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✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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A “Tanuki” is a cheeky badger who is always drinking sake and having a good time! Tanuki Japanese Restaurant was first established in 1994 and was the first Izakaya style Japanese restaurant in New Zealand. Over 25 years later it is still serving it’s fresh and authentic Japanese dishes. Our food is best shared, preferably with a cold Japanese beer or with a smooth sake Sunday Happy hour 4-6pm now on during the warmer months!
Address and Contact Information
Address: 319 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 379 5353
Website: http://tanuki.co.nz/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: tanuki.co.nz
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Related Web Results
Tanuki | Japanese Restaurant Auckland
Tanuki Japanese Restaurant was first established in 1994 and was the first Izakaya style Japanese restaurant in New Zealand.
Tanuki’s Cave |
The Cave. Yakitori & Kushiage Bar – Oideyasu, welcome! Walk in, NO reservations taken except for the large Cage table. However, Tanuki Japanese restaurant …
Tanuki sushi and sake bar | Auckland – Facebook
3 Reviews. . $$. . Closed now. . 319 Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand, 1010. Links. . sakebars.co.nz/tanuki. Contact info. . +64 9-379 5353. . tanuki@ …
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Reviews
Bella Sutton
We had the most enjoyable date night thanks to the serene atmosphere, attentive service, and incredible food. Upon entering, we were asked about dietary preferences, and whether we were in a rush for any events that night. I really appreciated this attention to detail from our wonderful servers.
I’m gluten-free and was overjoyed to be handed a NGA (no gluten added) menu with lots of safe options for me – there was also a vegan / vegetarian menu on the flip side. I was also provided a GF soy sauce on the table. We love experiencing different cultures and cuisines and the decor, atmosphere, and food made us feel like we had ventured to Japan.
The Cave yakitori bar was also definitely worth the visit – a nice relaxed atmosphere to socialise, and brilliant small plates – and matcha ice cream! This is my new favourite restaurant and we’ll definitely be back!
… moreI’m gluten-free and was overjoyed to be handed a NGA (no gluten added) menu with lots of safe options for me – there was also a vegan / vegetarian menu on the flip side. I was also provided a GF soy sauce on the table. We love experiencing different cultures and cuisines and the decor, atmosphere, and food made us feel like we had ventured to Japan.
The Cave yakitori bar was also definitely worth the visit – a nice relaxed atmosphere to socialise, and brilliant small plates – and matcha ice cream! This is my new favourite restaurant and we’ll definitely be back!
Viorella Grossu
Decided to shake up my usual food routine and went on a sushi adventure. I ordered Nigiri sushi, Tako Wasabi, and a warm Sake to start.
Let’s begin with the Tako Wasabi — a bold choice. Turns out, raw octopus in wasabi sauce is less “delightfully daring” and more “chewing on a salty rubber band while your nose burns.”
The Nigiri sushi? It was fine, not mind-blowing.
Thankfully, the warm Sake came in like a hug from the inside. Germs? Gone. Regret? Medium.
Still hungry, I took another leap and ordered avocado and sushi rolls — finally, some solid ground! Tasty, satisfying, and chewable.
Also had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which came in a tumbler glass.
Service? Totally fine. Price tag? 97 NZD.
Would I come back? Maybe, but I’ll skip the octopus and bring my own wine glass next time.
… moreLet’s begin with the Tako Wasabi — a bold choice. Turns out, raw octopus in wasabi sauce is less “delightfully daring” and more “chewing on a salty rubber band while your nose burns.”
The Nigiri sushi? It was fine, not mind-blowing.
Thankfully, the warm Sake came in like a hug from the inside. Germs? Gone. Regret? Medium.
Still hungry, I took another leap and ordered avocado and sushi rolls — finally, some solid ground! Tasty, satisfying, and chewable.
Also had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which came in a tumbler glass.
Service? Totally fine. Price tag? 97 NZD.
Would I come back? Maybe, but I’ll skip the octopus and bring my own wine glass next time.
Natalie Harbott
We absolutely loved our experience at Tanuki. I booked for my husband’s birthday and we got seated in a corner that felt quite private from the rest of the restaurant and had more Japanese decor, such as a lamp above the table.
The food and sake was delicious and really did remind us of our recent trip to Japan. The waitress who mainly served us was so friendly and helpful, we were so impressed with her service. The rest of the wait staff were also attentive and nothing was too much trouble. They even gave my husband a birthday ice cream with a candle which was such a nice surprise.
There are lots of vegetarian options and the wait staff ask for any dietary requirements as soon as you arrive.
The location is ideal for stopping by before or after shows and is very close to the Civic carpark.
We would not hesitate to recommend and hope to come back soon!
… moreThe food and sake was delicious and really did remind us of our recent trip to Japan. The waitress who mainly served us was so friendly and helpful, we were so impressed with her service. The rest of the wait staff were also attentive and nothing was too much trouble. They even gave my husband a birthday ice cream with a candle which was such a nice surprise.
There are lots of vegetarian options and the wait staff ask for any dietary requirements as soon as you arrive.
The location is ideal for stopping by before or after shows and is very close to the Civic carpark.
