I recently visited the Tanpopo branch in Howick for the first time. It's been a while since I'd visited the one in town, but I feel like the two branches, menu aside, couldn't be anymore different. Tanpopo Howick seats quite a few more people and has more of a Saturday hangout feel as opposed to a family restaurant. There are bar seats aswell if you're just there for drinks or would prefer to have your meal there. Our table for two was massive, and suitably so because it ended up being covered in food. The tables and ottomans are very close together and its s tight squeeze to get in and out of your seat. I didn't find this to be a huge problem, but this really depends on personal preference.
The service here was awesome. We were greeted immediately by one staff member and they were great throughout the night. Our food came out quickly and it took us a while to get through it all. Their miso soup is just delicious and for $3 you get a massive bowl- it will certainly make you realise that you're being ripped off everywhere else. This is also the best miso I've had in recent times and one is enough to share between two people. We also ended up grabbing a loyalty card to get a few dollars off on our next visit. We even got a couple of extra stamps on ours because it was our first visit! Excellent and consistent service and food, I would highly recommend Tanpopo for a great meal. read more