takaki, where the wagyu is balanced nicely with accompanying condiments. Another is the tempura-light and crisp, the sashimi platters, butsu (sesame and sea salt carefully bestowed upon melt-in-the mouth tuna bites) and the list goes on....<br/><br/>Overall, the food and service is fantastic, as Kuni and his staff create a personal experience to take time out to ensure a pleasant dining experience.

One of the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland. My girlfriend's sashimi was impeccably fresh and well presented and the Chicken Karaage was delicious and not at all greasy as a previous commentator has mentioned. Peaceful and relaxing lighting, ambiance and natural wooden decor make this the perfect place to unwind with your partner on a Friday night but make sure you book ahead ;)

Bump into the place by mistake however the food is alright! will try again sometimes.

Went there for Friday lunch, it was just amazing from beginning to end, never disappointing.<br/><br/>The Tofu Salad was just a delight as an entree, the tofu was so soft and the tangy taste of the salad made it extra appetizing. Chicken Karaage was not oily, very crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. We topped our lovely lunch with Green Tea Brulee and Lemon Sorbet, which was just divine. <br/><br/>Sweet lunch!

Was almost hesitant to leave a review simply because this place is such a wonderful find we dont want it to become too popular! Tanto has beautiful, fresh, tasty Japanese cuisine that is light rather than laden in heavy sauces like so many other places. Teriyaki chicken and the gyoza dumplings are especially worth a mention - the chicken was juicy and tender, and the dumplings were lightly crunchy and full of flavour. The staff are lovely, and the place is very reasonably priced. Well worth trying out.

Freshest sashimi I have ever had! Great presentation and service as well. Have only been at lunch time - the donburi dishes are larger than the average and bento's are huge with a big selection. Definiately worth a try

My friend and I went to Tanto for dinner early this month. The location is very good being close to Newmarket with plenty of street parking.<br/><br/>The place very presentable and is run by a friendly Japanese. We order a few dishes to share including Squid Tempura, Owan Mushi, Eel Don and a Soy Bean Panna Cotta. The Owan Mushi was perfectly cooked with a silky texture and I recommend it.<br/><br/>It would be nice if Tanto could offer more dish options in the future.

An authentic Japanese restaurant with good service. I came here twice and sampled many of the dishes- the tofu salad was delightful, Sushi and sashimi were fresh with lovely presentation; the slow cook pork with hint of vinegar was very appetizing; no wonder the place is always packed.

Possibly the best Japanese restaurant in Auckland! Very authentic Japanese taste, using fresh ingredients, and simple flavours. <br/><br/>Highlights for me were the home-made gyoza and the ika (squid) tempura. The serving of fresh tuna sashimi 'Butsu', seasoned with sesame and salt was huge for $6, I hope Tanto can keep this up! The Tofu salad was also a plentiful serving. <br/><br/>Everything we ordered tasted delicious, authentic, and washed down with some high-quality Sake from Aomori resulted in a great overall experience. The staff are friendly, and seemingly efficient despite being a new team. <br/><br/>Great food, nice atmosphere, and friendly team. I will definitely be returning.

What a little gem in the suburbs! Tanto has been open for three years now and some friends who are regulars took us there for our first visit in December. I can see why they're regulars! Though Sake Bar Nippin just down the road serves authentic Japanese food , it's a great fun place to eat, while Tanto is much more refined and elegant, and in true Japanese style pay a lot of attention to presentation. The food is divine. Their whole menu is on their website complete with photos - the sashimi is excellent, fresh and plentiful. We tried tempura, karoage, tataki, takoyaki, pan fried terakihi, prawn twists, gyoza, and edamame!! And all were perfectly cooked and presented <br/>The staff are lovely, it's fully licensed and a thoroughly enjoyable experience