Takashi
18 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT, 84139
Takashi Menu
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Address :
18 W Market St
Salt Lake City, UT, 84139 - Phone (801) 519-9595
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Banning L.
Takashi is, without a doubt, the best sushi restaurant in Salt Lake. Anyone who tells you otherwise probably likes cream cheese on their deep-fried roll. Takashi and his very talented sushi chefs use seasonal veggies (and fruits) to accent their fresh fish selection. Get there early (they open at 5:30 for dinner), and don't let the first impression of the typically snobbish hostesses throw you off, the service is great. Try the live scallop if it's available, and sit at the bar if you can.
(5)Rachel C.
This is by far my favorite place to get sushi. Karen is one of the most wonderful people my family has ever had the pleasure of knowing. The restaurant is beautiful, the food is delicious and the service is impeccable. You won't find a modern sushi restaurant better than this anywhere in Utah.
(5)Larry C.
Good sushi, but not great this time. Quality of fish lacking.
(3)Ann J.
Really awesome sushi, especially for the price - right up there with what you get in California where I'm from. Sat at the sushi bar and was able to see the sushi chefs work their magic. They really put a lot of time and care into preparing each dish, including all the little decorative carrots and radish they slice and dice for each one. Fish was super fresh, and the sushi chef we had was really attentive to us and made sure to refill my ginger everytime I came close to emptying my share (which was often because I looove ginger). Am definitely coming here again next time I'm in Salt Lake City!
(5)Olya L.
Great sushi! Fresh made to order. Wait is about 20 minutes. Drink options I feel are limited. Who knew sushi would be this good in Salt Lake City.
(5)Fah Z.
they know what they doing please try!
(5)Liying Y.
It's a really popular place for local people. However, only sashimi, sushi and tofu are delicious, especially their sashimi, so good! Do not order traditional soy yakisoba, don't remember the name but do not order their noodles.... It's got a large bowl but few noodles and a heavy taste of ginger.
(3)Jeffrey S.
There's room for plenty of five-star sushi joints in Utah, and Takashi is definitely one of them. After hearing plenty about the place, we finally made it in just after 9pm one night for a light, late dinner. I love the location, and think they've done a nice job with a simple but full decor. The white dangly lanterns (as I'm sure they're referred to in the interior decorating world) were a nice touch, although the one above my head was directly in the path of the ventilation/ac/heat/airflow and was tossed around all night. But honestly, if you let something like that bother you, you're never going to enjoy a meal anywhere. We were seated right away and given the chance to order from the menu or the specials. Between the 3 of us, we had five items; four rolls and a sashimi plate. The sashimi was served with a light tomatillo sauce on top and the tartness of the tomatillos and smooth fish was a fun combination in my mouth. I will say that the fish was not my favorite, but for the life of me I can't remember what kind it was so I'm afraid my guidance on that dish is useless. The winner of the night, at least for me, as the Evergreen roll (a special) complete with a big ol' stalk of asparagus running through it. Honestly, they were all good and although I was never blown out of my shoes I was completely satisfied. Maybe I'm a man of simple needs, but when you serve well-composed sushi in a great downtown location I have a hard time complaining about anything. It was more reasonably priced than I had imagined and would never complain about having to come back again, especially with the great company I kept that night. Superlative-worthy? Superlatives are so 2009. I'm just sticking with "I'm happy."
(5)Nancy R.
Takashi is delish! I will definitely be coming back when I find myself in Salt Lake City again. My bf suggested we come here for dinner/drinks and Im glad we did. We went on a Saturday night so it was pretty expected that the restaurant would be packed. We had to wait about 35 minutes to get seated but waited by the bar with drinks and a calamari appetizer. I dont remember which rolls we ordered, but their menu has a good variety. All of the rolls that we got were very tasty and about the same price of sushi that you would find elsewhere (paid about $35 for 3 rolls).
(4)Kimberly A.
The service was horrible. The server didn't offer more drinks or ask how the sushi was. Also the sushi rice was old and the fish wasn't fresh. Was in and out within 45 min. Never coming back
(1)Shea S.
Get the Tuna Tataki! So, so tasty. Best sushi in Utah and the prices are high. Especially not for this quality.
(5)Tashia F.
One word "AMAZING"!! Wish I could eat here every night :-) will be back on my next trip to the beautiful Salt Lake!
(5)Samuel S.
For the price and quality of fish, Takashi is the best sushi restaurant in Salt Lake City. Visiting from New York City, Takashi blown me away. If I am ever back in SLC, I will be back here!
(5)K Sera S.
In town recently and insisted on visiting Takashi again and, once again, was wowed. Absolutely yummy. Do consider reservations--even at opening on a random weekday the tables and bar filled up fast.
(5)Erin B.
Was lucky enough to get here just after they opened for dinner so I had no wait for a seat at the bar. I ordered the grilled eggplant and the ebony & ivory sushi roll (a special that night). Both were so delicious! The eggplant was so tender, juicy, and flavorful! The sushi was simple but fresh, tasty, and beautifully presented. The service was good as well if not a little slow - definitely not the place to go to for a quick bite or some all you can eat sushi. Can't wait to come back and try more items on the menu!
(4)Julie L.
The second time we came was so disappointing. We had expected the same quality as last time but we were truly let down this time. We didn't recognize any of the chefs. Sable fish was cold and tasteless. Amaebi was ok but the fried shrimp head was stale. Monkfish was fishy but ok. Saba was terrible as it was chewy and fishy. Spicy scallop/hamachi was definitely too cold and not fresh. After these we didn't even want to stay for more but we were still hungry. The total time it took for the chef to make those span an hour and a half :((((( Sighhh. All the way we drove here for such a horrible experience. Sighhhhhhh. The chef we had at the counter appeared clumsy and he had dirty fingernails. I wanted to avoid looking at him while he made our sushi hoping to not think about his process of touching my food. His technique resembled those of ayce sushi buffets. He served the fish and rice at frozen temperature. After he used the fire tool to cook the sablefish he had let it sit there instead of serving it warm right away. The fish slices on top of the nigiri was messy. Another note. The manager doesn't really care when I raised my disappointment. She just shrugged and didn't give a damn and walked away. They have way too many businesss to care about customers like us.
(1)Martin J.
Best sushi and sashimi I've had in SLC, so I'd assume in Utah as well. Great service, nice atmosphere, but the fish is fresh and expertly prepared. If you're into rolls, I highly recommend the Kansai style 'box'. The special when I was there was bonito nigiri and that was as good as any I've had in LA or NYC.
(5)Todd R.
the best sushi you can get in utah.
(4)Andrew L.
A huge arigato to the lovely young lady from New York who let me try a piece of her hamachi sashimi while I was scarfing down a couple of maki rolls. It was almost as lovely as she was :D The fish just melted in my mouth. Incredible. The restaurant was HOPPING during a Saturday night. Having only been there for lunch, I had to make sure I was in the right place. Still the best sushi in SLC. Owner is a really nice guy and ran out to return my scarf to me before I left it at the sushi bar. (Mind you, this is in the middle of an extremely busy night where he's manning the sushi bar. That kind of kindness doesn't go unnoticed. One of the other times I came in he was showing off a friends baby to the entire kitchen staff. Just a really nice guy who knows his stuff. Cool to see him back there making sure everything's up to par. ) 5 stars. I'd recommend the place to anyone.
(5)Yan L.
The fish here was reasonably fresh, which is rather difficult to pull off given that this city is nowhere near the sea. The seared cod (what they call sablefish on their menu) was the best dish we ordered. The flesh was flaky and done to perfection, with a nice charred sear outside. It came with a side of slaw which wasn't as impressive though. Their rolls were so-so: nothing to write home about. We got a Tiger's roll, and there was just too much of what I think was unagi sauce on it, which made it way too sweet. We also got "the Box" sushi, and that was pretty good, though they added some chili sauce in the middle of the rice, which sort of overpowered everything. I just used my chopstick and picked off the fish on top and ate it sashimi style, separate from the rice which I ate after. Service was good and attentive. Decor is nice too. Was it worth it? Hard to say, given the rather high prices here (at least relative to other restaurants in town). It's conveniently located and the food's decent. But then, for reasons I can't understand, a long line forms at this place if you don't come early. If I had to wait anything more than 10 minutes to get a table here, I'd say it would not be worth it.
(3)Charles S.
I finally made it over to Takashi. Yah, I'm a little ashamed that it took me so long to try it, but I'm sure glad I did. This place is great! The sushi is fresh and delicious. It's also much different than any of my usual sushi haunts. For one thing, there wasn't a trace of ginger or horseradish mixed with green food coloring (wasabi?) on any of our plates. I'm fine with that, as I'm not a fan of either. We tried 7 or 8 rolls and they were all unique, imaginative and yummy. Some of them came with their own dipping sauces that melded perfectly with the flavor of the roll, much more so than soy sauce or the aforementioned "wasabi." The fish was all fresh and flavorful and the service was absolutely flawless. I've always heard that Takashi is very expensive, but it seems about average from what I've experienced for high quality sushi. I really can't think of any reason to deduct a single star.
(5)G C.
We did lunch here, everything was good from the miso, tempuro and especially the rolls. Everything was fresh, service was great, atmosphere was good.
(5)Marvelous O.
Amazing food. The service was good, and we enjoyed everything we ordered. They don't accept reservations after 6pm. Be prepared to wait. We were there, but they wouldn't seat us until our entire party of 6 showed up. Why not let us run up the tab with drinks while we wait? Half our table was from Ireland. Anyway, avoid the host, Rich (seemingly nice yet incredibly pretentious,) and you're good to go. When he walked away, the other gal sat the 5 of us without question. This place has a reputation for good food for a reason. Side note, one guy with us is incredibly picky about food (and rarely strays from American.) their menu was large enough where even he found plenty to eat.
(4)Tina M.
Honestly I came here ready to be a hater--but I so am not. The food is indeed as good as hyped. I wouldn't say the staff is so much pretentious as they are incredibly serious (and that's only the sushi chefs). I'll admit--having a white sushi chef serve me at the counter was a little strange at first but grew on me. They did have all those stereotypical sushi chef movements (don't know what they're called but its that jerky hand motion and cutting motion and the serious look on their face). Rolls I had: Yakuza - shiso, and two kinds of fish (I forget which) in a triangular roll Strawberry Fields - strawberries, esc--something (a whitefish), chilis, almonds Kakitaro - persimmons, alaskan salmon, cucumber and some other vegetable Maki: Anago - sea eel Drink: Buddha Betty - house made tea with vodka and other juices All were awesome with the exception of the kakitaro. I like persimmons and I like salmon but those two don't belong together IMO. The persimmons were a bit ripe so it was like mush with firm fish taste. Someone suggested that the fish quality is covered up by sauce? Don't think so. When you go to the counter and watch and look closely at your rolls... and even "disassemble" the roll in your mouth, you realize it IS really fresh. The shine on the fish they use is just gorgeous and the color so vibrant. Falsely colored fishes you can tell... go to Ralphs one day and buy their colored salmon... looks totally different than real red salmon. The taste was really great--awesome. The surprise and most edible was the strawberry fields. I could eat millions of those. The burst of sweetness from the first bite of the strawberry was surprising and just went super well with everything, even the chilies which REALLY surprised me. I do think their decor, however, is a little bit flashy... its trying too hard. It kind of screams, "Look how trendy I am!!" The crowd was a bit so so... they are mainly what I call the "30-40 y.o. hipsters"--i.e. the older artsy crowd. If you go there you'll know what I'm talking about. BTW this place really is expensive. Per roll is "normal" but the quality is higher and portions are smaller. At other sushi places 1 roll will do the trick... but they are so good here that you'll overeat. I easily blew $55 on myself with only one mixed drink.
(5)Peter S.
By far the greatest sushi I have ever had!! My wife and I go here all the time, and rarely wait since it is just the two of us. We always sit at the same place at the sushi bar. We always have to get the sunshine, crunchy ebbi and strawberry fields rolls. I have never had something here that I did not love! The spicy mussels with quail egg was amazing. Everything here is sublime! We usually spend $50 here for the two of us.
(5)Eric B.
Ah, finally - great sushi! It's been too long! I started with the seafood hot and sour soup, which was outstanding. I then had the nigri sushi combo and the T&T spicy sushi for my main course. The fish was fresh and tasty. The T&T was definitely spicy (at least the sauce was), and just tasted great. My only complaint is it felt like they rushed us out once we were done the main course - no offer for dessert (not sure if they serve it) or coffee. Also, I booked with OpenTable, but it was a '0 point' reservation - not sure what that's about.
(5)Vickie Z.
The 4 stars are for the quality of the fish but in terms of creativity and authenticity i've seen and been to much better places. Not sure why this place is rated so high on Yelp because there isn't anything special. However, I do wanna say THUMBS UP for the freshness of the fish!
(4)Jamieleigh W.
Tasty miso soup, loved my crunchy ebi roll, yum!! The dragon was OK, hubby loved his cucumber and avocado rolls. The service was great and we loved the atmosphere. I'd love to go back when I'm not pregnant and try more rolls!!
(5)David K.
Good, fresh, and delicious. I liked all the rolls except for the ceviche roll. One of the best sushi places I've been to in Utah.
(5)Mara F.
I actually would rate the sushi itself a full 5 stars. It is truly inventive, unique, and always delicious. I've never yet been dissatisfied with the menu items and everything is always served fresh. The atmosphere is also fun and modern. The service can be hit and miss. I have had some wonderful servers and others that seemed not to care about their job too much. I also think that they may give the servers just a few too many tables to manage and it would serve them better to add more staff for peak hours. Probably the one thing I most find frustrating about this incredible restaurant, and why my rating slips to 4 stars, is that the attitude I tend to find from those whom answer the phones as well as a few of the hostesses we have experienced is that they ARE the trendy place and how dare I even ask the question about reservations (it's first come first serve unless its a party of 6 or more). Their waiting area is wholly inadequate for the amount of people having to wait for tables for as long as the waits typically are. Yeah, I get it, they are a great place that is very popular, but I dont think it does anything but help a place out to always find humble, friendly representatives that are always trying to make the experience, whatever that may be, a positive one.
(4)Vi D.
love love love this place!!! best crunchy salmon skin hand rolls ever!!!
(5)Al S.
After doing a technical presentation to an architectural design firm nearby, I hosted the small group at Takashi. Let's just say that we ordered enough sashimi to feed a small army, and we were far less than that army. We didn't want rice with our lunch, so just imagine ordering "everything sashimi" with some rolls wrapped in cucumber, which were great palate cleansers. High quality fish, and extremely comfortable atmosphere. Just type "sushi" in my profile page with all my reviews, and you'll see I've been relatively lucky finding the better Japanese restaurants. My winning streak seems to be continuing. Even before going here, I knew that Takashi came well recommended, as does another restaurant called "The Naked Fish", which I've yet to try. If you appreciate really good sashimi, and aren't measuring your meal against AYCE buffets for the price issue, then I can personally recommend Takashi as the "scratch for your itch!"
(4)Jonathan B.
Visited this restaurant with a group of 10. Service was excellent. Food came out quickly. The rolls were pretty good. My favorite was the dragon roll. The tempura fried vegetables were hit or miss, some were a bit undercooked.
(3)Warren M.
I arrived at 1pm for lunch with a friend. As many Yelpers recommended; we ordered the Strawberry Fields and the Magic Dragon rolls. We also ordered the Combination Nigiri to sample the varieties of fish, as well as a shiromi nigiri and a single order of Tako Nigiri to test the freshness and handling of the octopus. The Food: The rolls were good, but... from restaurant to restaurant, rolls are rolls; a bunch of complex flavors covering up the taste of the fish. Three stars for the rolls. The nigiri was a different experience. While not as "exciting" as the rolls, it was good to find that the fish seemed mostly fresh... considering we live so far from the ocean. The only piece that seemed overly fishy in taste was the albacore nigiri. It was also covered with green onions, which I removed, but that onion taste lingered. Also, I forgot to ask to have the tako nigiri prepared without nori. I removed the nori, but the taste lingered and threw off the basic flavor of the octopus. The octopus was a little dry and seemed to have been softened quite a bit. The way the octopus came apart in my mouth made it seem like it had been treated with a mallet, or rolling pin though I have no proof of that. Three stars for the nigiri and quality of fish. Atmosphere/Experience: I considered the bar, as I prefer to eat sushi there and watch the preparation, but the bar seemed a bit crowded both with people and lack of counter/eating space. We were seated almost immediately at a table. There are no booths here. It is open air, is a bit loud and lacks privacy. If those things don't concern you, great. Our waitress was friendly and helpful enough, no complaints with her. My problem with this restaurant is that it really screamed "hipster joint" and made me want to leave. I am not hip, cool, trendy, or whatever word you want to use. I did not belong there. I'm sure many others would be comfortable there. I was not. Price: $52 for two people at lunch. Water only. Not terribly priced for sushi served in the middle of the desert, almost 700 miles from LA and 850 miles from Seattle. I was expecting the bill to be about that much. Overall: While the food was good, it didn't stand out as superior to other sushi restaurants. Also, as I said, I did not feel like I belonged in this restaurant. Maybe it will be different for you, but I won't be going back.
(2)Bill B.
Takashi is probably the best Sushi restaurant in SLC. Impeccable food and service, this place is almost always packed. I try to get there right as they open, if I don't have a reservation, and it fills up within minutes of my arrival. Very interesting clientele of tourists and foodies and the affluent. A buzzy atmosphere, to be sure. Well worth the money.
(5)bob a.
WOW! all the reviews are true, this is the BEST sushi I have ever had. It just whipped past Seattle, and DC fare by a huge leap and bound. So fresh so delectable, so soft and wonderful. This was my meal which I give the HIGHEST recommendation to have. Strawberry fields. Glorious Caribbean Roll..wow a taste bud explosion! Buddha. the best veggie Sweet Potato roll ever! and for those purists Spicy Hammaki (yellow fin)- which I believe will test the freshest quality in a roll of all. I had a glorious wine glass of Bride of Fox saki which was glorious and a perfect match for my rolls. Those who drown their sushi in soy sauce are just amateur and take all the taste away from the wonderful high art of sushi. Just amazing.. Go at lunch and miss the two hour wait that most people complain about. I was seated right away and Adam was a wonderful server. 5 stars all the way!!
(5)Mel W.
went here twice for dinner while in town for a work conference. i've had sushi in tokyo. miami. la. nyc. i LOVE sushi. needless to say i was less than optimistic about this place in a landlocked city/state-and yes, i'll say it-in a city which i thought would be less than cool. man was i wrong. the sushi and rolls were SO good. i couldn't believe how fresh it was, again considering location. the service was less than stellar. i know our waiter the second time got double sat but he would pass by without even acknowledging or picking up a thing or two off our table of five. i had: tuna salmon yellowtail white tuna -all unbelievably fresh. yellow submarine. the flavors were awesome. while the sauce on the side was tasty,i actually liked the roll better just on its own. nice and spicy without killing your tastebuds t&t. yes the sauce is crazy hot. but so good. and the green onion adds a nice taste to the overall flavor. imagine. also really yummy. the shishito pepper app was less than fabulous. wouldn't order that again. had a ceviche or tataki for app one night and was blown away. sorry i can't remember more detail.
(5)Dean H.
Nice artistry. Careful presentation. Great selection of fish and other tasty morsels. Just sit at the counter and tell the sushi chefs to serve you whatever they fancy. I've never been disappointed. I travel to SLC for business and this is a great place to take clients/team members.
(4)David M.
Very good sushi, well prepared, with prompt and friendly service. I had the large sashimi plate which was excellent with 12 pieces of four different species. Thin slices but very high quality. I also had the tempura veggies; very nice with some course brown salt on the plate, a nice compliment. The after work crowd was very casually dressed; some in shorts, including me. Comfortable decor; reasonable noise level. Lots of couples. Be prepared for parking challenges unless $5 for a close-by valet is to your liking. I used the valet who seemed put out when I didn't tip. Whatever.
(4)Carleigh J.
I have been going to Takashi for years and it is by far the best sushi in SLC. Personally I'm not super into raw fish. I prefer cooked fish so my favorite roll is the magic dragon with extra eel sause on the side. They have a fabulous glass noodle salad. Another roll I've always liked is the spider roll. The ambience is fabulous, as well as the food. Takashi is my favorite restruant as well as sushi in Salt Lake. No other sushi bar can compare.
(5)Daniel Y.
Everyone knows this is the reference yummy Sushi spot in Utah. Creative, tasty and upscale. I take clients there all the time because it is always good!
(5)Mariko P.
My husband and I got a recommendation from the hotel we stayed, so went there for dinner. The place was packed with people and quite loud. The interior was pretty contemporary. The food is more like Japanese fusion since their menu are mostly creative sushi than traditional. I can see why this place is so popular. Nice for a date. But if you want more authentic Japanese, try somewhere else.
(3)Eric C.
very good sushi. soba noodle broth is really good, all the grilled meat (chicken, rib) are excellent. the prices are very reasonable though, i though it should be $$, not $$$. ambience is great and servers very attentive. sorry for short review, on our way to yellowstone.
(4)Jillian C.
I'm not from around town. I'm actually from the Midwest but I was in town for a genetics conference and my fellow goers and I stopped in for dinner. All I can say is absolutely incredible sushi. We had all sorts of rolls but if I had to pick just one, the best one, I would pick the Buddha (tempura fried portabellas, green beans, sweet potato, and carrots with sweet sauce and sesame seeds). I could have eaten three!!! We also tried the papaya salad which was nice and not particularly spicy (which I'm thankful for since I'm bad with spice) and the wok fried asparagus which I could have eaten in droves. I love asparagus and it had some incredibly flavor. Basically if you're looking for for some stellar stuff, this is the place to go!
(5)Ben W.
Food: This is my Gold Standard for Sushi Staff: Very friendly and provides good recommendations Atmosphere: ~20-25 tables plus Sushi bar Parking: Street parking As I mentioned above, this is my Gold Standard for Sushi. I travel quite a bit and haven't found a place that is better. I actually hesitate to go to other Sushi restaurants because of this place. The only draw back, sometimes it's hard to get a table. Favorite Dish: - Blacken Cod - Black Magic Woman (BMW) - TNT - Strawberry Fields
(5)Mike S.
This was extremely high-quality sushi. The chef who helped me, Will, is an artist. He made this habanero sauce on one of his rolls that is, quite possibly, the first thing that has ever made me say, "Holy shit, that's spicy!" And it was DELICIOUS. The Forrest Gump roll I shall be ordering again, as well. No downsides. Go there today.
(5)Lauren M.
I love Takashi. It is one of my favorite sushi restaurants in Salt Lake City. I literally crave the ceviche roll for weeks. The dipping sauce is to die for. I could drink it straight. Get that roll if you go. There are other great rolls there. The service is a bit slow and, if you go on a busy night, it will take a long time to seat you. Go to the martini bar across the hall, but make sure they don't forget about you. That happened to us last time.
(5)Sarah V.
We waited at the joining bar for a table from 6:15pm to 8:56pm. We were there for a cousins birthday or else we would have walked out the door after the first hour. We spoke to the host after several hours ad their reasoning was we can't force people to get up. The funny thing about this is they sat another 2 top by the table they were holding for us. They seemed completely ignorant about the restaurant system. I then spoke to the owner (I believe) who kept saying the most off the wall comments and was rude! After we finally got seated we ordered sushi that was slightly above average but we still waited 45 minutes after we sat down and ordered to get our food. The price was outrageous! I will never give my money to that restaurant again unless the management changes!
(1)David K.
I love me some sushi and this is by far the best place to get it in Utah. The only problem I have here is that I go so often that I have eaten every sushi roll on the menu various times. Even so, this is still my favorite place for sushi. The fish is always fresh and tastey, I have never had a bad bit of fish from here, and that is obviously most important. Also, I like the way the rolls are served. They are built to last (not fall apart as soon as you grab them with the chop stix). Seriously, you can have any roll here and it will be good (except for the Philadephia Roll and that is because I think cream cheese should never be used on a sushi roll, you can barely taste anything else).
