Tawara Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Ramsey

In the 13 years I have lived in the area, I have no idea why I have never been here! My guess is I grossly underestimated what I might get simply because it sits in a sleepy strip mall next to a busy train station. To quote Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman - "HUGE mistake. HUGE!"

I stopped in late after a very long travel day (and missing my train stop in neighboring Allendale!). Small place and if I wasn't so tired and hot (super gumid summer night), I would have been happy to sit at the sushi bar. A very nice woman took my order and I was out of there in 10min. When I visit new sushi places I take the safe route and order something simple so I am not disappointed, and tonight it was Salmon don. A really nice man brought my order to me, we chatted about the weather/rain that was on the way, and off I went to my Uber. When I got home I dropped the luggage and opened my bowl of goodness. Holy COW... I was so pleasantly surprised by the quantity of food in that bowl, and the beautiful orange color of the salmon. My first bite was absolutely heaven - buttery soft, rice perfectly seasoned and cooked, flavor that made you want to keep eating (I didn't even get pictures!) - it was PERFECT sashimi. Just 2 nights before, I had a fantastic dinner with colleagues at a high rated Japanese restaurant in D.C., and I grew up in Southern California where the fish is fresh 95% of the time (Sundays can be dicey). You can tell the difference between fresh and not so fresh after a few bad experiences and this was perfect. This fish was up there with some of the best I've had.

I can honestly say that while my travels were filled with issues this week, and it ended in a downpour with me waiting outside for my ride, luggage and food in hand, this was the absolute perfect ending. I cannot wait to become a regular!

Seek...

This place doesn’t deserve a bad review. The owners are passionate and the wait staff is kind and attentive. The food has never been less than incredible. This is not a random Japanese joint, it’s a truly authentic Japanese restaurant.

The atmosphere is very calming and comforting, despite the smaller size of the restaurant. During normal operation it’s often very busy for dinner, so I recommend reserving if you plan to eat. They have private rooms in the back for groups (usually anything above 4 from my experience). Due to Covid, no inside dining but their take out is always just as fresh and delicious as when you dine in. You can find cold versions of their meals next door at Tawara Mart.

As far as food recommendations go, I cannot stress this enough: GET PORK BUNS. Even if you think you won’t like them, throw away any assumption you have. Their pork buns are legendary & delicious.

Their ramen selection is more limited but delicious regardless.

I hear their sushi is incredible but I’m not one for sushi so I can’t say.

My personal favorite dish the Kamakura Don. All of their donburi rice bowls are delicious. You get a lot of rice, good meat portions, and it comes in a DEEP bowl. They never lack flavor, seasoning, or anything else. I’ve never gotten something I don’t like here.

They offer seasonal desserts & sodas as well. Their fried ice cream is always done well but their mochi ice cream is just delicious. Mochi isn’t for everyone but I highly recommend trying it—I’m not a fan of green tea but their green tea mochi ice cream is my favorite flavor!

Overall, this restaurant has my heart. I’ve been coming for years—roughly 5 now, and I’ve never had anything bad to say. Their food is worth every penny and they deserve the name and reputation...

I have been enjoying dining at Tawara for over a decade and this review I should have written years ago. This is by far the best Japanese restaurant in Bergen County and managed by an amazing group of people. Certain dishes like the Pork Belly Buns and their sushi are truly life changing and are worth coming here just for those. There is no Japanese restaurant in our area that can compete against their sushi. Their ramen, miso soup, terriyaki, spicy crunchy bowls, tawara wings, and curry udon have a depth of flavor that leaves you nourished, happy, and improves your day if not your week. My friends and family have spent many nights celebrating our most important birthdays and holidays in their private booths in the back or going on dates in their two person booths near the kitchen. The ambience is low key - traditional Japanese - homie and just a joy to spend time here. If you are looking for a great - go to - always good - Japanese restaurant... You are in luck you have found a real gem, I hope you enjoy! 😊 Thanks for all the lovely...