Tama-ya Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Gold Coast City

Stay well clear of this business!

Dirty, disgusting behaviour and no customer service skills at all.

First of all the man who served us was rubbing his face and scratching his nose in the front area… we didn’t think much of it but he was very unhygienic. I placed my order and was charged for extra items, when I went to pay I was charged a fee for using my card and I said I would pay with cash but the guy said no that’s ok and took the eftpos machine and pressed ok to charge me a fee. I get this isn’t much but it’s not his decision and it’s illegal for him to do so. Anyway the food started arriving after a long wait and we got food we didn’t order. I asked if I was charged for this food and they he said yes I overcharged you. We didn’t think much of it but then received our chicken with no sauce so we asked for some mayonnaise for our daughter and they gave us some. About 5 min later the guy came out and refunded me for the plate but then asked for money for the sauce?? We couldn’t believe it.. this guy has broken the law with the eftpos machine, overcharged us for our food then has the nerves to ask for money for the sauces? Anyway it doesn’t end there.. about 3 hours later my wife and I were both up throwing up. Something we ate was off and we have both been up sick all night.

We are going to be reporting this restaurant to the council as something clearly isn’t right. Worst experience we’ve ever had in our lives with food and a dirty restaurant.

Stay well clear of this place!...

This place reminds me of those authentic tiny Japanese express restaurant in Japan. There’s only 12 seatings and you basically come here for a quick bite and go. There are some selection of ready cooked hot food (eg. Karaage, Okonomiyaki and Gyoza) as well as some ready made sushi rolls at the front counter. The lady at the front counter could do with a bit of smile but otherwise the older gentleman who sometimes served the food seems friendly and have pleasant smile. You basically help yourself with some of the selections of the ready made food, the cold drinks or green tea or miso soup and pay at the counter. You can also order the menu directly from the counter.

Food wise, we have a bit of mix feeling. I like the Shoyu Ramen which have a good clear and a tiny sweet soy taste but not overpowering soup. Everyone loves the soup they ordered just not quite satisfied with the udon noodle. I guess this is like an Express concept so the food quality was compromised. But most importantly, we don’t have those thirsty after feeling which means no MSG was added to the food especially the soup. Oh, and don’t forget to return your tray (dirty dishes) back to the “Return Counter”.

Overall we are quite happy with our dinner. Will we go back again? We have a few yes...

This little authentic Japanese restaurant takes me back to travelling in Japan as an athlete. The service, the food and the atmosphere is nostalgic and all are as important as each other.

The dishes have such authentic flavour and as much as we love sushi restaurants and sushi trains, not all are equal.

We have tried just about everything on the menu. I looooove their agadeshi tofu the crust around the tofu is a perfect mix of soft and crunchy and the soup is full of flavour (it’s not the same once it’s in been the take away container, so honour your experience and eat in they are quick with their service).

We have had all of their Ramon and Udon dishes and each have their own distinct yet delicious flavour.

This is our go too for authentic Japanese cooking...