Takara Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Tyler

I’ve been wanting to try this place for the longest and it didn’t disappoint aside from the curry sauce. Ever since tampopo has closed down in the DFW area, ive been missing my good and cheaper bento boxes with tempura. This place gave the same vibes as tampopo and the food is just as amazing. I would like to preface that the bento box for 10.99 is just such a steal for the amount of food in there, it is so worth it. Now my only complaint is the curry sauce, it’s very salty and somewhat acidic on the tongue. I was too busy enjoying the other things that i didn't really mind it at the moment. But looking back, since the cutlet already had some good flavor and salt, the sauce should not be as salty as it was, i wasn't used to the curry sauce being saltier and acidic as opposed to the one i was more used to and expected to have the sweeter and more milder version of Japanese curry, like the blocks you can find at an asian store. Anyhow the food was really good and that tempura is just amazing!! I hope you guys take into consideration what I'm putting down with the curry sauce because it really is one of the dishes that I love about Japanese cuisine, otherwise food is amazing and I’d recommend the bento...

Always drove by this small spot. It was so easy to miss, but I finally stopped in after a friend showed me a picture. Cute entrance and very nicely designed interior. Tina, the lady behind the counter, was very helpful with suggestions. Tried the Deluxe Bento Salmon Teriyaki per her suggestion. The California roll that came with it was very good. Avocado was nice and green, not oxidized. The steamed gyozas were wonderful with their sauce. Salad was crunchy and fresh, and the peanut dressing was killer. Tempura vegetables had a great coating and were crispy. And of course. The salmon teriyaki and rice were amazing. The rice was fresh and sticky enough to pick up with chopsticks, and the salmon flaked amazingly. They even have a little piano in the center for guests to play ( if you know how to, of course). Will definitely be back on a weekend with my friends to show them this cool spot. Shame it wasn't busier. They deserve more attention

Tldr: The food was very good, and the atmosphere was chill and relaxing. Felt a little empty at 2 pm on a Thursday, but that's to be expected. Hopefully, they are busy...

This was my highly anticipated 2nd visit to this absolute gem of a restaurant!

I'll start at the end, because it was all too perfect when the operatic tones of the Revenge Aria floated into my ears as I took my final bites of the Lava Roll that is quite possibly my favorite roll in Tyler. Cinematic would be an understatement!

Now back to the beginning: We were happily greeted by the same familiar smiling face that we remembered from our last visit. Almost immediately "I know you!". "Yes ma'am, I would suspect so." "Rants and Raves!" "That's me."

Now, mind you, I would've thought that I was getting special treatment, had I not been treated the same way previously, before she knew who I was. This sweet woman goes above and beyond every time, for every customer!

The restaurant is trendy, comfortable, and clean as a whistle! With this kind of dedication it's no wonder the food is beyond phenomenal! I kid you not, every single bite was next level incredible!

Get over there and...