(5)Jenny R.
Being from Southern California, I have some VERY high standards for good sushi. I heard about Takashi from a friend and decided to check it out while I was in town for a convention. Takashi is definitely a great little gem in Salt Lake. Pros: great service really great selection trendy and upbeat atmosphere full bar very fresh ingredients reasonable prices Cons: Reservations are a MUST because the location is very small and very popular closed on Sundays P.S. The "sauce from hell" or whatever they call it is seriously knock your socks off spicy! I can usually handle A LOT of heat but this was pretty cray.
(4)Ili M.
One of the best sushi I've ever had. I love the fact that the owner is back there busting his butt with the rest of his staff. Now that shows that you care about your business and the way your customers are treated. We've been lucky enough to have him make our sushi. I don't rate it a five star because it is a bit pricey, the rolls are small and they don't allow reservations so you will be waiting 30-60 minutes on a busy night. Parking sucks cause its downtown but valet parking is pretty good.
(4)Mark K.
The sushi here is as good as the Japanese TV show Takashi's Castle. We had the Strawberry field, Puff the magic dragon, and Yellow submarine rolls and it's hard to pick a favourite from this bunch. Sake was also tasty too. Moved here from Seattle so I have to admit I was skeptical going in, but the sushi was impressive, as was the ambiance and service.
(4)Sean R.
Takashi definitely gets my vote as the best sushi in Salt Lake City. When in season, the elk carpaccio is awesome. Also, the caribbean roll is a winner.
(5)Ahana M.
Went to this awesome place while visiting Salt Lake City. It deserves all the praise and compliments that fellow yelpers have showered it with. It's also the first place where I saw an extensive vegetarian menu and got to try many things thanks to my vegetarian company. Try the Buddha roll and the asparagus mushroom glass noodles. Awesome. Highly recommend .
(4)Bob P.
Very cool place. Packed on a Tuesday night which means its gotta be good. We sat and watched Mr. Takashi make our rolls ....very cool!! I'm not sure that the sushi was any better than what I've had elsewhere, but, it was still very good!!
(5)BrIan G.
I must say very pleasantly surprised!!! Great sushi, fresh fish and great menu. Sake flight was a plus!!
(5)Rick G.
I loved this place. The food was excellent. I took some advice from previous reviews and tried the yellow submarine and it was terrific. I ordered my usual as well. The spider roll and they did a good job. I definitely recommend this place.
(5)Ted O.
Oh man. I read through some of the reviews before I wrote this, and I saw several people talking about how this is the best sushi in SLC. I believe it. Because it's the best sushi I ever had. My girlfriend and I came here after she came out to meet me when I was on a business trip before we hit the parks in southern Utah. I can't decide if it's fortunate or unfortunate, but this was one of my first real sushi experiences. The lady loves it, so we came here the night she got into town. We sat at the sushi bar, which was a fantastic decision, because it allowed the chef to recommend all of his favorites. His favorites immediately became my favorites. The summit roll just might be the best sushi roll ever created, and the ramon roll is amazing as well. How could having this as my first sushi experience be unfortunate? Because in the 3 or 4 months since I have been sampling the sushi at highly rated restaurants in cities like Denver and NYC and nothing comes close. I have this idea in my mind that sushi is supposed to taste like the wonderful freshness of Takashi, and thus far, no other restaurant has been able to match it. If I could give it 6 stars I would! Amazing!
(5)Mimi T.
I love sushi...and at times I can be a snob....and being told there is a 40 min wait at a sushi joint in Utah just made "Hangry"... The place was packed due to OR..and I was about to give up on the wait and just order room service from my hotel when magically we got seated at the sushi bar. Suddenly...the world was a much happier place. Our Sushi Chef--Tony was an artist. He crafted each plate each roll with thought and the end result was beautiful and delicious. This place ranks as one of my top 5 of all time amazing sushi joints....
(5)Allie C.
4.5 stars. The first time I tried to eat here was on a Saturday night and was told the wait would be 2.5 hours for a 2 top (around 7ish). On a Thursday at about 8:30 the wait was 15 minutes with a spot at the bar. Works for me. The place was packed while every other restaurant on Market street sat half empty...this place definitely seems like the hip place to be. Drunk hipsters be bein everywhere. So, very excited we got 5 rolls and an appetizer between 2 people. It was delicious. Gyoza - Cooked perfectly. Awesome. Tiger Roll - Very good roll....sesame seeds are awful though, why is this a thing? T&T Roll - Came with "Hotter than Hell" dipping sauce. So good I kept it for later. Forrest Gump Roll!!!! - I don't even remember what was in this dude (it was a week ago or so) but it was the class of our meal. The only thing that wasn't just very good sushi....it made me believe the ridiculously high praise this place gets. Summit Roll - Wrapped in cucumber. A little odd at first, but delicious. Magic Dragon Roll - After eating 4 rolls and the gyoza we were still hungry...so we got a 5th roll in place of a desert. We needed to get some eels up inside us. It was getting towards closing time but this was still a disappointing roll. It was mushy and lopsided. Edible but not very good...the only thing that was even remotely disappointing though. I would recommend this place to anyone. Best sushi I've had in salt lake.
(5)Jeff F.
Came back here on this recent SLC trip and reconfirmed one thing, this absolutely the restaurant you should eat at when you come to Salt Lake - eerily impressive sushi in the middle of Utah. Keys to an ideal meal: -get a reservation; they only allow them until 6pm, but take a 6pm res and just eek out a slow meal - you do not want to wait because it can take hours on the wait-list -don't order; regardless if you're sitting at the sushi bar or at a table, just have the kitchen send out courses (can get pricey, but worth it) -remember they only do saki and beer - if you need a cocktail, load up next door before you head over Short list if not at the Sushi Bar doing Omakase: - Live Scallop - Torched sablefish (AKA black cod) - Black Cod & Aji Nigiri - Ceviche Roll - Ramon Roll - Bincho Tataki - Toro truffle - saki tataki - Bonito or Hamachi either way: Nigiri or Sashami - Spicy Mussels Chris is the man
(5)Kevin E.
Had lunch here. Rolls were pretty good. Service was slooooow. We were lucky we had a lot of time to spare. Even the edamame took forever. It is better sushi than we expected on SLC.
(3)Nick V.
Loved it. Best sushi I've had in SLC. Great fresh fish and unique rolls. Service was top notch. We had 5 rolls, beers, appetizer and two deserts and it came out to $84 which isn't bad at all. The only downside is it is downtown and I hate downtown traffic/parking. Cost me $10 to valet because there was no parking but that is just something to deal with. I would probably go here weekly if they had decent parking. Imagine role and strawberry fields roll were awesome. Would get those again for sure.
(5)Jeanine K.
Love this Sushi restaurant!!! Always a great atmosphere and hands down the most creative and delicious sushi rolls!! Always a must when in SLC!
(4)M G.
Takashi made me happy yesterday. I'm always on a quest for authentic Japanese food when I travel and I found one! First the place is Japanese owned...which usually makes a positive difference from those that are not. Even if it's just in the ambience, some of you Japanese food hounds know exactly what I'm talking about. I opened the menu figuring I'd order the normal assortment of Nigiri, but what did I see that changed my plan? Soki Soba! A unique style of noodle soup containing pork ribs created and primarily found in Okinawa. I haven't had any since living in Oki 10 years ago. They also serve Orion beer, the brewery itself if in Nago, Okinawa. I guess it might be possible Takashi-san is Okinawan? The sushi chef attending to me was very personable and obviously knew what he was doing. After learning I was intrigued by their use of slivered thai chilis in their rolls...but really wanted Nigiri, he said no problem, I'll make something for you. So he made me a Maguro nigiri with a thin slice of avocado on top and sprinkled with slivers of fresh thai chili. Heaven! I've never seen thai chilis used with sushi and I'm totally sold on that taste. I'm going back again today for lunch and who knows maybe dinner to get my fill before flying home. Ok, two areas that could be improved. The Soki soba was good; however, they finished off the ribs on a grill, charing the meat. That is not done with Okinawa Soba...the ribs are supposed to be stewed, and the charred flavor really marred the soup. Now, perhaps they are catering to local tastes, but it made what could have been a GREAT experience, a so-so experience. Second, when I ordered the soup, the waitress asked if I wanted it with ribs, chicken or shrimp. Ummm, it's SOKI Soba...Soki are stewed, boneless pork ribs, stewed in Okinawa Awamori (alcohol) and soy sauce till they're falling apart (Heavenly when done well). I'd give it a 4.5 stars but that's not an option and I really like this place...so I rounded up. Update 24 Mar 11: Went again for lunch. I've determined that this is the best Sushi restaraunt that I've been to in the US. I just sat at the bar and watched the skillful preparation by the different sushi chefs working behind the bar. They clearly took pride in their work and creations. Attention to detail was evident in each creation, from the sauces, the slice of the fish and the careful presentation. The Miso soup was great...the real deal...not a premade packaged mix. I'm not a huge fan of Maki rolls or rolls in general, but after trying the Ramon roll...then ordering another...well, if I lived here, I'd order it every time! Tuna, avocado, cilantro and thai chilis...you know the unique aroma and taste of thai chilis...heavenly. I tortured my friend currently serving in Afghanistan (he loves all things Japan) by uploading photos of my meal to Facebook and teasing him...Given the time difference he was able to comment back while I was still in the restaurant. :-) Very good service by the staff and chefs...you feel welcome.
(5)Michael C.
Yeah, this place was awesome. I'm from California and have had some of the best sushi around, and Takashi was right up there, which I found surprising given Utah is land-locked. Try the Saba (Mackarel) sashimi. They marinate it for three days in vinegar and it's astounding.
(5)Danielle C.
Wow, giving this place 5 stars reminds me that I've been a little too generous with my 5's. Now THIS place is 5 stars all the way! I visited Salt Lake City a couple months ago and have been dreaming of this sushi ever since. Specifically, the Summit Roll. Oh my goodness the Summit Roll. Um, do you deliver? To Denver? Please?!? First of all, my boyfriend and I came in on a crowded Thursday night and had no choice but to sit at the sushi bar. Best accident ever! The chefs at Takashi are super friendly and fun to watch. And they give great recommendations. Like the Summit Roll. Did I mention the Summit Roll? Oh man, just try it. We had the Summit Roll, a couple different pieces of nigiri (all fresh and delicious), the yellow submarine, ceviche roll, and Ramon's Roll (second favorite of the night). All of the fish was delicious, every piece of sushi was expertly prepared, and you can't beat the friendly folks who work here. I've toyed with the idea of driving 8 hours to SLC just for the Summit Roll and Ramon's Roll. It might happen. I can't get them off of my mind! I've had some of the best sushi in Denver since and it just doesn't compare! You will not be disappointed!
(5)Marc M.
On a street downtown with several other very good restaurants, this was within walking distance of my hotel. There are quite a few sushi restaurants downtown, but this place has to be the best. It is rare to see so many reviews with such a high rating. But trust other Yelpers... it is definitely worth it. The menu is diverse, with many non-sushi items (we tried a waygu beef roll, which was thinly sliced chargrilled beef wrapped around cucumber, carrots and onions. Very good, but it is tough to call this "sushi" as it only LOOKS like sushi. Their drink menu is also good, but expect less alcohol than your typical mixed drink. The only thing I did not like was their salmon skin roll. It was not crispy like I am used to. And there was some orange mixture with it. Did not finish it - yech! Service was good and the place was packed for a Monday night. I can only imagine how hard it is to get in on weekends...
(5)Justin R.
Absolute best sushi in Utah. Nothing else is in the same league. It does fill up fast so go early. Asukura and Strawberry Fields are 2 of my favorite items.
(5)Mike A.
Pricey, but fresh and delicious. I have eaten here twice, once alone and focused on rolls and the second time with a co-worker and focused on sashimi. Our tab for 2, with no liquor came to $190. Service is fast, efficient and friendly.
(5)Merced A.
I have been to Japan and experienced authentic, old school sushi in Kyoto. I am also very discriminating when it comes to food. I am a true foodie. This place is AMAZING!! Atmosphere, quality of food, food presentation, wine list.... EXCEPTIONAL!!! I have moved away from Utah and though I am glad to be out of there, I do miss this place. TRY THE BOX!!! It will blow your mind!!!
(5)Jenny J.
#21 I call these places, theme sushi bars as they exist in cities all over the country. Cities that don't have a true population of true sushi eaters. Case in point. The couple next to me but half a bottle of soy sauce in their miso soup... WTF... Then they had a king sized platter of guess what? California Roll. The place is crowded and well rated but I didn't drink the kool aid. Don't get me wrong, my meal was fine and if I want sushi in SLC, then I guess this is the place to go. Heck, I'm not even a big sushi eater. I do think I know what good is good. I had the Imagine roll which was ok. Some additional pieces of tuna and unagi and i called it a night. Just an average 3 star experience.
(3)Michelle F.
Amazingly tasty sushi! Great quality, incredibly fresh and creative rolls. The staff is friendly and attentive always on top of everything even on busy nights. Absolutely try this place!
(5)Charlie M.
Food was good but I will NEVER be going there again because of a particular server named RAY. He actually followed me and my girlfriend out to my vehicle and accosted me because he felt that we didn't tip him enough.
(1)Daryn E.
As far as sushi goes you really can't beat Takashi in Downtown SLC. I have eaten sushi from NY to Tokyo and the quality and presentation at Takashi can be matched, but can't be beaten. You can not go wrong with anything on the menu here. The TNT, and Strawberry fields rolls are especially good. The saki selection is also amazing and not too pricey. This is a very popular place with locals and travelers and they do not take reservations, so show up early and plan to wait a bit for a table if you come during prime time dinner hours.
(5)Miklos P.
One of the most amazing Japanese restaurants I've been to recently. And I've been to a few from Sydney to San Francisco to New York to Los Angeles. We had to wait a bit for a table for our group of four (20 min) on a busy Thursday night but it was well worth the wait. One of the only "complaints" would be is that as soon as you step in the place is LOUD. So, if you're looking for a quiet, romantic, intimate dinner with a loved one or a date: "forgeddaboutit"! The food is scrumptious! We sampled just about everything from "live" oysters to sushi, sashimi, fried this, steamed that, dessert, Japanese beer, Sake and everything in between. We basically ate our way through the menu! It was amazing! Highly recommend it for anyone visiting Salt Lake City. This place will be well worth a visit if you're into Japanese!
(5)Diana L.
Having only ever lived along coastlines, I will eat very fresh sashimi or nothing at all. It's hard when you're in a land-locked state. Takashi gets their fish deliveries daily, they're kept at the proper temperature and handled with utmost care-- you can most certainly taste the difference. After hopping around to several different spots in town, I can honestly say Takashi is legitimately the best sushi joint in Salt Lake City. And that's just that.
(5)Juicetice F.
Well, my parents absolutely loved this place. If they were planning to have another wedding.. I think they would have it in here and have our annoying waiter be the efficient. They loved everything about it and tried to discourage me from writing a review because they knew it wouldn't be the disney fairytale happy ending that they had. We had a 40 minute wait, but we were seated promptly when we returned to the restaurant after dabbling in the heart of Salt Lake City. It was a Saturday night in the middle of rush hour, so that was totally expected and understandable. We got seated and waited a few minutes before our server greeted us. I can't remember her name, But I'll find it out later. Something to the effect of Stella. We'll call her Stella. Anyway, she came over and took our drink and appetizer order and gave us a two sentence background about the owner. All I got from it was that he was from Peru. A peruvian making Sushi. Blind leading the blind? Miso soup: outstanding. Love love loved it. For someone who hates onions, the onion flavor in the soup added something to it that wasn't found at most other Japanese restaurants I've been to. Unfortunately, that's where the love ended. Stella made three trips to the table before she realized that she forgot my low-sodium soy sauce. It was originally on our table when we got there, but she took it for another party. I think she anticipated that I was about to say something to her when she quickly turned to the most local table and brought it to us. Little things I can surpass.. HEADS UP: If you detest spicy food like myself, or generally do not like it, DO NOT COME HERE. EVERY SINGLE ITEM ON THE MENU HAD SOMETHING "SPICY" TO IT. Stella kept telling us "oh it's not that spicy," but boy was she wrong. First roll we got was the famous strawberry fields roll. we all agreed that this one was the worst, but my parents still liked it. simply put; I hated it. We'll leave it at that. And I eat strawberries as if my life depended on it. Seriously everyone who has had this and liked it must have some kind of medical condition that makes them oblivious to awful foods. second roll was the ramon roll. I didn't have it because it was spicy, parents loved it. Third roll was the tempura deep fried roll. Don't remember the name but it was the first one down on the second part of the menu. REPULSIVE. It had a think, heavy, moldy taste to it, like a bad pumpkin. And this is the standard roll I always order when I go out. On the plus side, it was the least spicy. the last roll we got was the tempura and spicy crab one. Again, didn't have it because it was spicy, but I believe this was my mothers favorite. As for me: I ordered gyoza as that is my staple appetizer at every japanese restaurant I go to. I do not like gyoza when they aren't deep fried, as they just taste like a mix of pig fat and mush. I asked the waitress what she thought about it and she said "well,I don't really eat gyoza, but this is the REAL kind here. Not deep fried. These are boiled and then steamed and we hand make them here." I didn't want them but my dad got them anyway. And guess what! It was just what I expected: mush and fat. Not only that, but there was a spicy sirracha sauce that the gyoza comes in that the waiter delightfully forgot to mention while she was raving about them. Then I connected the dots and thought: who is she to judge if she isn't a gyoza person? Just horrible advertising that makes customers refuse to come back. These rolls are all so small and way overpriced for what you get. I figured that 8 dollars from a roll is way too good to be true (coming from CA where a roll is at least $14+) and surprise! it was. about the crowd and ambiance: The crowd was a bunch of wannabe Californians that felt a inexplicable sense of entitlement the second they stepped through the door. Apparently this is the best they have ever had, so they are extremely snobbish when it comes to this pretend fruit and spice infused sushi. I have had much better luck with Sushi places run by Koreans. At least they're a little closer to Japan than Peru is. I ended up taking the trax to City Creek to get some of the world's best chicken strips at Chick-Fil-A. Much, much, much more delightful than the nauseating filth that was Takashi.
(1)Sam M.
All the good things you have heard are true. And lunch prices are very reasonable.
(5)Greg B.
Ok we get it the food is really good, probably the best sushi in SLC. Here are a few reasons you may want to go somewhere else. You'll have to wait 30 min or more, not a comfortable wait, Very noisy, the tables are not set up well for private conversation. It gets very warm inside as well. If conversation is more important than food, go to Market street next door. For everyone that thinks that sushi near a coast is better, I disagree. The majority of sushi is frozen, actually by law it must be frozen (in the u.s.) to kill parasites. I don't think everyone follows that law, but the stigma that you can't get good sushi away from the coast should be squashed. I'd suggest going at a non-popular time/day.
(4)Karen S.
We were looking for a great place to 'show off' Salt Lake a little bit and great reviews and reputation led us here. The decor was immediately impressive. It feels very nice, without looking down it's nose at you. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable. Our server was super friendly and helpful and definitely kept the water coming, which is important to me. The sushi was good, we stuck to rolls. I don't know if I can say it was amazing, but there were some unique flavors and it was beautifully served. The price was reasonable as well. I'm afraid I can't give you details on what we ordered, but I was glad to be eating there and would do it again. One random tidbit, something I found entertaining, was the full length mirror in the bathroom, positioned so you can be confident that nothing has gone awry with the back half of you during your visit there.
(5)Jason D.
I've been to a number of sushi restaurants in Utah, California, and even Japan. This place is not the best sushi place I've been to, but is easily the best place to find sushi in Utah. The sushi rolls here are uniquely named and cleverly made. Strawberry Fields is a spicy roll that is hard to resist. At first thought one might think strawberries shouldn't go with sushi, but this roll is good. The strawberries, spices, eel sauce, and escolar is an orgasm of flavors in the mouth, a mix of senses. Other than this my favorite rolls include: the Magic Dragon, Yellow Submarine, Rainbow, and Sunshine. A lot of sushi restaurants have really good rolls because they know how to cover the blandness of the fish and the only way to really tell how fresh the fish is is to actually try the nigiri or the sashimi. Fortunately the nigiri and sashimi here are very good. It is easy to tell that the fish is fresh, well as fresh as you can get in Utah anyway. It is always good to try out their seasonal fish, which isn't on the menu, but is shown on the board. The only downsides would be the waiting time, which is border line ridiculous, but is definitely worth it; and the noise level. i was considering giving this place 4 stars as a result, but I love this place too much. Definitely book in advance. If you sit at the bar ALWAYS ask the chef for recommendations. :D Easily the Best sushi in Utah.
(5)Kitty O.
Totally UNDERWHELMED! Yelp has let me down... I was sold on this because of John F.'s review in particular...because I'm from SF, and I've been to Blowfish (my friend actually worked there as a chef). But this was mediocre at best. Yes the sushi was fresh, and I have to say the ankimo nigiri was the yummiest thing I had, but something about the place just wasn't working for me. Maybe I'm kinda a sushi snob... But the atmosphere wasn't working for me either... The non sushi entrees were awful... Even if it's fusion, I've still had way better. We couldn't finish anything we ordered that was not sushi. Tempura was overdone... Eggplant was smothered in too sweet miso sauce (I was expecting something like nasu dengaku but it was just slices of eggplant). Come to SF and have sushi/Japanese...even a 3 star place here is better than this.
(2)Leo I.
A lively restaurant that usually gets busy with conference goers staying at the nearby hotels, Takashi offers decent sushi but it is a bit on the expensive side. Depending on the day and your sitting, service can be fast or slow. Seated at the bar, I had the full attention of a chef who prepared all my orders. He was friendly, polite, and attentive. The ambiance is modern and the space is rather noisy with loud music and conversations creating a club-y feeling. I tried albacore nigiri, a spicy tuna role, and salmon sashimi. The salmon was nicely presented but the slices were thinner than what I am used to at other sushi places. The spicy tuna role was unimpressive. This role is my yard-stick for measuring the average quality of a sushi bar. A sign of a good bar is when the chef or the waiter ask you how spicy you want the role. No such luck here: the role is made with the standard spicy mayo. The albacore was good and I liked the sliced green chili pepper it was topped with as it definitely added a bite. Given the transient clientele that is unlikely to return on a regular basis, Takashi makes little effort to establish loyalty. Nonetheless it's a reasonable choice for sushi if you stay at a nearby hotel.
(3)Andrew D.
Best sushi in Utah. Only sushi house I will eat at in town.
(5)Crystal H.
I would have never even considered going for sushi in Salt Lake City had it not been for Lisa L (LV yelper: yelp.com/user_details?us… ) and SLC's Community Manager, Jeffrey S. Fresh from the plane, I was whisked into this comfortable, modern space that had thinned out as we made our way for a later evening dinner of rolls and sashimi. The list of daily specials is lengthy, the selection of rolls in all of their specialty or standard styles is various and we worked hard to keep up with the assortment. Our server was incredible, giving us suggestions for how to flush out our orders and 'reeling' us in from over-ordering. This was a fortunate step - because I still had time for green tea ice cream, which I believe is sourced from a local ice cream shop. When all was said and done I'd been treated to quite the range: from white fish sashimi, to tataki, vegetable rolls, BBQ eel, and some good medium level spice. And I was left positively perplexed by the freshness and excellent quality I thought could only be found on the west coast: perhaps it's time to step out of my 'shell'tered life and start trying out sushi outside of coastal cities like my hometown of Vancouver.
(4)M J.
