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    Kissa Tanto

    4.1 (347 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndJapanese, Italian
    Open 5:30 pm - 10:00 PM

    Kissa Tanto Photos

    Business Info

    KISSA TANTO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Reviews With Photos - Kissa Tanto

    24 hour coppa
    Maria P.

    I booked our reservation at Kissa Tanto a full month before arriving in Vancouver. It was the most anticipated meal of the trip--and somehow still managed to exceed every expectation. Tucked away in Chinatown, this one-Michelin-star gem blends Japanese and Italian cuisine in a way that feels both unexpected and completely effortless. The space itself is intimate and undeniably cool--small, moody, and full of 1960s vintage charm, inspired by Tokyo jazz cafés of that era. You instantly feel like you've stepped into something special. Service was phenomenal from start to finish. Our waiter was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic. He was honest and happy to answer questions and steer us toward standout dishes without ever feeling pushy. That kind of hospitality really elevates the entire experience. We were in a YOLO, anything-goes kind of mood. Of course we started the night with drinks. I ordered the toasted rice soda, which tasted like rice and vinegar in the best possible way--unexpected, nostalgic, and honestly some of my favorite flavors in one drink. To kickoff the night of gluttony, we shared the carne cruda. Wagyu. Parmesan. Pear. Wow. I don't eat raw meat, but at the encouragement of my other half, I gave it a try--and while I wouldn't order it again, I can absolutely admit it was tasty. The pear beautifully balanced everything and softened the rawness just enough for my taste. Our little guy enjoyed it as well (just don't tell them what it is!). Next came the tajarin, technically ordered for our little one (what a lucky kid). Simple, clean flavors--yet somehow the best pasta I've ever had in my life. Butter, toasted mushrooms, miso-cured yolk... so good, I could cry just thinking about it. We also ordered the off-menu omelette, only available when a certain chef is on staff, and chose king crab as our protein. Possibly the most expensive omelette we've ever eaten--and worth every single bite. Silky, luxurious, deeply flavorful. I'd order it again in a heartbeat. If it's available, get it. The charcoal udon with dungeness crab, prawns, and squid was also fantastic, as was the 24-hour copa with sukiyaki glaze and saffron salsa tonnata. Brussel sprouts and tiramisu--both pretty standard-- rounded out the evening. And then--because like I said we were in a YOLO kind of mood--we went for the caviar ice cream. Yes, caviar.... on ice cream. One bite in and we were absolutely mind-blown . It sounds wild, but it worked so well. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Without question. The perfect, unforgettable finale to an already incredible meal. This dinner was truly one for the books--a beautiful mingling of Italian and Japanese cuisine where every bite felt intentional, thoughtful, and perfectly executed. Each ingredient had a purpose, and together they told a story. A meal we'll be talking about for a very long time. We spent quite a pretty penny, but money well spent! Highly, highly recommend. I will be back if ever I'm in Vancouver again!

    Fenny C.

    One of the BEST Japanese Italian fusion restaurant I've ever try in BC. One Michelin Star Dress code: relax, we were jeans and nice sweaters and sneakers Ambiance: kinda 1960 bar Japanese vibe. Kinda loud and dimmed light. Location: Chinatown Parking: pay street parking or 1 block away free 2hr parking Restroom: 3 gender neutral restroom Reservation: via their website Originally when I made a dining room reservation which means ala carte. So I emailed to see if I can get omakase instead. They replied within 48hr and glad they said yes! They open right at 5:30pm. The people are so nice and very knowledgeable about their foods, really. Omakase: 3 tiers: $155, $250 and $350 canadian It is an 8 course meal. The tiers different are the quality and upscale the food like adding caviar, white truffle etc. Same 8 course across 3 tiers. And every day is different according to them, so its like farm to table omakase. Our guy, Simon, is awesome, he is very entertaining, fast, knowledgeable in term of the restaurant history to food etc. Our top course: Japanese omelet filled w runny egg york topped w caviar - so light and fluffy, the best we ever ate. Homemade 24hr hydrated pasta with white truffle and porchini mushroom -omg, so good Australian wagyu - very good, like hangar steak, juicy but not fatty, the au jus is perfect Polenta - excellent White chocolate foam infused cherry and mochi dessert- perfect ending, light and not too sweet. Sparking hojicha Japanese gin tonic This place deserved A Michelin Star! Well done overall from food to outstanding service.

