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Guide to Tacoma

Date spots for Japanese food

Made for those who seek the refined aesthetic of a Japanese restaurant to set the tone for a romantic evening.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Japanese restaurant

Small dining room fills with loud music and busy atmosphere despite limited space. Menu offers freshly made sushi and high-quality teriyaki with generous portions at reasonable prices. Regulars appreciate cleanliness and authentic flavors that stand out among local Japanese spots.

Teriyaki chicken and beef come with rich, flavorful sauce and fresh dressings. Quick sushi rolls crafted by a skilled sushi sensei offer clean, tasty bites. Bento boxes and lunch specials provide solid Japanese options on a budget.

Offers a quick date night option with a focus on teriyaki dishes. Provides a casual spot for couples looking for a simple meal together.

People are saying

"I thought the teriyaki had great flavor and wasn't just sweet."

"The teriyaki here is legendary, with tender chicken and great flavor."

"I considered this our favorite teriyaki spot for a date."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait at peak hours due to high demand for good food.

2

The prices are very reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

3

The restaurant maintains high cleanliness standards, confirmed by health inspections.

02
Zen Ramen & Sushi Burrito - Downtown Tacoma image 1

Private booths decorated with Naruto art and anime references create a cozy, intimate atmosphere with a K-pop soundtrack adding energy. Seating options include manga-themed booths that offer a warm, welcoming vibe. The space combines modern, whimsical Korean art with a lively, fun environment.

Ramen here stands out for its super flavorful and creamy broth, especially the spicy kamikaze. Sushi burritos and poke bowls, like the salmon options, offer perfect portions and fresh taste beyond typical mall fare.

Sushi burritos with a good amount of fish offer a unique twist for date nights. The spot suits both lovers and friends, with dishes that please even picky eaters.

People are saying

"I loved the sushi burritos; they were big and tasty."

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I've ever had."

"The wait for food here is incredibly long, even for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Parking is scarce near the downtown location; consider public transport.

2

The downtown Tacoma location has limited seating, especially during lunch.

3

Takeout is popular due to limited seating options.

03
Yaki Raki image 1
Restaurant

Spacious interior with minimalist design and Japanese architectural touches creates a clean, modern setting. Atmosphere varies from chill and relaxing to occasionally loud, with music featuring 2000's R&B and Pop. Self-serve tea and water add to the practical, friendly vibe.

Sushi here is very fresh with a spicy tuna roll featuring full slices of marinated tuna. Ramen offers a rich broth full of umami and generous portions, often served with sides like miso soup and edamame.

Fried rice and spring rolls stand out as vegetarian-friendly options. The California sushi roll and surf and turf with a special roll offer varied choices for different tastes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and well-seasoned."

"The ramen here is amazing, just like in Japan."

"The ramen and sushi here are the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Yaki Raki is extremely clean and well-maintained.

2

The portions are very large, providing great value for the price.

3

They offer excellent vegetarian options on the menu.

04
Da Tiki Hut image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Dark, exotic space with tiki-themed decor and a waterfall seating area creates a unique, immersive vibe. Creative tiki cocktails and authentic Hawaiian dishes draw a diverse crowd seeking a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Small bar and family-friendly touches add to the welcoming, distinctive experience.

Chicken Katsu stands out as perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The spicy tuna poke bowl offers a fresh and delicious twist on Japanese food.

Great date nights happen here with the tiki sauce on the table adding flavor to rice and dishes. Couples often look forward to returning for the relaxed vibe and tasty touches.

People are saying

"The mochiko chicken food is spectacular and tender."

"The food here is delicious and came out quickly."

"I thought the Japanese food, specifically the chicken katsu, was delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

Parking is available nearby, making it easy to access.

3

The bar offers a variety of tropical drinks and cocktails.

05
Kona Hawaiian Barbecue image 1

Small dining room offers a cozy, relaxing vibe with Hawaiian reggae music setting an island mood. Bright, clean space feels friendly and comfortable without being fancy. Generous portions and great value attract those seeking a casual, satisfying meal.

Chicken Katsu comes with a light, crispy breading and cooks perfectly. Beef Teriyaki offers a smoky, savory flavor distinct from typical versions. Shrimp Tempura and vegetable egg rolls taste very good, and the curry sauce carries an authentic Japanese curry flavor.

Authentic Hawaiian barbecue offers a nostalgic taste that reminds some of home. Portions are generous enough for sharing, making it a solid choice for a casual lunch date.

People are saying

"The food portions here are huge and a great deal."

"The Japanese Food here is so tasty, especially the tender, flavorful beef."

"The short ribs here are flavorful and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portion sizes, often enough for leftovers.

2

Prices are very reasonable for the amount of food provided.

3

They provide punch cards that lead to a free plate once filled out.

06
Zen ramen & sushi burrito image 1

Interior combines cool anime art with cozy booths and a cute aesthetic, creating a quiet, chill atmosphere. Music and a big projector screen add a fun touch without overwhelming the space. The place feels clean and newer, inviting for relaxed meals with friends.

Sushi burritos stand out with their generous size and fresh ingredients, offering a creative twist on traditional sushi. Ramen bowls feature perfectly cooked noodles and deeply savory broths, including a notable pork broth in the kimchi ramen.

Ramen here serves as a solid choice for couples, with options like Veggie Ramen that appeal to different tastes. Many consider it a favorite spot for a casual, tasty date night.

People are saying

"The sushi burrito was super big and yummy."

"The Japanese food here, especially the ramen, is super delicious."

"This is a great spot for date nights, especially for the ramen."