As a single diner I was seated at the last place at the sushi bar. To my great good fortune I was in front of the owner. I asked for chef's choice nigiri assortment and was blown away by his artistry, the delicacy of flavors and fish choices. Superb. Magical. I had another order and a serving of fried oysters from the kitchen. Like a Michelin chef, Takashi applies delicate spots of subtle flavors to each creation. Amazing. If you touch shoyu or wasabi to any of these, you should be taken outside and gently scolded. Nice room, very busy and noisy, but not disturbingly so. Attentive professional wait staff and a hard working sushi crew to Takashi's credit for training them so well. Thank you Yelp diners for your reviews. I never looked at the prices and felt my meal was well worth it.
(5)Kelly N.
Another spectacular omakase experience at Takashi. The three of us sat at the bar, and Tommy blew us away. I'm still thinking about the beautiful dishes three days later, and hope to have the arctic char again as soon as possible. Even the saki recommendation was spot on. This was probably my 10th trip here, I generally go straight sushi & sashimi because of the incredibly fresh fish that I would put up against any place in Seattle, SF or L.A. I've also had nights that were with more of a "roll crowd" and they choices are really great there as well. It is a must try for any sushi lover.
(5)Toby N.
We had rolls of a very different twist. It was good. A little bit foreign to me when there is strawberries in a roll, but oddly enough it was put together well. There was a heat and sweet taste which was good the only thing wrong is the flavor overpowered the actual fish. I would like to go back and eat pieces next time and see how the fish would be. For dessert we had a Mango mousse that was very tastie and it looked like Chawan mushi. I have a hard time between here and Naked fish, bot are not bad at all!
(3)Kristine H.
Just adding my rave review to all the others. We flew in from California and a friend took us here. They must fly the sushi in every day? Delicious mouth watering sushi with a large and diverse selection of sake. Great service although crowded so try and get there before 6:30 p.m. as they do not take reservations.
(5)Derek S.
I've gone to Takashi a couple of times and was thoroughly impressed by the food both times. The sushi is best I've had in Salt Lake, the decor is original and fun, and the location is perfect for me. Unfortunately, the service was sup-par both times I was there.
(4)Brandon O.
My favorite place for sushi, hands down. Tried the garlic escargot the last time I went... amazing!
(5)Chase M.
I lived for several years and dined quite well from Hokkaido, to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and even Okinawa. And several exceptionable places in the U.S. as well. My goal is to find the number one Japanese restaurant in northern Utah. Rankings score by quality/freshness, authenticity, atmosphere and price. when you enter Takashi you'll immediate see a row of stacked award plates rising upward from its base to the ceiling. Takashi has certainly won numerous awards. Are they justified? Yes mostly. I ordered my usual round of comparative dishes and they were good. Although the maguro was on the sticky side on a Tuesday. Takashi is your trendy downtown hotspot to sit down for some some good sushi. Atmosphere wise it takes more of the "fusion" approach towards its decor and style. Its definitely upbeat and was very busy! With a group of sushi chefs working feverishly behind the counter they had a full restaurant. But I found its pricing delta to be high for the quality. Overall Takashi was more about location and atmosphere. Good, but I have had better. More reviews to come.
(4)KK L.
Best sushi in SLC! Fresh, delicious, and great service. The Box, Little Mermaid, and Dragon rolls are some of the best.
(5)Robin F.
Lived up to the hype! The small sashimi plate, little mermaid roll, strawberry fields (sounded too sweet on paper but was great) were all perfection. The seared beef appetizer was slightly overcooked but still delicious, along with the pork belly and green papaya salad. Japanese Stout (which hubby chose by default because they didn't have the coconut) gelato was also surprisingly terrific. This is my new fav sushi. As good as the sushi I've had in NYC and Hawaii, and in Utah...who knew?!
(5)Chea T.
By far the best sushi. I crave the Crunchy Ebi roll regularly. I just hate the wait times. I was told they dont take reservations, but now Im seeing they do. Ill have to do that next time! YAY!
(5)Chris V.
This is the best sushi in Salt Lake, perhaps even in Utah at all, Ive tried quite a few places and always come back here, Calamari is incredible, Sushi is incredible (except the T&T, very soggy and not good), one thing I think this place needs more variety is the Sake, there are only 2 kinds by my count, both are good but would love some more variety,I recommend this place to everybody
(5)Alison G.
LOVED the roll that is wrapped in cucumber. Nice and fresh and crunchy and not all the white rice that I'm not such a fan of. My second favorite was a roll with sable fish - can't remember the name of it. Love the vegetarian rolls too. Wish they offered brown rice. Great service!
(4)Kasey S.
One of our favorite restaurants in town. Soki soba or flank steak!
(5)Michelle A.
I love this place! They have the best sushi in Salt Lake City. Great ambience and great sushi. Try the Evergreen with ceviche sauce, and their yellowtail never disappoints.
(5)Frank M.
This place really is great. I felt like I wasn't in the mid west for a moment but back home in New York. The waiters were great keeping the sake hot...or cold, we had both. I'm not a sushi connoisseur but I could definitely tell the difference between the freshness of the fish hear as opposed to other locations. If you're wanting to be hip, cool, or show off for someone this is a trendy place to come. You will spend double as compared to what you'll spend at other locations and if that's OK with you then I recommend it. I'd share more but I blacked out and threw up all over my waiter. It was a tip...
(5)Benjamin I.
Excellent sushi. Pricey. Worth it. Try one of the rice less rolls.
(4)Anne Marie S.
Recently moved here from the Bay Area and I happen to love sushi. This was my first experience with Sushi and Utah and this was not a disappointing place. The sushi was fresh and the delicious. Make sure you get there early because this place fills up fast. The whole experience (minus the inexperience and rude hostess) was good.
(4)Jason S.
Great food with excellent variety. I especially enjoyed the Azakuea steak plate and the riceless rolls. Service was friendly and efficient. My only small quibble is that we felt rushed out the door at the end of the meal without any offer of more drinks, coffee or tea or dessert. Still, we had an excellent meal and it would be an easy recommendation for anyone in Salt Lake City.
(4)John F.
The best of the best. For those of you who love the beyond overrated Nobu (Malibu, L.V., etc.), Takashi will open your eyes. For the good people of SF who love Blowfish, you will welcome this jem, too (thinking to yourselves, ''in SLC-really?''). It truly is some of the best sushi I have ever had. We eat here one to two times a month.
(5)Andrew P.
Well now. I returned to Takashi after a long hiatus, and I can scarcely believe that it's even better than it was before. A little burned out on the "Standard" sushi offerings around the valley, I found it utterly refreshing to sample delights on Takashi's varied and original menu. We were luck enough to sample the amazing Black Magic Woman, and need I even mention the Strawberry Fields Roll? Probably not, but I ordered two, and there were no leftovers. In addition to rolls, the Sashimi/Nigiri was amazing. The fish was supremely fresh and vibrant, prepared well, and presented beautifully, and paired fantastically with a local lager from Epic Brewing. Takashi also offers a wide selection of imported and domestic Sake and Wines too! For great sushi, a beautifully decorated restaurant, and a generally warm atmosphere, I upped my rating to a full five stars. Takashi is definitely as good as it gets for sushi in Utah.
(5)Greg H.
Quite possibly the best Sushi restaurant i've ever been to. Takashi works the bar with about 5 of his other chefs and is a genious with the knife. They have incredible apps and the fish is flown in daily. If you want something a little bit special...walk to the bar and ask Takashi whats recommended for the night! The wait is almost always an hour on the weekends, but the bar serves app and great drinks to make the time go by faster; it's worth the wait! Lived here for 6 yrs and Takashi was one of my frequent dinner spots; now I live in Ca but I always eat at least 1 night when i'm back in SLC!
(5)Jesse F.
Takashi is one of my favorite Sushi restaurants in the Salt Lake Valley, the atmosphere is trendy and modern, sometimes it can be crowded and there is a wait. If you have a group, make sure to call for reservations. The Sushi menu is just right and the quality of the fish is always top notch. They have quite a few specialty rolls, and often times have fish that no other place in Utah will have, such as Spanish Mackeral (which I love). The prices are a little bit high, but worth the quality that you get. I enjoy coming here and will keep coming back. Highly Recommended.
(5)Brendan S.
There is something amazing sitting at the bar at Takashi and watching the precision and craftsmanship of their Sushi chefs and it all seems to be driven by the creativity of the chef Takashi. I have been getting sushi from Takashi since he was at the Japanese dive across the street and my Japanese friend recommend it to me. Now that he has his own place, it is so amazing. I have been in 3-4 times and every time it has been amazing. I had the ceviche salad which was different and very good. The sushi rolls sashi was all very high quality. All the flavors, presentation, and service were perfect. In an earlier trip, I ordered a stake which came sliced up in a tower over a mash and it was fantastic also. Took us 10 minutes to get a seat and the drinks were as good as the rest of the meal. By far the best sushi/Japanese place I have ever been to.
(5)Jorgen M.
This is the best Sushi in Salt Lake hands down. The atmosphere is nice and the sushi is always fresh. Takashi ( the owner) is always there and makes sure things are going right. The hot foods are delicious as well. Service can be hit or miss but that is a Salt Lake thing... Also, expect to wait most nights, they do not take reservations or early call ins.
(4)David B.
Love this place! Best place in SLC FOR Sushi hands down. If you don't like Sushi, they have a great selection of other entrees.
(5)gary c.
Crazy busy, high energy and fun, however, sushi was just okay, rice tasted old. Would not go back!
(1)Cassel M.
Yum! Worth a trip for sure!
(5)Richard G.
Very good freestyle sushi. Takashi offers a wide variety of other Japanese offerings as well, which is a welcome change from the strict sushi offerings of most higher end joints. Usually the only place you can find both is at low-end, something-for-everyone type places. I very much appreciated their special fish menu, offering several fish that I have never had the opportunity to try. The quality of all the fish seemed excellent. The only real complaint I had was that the rolls all seemed a little thin and made too quickly without the craft & quality of some of the greats. The sake list was great!
(4)Jennifer W.
Takashi is by far the best sushi restaurant in Utah. I went with my husband a couple of weeks ago, and it was a great experience. The server took the time to help us pick some great rolls and sashimi. The server was friendly and a helpful - he was there if we had a question, but he didn't hover. My favorite roll was the Magic roll. I'm a big fan of Unagi, and this didn't disappoint. My husband loved the Strawberry Fields roll. It had small bits of strawberries in it, and while I'm not a big strawberry fan, the touch of sweetness was delicious. Everything was very fresh and delicious. I love sushi, and it was nice to find a place that was so good in downtown Salt Lake City. It is expensive, but worth every penny. I'd highly recommend it.
(5)Niaree H.
What is wrong with you all? Seriously, this place has major problems: We called ahead to make sure that we weren't going to come in right before closing. We get there an hour before they close and they all but try to force us to sit at the bar. Like, we are aliens that want to eat a meal at 10 p.m. on a Friday night? No. The boyfriend made them sit us at the table. I ordered noodles with asian greens. No wait. That's really what it's called "Noodles with Asian Greens" - do you know what they served me? A bowl of noodles with like 3 leaves in it. It was tasty, but not at all what I expected when I ordered it. My boyfriend ordered a tiger roll and it was the flimsiest looking thing ever. It wasn't even intact when they served it. I mean if you are going to charge us like $10 for 5 pieces of tiny sushi, do it right or don't serve it. Oh, and then apparently soy sauce is only available before 10 p.m. Because we didn't get any. When we asked for some, they brought the low-sodium crap that I'm not sure anyone even likes. What is the point of low-sodium soy sauce? I have a real problem with a restaurant that is open until 11 p.m. but won't serve you past 10 p.m. because they have the idea that they are going to be out the door at 10:59 p.m. The service was just disappointing. haha I am too angry to even write about it coherently. I only chose three stars, because the food was tasty if not misrepresented and served with angst.
(3)Madhu R.
One of the best sushi experiences I had in my life. Great stuff, not too expensive, and there are so many different flavors at play. They have one sushi roll based on ceviche (with a lime/green onion dipping sauce). Another roll had strawberries, but I wasn't adventurous enough to try that one. If you want standard stuff (Cally roll, spider roll, tuna, etc...), they have that too, and it's crazy fresh and flavorful.
(5)Huntting B.
Most of the time I hate to write a review that will bring down the average. This is no exception, but while the experience was amazing, there was one aspect that forces me to lower my review a star. I will put it at the beginning of the review in hopes that someone at Takashi will read it and do something about it. One of my favorite things out there (that maybe I should stop ordering) is Spot Prawn sashimi. The Spot Prawn is this magical being that comes from the BC area and is a shrimps that tastes like butter and is silky smooth when eaten raw. Normally when served it is served with the head fried for effect or for eating (i prefer eating). It occurred to me as I was ordering that we were somewhat near the west coast, maybe they might have it, though it wasn't on the menu. I asked the sushi chef who wasn't sure what I was talking about, but the guy next to him knew. When I saw him pull it out of the freezer and put it into the sink to thaw I wish I had asked him to stop and ordered something else. Really long story, somewhat shorter: It was very disappointing. When asked about my experience at the end I told the chef that it didn't taste fresh and while everything else was amazing, it was not. He said "oh" and that was the end of it. My request/suggestion is: If everything you do is so wonderful (which it is...and I heard from the people next to me that the oysters are rediculously awesome) it only hurts you to have things that aren't stellar. If you have to keep something that is served raw, frozen in a freezer and thaw it at time of serving, and it'll impact the taste, you should probably just not have it. I had a few of the specialty rolls: The carribean and the...uhhhh...carp, the other one on that list. They were both great. I like spicy food so I asked for it as spicy as they could make it. I was very happy with the effort they put toward that end. While it still was only somewhat spicy, they did integrate two spicy sauces and some serrano peppers and looked in the back for habanero. The miso soup, which normally is just OK, was very tasty in this case. Not amazing, but better than most. The spicy tuna roll was a little disappointing compared to the rest of the food, but was still decent. Now, I mentioned the oysters already, right? yeah. so order them. particularly if they have the Kushi. I wished I could have ordered them but i was SOOOOO full already and they come in an order of 3 and I just couldn't stomach anymore. But the people next to me made several orgasmic like cries throughout their enjoyment of the oysters. Have I talked about these guys enough? Get them! TAG: Japanese
(4)Kelly R.
Stunning food presentation, fun, modern atmosphere, melt in your mouth sushi! It doesn't get much better than this! I was able to try uni and ama ebi (sweet shrimp), things you either can't find or wouldn't dare try at other restaurants. (I've pinned for the ama ebi since eating them here!) Takashi is the best sushi restaurant in SLC and compares to places on the coast in San Francisco and the pacific northwest that I've been to. I recommend this place with no reservations and will happily go back whenever I can!
(5)Liz C.
I have been here a few times, and the sushi is consistently fresh, flavorful, and delicious. This is one of my favorite restaurants in SLC. Be sure to arrive early -- no reservations for large groups -- because this place gets very busy. The spicy rolls are indeed spicy! One of my favorites is the sunshine roll -- avocado inside with salmon outside topped with a very thin lemon slice. It's tangy and flavorful. Fireworks is another good special roll I've had twice: also salmon, and nice and spicy! If you're interested in dessert, I highly recommend the black sesame ice cream. It's nutty and slightly salty, which is a very interesting flavor for ice cream. Smooth and delicious. Takashi has good options for everyone. I went with a group recently, some of whom were rather raw averse, and they were able to get the Tiger Roll (shrimp tempura) and some veggie rolls or soup/kitchen items. The Buddha Roll (veggie) also got rave reviews.
(5)Vee M.
Best sushi in SLC, hands down. I've eaten my way through most of San Diego's sushi scene and feel like Takashi is just as good, if not better, than many of Southern California's finest!
(5)Ody M.
Supposedly, this is one of the best sushi places in Salt Lake City so I came here during my business trip. I'm from California, and I've been in excellent sushi places around the country in my trips. I can't say this place is good/bad. I'd say they're more on the average scale. I ordered their large sashimi combo and T&T roll. Nothing too exciting to mention here. When I come back to Salt Lake City for another trip, I won't be coming back to this place. I'll check out the other sushi places in town. There's gotta be a better sushi place in this city.
(2)Mitch N.
For Salt Lake City, I think this is about as good as it gets. Probably borderline more so on the side of mainstream and "americanized," rather than traditional, simplistic, and authentic... I had ordered a number of items, hamachi kama, agedashi tofu, various nigiri and maki rolls, and abundant amounts of sake. The kama and agedashi was superb. Broiled or fried, how can you go wrong? The sake overpriced. But perhaps it's the Utah drinking laws? Which I'm not too familiar with.. I was quite surprised they had Kohada available but you had to ask for it as it was not on any menu. It was probably on it's 2nd or 3rd day from the market as it was a little fishy. Now when it comes to execution, I was quite surprised at the "show," that some of the sushi chefs were putting on. This is not teppanyaki! I also noticed that the most if not all of the chef's knives were not sharpened at all. Watching the fish squirm when being sliced, the meat moving in unison with each stroke of the knife tells me that not much effort is taken in the pride of their work. Most sushi chefs I've met sharpen on a daily basis, to the point that over the years, their knives have actually reduced in overall size. But overall, I've give it a 7/10, or in Yelp's world an "A-OK."
(3)Alan B.
Each time I dine at Takashi I must suppress a powerful inclination to paint the air blue with profanities relating to procreation, bodily functions, and blasphemy. Below I have furnished some examples that have been subtly sanitized for sensitive readers: "This nigiri is funking amazing!" "Holy shot, you must taste these oysters." "Sweet mother of gob, this elk sashimi is made from super-conentrated white-hot pleasure. Cheeses." There is one significant hazard to contend with when one first tries Takashi: it will eclipse all other sushi establishments, rendering them inadequate and unsightly. This can prove inconvenient, but the joy-to-inconvenience ratio is rather favorable. Be sure to ask the sushi chefs for general recommendations and about their seasonal off-menu items...they really know their shirt.
(5)Julia B.
This is hands down the best sushi you will find in Salt Lake City. Its fresh and the menu is innovative and delicious. My sister ( who lives in Downtown) took us here. Being from LA, i know good sushi when I see it, and this is definitely A+ sushi! I highly recommend the "imagine" roll. Dont come too hungry- there is normally a wait. Luckily there is a bar right next door . Just put your name on the list at Takashi and they'll come get you when your table is ready!
(5)Steff T.
Always a fantastic meal here. Be patient if you decide to go on a weekend evening.
(5)Allie S.
This is defintiely the best sushi place in salt lake city! It is in a great part of downtown where you feel like you are in an actual city too. Which makes it that much better!
(4)Steve M.
Okay, still in Oooh-tah on biz, and decided to try Takashi due to the decent reviews. I wasn't dissapointed. I waited about 20 minutes for a spot between two overweight fella's, but managed to down a large Sapporo while killing time, so it wasn't that bad. Well, usually when I see any whitey's preparing fish, I have doubts about the sushi bar as a whole. I think this is probably due to seeing Karate Kid one too many times, but I guess thats another story. Anyhow, I ordered a variety of rolls, and started with the Albacore Sushi. It was very fresh. I can't remember the names of the rolls I ordered (too many beers), but one had lime and jalapeno in it, with a watermelon dipping sauce. Normally that would be too interesting for me to try, but hey, I was buzzed. It was excellent! I usually wouldn't associate watermelon with raw fish, but the combo worked well. In comparison to the sushi in eat in LA, I was completely impressed by this place. I will definately return to Takashi when I revisit. Oishii!
(5)Robert C.
Some of the best sushi to be had anywhere but the 1-2 hour waits on most nights will force me to stop coming back or stick to lunch. Its just ridiculous how long the waiting is. What a shame!
(2)Lindsey G.
Best sushi I've found in Utah so far. Fresh and delicious. Just 'not quite' coastal sushi. This is as good as it gets away from the coast.
(4)Douglas S.
Took a lunch appointment at Takashi on Friday and was very pleased with the price and food. The sushi quality is as good as any I have ever had but the choices on the menu are limited. As for the other dishes, the sablefish was great but pass on the pork belly. I will go back for sure but it won't become a regular stop and I don't think I would ever wait to get in.
(4)Tyson Q.
This is the best Sushi place I've literally ever been to, and I've been to a lot. The food is fantastic, service great, and the price is completely reasonable. If you're in the Salt Lake City area.. this place is highly recommended!
(5)Michael M.
As with others, I didn't think sushi when coming to SLC, but on a few recommendations I came here - probably the best/freshest sushi I've ever had, or certainly close to it. Atmosphere is good and service was very good.
(5)Manda B.
If you're not a sushi fan, like me, Takashi has MANY other options that are wonderful. I LOVE the short rib soba noodle soup, the agedashi, the barbecued rice & the mixed greens salad. Lovely atmosphere, attentive staff. Please leave the kids at home.
(4)I L.
Best sushi in town deemed by local. I'm from California and we get some pretty good sushi but this place is LIKE NO OTHER. We came in a group on a Tuesday night at 8.45pm not expecting to be No. 10 in the list of people waiting! This place does not take reservations unfortunately but the 45 mins was well worth it. Appetisers: Pork belly: 3 small pieces served with deep fried tofu, miso paste and ground red bean - eat all together and you'll be blown away. Calamari: tini cut piece - nice and tender - mayonnaise was delish Entree: Combination sashimi large: 15 pieces (smallish pieces) Super fresh. Love the fresh ground wasabi- almost love it as much as the fresh ground wasabi in Sushi Samba (NYC). Strawberry field role: this was very unique - must try! love the sweet and zestiness, spiceness - explosion in the mouth. Tuna tataki: good Salmon tataki: mind blowingly good - rough ground pepper imbedded on the sides, delicious marinade of oil. My only complaint was that the hostess was not very good - she put 2 people just before us on a table could seat 5 (our party size) when there was 2 people/ 4 people tables opening up soon. We had to wait for an extra 15 mins due to the oversight of the hostess.
(5)Nathan B.
My wife and I went here for her birthday, and the food was as good as people say it is. We had some amazing rolls, among which was the strawberry fields roll. They were all super delicious! Our server was very helpful when she recommended an alternative to the strawberry fields to finish off our meal. We were as pleased with her recommendation as we were with the rest of what we ordered. Takashi is just plain good, and I'll recommend it to anyone.
(5)Raptor D.
This is the BEST sushi I have ever had. I have traveled with work for 2.5 years and have been to dozens of Sushi Restaurants. This is my favorite. Every roll I have ever had is incredible. I highly recommend the Yellowtail Gunkan Maki & the T&T roll.
(5)Iris N.
Is it wrong that I have only written 7 reviews and I am already doing a second write-up (on one of my favorite restaurants)? This time a GF (girlfriend) and I went for lunch and it was delicious as always. Fried Japanese peppers paired with a Japanese au jus and grilled eggplants with some sort of yummy sauce for appetizers and a sushi roll combo for an entree. We shared everything and it was plenty for two ladies. Come here to get a reasonably priced meal and a high end experience. What can I say, I love this restaurant. Every time I go, it makes my day better.
(5)Thad C.
best sushi in slc
(5)David S.
Good Food and service. A little bit of a wait for a Monday evening. Hung out at the bar next door until table was ready. They sent a text when my table was ready- nice. The rolls were good. The cuts were a little small but the flavors were great. Not sure what the other sushi restaurants are like in SLC but this would be an average sushi restaurant in the Bay Area.
(3)Dash P.
Amazing sushi, fresh, delicious! Hands down best in Utah! Only problem takes A bit to get your orders when it get bussy...be prepared
(5)Gregg S.