    Jamie W.

    My friend and I went to Kissa Tanto for a late dinner, and both ordered their popular pastas. I got the squid ink udon pasta with seafood, which was freshly prepared. I enjoyed how chewy the noodles were as well as the spiciness of the sauce. It also had a good variety of seafood, like calamari and crab which helped justify the price. My friend said her egg yolk pasta was good but not super special. The bartenders who catered to us were friendly and gave plenty of recommendations for the restaurants menu, and other restaurants in Vancouver. The drinks were also quite strong. I would get the seafood carbonara again, but still wouldn't be inclined to try any of the more expensive offerings.

    Parppardelle
    Mariana G.

    I was really looking forward to my birthday dinner at Kissa Tanto after seeing all the delicious photos online. I booked a reservation about a month in advance. Initially tried for a later time but those were gone, so definitely plan ahead. The restaurant is tucked away in a sketchier part of Vancouver, but once inside it's gorgeous and well-designed. Now, onto service and food. The vibe came off pretty pretentious. From the start, it felt like the servers were overexplaining the menu and nudging us to order more than we wanted. I appreciate guidance, but not when it feels pushy. At one point a second server came over and asked if we had questions to "help us order," which came off pretty rude. I first asked about getting a pasta without mushrooms but was told no changes are allowed, so I switched dishes since I don't like them. Then came the two-ID requirement just to order a glass of wine lol never experienced that before (yes, they asked to see a second form of ID besides my DL). The strangest moment was when I went to snap a picture of my pasta, and the server told me to "eat it while it's hot." I'm sorry, but I'll eat it when I want, I'm the one paying for it. All that said, the food itself was absolutely divine. Kudos to the chefs; they really know what they're doing. If only the service matched the kitchen.

    Fresh raw oysters with an amazing nori granita (I wanted it bottled so I could take it home!) and a kimchi mignonette.
    Craig H.

    We had an absolutely stunning dinner when we were in town in Vancouver at Kissa Tanto. We found the restaurant on the Michelin site and were not disappointed. We love tasting menus so we can try a little bit of everything and their omakase did not disappoint. Their unique fusion of Japanese and a light Italian touch was interesting and we had such a great meal, but what we really enjoyed was the service. Our server was extraordinary and went out of her way to really communicate the menu to us, explain everything, and really offered an excellent perspective on each extraordinary dish. We did the wine and sake pairing with the menu and that was both delightfully surprising and delicious. Highly recommend!

    Tonno Mantecato

    If I could give zero stars, I would. We came to Kissa Tanto to celebrate my birthday, and it was my first time at a Michelin-starred restaurant. The entire experience was a complete 180 from what you'd expect, especially compared to the incredible time we had at Lunch Lady (a Michelin Guide spot) just two days prior. **The Atmosphere:** Absolutely sweltering. It was warm outside, yet they purposefully keep the dining room at a stifling 24°C. Even after taking restroom breaks to cool down and drinking iced beverages, I couldn't stop sweating. When I complained about the heat, the staff had the audacity to just say, "we keep it at 24" and refused to adjust it. That is NOT a comfortable dining environment. **The Service:** Made us feel unwelcome. Warm service and a comfortable room temperature are the bare minimum. **The Food:** We sat down for an early dinner at 6:00 PM, and they were ALREADY out of the market whole fish fry. How does a 1-star establishment fail at planning their inventory that badly before the evening even really starts? What were they planning to serve the rest of the night? We ordered the Tonno Mantecato, and it was a disaster. It was two dry pieces of bread covered in fish roe next to a very earthy, dry bulb of mashed potatoes covered in furikake. It was so unappetizing and dry that it ruined my appetite for the rest of the night. The Fish Crudo was just "ok," and my whiskey highball was a complete disappointment. The Michelin organization seriously needs to revisit and re-evaluate this place. I will be highly skeptical of any Michelin-starred restaurant after this. Food, ambiance, service, and attitude were all incredibly poor. Don't waste your time or money here. Shame!

    Karla C.