We would not hesitate to recommend and hope to come back soon!
Benedict Amandus Hananto
Tanuki Japanese Restaurant deserves a full 5/5. The ambience is warm and lively, making it a great place to unwind after a long day. The large bar at the centre adds a nice touch — you can sit, order directly, and enjoy the evening with good food and drinks. It’s a perfect spot for both casual dining and spending a relaxed night out with friends. Must try the mummy! It was pork and shrimp very well mixed.
… moreOcean Liu
Best experience we’ve had with allergy care in a restaurant! Our daughter has dairy and nut allergies, and the staff asked about allergies before seating us, then double-checked with the kitchen to make sure everything was safe. They even checked if we were heading to a concert so dining time was comfortable. Excellent service and thoughtful management, we’ll definitely be back
… moreweirdrage
A favourite restaurant we like to return to. Lovely service and delicious food. The steak melted in the mouth, highly recommend. Wagyu tataki is a must. They also had yummy Halloween themed cocktails.
… moreRay C
First time dining here – we’ve always gone to Tanuki’s downstairs for the yakitori, but thought we’d check out the restaurant tonight.
What an amazing place to come for a meal. My only regret is that I didn’t try the sake – they had so many choices but I ended up having an Orion beer from Okinawa. Definitely will try the warm sake next time.
The food was delicious – we went for standard Japanese fare and weren’t disappointed. Stared with miso soup and edamame beans, had the medium sized sashimi (beautiful and fresh!), eggplant and prawn tempura. From living in Tokyo, I feel like the food here and izakaya style restaurant is authentic and does a great job of representing Japanese cuisine.
We’ll be back and I’d really recommend coming here before you go to The Classic Comedy Bar or whatever show you’re watching at the Town Hall or Aotearoa Centre.
Friendly and helpful staff (practise your school level Japanese ), comfortable seating and relaxed but stylish restaurant … and exceptional Japanese.
Arigato ne ❤️
… moreWhat an amazing place to come for a meal. My only regret is that I didn’t try the sake – they had so many choices but I ended up having an Orion beer from Okinawa. Definitely will try the warm sake next time.
The food was delicious – we went for standard Japanese fare and weren’t disappointed. Stared with miso soup and edamame beans, had the medium sized sashimi (beautiful and fresh!), eggplant and prawn tempura. From living in Tokyo, I feel like the food here and izakaya style restaurant is authentic and does a great job of representing Japanese cuisine.
We’ll be back and I’d really recommend coming here before you go to The Classic Comedy Bar or whatever show you’re watching at the Town Hall or Aotearoa Centre.
Friendly and helpful staff (practise your school level Japanese ), comfortable seating and relaxed but stylish restaurant … and exceptional Japanese.
Arigato ne ❤️
Darren Ren
Great service, atmosphere, and food. The soft shell crab was amazing. Actually everything we ordered was delicious. Paired well with the dark room and a bit of sake.
… moreMark KUO
Likes:
Fresh wasabi and not those icky fake ones at other places.
Almost all staff were Japanese.
Sushi and fried food chefs had very good cooking and cleaning etiquette comparable to most Japanese restaurants in Japan.
Wide selection of Japanese drinks
Atmosphere excellent with nice ambient music.
Delicious food selection
Frying smell at minimal to zero.
Dislikes:
After each table is cleared, waiter would proceed to spray the entire table including the counter where i was seated covering my phone/arm with ‘detergent:cleaning solution’ had to hold my nose; spray on cloth and wipe would be better option!!
Chef in front of counter also proceeded to clean her area with a spray and cloth wipe. Don’t understand why when I’m still eating.
Proceeds to lean mop handle on cooking table and mop general area. (See page photo)
Sushi slices were thin and small cuts(2cm x 4cm). Fresh wasabi was awesome though.
8-830pm someone would vacuum the -upstairs floor which drowned out the music and killed the ambience; i suggest getting a less noisy squealing cleaner; perhaps do it when restaurant is closed ?
… moreFresh wasabi and not those icky fake ones at other places.
Almost all staff were Japanese.
Sushi and fried food chefs had very good cooking and cleaning etiquette comparable to most Japanese restaurants in Japan.
Wide selection of Japanese drinks
Atmosphere excellent with nice ambient music.
Delicious food selection
Frying smell at minimal to zero.
Dislikes:
After each table is cleared, waiter would proceed to spray the entire table including the counter where i was seated covering my phone/arm with ‘detergent:cleaning solution’ had to hold my nose; spray on cloth and wipe would be better option!!
Chef in front of counter also proceeded to clean her area with a spray and cloth wipe. Don’t understand why when I’m still eating.
Proceeds to lean mop handle on cooking table and mop general area. (See page photo)
Sushi slices were thin and small cuts(2cm x 4cm). Fresh wasabi was awesome though.
8-830pm someone would vacuum the -upstairs floor which drowned out the music and killed the ambience; i suggest getting a less noisy squealing cleaner; perhaps do it when restaurant is closed ?
Monster May
first came to this restaurant as a visitor last 8 years. I still keep coming back as resident now. The taste has never changed….it’s always delicious and worth it.
… more