Takashi is a testament to the portability of skilled Japanese chefs and overnight delivery. The food at Takashi is wonderful. The maki are fantastic, with a selection of unique, funky, interesting options. The nigiri and sashimi are superb - expertly prepared and presented, and immaculately fresh. For a city in Beef country - not to mention, nowhere near an ocean - they source a broad variety of fish and seafood from around the world. The ambiance is eclectic and funky without being pushy about it. Definitely more "trendy modern Japanese/American" than traditional. It can be a little loud at peak times, but not oppressively so. The presentation is upscale and classy, but not too deliberately so. The sushi bar is a must. The chef's at the bar have introduced me to several fishes I've never tried before, all good. Table service has been spotty at times, though never what I would call "bad". The last time we were there was with a good sized group, and they took great care of us. If you subscribe to the notion that good sushi can only be found in the "usual" US cities, Takashi will disabuse you of that. It will set you back a few bucks, but great sushi is worth it.
(5)James P.
My new favorite sushi place! I've never had a no rice roll, The Summit role was awesome, and the ceviche roll was great with the dipping sauce. It's extremely busy so get all of your rolls with the first order.
(5)Britney H.
I am so disappointed in the yelp reviews for this place. I can only imagine it stems from too much time left waiting at the bar. I was so excited to try this place, mainly because of all the hype, but I was sadly let down. My husband and I came in on a Tuesday night to celebrate Valentines day early thinking it would be less crazy. We were wrong, the place was packed and we waited over and hour to be seated. Once at the SUSHI bar (not the bar bar, this is a non- liquor induced review) we ordered a few rolls. First when you fill a roll with nothing but a huge clump of avocado and cucumber the delicate flavors of the fish you top the roll with disappear. Then just in case that didn't do it the mound of sauce on top of the roll sure would. All three rolls we tried were awful and very disappointing. Then the chef failed to execute a simple chopped spicy scallop nigiri which also came out tasteless. Finally when we wanted to leave it took our waiter 20 minutes to even come over while the whole time the chef was trying to flag him down. We almost asked a manager to close out our bill. This place is living off the hype because I have tasted the food and there is no way they are surviving on taste and texture alone. I would by all means avoid this place and go anywhere else. I do recommend if you do eat here you check your credit card statement later and make sure you weren't over charged by your waiter like we were. They always think you won't notice the little extra tip they give themselves. That alone would keep me out of this place.
(1)Paul N.
Great food. Great service. Corkage fee is only $8. Tip; evergreen roll is amazing! TNT meh
(5)Jeff K.
It pains me to give an establishment with such amazing food a mere three stars, but allow me to explain. I travel a fair amount, and you might be surprised how many sushi restaurants similar to Takashi -- outstanding sushi at reasonable prices, no reservations except for parties over 6, filled to capacity by 6:30pm even on weeknights, often long waits for a table -- there are elsewhere in the country. In my hometown of Austin, a place called Uchi (whose chef is good enough to have landed on "Iron Chef") fits the description almost exactly. Ditto Tomoe and Bozu in NYC. The difference between all of these places and Takashi comes down to effective kitchen management: they have it, and Takashi does not. Instead of setting up some sort of system to gradually dole out dishes to various table, Takashi apparently just lines orders up sequentially and serves all of a party's food at once (at least if you're not at the sushi bar). A wait of 45 minutes or more for food at a relatively small restaurant is simply inexcusable. Love the food, but Takashi has service issues in DIRE need of correction.
(3)Kenji T.
Simply put, this is my favorite place to eat in America. I travel to eat, and I've been to San Francisco, Seattle, NYC, Chicago, DC, LA, etc...I always love coming back to SLC to eat here. Try the soki soba and umimasu.
(5)Jenci S.
One of the most delicious sushi restaurants I've ever eaten at anywhere. So good we went there for dinner one night and lunch a day later. Everything we had was fresh fresh fresh. The Puff the Magic Dragon roll was one of our favorites; but the roll with the crispy salmon skin was equally as delicious. I'm pretty sure any roll would be a safe bet. Definitely worth a visit.
(5)Jason F.
This wonderfully decorated sushi restaurant serves up some of the most innovative and creative sushi in Salt Lake City. And it tastes great to boot! I have enjoyed all my experiences here very much. The atmosphere is wonderful and really put you in the right mood. The loud buzz of people and the music helps create a marvelous surrounding influence which further puts you in the mood for enjoying the restaurant. Takashi doesn't just "get" sushi they "own" it. The menu has a plethora of exciting options for you to choose from. I haven't been disappointed with any of my choices thus far. Each of the various rolls or nigiri is able to splendidly excite my palette just the way a good sushi creation should. The flavors should be bold and exciting and they are indeed. The sauces are interesting and complement the bits of little wonder tucked away in each delectable morsel. If you want a fine sushi dining experience then this is your destination. A reservation is highly recommended.
(5)Spencer B.
This is a great sushi place by any standard, and is often crowded. Think about making reservations. Consider trying... DRINK Smoke Screen - Saki, yuzu, and Qi (smoke tea liquor) SUSHI Ceviche - I think this is the best thing TNT Roll Ramones Roll Strawberry Fiels Roll - Strawberrys and fish...who knew!?
(5)Sara P.
Takashi makes exceptional sushi, no question. That said, make sure you check with your server if you have sensitivities to spice; most rolls seem to be spicy either in the roll itself or in the specialty sauce. The evergreen was light and delicious but has a bite of jalapeño. You must try the strawberry fields roll. It's exclusive to Takashi and is quite delightful. It's not spicy at first, but it packs a punch if you eat a few back to back. Enjoy!
(5)Natasha C.
What can I say, I didn't and was not expecting much for Salt Lake City, Utah. Then again, my expectations were thrown out the door once I got off that plane. This sushi place was completely and utterly unexpected and yet amazing, like a slap on the ass during foreplay. (Yikes)...The food was in perfect proportion, not cluttered with a ton of rice but with flavor and a huge part of the umami world was unfolded. From the toro with a smattering of olestra caviar on top and a mysterious sauce in a spoon to accompany the freshness they call sushi. The sauce exploded with flavor and richness to bring out the delivery of my ocean fantasy. Ok, I'm getting way too caught up on the food here but hey, like I said, it was completely and crazy unexpected and I loved every bit of it. This place apparently gets really super busy but I got lucky with my colleague and we got sat at the sushi bar immediately. I didn't mind we were rubbing elbows with the people around us because the food was delivered quickly but with care and the fish displayed still had that quiver and shimmer of fresh kill. I missed out in meeting Takashi the owner but the servers were on it, immediate water fill, fresh napkins and the likes even with the business of grand central station! I must say the hostesses and servers were all eye candy too, it was all a great experience for all the senses! A must go, look for their specials! They use Thai chilis for one of their riceless rolls that kicks you in the mouth but is sure to kiss you before it fucks you up, sure does throw all those other sushi places that dictates their rolls as "spicy" out the mf door. Delish~~~~!
(5)Ernie K.
This probably is the best sushi joint you can find in SLC but the wait is just so damn long and they only take a reservation for a party of 6 or more. I remember having to wait over an hour last time I went (about a year ago) . And again, the wait was 40+ minutes so we ended up going someone else and came here the next day for lunch. Their rolls were still good and if it was the long (_x_) wait, I would have given this place a 5-star rating. Oh, I saw Ono (a gold medalist in speed skating) there. Bastard! Give that medal back to that Korean dude!!!! JK
(4)John L.
Best sushi I have had in SLC! I live, and eat sushi, in San Diego (which can be great, by the way), but every time I go to Salt Lake, I try to hit Takashi. They have some great fusion recipes and some sushi combinations I have not had anywhere else. To anyone that has had a bad experience at Takashi, Go back! I have never had a bad experience there, and would still go back even if I did. Finally, they are one of the few sushi restaurants I have ever found to carry the Japanese import beer, Orion. Beats Kirin, Sapporo and Asahi, every time! Cheers, John
(5)Travis W.
Takashi is great and the best in the state.
(5)Skylar W.
People kept raving about this place, and I kept saying to myself, "OK I need to go try it." Turns out that I have been to this place already, about 6 months ago. That's how memorable it was. Granted that there's no GREAT sushi in Salt Lake, but there was nothing special that set this place apart. Pretty standard Salt Lake sushi. I'll give it another shot to see what I may be missing. `
(3)Joe S.
So I normally don't feed into the hype...okay, I kid... yes I do, but I admittedly am there to burst the bubble. I came with the my best skepticism, but was sorely disappointed. This place was incredible and rivaled many of my favorite Sushi places in Southern California, which is saying a lot for this land locked state. When I order sushi, I never get the foo-foo stuff. I rate the restaurant on the quality of the fish, cut and company. Therefore, tonight I ordered a Sashimi platter (mackerel, yellow tail, salmon, albacore) and Nigiri (trout, Arctic Char, Japanese uncured mackerel) Quality: A Star ! This was some of the of the freshest fish I have ever had. The one really good thing about a Sushi restaurant that's popular and moves a lot of patrons is the fact that they get their sushi frequently and fresh. I can't speak highly enough of their Mackerel, not too cured. The Char and Trout was interesting... I can't say I would recommend them over yellow tail and albacore. No less, they were incredible. Service: A Star . Despite being incredibly busy tonight, I was impressed by the speed of my sushi chef. Nicely done. Value : A star awarded - think about this : $15 for four different kinds of fish (2 pieces each). Around five dollars for most of their Nigiri sushi (2 pieces). For some of the best sushi around, you can't beat this. Presentation : A star awarded - very well presented. Good attention to detail. Misc: A Star- That's right - A star. Their performance does indeed live up to the hype. If you're in Downtown Salt Lake City.. this is definitely one of their best..
(5)Dustin B.
This place isn't as expensive as I was led to believe, but the food is as good as I was led to believe. I kept putting off going here because I was expecting $20 rolls of sushi and $7-10 for nigiri; walking out the door $50-60 per person lighter. But prices are very reasonable compared to other actual restaurants, and in terms of how good the sushi it it's actually a bargain. Simple ebi (shrimp) nigiri is $4 for 2 pieces; most fish is between 4-6 for two pieces; only a few more exotic pieces go higher. A lot of sushi-snobs will advise paying the extra for the toro nigiri because the fatty tuna is supposedly better than your standard tuna sushi. My advice is to stick with what you like no matter whether it's considered fancy or not. Personally sake (salmon), ebi and tako (octopus) are my favorites. I have the benefit that they're generally pretty cheap and easy to get good quality year round. Try it all out and find your preference regardless of what people tell you is the best. And rolls are spectacular here with a lot of interesting creations to create some unique flavors without going overboard from sushi to just "Asian-Fusion". I especially liked Takashi's Hakazushi "The Box"; it's pressed Oshizushi style similar to what I remember while staying in Osaka and Kyoto. The three types of fish have an excellent flavor with just a hint of heat. There are alternatives to sushi if you're like my father and dislike anything raw so feel free to bring people here even if they don't like sushi; they won't be stuck with a salad watching you eat. Also people will tell you there are rules to eating sushi. From my time in Japan I learned there is only one. Enjoy the sushi. Ok, and don't be a total slob. But other than that you can eat it with fingers, chopsticks, dip it upside down, right side up, with wasabi, without, in one bite, in three bites; sushi is about enjoying the flavor of the fish, how you do that is up to you. The only real recommendations I heard were, gari (pickled ginger) is a palate cleanser, too much wasabi will hide the delicate flavor, and beer is a better compliment to sushi than sake because it's not rice based (rice+rice=too much rice). I was there on a weeknight and valet parking on Market Street in front of the Melting Pot was $4, same or cheaper than any other downtown parking, plus you can get validation at Takashi's. If you're putting off going because you're under the impression that Takashi is too expensive or too posh, forget that and try it out.
(5)E P.
My favorite sushi in town, and that is saying a lot. Those who know me would call me very well seasoned in the sushi world. :D Reason why: artsy, not overpriced (perfectly priced, really- whereas some places in town have half the quality for twice the price). They're really dedicated to trying new things here, and giving you a different experience. Chef Jake is awesome.
(5)Romain C.
i agree with warren m that this place screamed hipster joint. seems like everyone will ignore you if youre not hip enough. i wasnt even asked how my food was, only asked if i wanted more sushi or drinks. i was given the bill without me having to ask for it. ordered escarole sashimi and magic dragon roll. i dont know why the sashimi was brought waaay earlier than the roll. most sushi places brings them out together. the sashimi was not fresh, but the magic dragon roll was BANGIN'! for that i'll give four stars.
(4)E.M. B.
Takashi never ceases to amaze me. We went in at 7:00 on New Years Eve, pretty much expecting not to get a table... we were told 30 minutes, which on a regular night at Takashi, is great! They sat us in about 15-20 minutes. SCORE! Our server was extremely busy, and I thought the sushi chefs hands were going to fall off from how fast they were rolling, but we received everything in a timely fashion and our server was right there when we were low on water or needed another beverage.... which is really just a bonus, we never mind waiting as long as we have our Asahi beers. Pork Belly, Curry Clams, the steak app (can't remember what it was called, but it was $9 for a huge appetizer of med-rare steak), the summit roll, ama ebi, uni, and tai sashimi were our selection.... perfect, delicious, scrumptious, and any other mad-lib adjective for 'awesome'!
(5)Megan L.
Overall this was a good sushi place. The decor was modern, clean, and interesting. The dishes were beautifully arranged and pretty tasty. The menu had more traditional sushi restaurant staples as well as plenty of creative twists. We had some chilled unfiltered sake which was good. The downside of the experience was the service. We had to ask three times to get served glasses of water and when we were served it was by a waiter not our own. Overall, 3-4 stars for the food, 4 stars for the decor, 2 for service.
(3)Mario S.
I say start with soup/salad (asian caesar is unique, miso is exceptional). Buddha roll is awesome. And there was some appetizer with fried tofu and a killer sauce smothered with giant bonito flakes. Pretty crazy, the bonito flakes were squirming. And they kept squirming until the end of the meal. It was like something out of Star Trek or Indiana Jones. Quirky decor and mostly awesome service (there was a hostess that I think was having a bad night, but our server was terrific). Oh, they don't take reservations after 6:30, and it can get super crowded. If you're deep on the list, no worries, hop next door for a martini at Kristauf's, which is cool.
(4)Amy F.
The best sushi!!! I have been at NUMEROUS sushi restaurants (including Nobu) and Takashi has completely ruined me... everything gets compared to here. I have had the honor of sitting at the bar with Takashi himself on my husband's birthday and we even received a special treat from him for the occasion. I love that when we come in the sushi chef knows us and what we want to order first... SPICY MUSSELS WITH QUAIL EGG... then we always ask for a suggestion and we have NEVER been steered wrong... Favorite drink in the Rosy Glow Sake... can't beat it!!! The sashimi is mouth-watering and melts in your mouth, no soy sauce needed here!! I would travel for Takashi because nothing compares!!
(5)Timothy S.
Excellent sushi! I'm in town on business and a friend recommended Takashi. I was in the mood for vegetarian, and their offerings did not disappoint. I can't wait to go back for fish next time!
(5)Jim A.
Been a Takashi fan and patron for many years. Never been disappointed. Consistently fresh, creative, absolutely scrumptious sushi. Truly impressive. Have eaten sushi all over and, amazingly, Takashi ranks at the very top, in land-locked SLC! If you have never tired Escolar, don't miss it. If there is better sushi in town, someone please tell me where it is!
(5)Sarah S.
A friend took my husband and I there while we were in town last weekend. GREAT experience. The sushi was great, wonderful service (from the hostess to our waiter). Yes, it was busy, but we went there expecting it to be.
(4)Adam B.
I seek out the best sushi restaurants wherever I go and and very picky when it comes to fresh fish. Everything thing here was good but it definitely won't impress those that really know fresh fish. Maybe this is a better place to enjoy rolls with sauce that hides the flavor. With most of the fish, the consistency was on but the flavor was lacking. I sat at the bar and had omakase. The rice was way too cold and nothing special. I felt the ceviche at $20 was a waste of money. I don't see myself going back here.
(4)Christie D.
This place is so amazing. The sushi is the best in Utah. They do really clever rolls (i.e. the "Strawberry Fields" roll) that involve dynamic flavors that are unexpected and surprisingly delicious. The space is lovely and the servers are helpful without being pushy. The only drawback is the parking but valet is available and generally worth it.
(5)Alexandra B.
This was one of my best experiences dining in Salt Lake City. The service was superb and and the food was amazing. Definitely check it out!
(5)Rhianna R.
I. Love. Takashi. I've been frequenting Takashi since it opened back in 2005(?) and am always pleased. The service is great and the sushi is excellent. You can't go wrong with the Sunshine Roll, Tuna Tataki, or Crunchi Ebi. Try to sit at the sushi bar and watch the chef's work their magic. Chat them up too, they're all very personable!
(5)Josh S.
Food was good but not worth the hype. There are other places to choose from in Salt Lake that are better and have better service. We didn't get in until 10pm and they close at 11pm so maybe we didn't get the full experience because it looked like the staff wanted to go home. Parking isn't great and it feels like you are going down an alley to get the restaurant. While waiting for a table we went next door to a little bar and waiting. Drink prices were reasonable but it was a little loud for me.
(3)Annie Y.
This place is amaaaaazing. Fresh fish. Great service. And if you're not drunk enough at the end of dinner you can always walk next door to Kristauf.
(5)Saul G.
Takashi is really the only place I will get sushi in Salt Lake. I have had decent experiences at Naked Fish but Takashi has everything. I think the mark of a truly great sushi restaurant is a well crafted and well executed kitchen menu. Most sushi joints have one merely as an afterthought...something to serve to the squares who don't like raw fish...they'll have tempura, they'll have fried tofu, they'll have teriyaki steak...all only half-assed usually. Being half Japanese myself I swear by their agedashi tofu...it's like my g-ma used to make. Also their soba is awesome. Probably the only sushi place I could go to and not have a single piece of fish and be satisfied. Grilled eggplant (nasu) is not to be missed either. Now onto the fish... I have been a regular here for a number of years and their turnover as far as sushi chefs is very minimal, which means consistency. Takashi-san himself is behind the line very often and is very friendly, engaging and efficient. But so are Tommy, Jacob, Tony and Ryan among others.... The selection of fish ranges from your usual maguro and hamachi to needlefish, fresh bonito, fresh sardines and some of the best saba I've had anywhere. They serve non-traditional rolls that involve fruit (my g-ma would cringe) but they do a very good job with traditional stuff too. The non-traditional stuff can be very good tho, and I have certainly enjoyed flavor combinations I never thought I'd enjoy. The atmosphere is boisterous and any given night of the week you should be prepared to wait unless you are there by yourself when you can usually get sat at the sushi bar right away. They have a small bar area where you can wait and have a drink before you sit as well. All in all Takashi is always a good experience.
(4)Antonietta T.
This is easily the best sushi in Salt Lake City. Yes, I've been everywhere else, and yes it may seem expensive... but the quality of fish and the quality of all their other ingredients are top notch. The rolls are always fun to try and are usually more filling, but Takashi has incredible nigiri. You absolutely MUST have the torched sablefish, it's perfectly flamed and has the perfect wasabi compliment beneath that beautiful little piece of fish. Also, as I have only been eating sushi for about four years, I know there are plenty of things that I still need to try, and this is the best place for it. The monkfish liver pate sounded scary and a little too odd, and I ended up loving it- and I've ordered it every time ever since. The one aspect of Takashi I wish would improve is the service. I've noticed other people here have been disappointed mostly because of the wait stafff and I must admit I've often felt the same way. The servers here seem judge tables by what they order and how much they order, age, and even group size. Whoever looks like they'll tip the best gets the best service. I've gone with friends my age and had horrible service, then had the same server weeks later with my parents and he was impeccable. I don't know whether it's worth giving in and trying to appear more important and thus a greater tipper, but hey, it works. Don't avoid Takashi because of the waitstaff. It's worth every penny, even if the servers think you're a princess or a schmo. JUST GET THERE EARLY
(5)Brody Y.
Amazing food, I travel all over and try sushi and this is by far one of the top places I have been.
(5)Juehua Y.
very nice, waiting was long through.
(5)Shannon W.
Finally tried Takashi for the first time and I have to say after reading all the hype I was really underwhelmed. It was good, not great. It definitely could have been better. We tried the strawberry fields roll, and I think that the strawberry should have been sliced thinner and not cut into chunks because the strawberry would separate from the rest of the roll and would create for an odd taste. The one time I did manage to keep the strawberry with the rest of the roll it tasted ok. The other rolls we tried were overly sauced and just bland. The sushi rice was kind of mushy as well. I would say try another place because this one is just run of the mill.
(2)Haley G.
I'm a food snob - ESPECIALLY when it comes to Japanese food. I blame it on my Japanese mother and the fact that I grew up in Japan. In any event, when it comes to Japanese food in Utah, it doesn't get any better, fresher, or more authentic than this place. I've gone a handful of times and haven't been disappointed. Sure, there are still splashes of fusion throughout the menu and very few entrees are truly authentic, but I'm still giving this place 5 stars because for Utah, it IS "as good as it gets!"
(5)Stevens F.
One of the best contempary sushi places in town. Chef Takashi is always pleasing the customers and flaring up some new dishes as he goes. When I first go to a new place i like to try their signature dishes. most have a few but Chef Takashi had so many that i could not get a chance to try it all. must come back soon
(5)Chris B.
Fantastic environment.
(5)Anna M.
Unbelievable! Wonderful sushi in Salt Lake! This place is great. Be prepared to wait for seating, but there is a great martini bar next door, so I suggest you wait there until a table is ready. I had the sparkling sake. I am now in love with it! It was so light and crisp with very small bubbles. We ordered Sake Nigri, Magic Dragon roll, and the Ceviche roll. The Sake was some of the best I have ever had. It just melted in my mouth. We had to get a second order. The Dragon roll was perfection. It was a little sweet with some of the best eel I have ever tasted. The Ceviche roll was so unique and really tasty! The ceviche sauce is where it's at, just be sure your dining companion eats it as well...it gives you some serious breath, but it's so worth it! Service was great! We will be back later this month when we are back in SLC!
(5)Jessica L.
Loved my experience at Takashi. Food was great all around including the TNT with the special spicy dipping sauce, the Crunchy Ebi, the zesty clam appetizer, and the...yellow submarine?...something like that name, with the special ginger dipping sauce. The chocolate tarte with the raspberry sauce was great too. Waiter was courteous and helpful. Their specials were very creative. I'll be back. Oh, and the valet parking was easy and worth it - right out front.
(5)Heidi G.
excellent service and food. ribs was fantastic. sushi was fresh and done well waiter was knowledgable and courteous.
(4)Jonathan G.
Hands down the BEST sushi in Salt Lake City. Surprisingly they are just a little more expensive than some of the other sushi bars in town... but they far surpass them in quality. When I speak of quality, I refer not only to the sushi itself, but to the presentation of the food and the detail that goes into the plating of each dish. Every plate looks like a piece of art. Service at the sushi bar is fantastic. For the adventurous in heart, you can ask the sushi chef to surprise you with several of their favorite dishes which you won't find on the menu. I'm a huge fan. I think I've been to just about every sushi bar in SLC and you really won't find me going anywhere else for my sushi fix. I'm not a drinker, so I can't speak to their sake selection... though the people around me sure don't seem to complain.
(5)Y K.
Still great food. I see that they updated the menu with some trendy items - like pork belly. Can't go wrong there. Still excellent service and same, familiar, delicious food. Quality of service/food/drinks and ambiance/feel remain unchanged and as vibrant as when it first opened. I got the yakisoba updated with some charred pork ribs. It was insanely melty and soft, although the broth was slightly on the underseasoned side. As always, highly recommended and price is extremely competitive when looking at sushi restaurants of equal calibres in major cities.
(5)E W.
The pork belly here is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Good place for Soba, but make sure you ask for the spice mix. One of the best places for sushi in Utah. The cucumber dry soda goes great with sushi. I've been here a handful of times and am never disappointed.
(4)Jocelyn E.
What can I say? Excellent service, food and atmosphere. This is one of my favorite local restaurants. On a recent visit we branched out and got the steak with the sushi. Fabulous. I recommend the flourless chocolate cake and coconut ice cream. Love takashi!