    Asian-Italian fusion is not a pairing you see every day so I knew I had to try this place out. I came here with a group of 6 and we had to do the omakase. This is not the type of omakase I had in mind. What they mean is that they will give you 6 course selected by the waiter and they will bring out items that you can't get in the menu. It was fun trying the different food items and leaving in the hands of someone else. Some things I loved something's were just okay in my opinion. I did not like that many of the plates you had to share especially for the price point. The main dish ended up being a fish which had to be shared amount 6 people and it honestly was a small portion. I would recommend not doing the Omakase. It was also really had hearing the waiter.

    Steevie S.

    We did the middle pre decided courses Meal at the bar where they bring a drink and course and explain it everything was amazing it was spendy but as I like to say food is always worth it

    Wendy H.

    Had a great time and meal. It is a little loud but they sat us in a corner where we could hear each other. I was surprised at how large the space was. They greet you at the door when they open and everyone files in. Each meal was great. Loved the udon dish, wagyu, and my pink moon drinks! Servers were nice and personable. I think they do a great job mixing Japanese and Italian cuisine.

    decor
    Anisa W.

    Ambiance and service was amazing, we booked the table ahead of time and our server was incredibly attentive and took his time explaining the entire menu. The tonno mantecato was the highlight of the meal, the crunch of the topping of the toast pair really well with the mashed potato. It was an amazing fusion dish and I would definitely go back for it. We also got all 3 pasta dishes from their menu The charcoal udon was delicious and has a good flavor profile without the sauce being too heavy. The spaghettoni was alright but it got more and more salty as I ate on. The tajarin tasted like typical carbonara. If I go again I would try their fried fish and drinks from the bar!

    Wagyu
    Eric L.

    One of Vancouver's best restaurants, the winner of a Michelin star, with a novel concept - Japanese/Italian fusion - that was a spectacular meal. Came by myself, ate at the bar, and enjoyed a nice set of fantastic dishes - the only miss, for me, was the wagyu, which was very well-priced, but didn't have anything new or surprising. The best dish was the udon, with the stuffed olives also impressing.

    Mike L.

    A one-Michelin-star restaurant offering a cozy, intimate setting that's perfect for a date night. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot in this popular spot. We opted for the omakase tasting menu, and every dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. Our waitress was incredibly friendly and detailed in explaining each course, which added to the overall experience. The meal started with oysters, which were smooth and fresh, followed by an octopus salad with fresh and pickled radishes-- tender octopus and a great balance of flavors. The carne cruda was packed with flavor and paired well with the accompanying crisps. The omelet with truffle and the scallop were delicious bites, but the highlight for us was the charcoal udon, which stood out as our favorite dish of the night. For the main entrée, we had the pork, which was flavorful, though by this point, we were too full to fully enjoy it. Dessert was mascarpone ice cream with caviar--a creamy and unique pairing that was both interesting and satisfying.

    bluefin tuna immersion
    Emily C.

    super cool jazz vibe inside. 3 tier omakase with different pricings. got the highest tier--favorite was the soufflé omelet and tajarin. our server was super nice, making lots of conversation! overall good experience. located in chinatown with street parking.

    24 hr pork shoulder

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    Guu with Garlic

    Guu with Garlic

    4.3
    (1.1k reviews)
    2.8 km
    $$

    A coworker and I went to this place (thanks to Yelp reviews)…read more Really good and fresh fish. Super friendly staff