Good to know

1

$0.99 sake is available on Wednesdays and $0.99 beers on Fridays.

2

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

3

The wait time after ordering is typically 30 to 40 minutes.

07
Sumo Sushi & Grill AYCE - Tacoma image 1

Robot waiters shaped like cats deliver food in a large, modern dining area with booth seating and Japanese decor. Atmosphere feels fun and innovative but can be crowded and cold with some discomfort in seating. Alcohol options include a variety of sake, adding to the unique dining experience.

Offers all-you-can-eat sushi for about $20 per person at lunch. Features fresh sashimi with excellent quality and tasty flavors.

Welcoming atmosphere suits couples well, with attentive service that assists guests with special needs. Plenty of menu options cater to different tastes, including those who don't prefer sushi.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and prepared fresh."

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, was incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The food here is delicious, with so many options."

Good to know

1

It is an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet where leftover food incurs additional charges.

2

I paid $20 per person for lunch all-you-can-eat.

3

There was a Pierce County health sign indicating food safety 'needs improvement.'

08
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Multiple conveyor belts and robots deliver sushi and drinks, creating a high-tech Tokyo Metropolitan feel. Seating booths offer privacy with visibility through the sushi belts, while the atmosphere feels like being in Tokyo with a relaxed vibe. Sushi is fresh and varied, including unique dishes not commonly found elsewhere.

Sushi here features fresh, authentic Japanese flavors with consistently delicious nigiri. Conveyor belts and robotic delivery add a fun, interactive dining experience while maintaining high-quality fish and menu options.

Frequent visits include lunch dates and regular dinners. The spot suits couples even when one is not into sushi, offering options beyond revolving sushi.

People are saying

"The sushi here is served with such kindness and genuine willingness."

"The Japanese food here is amazing, thanks to Vega's kindness."

"It's a fun date spot with robots delivering drinks and wasabi."

Good to know

1

Every 15 plates, you receive a prize during special events.

2

The average price per person is $25-$40, depending on appetite.

3

You must download an app to pay at the table.

09
Wok V Teriyaki image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant offers generous portions and numerous vegetarian options in a clean, well-maintained space with lots of seating. Atmosphere ranges from calm and relaxing to occasionally loud with background chopping sounds. Food quality is generally consistent with standout teriyaki and fried rice dishes.

Offers teriyaki chicken and tofu teriyaki with rich flavor and consistent quality. Includes dishes like chicken katsu, shortribs, karaage, gyoza, fried rice, chow mein, and yakisoba with good portion sizes.

Clean atmosphere with old-time music sets a relaxed mood, though chopping sounds from the kitchen can interrupt quiet conversations. Dishes like shrimp fried rice and sweet and sour with dipping sauce offer tasty options for sharing.

People are saying

"I thought the teriyaki here was the best I'd ever had."

"The Japanese food here, especially the teriyaki, is the best I've ever had."

"The teriyaki chicken and fried rice are delicious."

Good to know

1

Portions are generous, often enough to feed multiple people.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options, including tofu dishes.

3

Prices are budget-friendly, making it a good choice for families.

10
Happy Teriyaki #7 image 1
Asian restaurant

Sushi bar offers excellent sushi and teriyaki salmon stands out for quality and value. Interior feels clean and cozy despite being cramped, with a mix of traditional Asian and eclectic decor. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxing, suitable for dining in or takeout.

Sushi includes a fried piece and a California roll that stands out. Vegetable tempura is crispy and well done. Teriyaki dishes like chicken and pork come in good portions with elegant presentation.

The spot serves dishes like curry katsu and Mongolian beef. Some diners report getting a stomach bug after eating here.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was fresh and delicious."

"The teriyaki chicken here is really good and moist."

"The food here is delicious and the quantity is amazing."

Good to know

1

The side of sauce, rice, and steamed cabbage costs only 13 dollars.

2

They offer good prices on lunch specials.

3

Expect large portion sizes for the price.

11
Goofy Goose Burgers & Teriyaki image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant offers a casual, divey bar and roomy seating with hard chairs but no booths. Atmosphere stays quiet with mostly takeout orders and consistent cleanliness. Known for inexpensive prices, large portions, and notable teriyaki dishes.

Teriyaki dishes stand out with generous portions and rich flavors. Chicken teriyaki and tofu teriyaki both deliver consistent quality, while chicken katsu also impresses with its taste.

Dinner here features freshly made sesame chicken and teriyaki BBQ chicken with gyoza and rice. Expect a quiet atmosphere with few customers and about a 20-minute wait for food.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and well-portioned."

"The Date Spots here are made fresh to order and tasty."

"The teriyaki chicken here is especially good."

Good to know

1

The lunch special between 11am and 2pm offers better prices.

2

Parking is conveniently available in front of the restaurant.

3

There is no restroom available at the restaurant.

12
Red Dragon Teriyaki Restaurant image 1

Bright decorations and loud TV create a lively atmosphere. Large portions come at reasonable prices with fast service. The place draws people who appreciate authentic teriyaki flavors and casual dining.

Teriyaki stands out as the most delicious and well-prepared dish here, often paired with fresh salad and rice in lunch specials. The Combo Yakisoba No Shrimp and chicken yakisoba also receive praise for their quality and flavor.

Meals include chicken and gyoza, which come together for about $25. Loud TV volume makes conversation difficult.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal and flavorful."

"The Japanese food portions are huge and the price is unbeatable."

"You get so much delicious food for the money here."

Good to know

1

The price of the lunch special is unbeatable.

2

Portions are large and priced reasonably.

3

Expect only a 5-10 minute wait during peak hours.

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