(5)Sarah W.
Visiting from the Bay Area, I admit I'm spoiled. We have amazing food and it really is tough to compete. Congratulations Takashi, you competed and won. Although my recollection is somewhat cloudy due to intake of sake, here are the standouts of my visit: The Summit- roll wrapped in cucumber- YUM Caribbean Roll- You had me at mango House made Limeade- Perfect to wash down the spicy rolls Flourless chocolate cake (we substituted the green tea ice cream for coconut icecream)- AMAZING! When (and if) I ever find myself in SLC again.. I'll be back for you :)
(5)Nick P.
Who woulda thought that Salt Lake has some of the best sushi in the country? Takashi rules! Every roll is great, the saki is great, the service is great, overall I'd say this place is great! I recommend the TNT roll, the Black Magic Woman roll, The Strawberry Fields roll, the Philly roll and the Buddha roll. Superb atmosphere and service as well.
(5)Andrew H.
Many of my friends talked highly of this place as the best sushi place in Utah. I would argue that there are better places in Utah. Takashi is reasonably priced with a decent selection of fish and rolls. The combination plates are OK and the service decent. This is not a place to bring little children to. My wife, son, and I ate lunch here while in SLC for the day. The place seemed to have plenty of waiters, but it took some time to get our order in and to receive the check at the end (1 hr 27 min for lunch). Eating at the sushi bar will let you eat quicker than if you eat at the tables. Takashi did not have a booster seat for my son (3 yrs old), but did have a high chair. Overall a harsh start and finish to a decent meal. We ordered the Haru for my son as it was teriyaki chicken, tempura, rice, salad, and miso soup (which they initially forgot to give us). The tempura and miso soup was really good, and the teriyaki chicken was the American style which was a little disappointing. For the combo plate I give 3 stars. My wife and I shared the small sashimi dish (4 stars), Takashi roll "The Box" (2 stars), and the Magic Dragon roll (4 stars). Sashimi was very uniquely cut from what I am used to and not all of it was raw, but tasted good. I do prefer not having skin on any cut of sashimi though, and prefer sashimi to not be seared as well. All the rolls did have great sushi rice with them. Takashi's "The Box" is a 4 fish meats with sushi rice rolled in a box shape without any nori. It would have been great if they did not over power the flavors with the taste of sesame. It was nice to have one decent roll in the Magic Dragon. It had a nice flavor, but was not what we expected from the description. Overall our lunch was nothing special with some disappointments. I would go here for the fish selection in the nigiri or sashimi, but the rolls are better elsewhere. The wait staff is sometimes slow, but the food does come together and tastes OK. This is not a place to bring children to. Still one of the better sushi places, but no where near the best. I still prefer a Park City location for my sushi.
(3)D D.
Made another trip out to SLC, 2 nights and 2 more visits to Takashi. Brought a coworker who agreed that it's, hands down, the best sushi in the world. Both of us have traveled to Japan and prefer Takashi; it's THAT good. Had so many different dishes that I don't even know where to begin: Off the top of my head, I know that I tried the Black Magic Woman, Yellow Submarine, TnT, Puff the Magic Dragon, and of course, my Easy Rider. Add to this flash fried Utah trout, gyoza, seared sablefish nigiri, and some concoction that involved fatty tuna tartare with caviar and truffle oil. NOTHING -- and I mean nothing -- was short of fabulous. I left both meals sick from overeating. Service was A+ at both the sushi bar and tableside.
(5)John Z.
Without a doubt Takashi has created an amazing sushi place. His softshell crab rolls are the best on the planet. Also be sure to try the spicy mussels. It can get very busy (with all the hipsters) on the weekends, so try for a weeknight.
(5)Jennifer L.
If you are in Salt Lake and you like sushi this place is a MUST! I walked in on my own in town for business on a busy Friday night. I hadn't even been thinking about there being a wait but when the girl in front of me was told it would be an hour I got worried. The girls up front were super sweet and since it was just me they got me a seat at the sushi bar within minutes! Score! The sushi...amazing! I was surrounded by people talking about how amazing their food is and how they make special trips here for it or always stop in when in town. After my first bite of their buttery salmon I knew why! They have some very reasonably priced roles in the $5-$6 range but I splurged a bit. Per my hot and tattoed sushi chef I tried The Summit that was wrapped in cucumber instead of the traditional rice/seaweed and I also had the phenomenal Forrest Gump roll. It was honestly probably the best sushi roll I've ever had...two kinds of shrimp, a buttery white fish and a unique sauce...love love love. Doesn't hurt that my sushi chef was adorable but the quality of the food was beyond perfection...and that's coming from an LA girl who knows her sushi. Next time I'm in town I know where I'm going first! A+++++
(5)Alex W.
I think that is it for me. No more Takashi. I sat at the sushi bar as always. This time had another sushi chef prepare my order. Ordered the Box roll to start. It was sloppy and falling apart as I was trying to grab it. Then to the main course which included amaebi, sablefish and others. I noticed that the amaebi head had just been deep fried but instead of serving it, he was too busy trying to take care of some of the orders from the tables. Ten minutes later, he started preparing my sushi orders and tried to prepare everything at once. The conclusion was that the heads for the amaebi were cold, the torched sablefish was cold, and one of the fishes had a sizable piece of bone which is unbelievable! The way they have the sushi chefs struggling on the orders from the sushi bar and from the tables just does not work. I would suggest splitting them to have some just serve the sushi bar and some work on the table orders. Well, too bad this place has just been going downhill... .
(3)Josh K.
Best sushi in the least likely place (Salt Lake City!!) Takashi has very creative and culinary sushi, along with a great atmosphere. Takashi should be the first restaurant to try in Salt Lake if you're visiting.
(5)Marie W.
i ADORE takashi! i moved to salt lake from san francisco, and hands-down, this is the best sushi i've had in any city. multiple thumbs up!
(5)Cameron C.
Absolutely the best sushi restaurant in Utah... and one of the best anywhere! Don't even look at the menu, just tell them to have the chef to decide on a variety of their best dishes. Great experience every time!
(5)Holly L.
I love Takashi. Fabulous sushi, great atmosphere. Delights all my taste buds!
(4)Trevor P.
Wow! This sushi was coastal fresh and the rolls we excellent.
(4)Betsy H.
As far as sushi in Salt Lake goes, Takashi does it best. It is truly surprising to find such fresh fish in a completely landlocked city. The best time of day to go is lunch time- you can avoid the crowds and there will be no wait time. We went on a Friday at 1pm, and were seated immediately. There were only 2 or 3 other tables full. Evenings are a different story- there is often a 30-40 minute wait. Our server, Gina, was awesome. She made great reccommendations, was very familiar with the menu, and was helpful and prompt. The hostess, however, was.... snooty and cold. Glad I didn't have to see her for more than 30 seconds. The ambience and decor are awesome. The dining area is very clean, and has a very urban, industrial feel. Big, Japanese paper lanterns add some whimsy and charm. But, by far the best part of the experience was the food. Incredible!!! I took our servers reccommendation and ordered the Solstice roll- avocado & cucumber rolled in rice, with Alaskan salmon and nectarines on top. Pretty much the most divine thing to ever pass through my lips- is foodgasm a word? Because that is the only word that can accurately describe how good the Solstice is. Its not on the menu; it is occasionally available as a special, and our server said they will almost always make it for you if you ask. I should also note that the menu actually has quite a big variety. There are plenty of options for people who are "raw-fish-a-phobic". The Tiger's roll is an awesome totally cooked roll, and there are even vegan rolls available.
(5)Sarah C.
WIth 202 reviews at the time of my writing this, all I have to say is that I am kicking myself for not going here earlier.
(5)Daniel L.
It is truly a gem. In my experience, it is comparable to the best sushi restaurants in LA, SF, Chicago, or NY. For me, it is all about the fish. The selection is unparalleled in SLC. It is fresh and melts in your mouth.
(5)Neil N.
Wow. Shock and awe. The sushi here is as good as any sushi I've had on the East or West Coast. Whodathunk it that this little spot in Salt Lake would have such a great selection of top-notch fresh sushi. Had several different rolls - all great, but Strawberry Fields and Yellow Submarine were off-the-charts. Never tried Escolar before - but I'm definitely going back for another helping the next time I'm in town!
(5)Cori L.
Very up scale, very delicious sushi but the prices are a little steep for me. I can not complain though about the service or the food, both were great but it is expensive and not so superior that I am willing to pay the extra dough. I will be back just when someone else is picking up the tab.
(4)Dian C.
The best meal on a recent trip to Utah. I was beginning to think that SLC didn't have any decent restaurants! The wait wasn't too bad on a Monday night for a group of three. The decor was whimsical and the red and white lanterns of all sizes made the large space feel cozy. We had the sablefish appetizer (sablefish is their specialty) and it was very soft and flavorful. The only complaint was that the service was a bit slow. We ordered three rolls, spider, rainbow, and spicy tuna. The spicy tuna roll, the easiest one to make, came out about 30 min after the other two, way after we'd finished them. When the spicy tuna roll finally did come, it was completely worth it! this spicy tuna roll had a large chunk of fish (not pureed or whatever chopping is usually done with it) so it tasted more fresh. The portions could have been larger, but I'll take quality over quantity any day.
(4)Andrew S.
I love Kyoto, I like Takashi. Now Takashi is by no means bad, but at the same time it isn't traditional either. The fish is always fresh and the rolls are almost always tight. The flavors are wonderful and the combinations worthy of the plate, but at the same time I have never caught a Yellow Submarine at the end of my fishing line. If you are looking for New York style, trendy sushi in a trendy environment then this is the place for you. If you want traditional sushi with traditional names then try some of the other choices in SLC.
(4)Clifton L.
Very nice place. Came in for lunch, sat down, and just had the chef recommend a couple of rolls. Very tasty to say the least. Service was very nice as well. Was in too much of a rush myself to enjoy everything, would like to come back for a little more time next time.
(4)Artin F.
AMAZING sushi, all the rolls are good.
(5)Star P.
Maybe this place was over hyped to me since moving here but the sushi was barely adequate. And the service was below that. She kept apologizing but not getting any better. For the experience, price and quality of the food, I prefer Ichiban in SLC. Or Yellowfinn.
(3)Adam C.
I've eaten here and loved it.. .went back... was kind of surprised they still brought us a bill when two of our party became physically ill at the restaurant... had to leave to vomit... we paid just to get out of there and I was in no shape to argue... by the time we got home 4 out of 5 of us were really ill.. .the other person had avoided the fish. My wife and I just spent the night puking and I feel horrible. Aside from the fact the restaurants should avoid poisoning their customers... when they do, they certainly shouldn't charge them. Will be calling the health inspector on monday morning... but till then going to spend the rest of my weekend feeling horrible, sweating, and dry heaving. Usually a great place... but very little help when they screw up this badly. dropped $500 to ruin my weekend.
(1)Amber M.
Takashi is by far the best sushi in SLC, if not the country! I've paid a lot more for sushi on both coasts and NOBODY beats Takashi's creativity. You'll find good ol' standbys as well as over the top creative rolls and non-sushi fare. If I could eat at only one restaurant for the rest of time, this would be the place!
(5)Greg L.
Recommend the Magic Role. Good atmosphere and service. Fresh and great flavors. Sitting at the bar is enjoyable because the sushi chefs will have conversation with you.
(5)Keith N.
Coming from Chicago where there is a sushi joint on every corner, I think this place is top notch! For as great as the ambiance is, and the quality of the sushi, this place is relatively inexpensive.
(5)John P.
The food is very good for land-locked desert sushi, although the wacky combinations can be a little ridiculous (toro with truffle oil in a habanero reduction--seriously?). But the service was terrible. Takashi seems to have this attitude that it is a great privilege for customers to eat their overpriced food. As such, you might be treated like cattle if you don't know the owner or aren't a Salt Lake A-lister (how sad is that concept?). That's what happened via our angry hostess. After we were finally allowed the honor of sitting at a table, we still we had to wait well over an hour for our food, which was mostly sashimi--not a lot of kitchen time there. The place wasn't that busy either. We were pissed off and starved at this point so we tried to cancel our order and were going to go somewhere else. So the manager came over to speak with us...we voiced our concerns and he walked away saying "I hope you come back -- I KNOW you will." He took $14 off our order. I've been to sushi restaurants all over the globe -- New York, L.A., Chicago, Kobe, Osaka, London -- and I've never experienced the mind-numbing arrogance in any of those places that I experienced at little Takashi in Salt Lake City. Verdict: good fish but nowhere nearly as good as Takashi thinks.
(2)Michael M.
What are people comparing this place to that it gets such high reviews? Mediocre and over-priced sushi.
(2)Rachel P.
SHOCKED. I could not BELIEVE the amazing quality of the fish. It was truly remarkable! This is seriously some of the best sushi I have ever had. No lie, i know in Salt Lake City!?!?!? What a freaking gem. No wonder people wait hours to eat here. My hat's off to Takashi Gibo! You certainly are creative and your passion shows through your food. Our server was sweet, attentive and cool! He totally lead us when we needed help and wanted to know what we thought, then after the meal told us some about the city and where we may want to go to party. When we asked about the fish, he told us they fly it in daily from San Francisco...which fits right in with the mod decor. All of the fish tasted like butta. Even though the rolls were creative and tasty, the nigiri and sashimi was just so good i had to fill up on that supremely fresh fish. Not to mention they have decent Sake. Although it's not cheap it's dank. GO!
(5)Troy K.
One of my favorite restaurants in Utah. I like sitting in front of Takashi at the bar and enjoy either the traditional nigiri, or modern rolls that are made to perfection, while sipping on a few cups of select sake. The kitchen dishes are amazing, too. I pretty much have to get a miso sable fish every time, and then have Takashi or other chefs recommend other dishes as well. This is a restaurant where I feel the chefs connects with the customers more than the servers. (Sorry but I've actually had snotty servers a couple time here.) It is sometimes hard to park in the area, so if you want to avoid the hassle the Trax is a good option. It's convenient and you can go ahead and drink that whole bottle of sake with dinner. Other than parking the only thing that I hate here is that sometimes there are poser kids who say they love sushi and want to sit at the bar, but they only want rolls without fish (raw or cooked.)
(5)Duna B.
While the sushi was good...it took us three hours from start to finish. Two hours of which we were waiting on our slow as molasses server....
(1)Roland C.
Takashi is for those people who think that sushi has to be an expensive thing to be good. This isn't always the case, but if you're willing to shell out the money and wait quite a bit, you could be pleasantly surprised here. You can tell Takashi is going to be an experience because of the large sushi bar they have and the many chefs running around behind it. It's an organized mess, somehow all those people manage to share the ingredients, get their rolls made, and push them out without running into each other. Takashi boasts quite a few specialty rolls, some of which even surprised me, a supposed a sushi snob from the San Francisco bay area. Their strawberry roll was an interesting choice but a good one! They do all their rolls well, it's just the price that gets me a bit (as you could find cheaper rolls of comparable quality at Naked Fish a couple blocks away). But for variety and their experimentation, Takashi does win there.
(4)Whitney R.
I live in LA. The city of sushi spots, so had anyone told me I would've found a sushi place in UTAH of all places that would become my favorite I never would've believed them. I can't believe how fresh, cheap, and amazing this place was!! The Buddha Betty (an amazing cocktail) was delish! I would hop on a plane just to go to dinner here one night that's how much I loved it.
(5)Carly R.
Hands down the best Sushi in Salt Lake that I have had. This place has extremely fresh fish and always has a few unique specialty rolls to try. I don't like how small the tables are and how they squish you next to the other tables, sometimes you feel like you are at a communal table with the entire restaurant. Last time I ate here I had their Age Dashi. It was awesome. They give you larger pieces of tofu so there is less fried to tofu which I like. I tried one of their rolls of the day that had jalepenos and tuna. The tuna was melt in your mouth delicious and they cut the jalepenos so thin that it added the perfect amount of kick. The service is always great, I have never had a bad experience with a server here. Sometimes I think people think of Takashi as being more expensive then the other standard sushi places like Happy Sumo, but I think the prices are really comparable. The prices are about the same and the quality is far above those like Happy Sumo and Tsunami.
(4)Chris C.
Having lived in NYC for 20 years and traveled to all the sushi hot spots in the USA, Takashi is the best. I know this is hard to believe, but it is true. The sushi, soup, entrees, service and vibe are impeccable. I eat here at least once per week, here are my recommendations: sardines, tuna tartar with truffle oil, flank steak, all the Gunkan sushi, fresh scallop, seafood soup, and the filet mignon & tempura vegetables appetizer. If you are dining alone, sit at the bar and let Keiko serve you what she wants, it will blow you away, she is an amazing sushi chef.
(5)Nabeel N.
OMG!! What an unbelievable sushi restaurant. Very creative sashimi and sushi selections. Wonderful appetizers. Hands-down THE BEST Sushi in Salt Lake
(5)Mike S.
The Strawberry Fields and Yellow Submarine rolls were incredible. Three of us split those two rolls, the large sashimi plate and the nigiri platter. We also got the made-in-Oregon can't remember the name inexpensive bottle of saki. Our waiter was very friendly, had good recommendations, and got our food to us quickly. I really like the white albacore tuna - very, very good!
(5)Ashley B.
VERY RUDE! I tried to go for my birthday and was basically turned away for wanting to spend my money there! They don't take reservations after 6pm so when I showed up with 10 people at 9:00 pm they said they couldn't accomodate all of us and would have to split us up, but that they wait was 2 hours long and they would not seat us past 11. I've worked in the restaurant bisness for years and have never heard of a restaurant turning someone away two hours before close. They were VERY RIUDE and made us feel like we were not welcome. I no longer have a desire to eat here an neither do the 9 other people I was with.
(1)Monica T.
As a sushi lover, I was apprehensive about moving to Utah, given the state's landlocked nature. Once I arrived, I hoped to find a restaurant to prove me wrong, since by the power of airplanes, anything is possible. One day I decided to check out Takashi for lunch, and was blown away. Yes, it is, perhaps, overly trend. Yes, the music they play gets repetitive. However, the sushi is the best I've ever had (granted, I've never had sushi in a "world class" city, so take my opinion for what it's worth). The fish is always wonderfully fresh, the prices are reasonable for what you get, and I find that there's an appropriate balance between the traditional and the "new and different." Plus, this restaurant has single-handledly made me fall in love with sablefish.
(5)Maureen S.
Maybe my standards are skewed, but I was not all that impressed. The sushi was good, but nothing outstanding. Sushi chefs were nice and answered all my questions, but was not super impressed. I had the imagine roll and white salmon. Nothing to write home about.
(3)Allison D.
We were glad to hear that the cool guy across the bar was Takashi himself when we visited. He was funny, knowledgeable, and professional. Some of the best sushi, sashimi, and hot dishes I've had since I was in Japan over a year ago. I don't think you'd go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you're not sure what to get when you're at Takashi, ask your chef for recommendations. Will definitely go back next time I am in Salt Lake City.
(5)Josh G.
Summit Roll. Miki. The two best things in Utah. I lust for you both.
(5)danielle m.
You'll get the freshest and best sushi cuts in SLC here. The menu does cater to the American loves of rolls and things slathered in sauce. However, if fresh fish is what your'e after, head for the bar and you wont be let down. The monkfish pate is cured in house and is amazing and the uni is super fresh and sweet.
(4)Hilary S.
Wonderful fantastic sushi!! And other delectable offerings. Desserts are amazing. Try the yellow submarine. My son's fav! The atmosphere and modern Japanese decor add to the experience.
(5)Brandon P.
Best sushi in Salt Lake hands down!
(5)Ron W.
Visiting here and was guest of Friends who are regular's, and I can see why. Sat at the Bar with Sushi Master Jake, who definately knows his stuff. Great selection of FRESH seafood, at least as fresh as you can get in the middle of the Continental US. Tako was literally melt in your mouth, and Ahi (from Hawaii of course) was blood red and "like buddah!" Tried the panko shrimp & veggies - Delish! We arrived at 5:25, got in early with a few other folks and by 6:15pm the place was packed and the line forming on the street. A real gem & very attentive and genial staff.
(5)DJ W.
Best Sushi in the 801! Servers are knowledgeable and kind. For the true experience, I'd recommend sitting at the Sushi Bar ... of course!
(5)Sean P.
best sushi in Utah
(5)Andy O.
Cool place, modern and traditional sushi and awesome fusion style apps. Definitely pricey, but worth the extra dollar. Everything us plated with care and precision, nigiri portions are healthy too! Make sure to get the spicy green lip mussels, haven't found any like them anywhere.
(5)Lyndsy G.
Best Sushi ever!! We sat at the sushi bar & it was awesome watching our sushi be made right in front of us! We also had the gluten free cake with green tea gilato. I loved it! My husband didn't care for the green tea gilato, but I thought it was great. Such a fun place and very reasonably priced, especially for the amazing sushi!!!!
(5)Gabriel R.
Try the Summit or Downtown, TNT if you like the heat. :) Worth the wait....but plan on the wait.
(5)P. T. B.
Simply put, this is my favorite restaurant in Salt Lake City and one of my two favorite sushi restaurants anywhere (the other is Sushi Yasuda in NYC). As long as you sit at the sushi bar and put yourself in the hands of the chef, you cannot go wrong here. Excellent skill and food quality. Highly recommended!!
(5)Ruben M.
Business trips are good for a few things...time away from my window-less office is one perk, and finding great restaurants in new cities is the better perk! Takashi is hands down one of the better sushi places I've been to outside of California. The fish was fresh and everything was delicious as well as artfully prepared and presented. Tony the chef was great about preparing some chef's choice pieces for me. He put together a couple of pieces that I'm not even sure were on the menu, but it is proof once again that asking a sushi chef to prepare his favorite for you is always a good idea! I will definitely be back the next time I am in Salt Lake City for business.
(5)Whitney N.
my favourite sushi restaurant *EVER* having lived in and sampled sushi in cosmopolitan capitals across america and europe, no sushi fare, not even the notorious nobu, has held a candle to the tasty inventiveness to be found at takashi (not to mention, sooo inexpensive by comparison - which is simply a happy circumstance, not something that swayed my opinion). expect a wait, a fun-filled fusion maki menu and waitstaff that can be a bit slow - but who cares? sigh... please mr. takashi, open up a branch in london... trying to get my fill when i happen to be in salt lake simply doesn't cut it!!
(5)David S.
I'll add my vote: excellent sushi. Room is lively. I love eating here.
(5)Michael M.
My wife and I were visiting SLC on a ski vacation. Takashi was close to our hotel and sounded like our kind of place. We arrived with an Open Table reservation at 6pm on a Wednesday and were seated promptly. By 7pm they were full and service slowed but we had (reasonably priced) wine and were in no hurry. Angelica was friendly and helpful, recommending fried oysters with aioli dipping sauce to start, which was excellent. Next we had a thinly sliced waguy beef roll with green onion and julienned carrots with three sauces, of which the teriaki sauce was best complimenting the seared med-rare beef. Next my wife ordered a Forrest Gump maki roll, with tempura shrimp, eel sauce, etc. I'm a sashimi fan and rarely order sushi or maki, but this roll was good. Next we ordered gyoza pork dumplings, the green-lipped mussels with mushroom, avocado and quail egg, and finally a fresh salmon, spicy scallops, scallions and tabiko gunkan maki. It was really busy by then and the order was taking awhile, so Angie brought out two bowls of hot Miso soup on the house. The rest of our order came and it was all so good! What I liked best was the variety of choices other than standard sushi and maki rolls. Everything we ordered was fresh, cooked properly, and served with a smile. I would whole-heartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a good meal while in SLC. Oh, and it was half what we spent at Christopher's and J&G's.