    Maybe it's an American thing to linger and enjoy a dining experience. To stay longer than needed to…read moresoak up the ambiance and give a good moment some extra time for memories. But in other parts of the world the meal is what's important and so is a quick turn around. Guu with Garlic reminded me a lot of the Izakaya restaurants I found under the train lines of Tokyo in many ways, including the amount of time it felt right to stay. The food came out quick, the servers took orders quicker, and the alcohol came out chilled and as nice contrast to the hot food. Looking around and you see the hand written menu on blackboard surfaces on the walls and this feeling of authenticity. The heat of the flames from the kitchen can be felt and seen if you sit at the bar. And the flavors just hit all the right notes. Starting with appetizers, a section izakayas shine at, the first dish we got was their scallop and mayo pizza. With a crispy crunch on the bottom and crust, this reminds you of the flavors of a baked volcano roll or scallop roll you can find in almost any North American sushi restaurant. Just like that dish, it's important to eat it while it's still hot so it doesn't get gross and 느끼 에. Then came the yellowtail tuna "tempura" pieces. Thick pieces of yellowtail tuna flash fried for just the right crisp on the outside with slight pink of the fish inside. It is meaty without being oily or fatty. Great bite. The beef tongue after was interesting. From the color of the sauce it accompanies it you would think it would be heavy in flavor but it is actually light and citrusy. A good cut into the richer tones of the beef tongue. The yaki udon was one of the best I ever had. It was smokey without being overpowering. The beef was thin and tender and balanced well with the mushrooms it also came with. The udon noodles stayed bouncy and chewy which I didn't expect from being grilled. Very tasty and highly recommend this dish. For our final bite we shared a hot stone bowl of their pork and cabbage rice. With the hot stone bowl constantly cooking even after this dish arrived it was imperative to stir the ingredients together constantly for the first two minutes. It allowed for the runny egg to meld with the rice and the crispy texture of some ingredients was a nice bonus. All in all, I loved eating here and if my appetite was bigger I would've tried more on their menu. A solid place to eat with a great atmosphere, if you're looking for delicious food that won't take too much of your time but still lingers in your memories you have to check out Guu with Garlic.

    Photos
    Same decor as 20+yrs ago when this was our go-to place for drinks & snacks!!
    Same decor as 20+yrs ago when this was our go-to place for drinks & snacks!!
    The delicious individual bite of their yellowfin tuna tempura
    The delicious individual bite of their yellowfin tuna tempura
    Una-Meshi

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    Saku

    Saku

    4.5
    (524 reviews)
    2.7 km
    $$

    First time at this Japanese restaurant, and it was really great!…read more Signature Japanese Fried Pork Cutlet Rosu Katsu $27 This time I was smarter and ordered the cut with a good balance of fat and lean meat. The moment I bit into it, it was bursting with juice! The meat was incredibly thick but not dry at all, and the outer skin was crispy like snowflakes. The first bite was amazing; I've never had such a delicious pork cutlet in Shanghai. Curry Pork Cutlet Rosu Curry $29.5 My friend ordered the curry pork cutlet today, and it was surprisingly excellent! The curry flavor was incredibly rich and full-bodied. Wrapped in the crispy pork cutlet and eaten with rice, it was pure carb bliss! Freshly Ground Sesame Powder I have to praise their freshly ground sesame powder; the aroma of the sesame seeds you grinded yourself was a real highlight. * With lemon salt: Refreshing and original, a perfect way to cut through the richness! * With barbecue sauce: Mixed with sesame powder, the flavors develop layer by layer. With two flavors to choose from, it's really hard to stop! I'll definitely come back to try it again next time.

    A must visit if you are a katsu fan! I ordered the Ebi and Hotate Katsu Curry. The katsu was…read moredeliciously crispy on the outside, but juicy on the inside. The portion was massive - it came with 3 huge prawns and 2 juicy scallops. I barely made a dent in my food and went home with a very full box of leftovers. Saku generously provides unlimited refills on their miso soup and cabbage salad. The cabbage salad with homemade sesame dressing was especially addicting! I could eat it for days. Service was attentive and the restaurant decor was sleek and modern. I will absolutely be back next time I'm in Vancouver!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Zenbu set with refillable soup, rice and salad
    Zenbu set with refillable soup, rice and salad
    Zenbu katsu

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    Zenbu katsu
    Okeya Kyujiro

