Just started working in the local area. Dropped in a for a quick lunch break today and I already know I'm going to be visiting a lot more. The Tsukiji Bento box (28.0) was outstanding. I loved every bite! Miso soup was adequately salty and a great way to start the meal. The sashimi and sushi was ultra fresh, the sushi rice nicely seasoned and tender. The tempura prawns were fresh from the fryer, light golden, batter crunchy on the outside and prawn flesh sweet and juicy on the inside. The light golden colour of the batter indicates Tago-an changes the oil in it's fryers often and takes pride in it's Tempura (when you see dark looking Tempura it's because the oil has been overused for frying)...
Just started working in the local area. Dropped in a for a quick lunch break today and I already know I'm going to be visiting a lot more. The Tsukiji Bento box (28.0) was outstanding. I loved every bite! Miso soup was adequately salty and a great way to start the meal. The sashimi and sushi was ultra fresh, the sushi rice nicely seasoned and tender. The tempura prawns were fresh from the fryer, light golden, batter crunchy on the outside and prawn flesh sweet and juicy on the inside. The light golden colour of the batter indicates Tago-an changes the oil in it's fryers often and takes pride in it's Tempura (when you see dark looking Tempura it's because the oil has been overused for frying)...
I noticed this restaurant when I was walking from my car to an appointment at lunchtime. The place was crowded and I had a feeling that it'd be good. Weeks later I called on a Saturday afternoon on the off chance that they'd have availability that evening. They had one table left at 6pm, which suited us just fine. There is plenty of 2P ticket parking along Kent Street. We found a spot nearby because we were early, although it was much busier by the time we got out. There are a couple of other restaurants nearby, along with a couple of pubs. Tago-an is quaint, cosy, tastefully furnished and decorated with a variety of Japanese items. Both my husband and I ordered bento boxes. I ordered Wagyu...
This little gem of a place is my favourite, no fuss, authentic Japanese restaurant outside of Japan. From the minute you walk through the doors you are greeted by the always smiling owner you know its going to be a great experience. With her husband in the kitchen too this team know how to deliver delicious food with wonderful service. Walking into the restaurant makes you feel like you are in Japan as most of the decor was sourced directly from there.
After moving on from their previous restaurant in the CBD they have downgraded in size, but upgraded in every other aspect. Working locally I am lucky enough to eat here most weeks for lunch.
All that is left to do now is come in for a long di...
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What can I say, the title of my review sums it up really! Whilst driving back to our hotel to get ready to go to another Japanese restaurant in the Rocks area, my other half spotted Tago-An and says, that's where we should go and we were both so glad he did - nothing against the other place which we had been to before, but we weren't after bigger, trendier, louder that evening.Tago-An is a small restaurant - as we sat there, at least 4 groups were turned away - so recommend booking, but it's far more personal, comfortable, cosy and the food was seriously good. Have never raved about chicken teriyaki so much or enjoyed a tuna cold roll like that and the sauce, I could have happily drunk a mug...
There's nothing bad to say about the food... good portions, comes quickly, really tasty. However, the staff have NO idea how to treat customers and the service is terrible. They are in no way accommodating or flexible and after giving them the benefit of the doubt on numerous occasions, I've decided that the food does not make up for a shoddy dining experience.
Examples...
One time, they messed up my order by making the wrong thing but then forced the mistake meal onto me.
Another time, the restaurant was empty and they didn't allow a pregnant lady to sit down inside whilst she waited for her food.
There's a really nice Japanese down the road (Nakashima) that cook...
We managed to fluke a table without booking. The service was attentive and friendly. The food was fresh and tasty. This is a very popular bottom of Kent Street piece of Japanese culture. I normally don't eat mango, but really enjoyed the mango pudding as well as the green tea and then black sesame ice cream. Highly recommended.
I had just lunch here and what a little surprise this place is. Very authentic Japanese food and more quickly. I had the Salmon and Avocado salad with sesame dressing, and it was just delicious! So fresh and fill. The prices are on the higher side, but the quality and freshness is worthwhile. I will definitely be back.
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Classic Japanese food in a diner setting.
Great service and even better authentic food.
It has regularly become a fast Midweek dinner,
Worth a try?
Grief
Highly recommended Very rich and well priced. The exceptional treatment. We loved it. We will repeat before leaving Sydney.