(5)Anna W.
spot-on, Takashi! Came in for late lunch and sat up at the bar where we had a private audience with one of the sushi chefs who not only delivered great food but excellent service and recommendations. Takashi delivered quality traditional nigiri (yellowtail, toro with quail egg, bonito) plus kumamoto oysters (on special) and successfully navigated the treacherous innovation/fusion waters to produce the light, refreshing Summit roll wrapped in thinly sliced cucumber rather than nori. Solid bancha tea and miso soup. I'm usually a fan of more intimate physical space and Takashi is warehouse-spacious with the clean/modern/white-paper-lamp thing
(4)Jacqueline F.
After hearing all the good things about Takashi, my boyfriend and I went to Takashi with my sister and brother during their visit. We all love sushi and we were all excited. My brother has an in depth knowledge of the Japanese culture, and he is particular with details. We ordered like 4 dishes and all of them were just OK. After my brother tried his first sushi, he was like "the rice is not right." All the rice was mushy. We thought a nice Japanese restaurant like this should use Japanese rice for their sushi. But they did not. This is very disappointing. The two stars were given to the seafood. At least the seafood was ok fresh.
(2)M B.
We had a late dinner (10:15ish) after a game, on a Saturday night and the place was packed, with people waiting to be seated. Amazing selection, creativity, presentation, and super tasty. Service was excellent. Without question one of the very finest sushi joints we have ever been to.
(5)M D.
Consistently good food. From the basics (their Gyoza and Miso are both amazing!) to their specialty rolls (try the Box or Easy Rider) everything is delicious. They have decent drink selections too - some good Sake, wine, beer, and a creative specialty cocktails list. This place gets busy - every night of the week - so a reservation is recommended. If you don't have one though the wait isn't too bad usually, and you can start with drinks and appetizers at the bar.
(5)Joshua P.
It isn't a bad place to go for sushi. I did enjoy my meal but it was pretty average. The prices seemed reasonable to me. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there.
(3)Merrill G.
The best sushi place I've been to in Utah. The service was good, and the sushi was all fresh. Overall it was the same price as Happy Sumo in Provo, but so much more. Will definitely drive out to Salt Lake again to eat here in the near future.
(5)Corinne P.
Takashi was absolutely outstanding. I was amazed at the quality and flavors of the rolls as well as the cocktails I ordered. The only downfall was the wait for the rolls to come out of the kitchen but it was well worth it. The Ceviche roll and the Summit were particular standouts. I will be back!
(5)Erica D.
So here's the deal. Before I was #glutenfree I ate here on vacation and loved it - one of my favorite sushi restaurants ever. I ate whatever rolls I wanted too, and even though I had some gnarly rolls that I would never order again (the Little Mermaid-themed roll - the Sebastian I think?), it was great sushi in SLC. However, once I went #glutenfree, I asked to come here for my special night out. Sushi is one of the easiest things to eat as a celiac if you're going out. Raw fish is awesome, and as long as you KNOW the ingredients in the roll, the server is educated, and maybe if you're lucky and they have wheat-free soy sauce - you're good to go! My server was the opposite of helpful, so my second experience got off to a very bad footing. I told him of my allergy, and he told me that they had wheat-free soy sauce (HOORAY), BUT had an incredibly hard time understanding what I wanted for the rest of my order. I asked first to sub-out REAL crab - whatever kind they had - for the fake crab that they put in regular California rolls. We argued about crab types for a minute or so and my friends were like "wow, that was weird, how hard is it to just ask for real crab?!?". I got my edamame and my salmon nigiri, and then many minutes later my wheat-free soy sauce arrived. Then my roll came back - all Frankensteined. It looked like it was tempura battered (a no no), so I asked. Then asked again. My waiter had no idea how it was cooked! He said "well, I could ask the chef about it" and I had to tell him to! This guy had no idea what he was doing. So I didn't eat my roll, as I didn't want to be sick on my trip. He never answered my question, even after more probes. My friend called the manager over to make sure she knew what horrible service we received. She didn't necessarily make an apology, just basically tried to make it sound like usually they get stuff right and understand food allergies. She did, however, take it off my bill. But I left hungry, because I had become so frustrated with our smug waiter that it wasn't even worth it. Next time I'm in SLC, I'm not going to wait 30 minutes to get bad service. I'm going to choose another sushi restaurant that isn't nearly as expensive to get better service. If you have a food allergy, just make sure you ask the waiter if they're familiar with it before you order a roll. Non-gluten containing perks: They do have nice bathrooms though. Which is something I value in a restaurant. Oh, and the bar next door while you wait is totally awesome.
(2)Christopher A.
Wow, this may be the best sushi place in the US. for creativity and freshness, and who knew it would be in Salt Lake City. I have been eating sushi all over the US and live in the Bay Area, which has some terrific sushi, but the food here was wonderful. The specials and rolls were out of this world, especially the You Got a Friend Roll which benefits the Japanese Tsunami victims. We tried about 8 different rolls and some shashimi and sushi and it was all top notch, especially the Spanish Mackeral. Don't be afraid to try a variety of things and come with others to share. We were in town on business and I would come back just to go here again. Come early because we had to wait 20 minutes at the small bar to get seated, but it was more than worth it.
(5)Jordan G.
Takashi is one of my favorite restaurants in SLC. Their sushi and sashimi are delicious--to die for, really. Ask for the Vegas roll, and don't miss the T&T, spider, or the yellow submarine. The tuna tataki is amazing. You can't go wrong! The service is superior and the food is incredible. It's perfect for a special night out.
(5)Bani S.
Arguably some of the best sushi that I've had. I was not expecting to find a sushi restaurant in SLC with such fresh fish. I went there on a tuesday night and it was packed. Not a problem though, just stop off at the bar for some sake and/or saporro and chat with friends until your table is ready. The rolls were great, and the fish was extremely fresh. I was with a group of coworkers and we ordered about a dozen or so rolls and EVERYTHING was amazing. This is a place that I will definitely return to the next time I'm in town. If you do make it to Takashi, don't miss out on the seared sablefish! In all, the place has really great food and the price is about what you'd expect for a quality sushi joint.
(5)Tom C.
I love good sushi. Not just the "ok, it was pretty good" stuff. Takashi is up there with the best of them. If you travel and are looking for a great place to have very good fish. This is it. I live in So Cal and have had sushi all over the place including Tokyo Japan. Takashi is the real deal.
(5)TJ K.
Some of the best sushi I have ever had! I would highly recommend Takashi!!
(5)Suzn L.
I give this place some credit for having a trendy Sushi place in Utah, but of course it's no comparison to sushi places in LA or New York. The restaurant looks nice from the outside, but once you're there...not too memorable. Don't order the Box....just plain rice with a lil' bit of fish on it...nothing Boxy about it.
(3)Elizabeth R.
I mentioned in my original review that you won't find this level of quality for any cheaper. And now I can confirm that you can find lower quality that is more expensive. Tsunami in Sugarhouse is not nearly as good and it costs more money. Takashi is without question the best sushi restaurant in Salt Lake City.
(5)Ken T.
I am an experienced Sushi patron. By far, this was the most unique sushi experience I have ever had. The quality of fish was as good as any, but the combinations and presentation were better than anything I have had. Ambiance and service was excellent. Great place for both business associates/clients and/ or friends. This will become a staple in SLC.
(4)Denis L.
Fresh and delicious. Almost 5 stars. Ryan at the sushi bar is fantastic.
(4)Tammy P.
I am from Los Angeles. There is a sushi bar on practically every corner...that said, I was skeptical when my friend wanted to me out to sushi. She is one of my best buds and I wanted to her to have a good evening, so I was up for the adventure. The space is very creative and industrial looking. The presentation was beautiful. Menu was creative and complex. We had a great evening!
(4)chris b.
Great Sushi! Great Service! Cool environment. One of my favorite places to get uncooked fishes.
(5)Wanugee N.
5 star sushi in Salt Lake City? You have got to be kidding me!, right? I didn't believe it myself, but let me tell you Takashi is the real deal. "Honto ni oishikatta!" (truly was delicious!) OMG! Actually, OMTCOJCOLDS (Oh My Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! This is Mormon country after all!) Takashi is the Okinawan descent Peruvian raised former chef at Shogun, now owner and head sushi chef of this swank and trendy restaurant. He is the diminutive guy wearing glasses with short greased curled hair in the center of the sushi bar. He is an artist and professional, uses only the freshest ingredients, and has trained his staff well in the art of sushi! You can tell by the cuts of fish, the skilled preparations and presentations. This place is recognized as one of the best restaurants in Utah, all varieties, and the best Sushi! I went on a Thursday night at 9:30pm and the place was packed! It is large with perhaps 15 sushi chairs at the bar and maybe another 15 tables. The decor is very hip, with high blacked out ceilings, tasteful tear dropped focus lights, and paper Japanese lantern lights over the tables. It is dominated by a 25 foot long fish sculpture made of wiremesh and metal hanging above the sushi bar. Original 24x24 arts pieces line the muted green colored walls. All staff are dressed in black. The sushi bar has 3 chefs (including Takashi-san himself) running the bar and 3 others making rolls and table sushi. The menu is creative and eclectic. There is a sandwich chalk board on the sidewalk indicating today's fresh specials. Menu samples: Small Plates Saikyo-Miso Sablefish - sablefish marinated in Saikyo-Miso and baked, served with asian slaw. $11 Yin-Yang Salmon - salmon encrusted with black and white sesame seeds served with a yuzu-black bean sauce. $11 Azekura - seared beef with tempura-fried portabella and green beans $10. Wok-tossed Asparagus - crisp spears with garlic and shiitake mushrooms over glass noodles.$9 Salads Green Papaya - shredded green papaya with ground peanuts and piquant chili-lime dressing (similar to Vietnamese Goi Du Du) $5.50 Mixed Greens - mesculin with julienne Fuji apples, orange-miso dressing and toasted walnuts $5.50 Large Plates Shiitake Lamb Shank - falling off the bone lamb shank in braised yellow curry $18.50 Tender Flank Steak - Japanese 7 spice rub served with asian pesto and green beans tempura $18.50 Surf and Turf - braised/glazed pork spareribs, Saikyo-Miso sablefish and asian caesar salad. $22 Soups Soki Soba - Okinawan noodles in hearty broth with ginger and green onions: with Pork Rib $9.50, Shrimp $9.50, asian greens $8.50 Sushi and Sashimi Aburi Gindara (torched sablefish) Nigiri $5.95 Sashimi $14 Bincho Maguro (albacore tuna) Nigiri $4.50 Sashimi $10.50 Hamachi (yellowtail) Nigiri $5.50 Sashimi $13 Maguro (tuna) Nigiri $4.95 Sashimi $10.95 Sake (fresh salmon) Nigiri $3.95 Sashimi $8.95 Ikura (salmon roe) $5, Ika (squid) $3, Ebi (shrimp) $3, Saba (mackerel) $3.50 and there is more. The Uni was market priced at $9.95. There are also maki, like california roll ($4.50) Spicy tuna $5.50, etc. Specialty rolls too numerous to list but range from $8 for Strawberry Fields (escolar, strawberry, spicy sauce, fresh chili peppers, toasted almonds and eel sauce) to $13.50 for Magic Dragon (spiced crab, avocado, topped with unagi, with eel sauce and sesame seeds) . Also sashimi rolls and vegetarian rolls. Choices of sake, from house (Gekkikan Hot $8 large, Hakutsuru Draft chilled $11 bottle), to domestic premium (Momokawa) or a 3 Momokawa "flight" sampler ($6.50), to premium imported (Rihaku $53 full bottle, Ama No To $53 , Chiyanosono $62, Kan-Chikiu $85.) Specialty drinks, beers, and desserts (i.e. Chocolate Rum Torte $6.) If you are ever in SLC and you like Sushi or just want a special meal, you have to try Takashi!
(5)Paula Rose W.
Gosh, I sure do love this place! I've been here quite a few times, both for lunch and dinner. A friend and I discovered that their combination lunches are a great value, on top of already being delicious! I am partial to the steak combination that has the tastiest chimichurri and comes with a roll, miso, salad and your choice of bbq rice or steamed rice (you want the bbq). This evening my husband and I dined here for our wedding anniversary. Brice, as always was an outstanding waiter. He is attentive and makes great suggestions all the while not hovering and makes sure we are taken care of. The Calamari app is really tasty! It has a cornmeal crust, but it is well seasoned and not heavy at all. Sushi, FANTASTIC! The cocktails were nice. I forget their names but I believe I had a yuzu fizz (play on gin fizz) that was really refreshing and also had a coco-nutty drink that was in a glass rimmed with cinnamon (would be great for a dessert drink). If you have room, try the black sesame gelato! It's always too long between visits. Can't wait to eat here again.
(5)Jessica V.
This is my favorite sushi restaurant. You wouldn't think Salt Lake City for amazing sushi but believe it! Takashi has a wide variety of nigiri and sashimi as well as some really creative specialty rolls. I love it so much that when I was contemplating moving out of state this summer, one of cons was that I would miss Takashi. Yes, there is sushi almost everywhere, but nowhere else is there the summit roll! It is riceless (wrapped in thin cucumber) with tuna, crab (real crab - not crab stick), avocado, and tobiko. A delicious and totally unique sauce tops it . In fact, I love the summit roll so much that I had been driving 45 minutes to get it at least twice a month for about 2 years now. That changed when I became pregnant and decided to stay away from raw fish. This weekend, however, my brother was visiting from LA and was also craving the summit roll so we decided to go. I did the summit without tuna and subbed tomato and it was still absolutely amazing. I also had the tiger roll which was yummy. I realized that it was silly staying away because there are plenty of delicous foods I can enjoy pregnant. Other favorites include the small plates of saikyo-miso sablefish and the azekura.
(5)jonny t.
I've been there many times and everything is super fresh and delicious. I especially like the sashimi platter. Wonderfully decorated and hip. The service is always consistent. The only thing that isn't that great is ceviche . It's pretty bland and if you're comparing it to Nobu's ceviche you'll be terribly disappointed. Aside from that everything else is GREAT!
(4)Chris A.
I would have to say that this is the best sushi restaurant in Salt Lake City. I have been to lots of sushi places and every once in a while you will get bad service or bad fish. Takashi has never given us either and we try and eat there at least twice a month. The fish is always super fresh and the chef always has awesome specials. This is not your run of the mill sushi restaurant. If you want awesome sushi you should eat here. You must try the torched sable fish it is to die for.
(5)Matthew C.
Always good food from the traditional stuff to the sushi and the wait staff is professional.
(4)JJ H.
Just had an awesome evening at Takashi's. I have had almost every kind of Sushi across the US and in many other countries and this tops them all. The staff and Sushi chefs are amazing and all about making your experience the best it can be. They are all a class act which make this a great place along with the most amazing Sushi, Saki, Beer. They even had made their own wine if you can have the pleasure of trying. Jake and Tamara "i love you man" thanks for making my wife feel so special tonight and every time we come in. I know you do this for all your customers and thank you for who you are and making everyone feel special.
(5)Rachel C.
Wow. Fantastic sushi, interesting rolls, Superb quality. Definitely pricey!
(5)Jason K.
Tempura sucked, it was refried. Fish was basic but also handled with basic care. Chefs didn't wipe the knife after each cut of different fish to prevent contaminaiton but this is Utah, nobody else in this state probably do that unless you go to real japanese restaurant. This place is given Three star out of Five for the flavor of kitchen food minus tempura. I'll recomend the Lamb Shank and Mango Moose. Sushi is well, just basic. They did have Iwashi (sardine) when I went there but it was not filleted right. In sushi, Iwashi is the only fish we use "tebiraki" method, which translates to "hand filette" techinque. They filletted it in front of me after I ordered it using a knife. It wasn't cured which, it should have. My friend didn't eat it but I had a bite and like i expected; it sucked. This restaurant needs to stick to the american confort fish. ie Tuna salmon Yellowtail... Naked Fish was better, at least they had hot servers and same quality food if not better.
(3)Paris A.
Hands down my favorite sushi place in SLC. Everything I've ever tasted from Takashi has been nothing short of phenomenal. The pork belly appetizer was one of the most delectable meats I've ever placed on my palette---I could have eaten four orders of it. Every roll was delicious, the fish so fresh that it melted on my tongue like butter. We order the Ramon Roll (tuna, avocado, cilantro, fresh chilies, spicy sauce) and the Black Magic Woman (sablefish, roasted red bell pepper, spicy sauce, lemon pesto, ponzu) as well as the Little Mermaid with spicy tuna and scallops. The care they put into each roll is truly incredible. If you live in SLC and haven't tried Takashi yet, what are you waiting for?! Seriously. I always leave Takashi feeling ten times happier than I was going in. It's simply so, so good.
(5)Cormin U.
I probably have to pay Takashi another visit because after reading all of its reviews, seems like it has impressed a lot of people. My visit was just moderate, probably why I gave it 3 stars. Nothing too special, but I probably have to take more risks when it comes to ordering something off the menu. I'd definitely be less reluctant to return if I didn't have to park on the street.
(3)Mike P.
ridiculously high praise is too common on yelp... what do we do with a place like Takashi that actually deserves it?
(5)L A.
My sushi chef was named Tommy and his eyes lit up when I said one simple word: omakase. Tommy started at Takashi as a busboy and gradually worked his way up to washing rice, making rolls and finally sushi chef. His energy for the art form that is sushi was contagious. 1st course: monkfish liver pâté (made in-house) with a ponzu gelee that tasted clean and complex. 2nd course: Kumamoto oysters that were farm raised in Northern California; they had a slight fruity taste and a pleasant lingering brininess. 3rd course: sashimi platter with yellowtail; arctic char; New Zealand salmon and uni from the Santa Barbara area. These were as fresh as my last trip to Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo. 4th course: giant clam; aji/Spanish mackerel and halibut nigiri. I am not normally a fan of mackerel but it was my favorite of the three with a enough fishiness to make it interesting; yet not overpowering. 5th course: to make sure I was completely satisfied, Tommy produced a creation they call "Willies Chillies" which is a variation on the spicy tuna tar tar on crispy rice that is so popular in Southern California. Their version paired spicy tuna with tempura shishito peppers and was excellent. Chef Takashi Gibo opened his namesake restaurant on West Market Street in 2004. And I have to give him kudos for serving only the freshest fish in a land-locked city. And compared to LA, it was a bargain at $55.
(4)Andrew A.
I know, I know, it's SLC. I initially set my expectations low, but after seeing all those awards, I felt the need to give a realistic review. This is my overall rating for all the dishes we ate and the service. I really enjoyed the curried clams and mackerel nigiri, but the the cut rolls and the service could have been better. First to the food, ask for whatever the freshest fish is. I'm not a huge mackerel fan, but I got to say that was probably the freshest mackerel I've ever had. The rice on the cut rolls could have better, almost as if they cooked the rice too fast and didn't cook all the way through. Our waiter was a champ, he pretty much worked one entire side of the restaurant. I could see other folks getting impatient and it's not his fault, but management's. You're the top sushi restaurant in town on a busy Friday night, please be properly staffed. The wait is long, I recommend if you have an open tables app to use it.
(3)Silvy A.
OMG. What an amazing dinner!! When I walked by the first sushi place in SLC; I laughed at the idea that I would try sushi in a land-locked state. I've lived in San Francisco and LA in the past years, so why bother? Then I saw the reviews on Yelp and had to check this place out. I was blown away. I'm definitely a fan of rolls, and it took me forever to finally decide on the ones I wanted since they all sounded delicious. I LOVED what I ended up ordering: Summit (riceless sushi!) and Imagine. We also sat at the sushi bar, which was really fun since they have a lot of people coming in and multiple chefs so you get quite a show of their menu options :) I will definitely come back the next time I'm in the city!!
(5)Margaret C.
As an avid sushi fanatic, I was very excited going into Takashi with my sister. I knew I had to mentally prepare my debit card for the oncoming meal, but let me just say Takashi was worth it. The inside is modern and uniquely decorated, but quite small. I went before dinner rush on a Monday so we had very good service and we did not have to talk loudly to carry a conversation. The sushi combinations were very eccentric and unusual, but I put on my party pants and ordered three rolls, and one order of salmon nigiri. If you are starving, Takashi is not somewhere you want to go to order a big sushi dinner. The portion sizes of the rolls vary quite a bit. Our least expensive roll had the most sushi pieces, while the middle expensive had the least pieces, and the most expensive had the middle amount of pieces. Weird. But it is probably all is based on ingredients, etc. We had very quick service and I was dancing in my seat each time I ate another bite. It was very good quality sushi, but I can imagine this place would be quite packed on a busy dinner night. Other than the fact that I do not live in Salt Lake City (I'm visiting for a week) I probably would not come here often, because of the price/portion ratio. Yummy tho!
(4)tlee r.
Best sushi in slc. Delicious food. Excellent service. Lovely space. Good saki selection. Absolutely adore this place!
(5)Lizzy C.
Fantastic! The use of different herbs with the fish was incredible. I recommend the "easy rider roll".
(5)Brandon B.
After moving back from San Diego I thought I would never find a good sushi place, especially in Utah. Takashi surprised me on how good their sushi is. If you are going here make sure to sit at the sushi bar! Service at the table leaves something to be desired and your lucky if you see your server very often due to this place being packed.
(4)Ben F.
What a surprise to find such incredibly good sushi in UTAH!? I've had incredible sushi on both U.S. coasts, and for more money with the same quality delivered by Takashi. Everything I had was great with a "less than expected price". The only thing keeping me from posting a perfect 5 star is that the Toro I had was mediocre with a stellar market price attached ($16 for 2 pieces)....otherwise everything was very VERY good. The wine was even priced below what I expected, which is practically unheard of. No wonder there was a wait for a seat on a Wednesday night!
(4)Masa O.
I like sushi. And Takashi was a good place to eat sushi. If you go there, I recommend "Nigiri combination". But I don't recommend Beef steak there because the meat was a little bit tough for me.
(3)Eileen L.
I had takeout because I was there on business and I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived to pick up my food. The server was very pleasant and the ambiance was really upscale and nice. I live in SF and I'm always looking for great sushi when I travel on business and I will definitely visit here again!
(3)Brian S.
You know how I am...too many people insist something is amazing---that it must be loved, demands to be loved---and I determine to hate it. Hence a two-decade old aversion to America's sweetheart Julia Roberts. And to the movie Forrest Gump. And balsamic vinegar. So I just knew I'd hate Takashi. In the depths of my dark heart, I KNEW IT! I mean, this is Salt Lake City, right? Not exactly known for its food culture. So imagine my surprise when, during my first visit, everything was perfect from the get-go. First, I was greeted by a sweet-faced, smiling hostess who signed me up for a spot at the bar. Yes, I'm a sucker for someone being nice to me in public, which has admittedly been the spark of many a bad relationship. Then, surprise number two, an equally sweet-faced sushi chef who effortlessly handled my annoying questions, as well as the rich lady next to me who spent the entire meal text-arguing with her husband (Note to Lady: Like you said to your husband, your teenage son will never remember this nice meal he had at Takashi with you. But what he most likely will remember is the hour he spent in your presence when you hardly spoke to him because you were too busy looking at your phone.) He knew the answer to every question asked, and made perfect and diverse recommendations. There was the drinks waitress, who couldn't have been nicer, and the waiter who stopped by later to wonder if my beer wasn't too much flavor competition for the food. I loved that. But back to the food. I would love to tell you the names of what I actually ate. I'd saved the receipt to be able to do just that. And now the damn thing has disappeared. There was one thing called, I believe, Takashi's Box, which just blew me away. Suffice to say I loved everything and, including my beer, got it all (before tip) for $55. And this was leaving fairly stuffed. That isn't cheap, but I've had much more expensive sushi that wasn't nearly as good. So, yeah, all you people who insisted I'd love it were right. I've submitted, surrendered. Hell has frozen over. I WAS WRONG. (But I still maintain Julia Roberts sucks.)