    Okeya Kyujiro

    4.8
    (42 reviews)
    1.7 km

    I made a reservation at Okeya Kyujiro for my partner's 40th birthday, and he had the best time…read more Honestly, it was one of the most memorable omakase experiences I've had in Vancouver. Okeya Kyujiro is a Michelin one-star theatrical omakase restaurant, and when they say theatrical, they mean it! From the moment you're welcomed by smiling ushers in kimono to the closing tea ceremony, every movement feels intentional, precise, and elevated. The ambiance is serene and anticipatory. At the start, guests sit in silence as a black screen conceals the chefs. You see their shadows moving behind it. A bell rings, the screen lifts, and the performance begins. Dinner is a 25+ course experience priced at $325 per person. It's undeniably a splurge, but for a milestone celebration, it feels justified. The menu is seafood-forward, with many ingredients flown in from Japan. Each ingredient is presented before preparation, then carefully assembled and served directly from chef to guest. Courses arrive one by one, never rushed. The service team moves seamlessly in the background, refilling water and attending to drinks (available as an add-on) without disrupting the flow. The finale is a matcha ceremony, whisked in front of you with the same quiet precision that defines the evening. When the final sip is taken, the bell chimes once more, the chefs and staff bow, and the screens close. It was a beautifully choreographed dining experience, perfect for marking a special moment, and one I'd gladly return to for the next celebration.

    Service was really amazing with servers explaining each dish and drinks were always topped off…read more Food was good, but maybe this isn't quite my style of omakase compared to the other ones I've tried. This is a more theatrical style so expect louder music and a more theatrical experience (eg one of the servers played the flute for the guests celebrating birthdays). I prefer a more intimidate and interactive style of omakase where you can talk with the chefs. This lunch also felt a little fast in terms of progression of the meal. Some of the dishes were very tasty while others didn't wow us. With drinks, we were quite full despite some reviews saying portion is on the smaller size. Our total was around $500 with drinks for 2 people. A really good experience for omakase, especially if you are looking for a unique experience though not my favourite one I've tried.

    Photos
    Inside the waiting area before being taken to your seat.
    Inside the waiting area before being taken to your seat.
    Lychee jelly w/ brown sugar syrup, ginger icecream monaka, crown melon + japanese orange
    Lychee jelly w/ brown sugar syrup, ginger icecream monaka, crown melon + japanese orange
    A5 wagyu sukiyaki

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    A5 wagyu sukiyaki
    Guu Original Thurlow

    Guu Original Thurlow

    4.1
    (840 reviews)
    2.0 km
    $$

    Found this little Izakaya spot while visiting Vancouver and it was such a great experience. It's as…read moreauthentic as it gets and reminds me a lot of Japan when I visited in 2025. This place gets busy, so I highly recommend reserving a table online (via OpenTable) but we did show up early to see if there was walk-in seating available. Luckily, we did get the last 2 seats at the bar. The staff are so friendly and cheery. They greet customers that come in and thank every customer when they leave. People who haven't been to an izakaya may think it's loud and noisy, but the point of izakayas is they're supposed to be vibrant, high energy, and filled with cheerful chatter. Think of a tapas-style pub/bar for people to unwind and gather to chat after a long day at work. I loved the atmosphere, as it's casual, entertaining, and lively. The food was great and I couldn't think of a dish I didn't like. The sashimi were so fresh and high quality. Of course they use freshly grated wasabi too. The hanger steak was cooked perfectly and super tender and flavorful. The saba mackerel is grilled to perfection and reminds me of the ones I ate in Japan. I'm not a big fan of bonito but the yaki udon was so tasty, I still ate it with the bonito flakes on top! I would love to come back or go to their Toronto (closer to me) location next!

    I came here for dinner on a weeknight with two foodie friends of mine. Said friends lived in Japan…read morefor over a decade and they've dined here often in the past, saying it's very "authentic" Izakaya and it reminds them of their past life in Japan (which they miss a lot). Me, I know nothing about Izakaya or what is or isn't authentic Japanese cuisine, so this review is coming from someone with zero knowledge or expectation of any specific foods or experiences. Despite it being a weeknight, the place was packed. It was good that we had a reservation. There was a couple in line before me and they were walk-ins, and there were no available seats for them. I noted how small this place was, and crowded, with the tables close together and a long bar with a counter and barstools there (also close together). Our reserved table was right by the front door - literally, - so every time the door opened, we got a gust of cold air (and it was a cold February night when we were there). I kept my coat on. Truth be known, I was not very comfortable. Also, it was loud. Very loud. I like how the staff shout Japanese greetings to diners whenever they enter but between the frequent shouts and the sheer volume of chatter from all the diners, all sitting close together in close proximity, it was kinda hard to hear what my friends were saying during our dinner. That said, the environment was super vibrant and, again, my friends said this was very typical of an Izakaya in Japan. Food-wise, I have no idea what my friends ordered. The menu was primarily available by way of a QR code and I had no idea what the dishes were, so I deferred to my friends' knowledge. But I can attest that all the dishes were DELICIOUS. We had some sort of Japanese street food "pancakes" (they were wonderful). We had some sort of stirfry beef with noodles (amazing). We had two types of sashimi (omg both were so fresh and so so good!). We had a few other dishes that I can't recall, but I remember I loved them. So.... the food here was GREAT. Service was also attentive which I hadn't expected, being as busy as the restaurant was. I really liked this place but I'll probably go back in the summertime when the weather is nicer as I was cold there, and I'd dine at an off-time, when the volume wasn't so loud. (I'm too old for the loudness!).

