New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Taiko Japanese Restaurant

by bob
3rd April 2013

We have had a hit and miss affair with this place. Sometimes great, sometimes very very average.We used to bring groups here for birthdays, but when we realised that the numbers didn’t add up at the end of the night.
Often, menu items have ‘run out’.

by Nick H.
14th February 2013

My partner and I came here on 14/02/13 Valentines night, It was our first time here and I must say the greeting and the service top notch.
The service from the staff was great we did not wait more then 5 mins for the Entree and the same for the drinks we have just ordered the mains now can’t comment but I know I’ll be impressed.
Over all not the cheapest but believe the hype Taiko resturant is definitly a the place to eat Japenese food.

PS : Ian is a star.

Nick & Natasha

Comment from Ian L. of Taiko Japanese Restaurant 15/02/2013    Hide »

It was a pleasure to have you in on your special night. We look…    More »

It was a pleasure to have you in on your special night. We look forward to seeing you again before too long.
Thank you for taking the time to write (such lovely) comments.

by Nikki W.
17th January 2013

Taiko quite simply, is the best Japanese restaurant I’ve ever been to.

I have been here about 4 or 5 times now and each time the service is fantastic and the food, more than delicious! My partner and I always go away smiling and raving about it.

Thank you especially to Ian who always goes above and beyond – (like the night I changed bookings on him 3 times and he text me to say no worries). It’s the little things like that that keep your customers coming back.

Thanks Taiko, you rock!

Comment from Ian L. of Taiko Japanese Restaurant 15/02/2013    Hide »

Thanks Nikki. You rock too. As you can see, I’ve just learned how…    More »

Thanks Nikki. You rock too. As you can see, I’ve just learned how to reply to reviews. (Baby steps!)

by Mike A.
13th January 2012

Went there as a group of 7. Ian (if I remember correctly), our host was an excellent mix of service and humour. We ordered a banquet, the $35 one. We were chopping the Asahi’s so weren’t confident the $35 menu would be enough to soak up the booze. Food was great – make that excellent, but we were right – we were still hungry… so I asked our host if we could order a bit more, when, embarrassingly, he informed us that that was just the starters – mains were still to come. Mains came, out hunger satisfied perfectly. Was a great night thanks to great food and fun host. Cheers.

Comment from Ian L. of Taiko Japanese Restaurant 15/02/2013    Hide »

Thank you Mike. And thanks to your great review, we’ve had a…    More »

Thank you Mike. And thanks to your great review, we’ve had a succession of groups requesting the banquet. Nice work.

by Savannah D.
24th December 2011

Amazing food, incredible service, great prices, great location.

I am always so impressed with Taiko, my family and I visit often.
All the staff are friendly and attentive and go out of their way to get your food to you in a quick and timely manner (I have never waited longer than 10 minutes for a main).

The owner of Taiko is incredibly friendly and will do anything for his customers (My mother wanted a tomato juice and because they didn’t have it he ran up to the local dairy to get one for her).

The food is sensational. I am always so impressed. The shrimp rolls and the California rolls are simply to die for. The prices are so low that you can afford Taiko even when on a budget. Best part is, they do take out which is great if you don’t feel like going out.

The location is great, right in the heart of Kingsland. There is always really nice music playing and the atmosphere is electric.

I would recommend Taiko to anybody who enjoys Japanese food or who is just looking for a change in their everyday routine.
5 stars for Taiko!

by kolzee
20th November 2011

Excellent food, great service and the beers are superb too. On top of this I thought the price was reasonable. What more could you ask for?!

by Nicky
14th August 2011

If only there were more restaurants of this quality, price and atmosphere in Kingsland! Delicious interesting food, attention to detail and genuine care for diners makes Taiko a wonderful night out time after time.

by Theresa C.
15th September 2010

Taiko was very busy when my friend and I visited on a Wednesday night. The highlight was their Shrimp Tempura, which was one of the best I have had, although it differs from those commonly available because of the additional crisp that was attached to the tempura coating. Other dishes were good but not special. Slightly overpriced therefore I rate it 4 stars.

by PJ
27th September 2009

First time diner at Taiko tonight. Service was extremely fast and we were out of there (excluding dessert) in less than half an hour from walking in the door. So many options, but you have to appreciate the simplicity of Japanese food to enjoy it. Moderate pricing, but great taste. There was also a violinist/singer accompanying some 70s classics which added to the relaxed atmosphere provided by the dim lighting.
Will definitely be going back again.

by Emma
18th April 2009

Came here on reccomendation of a friend. AMAZING japanese. Quality, quick, helpful service.

by NIL
31st January 2009

I am a regular customer of Taiko. We went there for our friend’s birthday this time. Fantastic food again and their service was fab! As a Japanese food crazy, this is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland for sure. I don’t know who said it was owned by a Korean or Chinese? That is totally wrong!!

by Felicity
29th December 2008

The first time my hubby and I went it was fully booked out but they accommodated us at the bar and that was OK, the sushi chief was really home warming and we liked his company, the food was so yummy! try the octopus balls they’re a hit! And so we went back with our children, food was still yummy as but as they were busy again service was a little slower. Each we have been we are happy with the food, although I have been told by a Japanese friend this is one Japanese restaurant that is not Japanese owned any more, which is a shame, there are a few around owned by Chinese and Korean now.

by Ross Rudolph
26th November 2008

Great food,great atmosphere have been back many a time! The closest thing to Japanese food you will get in New Zealand

by Dave Jennings
3rd June 2008

Dinned on strength of other reviews. Disappointed.
Overpriced basic food

by Amy
27th May 2008

dropped in here for a bite to eat while waiting for the train. excellent service. excellent presentation. not cheap, but value for money.

by LM
12th March 2008

A great little restaurant tucked away with yummy Japanese food. Dinner box was $25 which we thought was pretty reasonable. Restaurant was really warm which will def be a bonus with the evenings getting cooler. All in all a great little find using the Entertainment Book.

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