Amazing service and food, it is by far the best Sushi restaruant in Auckland. We have had the Monthly Sushi Lunch set, and for the last few months, it has never failed us. The service was also great, one of us couldnt have beef, so they prepared us tofu salad as an alternative! If you want to have an amazing sushi, you really have to give this place a go!!
Overview
If you're in the mood for a truly authentic Japanese dining experience in Auckland, Tanto Japanese Dining on Manukau Road is a must-visit. Nestled in the heart of Epsom, this gem offers a delightful escape into the flavors and ambiance of Japan, all while staying true to the traditions that make Japanese cuisine so unique and beloved.
The menu at Tanto is a carefully curated selection of dishes that reflect the rich variety of Japanese culinary traditions. Whether you're a fan of sushi, sashimi, or the comforting warmth of ramen, you'll find something to suit your taste. Each dish is prepared with attention to detail, using fresh, high-quality ingredients that enhance the natural flavors of the food. From the tender slices of fish in their sashimi to the perfectly seasoned broths in their ramen, every meal is a testament to the skill and passion that goes into Japanese cooking.
One of the standout features of Tanto is its commitment to providing an authentic experience. The atmosphere is cozy yet elegant, with traditional Japanese décor creating an inviting space to enjoy your meal. The attention to detail extends to the service, where staff members are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their expertise about the dishes they serve. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, you’ll feel welcomed like part of the Tanto family.
A favorite among patrons is the sushi, particularly the tuna and salmon nigiri, which are prepared with utmost precision. The sushi rice, always fresh and perfectly sticky, serves as the ideal base for the delicate fish. Another popular option is the bento box, a delightful assortment of small dishes that offer a little taste of everything. The bento is not only a visual treat but also a flavorful one, with each item designed to complement the others in both taste and texture.
For those who enjoy something heartier, Tanto's ramen is a standout. The rich broth, made from scratch and simmered for hours, is the perfect balance of savory and umami, while the noodles are cooked to just the right texture-firm yet tender. Pair your ramen with a side of gyoza for a meal that will leave you satisfied but not overly full.
If you're looking for something lighter, the tempura dishes at Tanto provide a crispy, delicate bite that pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of sake. The batter is light and airy, allowing the freshness of the seafood and vegetables to shine through without overwhelming the dish.
The restaurant’s location is also ideal for those in the Epsom area, making it an easy stop for both locals and visitors alike. Its proximity to Auckland’s bustling dining scene ensures that Tanto stands out as a reliable choice for a quality meal, whether you’re dining in or picking up takeout.
Reviews from diners consistently praise Tanto for its combination of excellent food, welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional value for money. It’s the kind of place that keeps customers coming back, drawn by the quality of the food and the warmth of the service. Many visitors also note the clean and pleasant ambiance, which contributes to a relaxing dining experience.
For anyone planning a visit to Tanto Japanese Dining, it’s advisable to make a reservation, especially during peak dining hours, as the restaurant’s popularity often results in a full house. You’ll want to ensure you have a spot to enjoy the authentic flavors and exceptional hospitality that Tanto has to offer.
In short, Tanto Japanese Dining delivers an authentic and satisfying experience with its delicious menu, charming setting, and attentive service. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, ramen, or something a bit more unique, this Epsom restaurant provides a meal that’s always fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. It’s a perfect place to indulge in Japanese cuisine in the heart of Auckland.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great tea selectionPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Coffee âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Romantic âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ GroupsPlanning
âś“ Reservations required âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 234 reviews
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.
It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten in such a delicious Japanese restaurant. The decoration of the restaurant has a Japanese atmosphere. The owner will come over to introduce the meals one by one, and will also introduce today's special menu. The food is delicious and it’s a restaurant worth going to again
Had the tanto sushi lunch that happens once a month for around $60+ pp. The experience was very authentic and was one of the best authentic sushi that i've had in NZ. Most of nz sushi is Americanised and sweet and although taste good I still prefer the just fish with rice. All the dish here had a lot of natural taste to it but taste very delicious. The sushi ingredients was fresh and I especially love the sweet potato tempura. The tempura reminds me of a place in Japan where they focused on the item being fried to bring out its naturalness and the batter was just a light batter that doesn't overwhelm whats inside. The sweet potato tempura was the best and had really nice texture. Overall very enjoyed the meal and experience and highly recommend for people to treat themselves and come here.
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!
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.
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.
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.