    Photos
    Guu Original Thurlow
    Fried pork belly
    Fried pork belly
    Eel with rice

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    Eel with rice
    Hello Nori

    Hello Nori

    4.5
    (325 reviews)
    2.1 km
    $$

    Hello Nori was our last lunch before checking out and heading to the airport, and it was such a…read moresolid way to end the trip. We picked up the 16-piece Premium Cut Rolls (toro, yellowtail, scallop, and truffle lobster), and the quality really showed in the taste. Everything was clean, fresh, and well-balanced -- no heavy sauces, no distractions, just really good fish. The toro was rich and smooth, the scallop was buttery, and the truffle lobster added a nice depth without overpowering the roll. Pickup was quick and seamless, and the food was packaged well for eating on the go before a flight. Portions are standard, but the flavor and quality are absolutely the highlight here. If you care more about how sushi tastes than flashy extras, Hello Nori is a great choice. Would happily come back next time.

    This is a good spot to grab a bite and take a break from shopping on Robson. It's very spacious…read moreinside with modern aesthetics and the hostess was welcoming. Every guest is seated around the bar where they can watch the rolls being made fresh. Upon being seated you place your order by marking a piece of paper. We started off with cocktails: kaiju en neguroni and peach pafekuto and they were both refreshing. We each ordered a few rolls and my fave is the unagi hand roll. The unagi was flame-torched right in front of me. Prices are on the expensive side with small portions, but everything tasted fresh.

    Photos
    Interiors - seating area
    Interiors - seating area
    Salmon oshi ($8) and ebi oshi ($8)
    Salmon oshi ($8) and ebi oshi ($8)
    Wagyu handroll

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    Wagyu handroll
    Shizen Ya

    Shizen Ya

    4.3
    (615 reviews)
    1.9 km
    $$

    Fresh, Beautiful, and Consistently Great! ​I returned to…read moreShizenya after a while, and it reminded me why I love this place. Even on a Thursday night, the restaurant was nearly full, which speaks to its popularity. ​I ordered the Tako Sunomono and the Premium Chirashi Don. ​Tako Sunomono: The octopus was perfectly tender and the vinegar dressing was refreshing--exactly what I needed to wash away the fatigue of the day. ​Premium Chirashi Don: The presentation was stunning and immediately worked up my appetite. Every piece of seafood was incredibly fresh and of high quality. You can really taste the difference here. ​If you're looking for healthy, fresh, and beautifully presented Japanese cuisine, Shizenya is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

    This was my favorite meal of our entire trip to Vancouver. The decor is small and intimate. They…read moredid offer us a highchair and did wipe down the inside of the chair but the outside was fairly dirty so my toddler opted for a regular chair. Children utensils provided which was very much appreciated. Restroom in the back was clean. The food was fresh and delicious. SAKURA BLOSSOM ROLL - brown rice - comes with a lot and delicious UNI TEMAKI (2pc) - my husband and I each had one. very refreshing with the uni and the brown rice. SOCKEYE SALMON SASHIMI- very fresh and thick slices. I had one piece - good. MENTAIKO YAKI UDON - My favorite food item from our entire trip. Omg. I can sit there all day long and just eat this. I always order this when I see it on the menu and some places really don't do a good job. VEGETABLE UDON SOUP - for our toddler

    Photos
    Inside the restaurant
    Inside the restaurant
    Sockeye salmon sashimi 5 piece
    Sockeye salmon sashimi 5 piece
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    View of restaurant

    Kissa Tanto - japanese - Updated July 2026

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