TARO - WALTHAMSTOW — Restaurant in London

Having had tasty takeaways before I thought it was time to dine in.

I went with a friend from out of town and we were both impressed how you can combine the heritage booths and tiling of the original Manzes Pie and Mash shop with Japanese food.

In fact this buzzing Sunday night had such a great atmosphere and full of different nationalities he felt he could be in New York - no offence to gentrified Walthamstow !

The fact that the 2 booths behind us had 3 generations of a Japanese family inspired confidence in the quality and authenticity of the food.

We weren't let down on that point as when our vegetable yakisoba noodles and mixed vegetable tempura arrived it looked and smelt great and were generous portions.

The tempura was light and didn't over power the taste of the onion,green pepper,aubergine, carrot, brocolli and caulflower.

The broth was just right,not too salty for me.

The yakisoba mix of vegetables were also a great texture of slightly al dente with the soft noodles in a well balanced sauce.

I tried the virgin mandarin mojito mocktail which washed everything down in a refreshing way with the essential lime plus mint.

A lovely friendly night out with slick service and chatting with nearby diners.

Our only slight gripe is that when we got the bill it showed a 10% 'optional service charge'.I wanted to add a bit more and when the preloaded credit card reader showed that bill it also showed 4 levels of tip - 10%,12.5%,15% and 'no thanks' !

I made the assumption by tapping 12.5% that it would be that % of the bill pre the 'optional' service charge. I tend not to ask for a receipt as I can see it online on my bank account.

My friend later queried the total and we discovered Taro had added 12.5% to the bill incl. of the optional service charge.

Its a small difference but as 2 pensioners it felt a bit of a cheat.

I can only learn from that experience and in future be aware of this hence adding it in my review.

Also hope it was simply a mistake in mutual communication as my Cockney accent can seem impenetrable to many new locals of all nationalities including the English !!

If you're a more well off person or group its probably small change to you.

As I've now made that caveat I've already recommended Taro Walthamstow to my friends and maintain its 5 star on all levels.

Great food,a warm welcome,fast service and great atmosphere.A new gem of a restaurant for the...

My first visit...

Great tasting food matched with an even better service. Delighted faces all around juxtaposed with the mastery of Japanese discipline and attention to detail. Happy customer. Just remember it's not only about sushi... A kaleidoscope of culinary brilliance!

My second visit...

A Pristine Blend of Exemplary Customer Service and Unmatched Efficiency: And did I mention the food A Review of Taro Japanese Restaurant in Walthamstow

In Walthamstow's bustling culinary landscape, one Japanese restaurant stands out from the rest for its impeccable customer service and unwavering efficiency. With the utmost dedication to creating a memorable dining experience, TARO has gained a reputation for its exceptional attention to detail and seamless service. This review aims to shed light on the remarkable aspects of their customer service and efficiency, making it a go-to destination for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts.

From the moment you step inside the restaurant, you are greeted with warmth and smiles. Staff are well-trained and work perfectly synchronously, ensuring no detail is overlooked. Whether taking orders, delivering food promptly, or addressing customer concerns, restaurant efficiency is truly commendable. The seamless flow of operations creates tranquility, allowing customers to fully immerse themselves in dining experiences—a special thank you to Tim and Andy. But every other staff member has left a lasting impression. Thank you and see...

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin to describe the amazing experience I had at Taro?! From the moment I walked into this beautifully restored Grade II listed building in Walthamstow, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and the decor was simply stunning.

And then there was the food...oh, the food! I cannot rave enough about the incredible dishes I had the pleasure of indulging in. First up was the duck teriyaki don, which was an absolute masterpiece. The tender duck combined with the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce was a match made in heaven.

Next, I tried the chicken katsu curry, and it was a game-changer. The crispy chicken paired with the rich and flavorful curry sauce was nothing short of perfection. And let's not forget about the beef ramen - it was packed with so much flavor and the noodles were cooked to absolute perfection.

But the real cherry on top of this already amazing experience was the location itself. This stunning Grade II listed building perfectly complemented the incredible food, making for a truly unforgettable dining experience. The attention to detail in the restoration was evident in every corner of the space, and it only added to the overall charm of Taro.

Overall, I would highly recommend Taro to anyone who appreciates exceptional Japanese cuisine and a stunning dining atmosphere. It's truly a hidden gem in Walthamstow and I cannot wait to go back and indulge in more of their...