(4)Dan H.
Best Fusion Sushi in SLC. No matter what you pick on the menu it is always excellent. The restaurant is clean and beautiful inside. The service is wonderful. I just wish they took reservations.
(4)Brianne K.
Takashi has the best sushi in Salt Lake City, hands down. Their rolls are delicious and inventive, and always fresh tasting. Try the Strawberry Fields roll...so delicious. The atmosphere is modern, but in a warm, inviting way. Service has always been good as well. Takashi was also voted "Best Restaurant" by Salt Lake City Magazine this year. If you're in SLC, definitely give it a go! **UPDATE** Went back again, and mainly had sashimi and nigiri. WOW! The fish was so fresh and delicious, it practically melted in your mouth. I'd give Takashi 10 stars if it was possible!!!
(5)Chris C.
I've had five-star experiences here in the past (including some truly excellent meals), but based the last two times I've been, I'd only give them four stars. I think they do lunch better than dinner - attention to detail seems to slip when they get crowded. Service gets slow and sloppy, and the rolls aren't put together as well. I would give them five stars at lunchtime (or when it's not too busy) dropping to four stars when it gets hectic, such as a weekend night. The fish is very fresh, and they often have unusual sea creatures available for consumption that you won't find at most other sushi places in Salt Lake. They have some creative rolls and their non-sushi Japanese food is also very good. It's a great place to take people who might be intimidated by sushi because there are so many options on the menu.
(4)Jessica P.
If you want excellent sushi, this is definitely the place to go. The owner previously worked at Shogun which was my first experience with sushi and previously the best place in Utah. However, this is not cheap eats. If you don't have a hefty pocketbook, I recommend trying the next best place: I Love Sushi.
(5)Anita B.
I think this is probably the best sushi in Utah. The quality of the fish here was truly unbelieveable, the sashimi excellent. They also had a good variety of specialty rolls which are also well worth trying. I really didn't think the prices were all that bad. I can't wait to come back.
(5)Gary C.
My 1st choice for superb food in SLC. Unfortunately, it's near impossible to hear or converse in the cacophony of packed tables in such a small space. My favorites are the soft shell crab and the box roll.
(5)Rich C.
I was very impressed with the freshness of the sushi here. I consider myself borderline sushi-snob since i have had great sushi in Japan. They had a decent selection of fish. The price ranged from $5-$8 for nigiri. I did not have any of the rolls, although they looked very good. It's not your typical roll place where all the rolls are stuffed with imitation crab or california rolls with stuff on top. I ordered the following: sable fish (very good, definately try this), Agi, hamachi, ikura, uni, hototaigai (very good), amaebi, and 2 other fish i've never heard of before (native to Alaska or the north west). I was here on a tuesday night and it was pretty packed. It seems to be well known for the best sushi in Salt Lake City.
(5)Jon A.
Sushi is too good. Service has always been a 10. Would highly recommend, check out the roll specials on the wall and the rice-less entrees as well.
(4)bobby p.
Still my favorite japanese place in town.. great food and always and hip and cool atmosphere. Great places for dates
(5)bei w.
I just had dinner at this place, supposed to be my birthday dinner. I am not planning to go back here. I had a hard fish bone in my sushi and it gave me a small cut in the mouth. I had so many sushi before including in Tokyo and this is quite uncommon. I thought I would mention it to the manager. I thought it would be nice to let him know so they can improve. I was not angry at that time. However, the manager was really rude. I was very shocked by his attitude. He came up to us and started talking without apologizing. He started by saying that it happens all the time that there are bones in the sushi and they are soft bones. But mine is not! It poked and cut my mouth! I guess I should have ordered "boneless sushi", according to his interpretation? There was no indication that the manager was sorry for anything. He simply seemed not to care about his costumers. Worst sushi experience ever!
(1)LL L.
WOW! I'm sooooooooooo surprised that a land locked place like Salt Lake City, Asian-free city would have such a wonderful sushi joint! This is the only place sushi restaurant that makes a sauce spicy enough to suit my palet. I think it's called the Tiger Sauce or something, I would dip EVERYTHING in it! I am definitely going back for more next time I'm in SLC.
(5)John M.
I LOVE Takashi! We stop here any time we are in SLC, the food is amazingly great, the atmosphere is top notch, if you like sushi at all and are in SLC or live here, THEN YOU HAVE TO EAT HERE!
(5)Lauren M.
Takashi is hands down, my favorite restaurant in Salt Lake City. Don't go there if you want a quiet meal or if you're in a hurry. There is a reason for the one hour wait time even on weekdays: the sushi is phenomenal. I have dined at several upscale sushi restaurants around the country and still have not come across anything as good as Takashi. The fish is very high quality, the rolls are innovative and the appetizers are delicious. Among my favorite rolls are the Summit, TNT, Sunshine, Evergreen and the Tiger. Don't be afraid to venture out of your sushi roll comfort zone, you won't be disappointed. If all you're ordering is a California Roll though, obviously you will be underwhelmed.
(5)Doug V.
I ate here based on searches on the internet on a recent business trop to SLC. I was very impressed with everything. I went on a Friday night about 6:00 and there was a wait for tables, but I was able to squeeze in at the bar. The sushi was very fresh and much larger then most places. I had the Mexican roll and the Box roll and they ware perfect. The service was good the place was very nice. I have had sushi all over the world and I recommend this place to anyone wanting good sushi in SLC.
(5)Rob C.
Salt Lake City Sushi, how good could it be? Let me tell you I was very happy to find out how good it was. As a huge sushi fan who has eaten in all the best places around this country, this was a winner. My only issue is that the portions and roll sizes are a little small for the price. We started with the sablefish appetizer which was delicious just a little small to share with two people. The fried oysters were ok not great. My favorite was the spicy seafood soup, perfect flavor and spice. I could just have that for dinner. We had three rolls and mixed reviews. The strawberry fields roll was spectacular, very innovative and It could almost be a desert roll. I was happy to see they listed the fish as escolar instead of white tuna. This fish is great tasting but never have more than 6 oz of it or you will be in for the worst night you ever had. One roll is perfect to enjoy the incredible tasting but dangerous fish. The firecracker roll fizzled and the ceviche roll was perfect with the right amount of heat and acidity in the dipping sauce. Great job Takashi and I looking forward to coming back and trying more of your great rolls!
(4)Amy Y.
Great place for sushi. You can even order things off the menu, just ask the server if you have any special requests!
(5)Jax G.
I love this restaurant. Very creative. Attentive service with a fun attitude. Great decor - especially love the avant-garde metal fish and the "art" chalkboard. Excellent selection of premium sake. I was told they have the fish flown in fresh and have to make daily trips to the airport - that's dedication. The cooked items from the kitchen were so tasty, I actually want to go back to SLC, imagine that.
(5)Jake H.
My first time here wasn't that good. I'm don't remember why. But I was disappointed in the food, given all of the hype. However, I've been here a couple of dozen times since and it has been amazing every single time. It has taken the honor of being my top sushi spot in SLC. The service is average--prompt and competent but not exactly warm and friendly. I am all about the rolls, so that's what I always stick to. If you like your sushi spicy, Takashi will not disappoint. The TNT roll come with a dipping sauce that can kick your ass. Don't forget to get the Spicy Mussels appetizer. Delectable! Other favorites: Sunshine roll, Strawberry Fields, Ceviche, and the Utes roll (not on the menu). Takashi always has a few interesting specials. I love that they come up with new and interesting rolls. I mean, you can only have a Spicy Tuna roll so many times before it starts to get monotonous, right?
(5)Grant R.
I've had the pleasure of eating at Takashi a few times and it has been high quality every time. For the amazing quality of food and drink at Takashi, it is surprisingly affordable. I was recently there on a date, we had 2 bottles of Sake, 3 rolls and an order of Seared Sablefish, and the bill was barely over $40. I was really amazed at the bill as I had expected to pay more.
(5)T.J P.
Really as good as it gets. Takashi himself is responsible for the amazing specialty rolls. Usually has a wait, but very well worth it.
(5)Eddie L.
4.5 Stars. Takashi isn't just good sushi for SLC, it's just damn good. High quality fish and inventive dishes are served up here. If you are in SLC and you like sushi then I highly recommend a visit to Takashi. Remember to make a reservation, even on Tuesdays.
(4)K. J.
Surprisingly good food, well-prepared and well-presented. We shared the age-dashi tofu, calamari, seafood curry w. noodles, assorted rolls, and dessert. Not necessarily a place where you can sit and catch up with a friend. The staff started eyeing our table not long after we finished dessert.
(4)Matt H.
The boss and I (on our biz trip to Utah) tried this place after I had read about it on Yelp. It did not disappoint. I have had the priviledge of having some pretty damn fine sushi (the latest being the Social House in Vegas...mmm, yum) so I do know what to look for. What I like about Takashi is their creativeness. It isn't a cookie cutter sushi place. They have some rolls that I've never seen before, the most remarkable being the Strawberry Fields roll, which is an amazing roll of...I don't even know what, but they somehow pull off the sweetness of strawberry with the complimentary freshness and zing of the fish they put in the roll, and it is spectacular. The rest of the rolls we ordered were equally fresh and delish. Four stars for the wait. Sushi is not known to be fast out of the kitchen, but the wait time for our rolls was painfully long. Other than that, no complaints. I had a very nice Belgian black ale that was pretty good, and they have a respectable wine and beer menu. I forgot to mention one thing - CHEAP!!! Anyone that has eaten good sushi in SF, Vegas, NY, etc. knows that you can't get your fill for under $150 for two. Our bill here only came to $50 and change. We were literally stunned.
(4)Meahaose H.
The best sushi I've ever had, I had here. The Dragon Roll is tops. I've had Dragon rolls from many a sushi joints and theirs beat all. I believe it's called the Magic Dragon here? My girlfriend also felt they had the best vegan roll she'd ever had. The Buddha I think. It's a tad pricey, and the wait can be rather troublesome, but the sushi is well worth it. The only downside is the service. I have eaten here a half a dozen times and it ranges from poor, to mediocre at best. The servers are pretty, both men and women, and my experience with places with good looking servers has never been great. Be patient though, and if your focus remains solely on the sushi, you'll have a great time.
(4)Arun A.
Busy sushi place. Service can be slow. Attentive though. Non fried SUSHI are great. Hot plate - tried the beef with tempura beans and mushroom. Was OK. T & T has an interesting fiery hot sauce - kinda let down by the overcooked mushy rice in the sushi.
(3)Silus G.
All around best sushi in Salt Lake City is Takashi, IMHO -- with an excellent and varied menu (featuring plenty of specialty rolls), excellent wait staff, warm and eclectic ambiance -- all at fair prices. The sashimi is good, the sushi is great, but the real reason you go to Takashi is for specialty rolls. Mmm...strawberry fields...
(5)Audra T.
Chopsticks down, the best sushi around (and that includes LA, Vegas, New York and Scottsdale). Every time I am in town, I go. Innovative fresh rolls & sushimi. Great fun to sit at the sushi bar and watch them create their magic! The sushi chefs are also fun and entertaining, although the rest of the staff certainly lacks customer service (don't seem to care if it is your first time visiting or your 1000th, know they are good, so don't have to do anything to earn your business, not rude just very indifferent.) Nonetheless, I will go again the next time I am in town!
(5)Jen T.
I will be honest and admit that I thought this place was a tad overhyped. I've eaten at a ton of sushi places in a variety of places, and I was skeptical. I am (ignorantly) in Salt Lake City after all. However the restaurant did live up to its hype, and I had a very tasty and enjoyable meal. After fearing that we'd have to wait a while we were surprisingly immediately seated at the sushi bar. Service was a tad bit slow initially compared to other places, but I needed time to look over the menu. I've read a couple of other reviews from different sites, and some have complained about the staff, but I had a really great experience. Our sushi chef was very attentive and though very busy with orders from the rest of the restaurant, still served us promptly and followed up with our critique of his creations. We ordered some nigiri, rolls and Gunkan Maki. The more notable rolls were the Summit, Ramon's Roll and The Little Mermaid. I also liked the salmon Gunkan Maki. All of the sushi/nigiri was very fresh and melted in my mouth. The Summit was definitely something different. It was categorized under the riceless treats. It was tuna, spiced crab and avocado neatly wrapped with cucumber. Very creative and very good blend of flavors. There were some complaints in other reviews I read about the presentation of the dishes, and maybe it's cause I only ordered off of the sushi menu or maybe it was cause we were sitting right in front of the chefs, but I thought presentation was done well and service was excellent. I will definitely come back to this place in the future if I'm back in town. OH and the best part is that it's not really as expensive as you'd think..
(5)Ming H.
Stopped by Takashi's while in SLC. Started with a papaya salad and sablefish appetizer. Latter was excellent but sadly turned out to be the best thing of the meal. Papaya salad was not soft enough and had no sauce. Taste consisted mostly of the peanuts. Sushi was only okay. Fish was not as good as can be. The sushi rice had no vinegar and felt like Chinese food rice rather than sushi rice. I guess the locals might not mind. Service was quite pleasant.
(3)W G.
finding a safe port in the belly of the beast is no small feat. in the land where TGIF and Hometown Buffet reign supreme, your waistline may breathe a sigh of relief when you do up takashi. while you may be inclined to shovel fistfuls of velvetly sashimi in your face, the refined palate needs only a modest portion to satisfy. the fish here is top notch and the sushi master brings a vast portfolio of skills to the table. fantastic rolls and entrees round out the menu but, really, you're here for the fish - negitoro, hiramasa, ishigarei, okoze, kibinago. you might even forget you are in Utah while you are here. JCTSFR: 7.39
(5)MStorm S.
Top rate..my favorite sushi venue hands down. Always great and always jumpin'.
(5)Rick M.
I know nothing about sushi, and this was probably only my 3rd experience with sushi in my life. I really liked it. Not much else to say.
(4)Christin A.
Great sushi, great service, great vibe. As a recently transplanted Californian who is accustomed to enjoying great sushi, I was delighted with my first visit here. Also, it was not as expensive as I had been led to believe. I will definitely be back and strongly recommend. Update: I went again last night and it was SPECTACULAR FOOD AND SERVICE. A+++++++++++
(5)Jon L.
As with every other sushi restaurant in SLC the quality is highly variable. If you get the right chef the sushi is actually very good, but if somebody other than the scruffy looking Japanese guy cuts your fish the results are hit and miss. Realistically then the rating should be between two and four stars dependent on the chef.
(4)Susan F.
Okay, so maybe it's not *real* Japanese sushi, I wouldn't know, I've never been to Japan. What I do know is that eating at any other Sushi bar on the West Coast is a waste of money. This is THE best. There is not one Sushi roll on the menu that is not perfect, the flavors blend impeccably with one another and with the atmosphere. The saki selection is great, and the menu from the kitchen is fantastic. Table service can be a little slow, and the place is always packed. So go early, and sit at the Sushi bar!
(5)c d.
I wasn't sure this place would live up to the hype...but IT DID. Awesome sushi. I had 3 rolls - Summit, Imagine and The Mexican. By far the best was the summit roll - crab and tuna wrapped in cucumber. I'm thinking about going back tomorrow and just ordering 3 Summit rolls!!! I would have liked to have tried the Sablefish App that so many recommended. Next time...
(5)Matt W.
In from Boston on business and yelped for my restaurant tonight. Great vibe at this place, the selection of fish was impressive and the roll compositions were inventive. Last, and most, the fish was great.
(5)Tien L.
I would not consider this very authentic japanese, but it's a good place for some fusion japanese restaurant. the restaurant looks very hip, food presentation is also very nice. they have some innovated dishes, like sushi wrapped in cucumber. however, the food i thought was about average. I thought the sushi rice was too sticky in general, but the aged fried tofu was very good.
(3)Sarang Y.
I'm so relieved that this place exists. Their nigiri is solid! Also we sat at the sushi bar and the service was excellent! Yes there was a long wait but that's what the booze bar is for...and plus you can grab appetizers while you wait! Appetizers: Gyoza - 4 stars (that dough was stuffed with filling) Pork belly - 3 stars (slightly overcooked, good flavors) Entree: Sashimi plate - 3 stars (good fish but I'm more of a sushi gal) Albacore nigiri - 5 stars Amaebi (sweet shrimp) - 5 stars (comes with shrimp head, yum!) Uni - 5 stars Toro tartare with truffle oil - 5 stars The sushi chef at the bar was super cool. Had a good time, can't wait to go back!
(5)Dustin P.
Decent food, terrible fucking service. Server was scarce. Was rude when asked about Sake options. Then shunned when attempted to order. Sushi isn't so amazing to put up with this rudeness. Order for a table of 5 were mixed up - not a huge deal, but just fuel for the fire of a shitty experience. Oh, and something I was willing to look passed, we were called for our table only to wait an additional 15 minutes to be sat. Get your shit together, Takashi. You're not the only place that serves rolls of rice and fish. Thanks for ruining a birthday celebration. Dicks.
(2)Heidi H.
Best Sushi I have ever had. If you're looking for great tasting sushi, do not consider going anywhere else. There is always a long wait to get in, but it is certainly worth the time. They will not take reservations over the phone. I have had: Classic Miso Edamame Shishito Peppers - Highly Recommend Sablefish - Highly Recommend Strawberry Fields Yellow Submarine Black Magic Woman - Highly Recommend Magic Dragon T & T - Highly Recommend Sunshine Ceviche - Highly Recommend Ramon's Roll - Highly Recommend Magic Dragon Mirugal (Giant Clam) - Not my thing... Gelato - I think it was a coffee flavor - Yum! I also would recommend the hot plum sake (I think it was unfiltered). It was a great way to be introduced into sake if you've never had it before.
(5)Zach L.
It's time to repent. It's time to change. Will you forgive me, Takashi? I gave you four stars because I didn't like your Azekura or your maki toro roll, but at the same time I now unabashedly declare you my favorite Utah restaurant. Your torched sablefish can't be any better. Your sunshine and captain pepper rolls can't be more delicious. Soki soba? Amazing. Pork belly? Why eat it any other way? Your service? Fantastic. Last night my sister, who's never tried sushi before, was putting on her bravest face and trying to put mind over matter. She thought it would help if she used a fork instead of chopsticks--I think she wanted to cut some of the pieces in half, take smaller bites at first, etc. So she asked for one. And who gave it to her? None other than Takashi himself, who was nothing but a gentleman. So I repent, Takashi. You're worth 10 stars in my book. And you always have been.
(5)Karsten B.
I've been here multiple times since my first visit, and it is clear that the poor service that day was an anomaly. The nigiri here is fantastic. The scallops are also amazing as is the uni. The agadashi tofu is perfect- crispy outside, creamy inside- and the miso soup and edamame make great appetizers. Everything I've tried here has been fantastic, very fresh, and high-quality.
(5)Latisha P.
First off, when I walk in I did not see any Japanese chefs which scared me! But then I remembered I was in Utah. This may be good sushi for Utah, but this wasn't so great for me. FOOD Yellow submarine (3 stars) Strawberry fields (3 stars) The box (4 stars): Best one out of the rolls we had. Tuna (3.5 stars) Sablefish cooked filet (4 stars): Cooked well. Sablefish seared (4 stars): Melts in your mouth, cooked really well. Black bean gelato (4 stars): Refreshing! SERVICE Free birthday dessert! That was really nice of them! Their service was great. ATMOSPHERE Cool decor. They get really busy, so make a reservation! PARKING Street parking.
(3)Amanda P.
Tonight was quite disappointing... Takashi has consistently been very delicious but tonight not so much. The sushi rolls were 70% rice, making it extremely chewy and not so flavorful. The noodle, pork soup that I've had many times before was not the same- super smokey and overpowered the broth. The service was quite poor too. Quite a bummer... I've been here countless times and my boyfriend once before- neither of us are in a rush to revisit. Oh and btw when you give your customer a check you should always include an itemized bill... It was very strange just to receive a credit card bill to later find out we had been overcharged.
(2)Camille A.
Coming from the Bay Area, a 5 star sushi restaurant in Salt Lake City was totally unexpected. I've been here twice for dinner. Since I'm here on business, the wait for a single was about 15 minutes (no wait the first time) on a weekday night. I've ordered: Unagi nigiri - if you like unagi, this is a MUST order. One of the best things I've eaten in my life. Rolls with unagi here won't do it justice. Salmon nigiri - super fatty and tender. Love. Blackened sablefish - popular thing to order here. Also a must try. Buttery and soft, the sauce and garlic make an awesome flavor. Tiger roll - was okay, not bad, but wouldn't order again Toro nigiri - yes. Fatty and delicious. I've sat at the sushi bar both times and received EXCELLENT service. The guys were friendly and quick with my orders. I'll be back at least once every time I'm out here in Salt Lak
(5)Jacy V.
BEST SUSHI I'VE EVER HAD! Seriously though... We are visiting from California and we're looking for a place to eat dinner. We asked a couple of locals where a good place would be and they recommended this place as the best sushi place around, and they were right! We ordered tempura prawns as an appetizer, they were SO good. Even the tempura veggies that came with it were excellent. For dinner we shared the imagine roll, crunchy ebi, and Ramon roll. My favorite of those three was the crunchy ebi. The Ramon roll was really spicy (the menu warns you about this), but it was delicious. After we scarfed down those rolls we asked our waiter for a recommendation for a fourth roll, he said the fireworks was a good choice, and it was! The rolls we ordered ranged from $9-$15 Service was fast (even though the place was packed) and friendly. The fish was fresh and tasted yummy! The locals and yelp are right about this place... Worth eating at if you are in town for a few days.
(5)R S.
It took me forever to visit Takashi. I have had reservations about Sushi joints in land locked states and that is slowly changing of late. Small plates to try are the vegetable tempura and bbq ribs. For sushi we had the magic dragon, spider, and tiger rolls. The magic dragon was the star of the group. The mark of a true Japanese Sushi House is having Natto available. The Natto Hand Roll ordered was perfect and such a treat. If you have not tried it, you must at least once. It is an acquired taste though. The place is small and fills up quickly. Reservations are a must. Due to location use their valet or the paid lots kitty corner behind them as meter parking in the street is a bear. Service was good. Food came out quick and the staff were friendly.
(5)Erin W.
I would have to say this is the best sushi in utah. Everything about their rolls is perfect. I've had really good sushi in Hawaii, and Seattle. Takashi knows what they're doing and I think could compete on a national level. There aren't a lot of places I would say that about but Takashi is one. If you want sushi and are in salt lake I wouldn't recommend anywhere else but this place. The service is top notch too!!!
(5)Joe B.
From the time you walk up to Takashi you are welcomed. I started the journey with an appetizer of grilled asparagus and an order of the pork ribs. The ribs had a charred and smokey grill flavor which is exactly what I was looking for. Along with this great flavor they were "fall off the bone" ribs. Honestly, some of the best ribs I've had. Now to the main event....sushi. If you sit at the bar (to the far right) you actually get Taskashi himself as your "sushi master". Watching him work was like watching the sun rise. As he masterfully hand cut each piece of sushi it could only build ones anticipation. I started with the Toro (fatty Tuna). It literally melted in my mouth. It had the perfect texture and taste. Highly recommend everyone, yes including you, try it. I then journeyed through some of Takashi's pick. I have no idea what it was I just know it was delicious. If you are in SLC this is a must stop.
(5)Elizabeth H.
I was in town for my annual International Convention. I asked the concierge at my hotel for a good sushi place close by. He recommended Takashi. I waited nearly an hour for a seat at this sushi bar on a Friday night. But it was well worth it. I had the most amazing nigiri including an order of Alaskan King salmon. I also tried a specialty roll of theirs called 'The Box'. Just watching the sushi chef prepare this roll was entertainment enough. This restaurant was packed which I was told is normal for them. I can see why. The sushi chefs seemed to really enjoy working there. Great ambiance. Entertaining. Delicious! I can't wait to go back next August.
(5)Nicedude N.
Yeah this place is the spot to have sushi in Salt lake metro for several reasons. The first reason is the location, in the heart of downtown, near hotels and nightlife. Second reason great decor and vibe, it's an energetic place with simple yet a modern and fun vibe. Third reason, the food is legit, we showed up on a Tuesday night and it was still a 30 min wait and we'll worth with it. We were a party if 4, no need to give you the specifics of our order because it was all good and fresh. That's impressive for 9pm Tuesday get together last minute. Keep living up to the hype and we'll continue to come back!
(5)Paris F.
I heard SO much about TAKASHI before I went. Everyone said it was so expensive and I was ready to spend big bucks (while my dad was treating me for my birthday eeee). I would say it was average priced for good sushi. I tried the torched sablefish and it was nice. I ordered the chicken yakitori and it was scrumptious. Tried some of my parents rolls and they were good but nothing special. I might need to add in that it's pageant season for me - I am in full pageant prep and am not used to eating any kind of grain or starchy carbs. I think the buds of my tongue have changed. Good sushi but I've had a better. I honestly think Sapa is a little better.
(3)Malanie L.
Great place for a date night. My first time here and I was very impressed. We arrived at 5:10 after reading the reviews and seeing how busy it gets, and there was still a line outside! Make sure you go early! We were closer to the front so we got seated once they opened. The ambiance of this place is great. The decorations and table pieces are very modern. We started off with a glass of white wine. Too bad I don't remember the name of it. As for dishes: Wok-Tossed Asparagus $9.00 - Asparagus, mushrooms, on top of glass noodles in a delicious sauce. I actually really enjoyed this. Asparagus was cooked for the perfect amount of time and noodles are my favorite. Shrimp Soba Noodle Soup $11.95 - Again, I liked the noodles in this dish. The soup was okay but a little bland. I asked for Siracha and limes which added a little more flavor. Our server was also generous enough to bring us a recommended chili powder. Spicy Mussel Shooter w/ quail egg $5.95 (2) - Probably the best mussel shooters I have ever had. Just the right amount of spice with so many delicious flavors! Sushi Rolls: Forrest Gump - Favorite roll of the night. There's a very yummy sweet sauce in it. T&T - Delicious. Totally different. Comes with a side of spicy sauce but I preferred it with the soy sauce Ceviche - The lime sauce that came on the side was very good. The quality of the fish was very fresh on all of the rolls. I have a hard time with raw fish sometimes but none of these rolls we're fishy. Ended the meal with Green Tea Gelato. YUM! Overall food was GREAT! The service was a little slow but I can understand since they're super busy. Would definitely come back to try the other dishes.
(4)Rosanne D.
Seriously? Amazing sushi in landlocked Utah? You bet your ass! We were a little skeptical about the incredible reviews for Takashi, but yet again, Yelpers were right on point. I can say definitively that this was some of the absolute best sushi we have ever had in our lives. No joke. This was the first time in my sushi eating experience that I used neither soy sauce or wasabi. The flavors of the rolls were ordered were so bright and vibrant that to add either would adulterate the intent of our sushi chef. The standout was the Strawberry Fields roll, which included escolar (one of my favorites) and yes, strawberries. I know, sounds like a disaster, or at least questionable, but it was crazy good. Don't miss the yuzu cocktail--sorry can't remember the name, but it was brilliant with the selection of rolls we had. GO!!
(5)Bowen P.
Really just OK....... I grew up with seafood and here is my story: 1. Wait time: Went there during non-rush hours (Thursday 8pm) and waited for 1 hour for a table for 2 people. Waited another 45 minutes at the table for all foods to arrive. 2. Service: ok service. Fast water refill and nice attendance 3. Environment: extremely noisy, close to a dance club with music banging. Small waiting area. 4. Food: Really not that great. The sauce was overpowering - a typical practice when fishes are not fresh. I could not verify how fresh the fishes are as it was overpowered. Which also goes against the meaning of sushi. The soup noodle was good, and the miso was OK. 5. Price: OK. For 2 people we spent $65 with tips. Food 3.5 star, service 4 star, wait time and environment pulls it down to 2 star
(2)Carla H.
Best sushi in salt lake. Love the atmosphere, location, menu. Very popular restaurant since the food speaks for itself so the wait can be lengthy. I am obsessed with the mussel shooters, just the thought of them makes my mouth water. Can't get enough of their strawberry fields roll and miso soup. A little spendy, you get what you pay for. Weather is a casual lunch or special occasion Takashi never fails.
(5)Nikki H.
This is hands-down my favorite sushi place in Utah. I've been a number of times and the food has never been a disappointment. Some people complain that this place is pricey, but that could be that they are used to many cheap and subpar sushi places we have around town. Generally when my boyfriend go we order 4-5 rolls, sake, and beer for a check coming in around $60-$70...not bad, in my opinion. Non-drinkers could probably leave there for around $20/person. If you go, do yourself a favor and order the Tuna Tataki...it's a game changer.
(5)Chloe L.
My first visit was 5 stars! This time I take off two star offfrom the inconsistency of their sushi quality. We sat at the bar ! The seafood soup and unagi sushi was good ! The rolls were pretty simple and small cuts. I was a little disappointed for the sushi we tried though. We were so excited to try uni but it was way bitter becuse the sushi was covered mostly with just uni guts. We tried spanish mackerel and fluke sushi as well. They were just ok.. it could be better. I used to like Takashi better than Naked fish before trying sushi here cuz my first visit was very satisfying! But now I can compare, after trying sushi, Naked fish's sushi quality was better.
(3)Shahar G.
Note to self ... Are Dashi Tofu is amazing Sour and spicy seafood soup is amazing Spider roll better than avg Yellow submarine can be skipped
(5)Matt L.
I consider myself a sushi snob and his place is amazing (insert Louis C.K reference here)! I can't believe I'm raving about a sushi place in salt lake freaking city, but it was one of the best I've had. I recommend the spider roll and the spicy octopus, but everything we tried was great. Get a reservation or get there early. It filled up Quick.
(5)Andre G.
First place I ever tried sushi about 5 years ago. This is always my go-to place. Great artistic modern environment, great menu and great drinks. Can get very busy on weekend nights but well worth the wait. Just watch out for the tnt sauce!
(5)Michelle M.
I love to travel and this place is still my favorite sushi place. Love the atmosphere and the food is always amazing. I judge a place on their unagi and this place never disappoints. Never fishy. BONUS: the martini bar next door is their extended waiting room since there is always a wait. I love it!
(5)D. W.
So here's the big hitter in the Salt Lake City sushi scene and surprisingly, it's a lot less classical inside than I expected. Sure, the paper globes are there and the décor, including in the lavatory, is strongly reminiscent of Japanese interior textures, but it also seems to have a healthy dash of an American sensibility to it. This isn't bad, per se, of course, but sort of defying expectation. I also really liked the sort of heavy gold paper with an almost embossed feel to the text. Arguably (probably) the best-looking menus I've seen in Salt Lake. It is definitely very comfortable inside and I appreciated that. Wait staff was also phenomenal, for the most part, though oddly a bit distant about the whole thing. Sablefish appetizer was nice, but they gave us a chunk of torched fish. That was a lot of fun to eat with chopsticks, for someone not as practiced with them (this obviously does not mean yours truly) and if I'm at a sushi place wishing that I had a fork and knife, this is probably not the best thing to have. Shishito peppers were covered in a tempura batter, which was nice, but I'd rather have had them the way Tsunami prepares them. In fact, that goes for the sablefish appetizer also. The green tea was interesting, but the very last pour was borderline brutal. I think they're overcomplicating this, frankly. The rolls were very unique and I can't think of combinations anywhere else quite like those. I appreciated the technique and creativity, though one of the roll pieces did disassemble itself, which was kind of annoying and not what should ever be happening in a place like this. Fish was quite fresh and the roll combinations were pretty well thought out, but overall, I found this to be slightly overhyped and for my money, I'd rather go to either Tsunami or Kyoto and possibly Itto. This is definitely in the top 4 of sushi places in Utah (only have Naked Fish left to try of the ones getting the best press), but I would not put it above either of those first two in the previous sentence. Good to very good, but not quite great.
(4)Jared K.
I'd say that this was some of the best sushi I've had, and I'm from Hawaii... Toro. I'd end my review there but it wouldn't be accepted by Yelp. It was something like $40 for 5 pieces of sashimi. Yes, it might as well have been as much as its weight in gold, but this fish may have ruined me for the rest of my life. I had 15 pieces of sashimi, 5 sake (salmon), 5 ahi (tuna), and 5 pieces of this awesome toro (fatty tuna). Service was outstanding - had a great conversation with the sushi chef who was super personable (though I guess he may have been because I just bought $40 toro...). If I ever go back to SLC (and the company is paying) I'll be back for sure!
(5)Bethany C.
I love sushi, I do. I just don't really enjoy the sushi here. It's probably because it's all beatles themed or has a lot of lemon in some of the rolls. I'm not saying its bad, it's just not my taste. I will say that the flourless chocolate cake from this place is unlike any other chocolate I have ever had. Go try this place out, it might be more your style if you like sushi. Be prepared to pay more than average though.
(3)kira d.
Unique and flavorful food. Staff is knowledgeable about the flavors on the menu. We thoroughly enjoyed every dish he recommended. Not only is the food tasty, but it also is presented beautifully. Just make sure you save room for dessert because their black sesame gelato is out of this world!
(5)Jessica A.
We had a wonderful lunch here during the week recently. We were seated immediately upon arriving at noon and they were very accommodating of the two infants in car seats we brought with us. Most of the lunch crowd were business people but there were a few more casual groups and even another family with kids. It was nice to feel comfortable bringing the babies even though this is a relatively nice restaurant. Service was prompt and polite without being pushy or awkwardly friendly and the prices were very reasonable. We ordered the kuro buta belly (pork belly) hot plate to start and it was fantastic. A perfect sized starter to share and the flavors were delicious. We also shared the Tiger's roll and Imagine roll, both of which were fresh and expertly prepared. Our favorite roll was the Captain Pepper roll off the specials board which contained blue fin tuna and a tempura fried shishito pepper, crusted in crushed sesame seeds. The combination of the soft tuna and crunchy pepper and sesame was wonderful. The menu and specials boards are both expansive and contain dozens of hot and cold options for anyone in your party who may not enjoy raw rolls and nigiri. We look forward to exploring more of the menu next time. Overall, a fantastic lunch and it was a real treat to find quality sushi in SLC.
(5)Van N.
Probably the only place I am willing to wait a long time for my food though it doesn't hurt coming in at 5:25pm to beat the rush ;) Yes this place can get expensive, yes it is always crowded, yes it is worth it, and yes this place deserves 5 stars! Here is a short list of recent eats: Soki soba noodles, all three kinds, even combine it if you prefer. I had the shrimp soki soba with veggies last night. I requested a side of salt, pepper, and lime for my shrimp. Our lovely server, Anna, happily completed my request with no judgement. Kumamoto oysters (not listed on their main menu). Best oysters around town. Ceviche and salmon skin sushi rolls. Coconut gelato, best part is the sesame chip. Enjoy :)
(5)Jennifer F.
I went for a business lunch no reservations. We were sat immediately. The service was great, pleasant and attentive. The food was very good. There are vegetarian options (several actually). I would go again.
(5)Aditi H.
The love affair continues the shiva roll is consistently great and the the noodle soup is so hearty. Perfect for a chilly night and completely worth the wait. I was not a fan of the agedashi tofu but the other food more than made up for it. We also stayed way past their closing time since we got a table pretty late and they were so polite and didn't hurry us at all.
(5)Nichol W.
The aloha roll ( special ) was amazing. The cerviche roll was great too but the sauce has a little kick. Great place . Great wine. Next time in Salt Lake it is a must!!
(5)Neha S.
Love love loveee the sushi here. The fish is fresh, delicious, and sooo flavorful. Hands down the best sushi in town!
(5)Thom T.
Food 3 stars: solid. Tuna Tataki=mouth wateringly spectacular (even if it was $12.95 for 5 1"x2" slices). Service 1 star: In one word: indifferent. Jason was busy, but seemed bothered that we (and he) was there. Pet peeve: "auctioning off food." There is 3 of us, you knew who ordered what, why bring it to the table, announce the plate title and wait for one of us to claim it? Maybe at Mom's Diner, but Takashi? And heaven forbid that you use a Takashi's gift certificate! Bring on the shame and disdain. Jason's disgust in pointing out the "this is a class C Takashi's Gift Certificate." Hmmm, maybe that matches your Class C service? Takashi: please consider not issuing Gift Certificates if you make the bearer feel Class C when using them?
(2)Monica V.
Came in last night for a late dinner at 9:30 and was seated fairly quickly. Our waiter was knowledgable and provided great recommendations when it came to cocktails and paleo diet-friendly options for one of my friends. Everything I had was really good, and I couldn't have asked for a better dinner that night and at that hour. The items that stood out most were the pork belly, torched sable fish, soki soba, steak with pesto and the little mermaid roll. Takashi is definitely a must if you love creative Japanese food that's cooked with care and quality ingredients. Just know that parking can be scarce and wait times long since they don't take reservations, but it's definitely worth it.
(5)Jackie F.
Wonderful, fresh sushi, and decent service. It gets very busy, so I would recommend calling ahead or planning to wait. I started with salmon sashimi and a house salad. Both were delicious. I asked for the salad dressing on the side, which was forgotten. Fortunately, I liked it very much. I then had The Summit roll, which is spicy tuna (had them make it extra spicy) and avocado rolled in cucumber and then topped with a ginger dressing. I loved both! The one downfall to this place is the service. Because it was so busy, my waitress only visited my table a couple of times. They could improve the overall experience by responding to the popularity with more wait staff. Aside from that, it's a wonderful treat to dine at Takashi!
(4)Gamage ..
Best sushi and maki ever in USA :) It was great food and service.. My waiter was so kind and helpful perfectly... I should have known his name at least Definitely coming back soon
(5)May Y.
Although Takashi remains as the best Japanese restaurant in SLC, it offers inconsistent food quality. While sashimi are mostly fresh, rolls are at times stale. Two friends of mine got sick after having salmon skin rolls in separate occasions. The no-reservation policy and the extremely long wait for a table further deter me from returning to the restaurant. The redeeming dishes for my occasional visits are its fried shishito peppers with green tea sea salt and its grilled yellow eggplant. Takashi, please do not be blinded by your success and work on improving the consistency of your food.
(3)Sophie P.
The best Japanese restaurant in Salt Lake City, I love the Sake Sashimi and Green tea gelato, soooo good. Dragon rolls are good as well. I will say all good there. I give A+ to Takashi.
(5)Ee Chien C.
Probably the best Japanesefood I've had in a long while. Utah isn't exactly a hotbed of Japanese cuisine, so finding a place where they had good sashimi and nigiri was a welcome change. They also had really good Agadashi tofu. I'd say the prices are pretty good for the quality of fish that you are getting. Oh, got the spider hand roll and that was absolutely divine. I would highly recommend everyone getting that because you will just be happy in life. My friend and I sat at the counter, and got pretty good service from the chef behind the counter. Our waiter was in as attentive, so thankfully we were at the counter. Come often!
(4)MsBeth R.
Word of advice....Get here early. This place gets packed!!!! However, it is worth the wait. Just go next door for a drink or two like I did =) Great place for a date or a birthday. I loved the chalk board menu with "rare" finds. Everything I tried was great, BUT the Oysters with egg were AMAZING!!!!
(5)Long T.
I honestly, truly, and deeply wish I could've given this place a perfect 10 stars! 5 stars just seems insulting when it came to the great food, atmosphere, and professionalism that we(my gf and I) received when we were there last night. We came about 1 hour before closing and the restaurant was still packing! Our waitress was very friendly toward answering all the questions with had with a HUGE smile. I order the Soki Soba noodles, and the spicy octopus roll. The noodles were cooked to perfection! The broth was sooooo flavorful with fall off the bone pork ribs, and the noodles was soft to eat unlike old hard noodles that you may taste at other restaurants. Perfect for the cold weather if you're looking for something hot and soupy to eat while it is snowing outside. The spicy octopus roll was the perfect compliment to a hot bowl of noodles, it was very fresh and absolutely filled with so much flavors. My only compliant for that roll was there wasn't enough on my plate. I wanted MORE!!!! Finally, the desert...The only thing I will say is coconut-gelato! It was a home run dinner for us. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. However, this sadness will not last long because, I will be back (terminator voice) very soon.
(5)Crystal B.
Absolutely love Takashi. The rolls are creative, fresh, and tasty. They also offer a GF menu for the celiacs out there like me! Get there early, they are always packed. Can I just say asparagus on glass noodles...too die for
(4)Susan R.
Great atmosphere, but horrible sushi. Also service wise not great...we showed up at 6:30 and had to wait until 8:00 to be seen. We normally don't wait that long, but we had appetizers at the Market Grill Next Door so the wait was tolerable. Beautiful Restaurant, cool vibe, but still had kids coughing next to us. Worst Uni I ever had, hate to say. Also we had the Sea Bream and it was not fresh either. Yuck. Disappointing. Pepino San drink was good. But won't be back unless it's just for cocktails.
(3)Rosanna K.
Based on the reviews, I was expecting so much more from Takashi's. I came here with a party of 10, and we were able to try many items off the menu such as the sashimi, nigiri, multiple rolls, and calamari and oyster appetizers. Everything was just so-so. The fish quality was good, but the dishes were kind of skimpy on the raw fish, and even though the rolls looked very creative on paper, their flavors failed to come through. I tried ordering the most adventurous sounding rolls off the menu, such as the strawberry roll, a roll with mint and basil, and one with wasabi tobiko. I could barely taste the difference between most of the rolls, besides the strawberry one, which was refreshing, but almost like a dessert. I am sad to say, but the quality of the rolls really reminded me more of super market sushi: lots of rice, tiny bits of fish, and lackluster presentation. The nigiri were good and really showcased the quality of their fish. Our "large" sashimi platter was so tiny that I can't really imagine what the small platter was like. I don't think I would come back.
(2)Christina K.
SUMMARY: I wasn't expecting much from a land locked state in terms of sushi, but OH MY GOODNESS. My friend and I arrived around 7pm on a Wednesday night and had an hour wait, but we sat at the bar and had some edamame and drinks to start. This was one of the best sushi restaurants I've been to in this price range! WHAT I ORDERED: Yellow Submarine, Magic Dragon, Medium Sashimi Combo, The Summit, Edamame, Unfiltered Sake PROS: Amazing food CONS: Was out of the house sake I wanted + no small tastes of the other sake that was rather expensive. ---ADDITIONAL DETAILS--- FOOD: They serve high quality, fresh, melt in your mouth fish and have some really creative rolls. I can't say which was my favorite - they were all amazing and quite unique from what I"m used to. I was excited about the house sake as well, but they were out of the unfiltered. Also saw some of the entrees and appetizers - they looked amazing. The chicken yakitori was HUGE - it could have been an entire meal for me and then some. They had a fairly long beer, wine and cocktail list as well including some unique Japanese beers. AMBIANCE: Great for a date. Romantic atmosphere/lighting and intimate setting. GOOD FOR: Date, small groups, something special.
(5)King C.
I don't go to Salt Lake City often but when I do I go to Takashi's Creative interpretations of sushi Like the Beatles themes rolls Tasty Wish they were bigger (so so from a value perspective) And while there was a lot of detail to the decor, there wasn't as much detail focused on the rolls -- which I thought fell apart easily Despite all that I would recommend to anyone visiting SLC
(4)Julie P.
I came to have dinner here only bc of all of the amazing reviews and I was highly disappointed. The staff was very nice and the sushi chefs were very helpful but the food was just OK. I didn't have any rolls that I could say is the best sushi I've ever had. I think this place is overrated but didn't seem like there were a lot of options in Salt Lake City for sushi. I wouldn't come back.
(2)Andrew S.
While having a short stay downtown we had a hankering to try some really good Sushi and a quick Yelp search brought up the awesome looking Takashi, and awesome it indeed is. We tried to go initially on a Friday evening but the wait was going to be 1 1/2 hours and that was too long for us, especially since the bar was full. So knowing they opened at 5:30pm we decided to get right there at opening on the Saturday and while we were told it would be 45 minutes it was actually only 35 and we were able to sit at the bar while waiting. Let me just say, the wait is totally worth it, this is undoubtably the best Sushi in Salt Lake. For food we started with the Classic Miso Soup which I can only describe as heaven in a bowl, drink down this awesome treat from its wooden bowl and you know you're off to a good start! For sushi we got the Strawberry Fields roll and a Spider roll, and quite literally I can say it was the best sushi I have ever had, and my wife as the real sushi expert in my family said the same and has even been back for more since, I think that speaks for itself. We also shared the Ridiculously Tender Flank Steak done medium rare. It was cooked perfectly and tasted just fabulous. This is a nice place, fairly small for sure, but has a great atmosphere, friendly service at the bar and table service is fast, friendly and very helpful. All in all a very well deserved 5 stars and somewhere we rave about to friends now and definitely a place we will go back to. If you're a sushi or Japanese food fan in general this place is truly a must try on any visit to Salt Lake.
(5)Patrick S.
I was asked the number 1 restaurant I recommend when people come to salt lake. I would simply say Takashi because every aspect of this place never ceases to impress me up. From wait staff, quality, preparation, varmint, hostess, bartender, the overall experience is amazing and never you let down.
(5)Lee L.
SALT LAKE CITY: Arigato, Takashi, for an epic sushi meal...and some pretty okay ribs. I was eager to eat here after having read so much and the sushi did not disappoint! The manager, I think his name was Rich, was super nice, too, as were the hostesses. Excellent service, excellent sushi. Ambience and Service (5 stars): cool joint, hip, crowded, modern, relaxed. Nice place to go for an evening with friends or business associates. FOOD Crunchy Ebi Roll (5+ star): soft crunchy sweet flaky exterior with a firm shrimp tempura on the inside. I hit nirvana; awessssome! Strawberry Fields Roll (5 star): This roll was terrific, complex, and flavorful: Excellent moist rice exterior with almond flakes for crunch and texture, followed by strawberry, subtle fish, and a spicy kick. Sunshine Roll (4 star): Very flavorful roll juxtaposing the lemon burst with spice: Taste comes at you in this order: Fish, avocado, citrus lemon slice, spice. Ribs/Short Ribs Small Plate (3 stars: 4 star taste, 2 star meat): these ribs taste amazing; like Carolina barbecue fused with Asian ginger glaze-awesome! Then you chew and chew and chew...the meat was dry and pretty tough. Made my mouth tired. Epic vegetables served with them.
(5)Jeff F.
After reading all the hype about the sushi and service, the 4 of us were disappointed. Not so much because of the food but because of our pompous waiter. He talked down to us and seemed annoyed when we asked questions about the menu. The rolls were imaginative and tasty but nothing special. The salads were a nice choice in a Japanese restaurant but could have used a bit more greenery. Great beer selection and fun ambiance. Too bad the waiter caused us to leave on a sour note. Note - being from the east coast, it is easy to be critical of good fresh sushi. It may be the best choice in SLC is you get the craving.
(2)John C.
Place is always amazing. There is only a bad thing about this place and it is the very long wait to get a seat. They only take reservations for parties of 6 or more. We only had 4 so we were out of luck. We started with pork belly with an awesome sauce, and some sablefish. We then started on various rolls and had some items on the sushi menu that we have never heard of and were delighted by the flavor and freshness. Service was good and prompt, they were always checking up on us and making sure we were well taken care of. Highly recommend this place to anyone that is serious about their sushi. Best place in Utah hands down.
(5)Kin W.
I was in Salt Lake City for a business trip and didn't expect to find good sushi restaurant in a desert city. Read the review on Yelp and found this place near by my hotel. Surprisingly the sushi I had there is even better than many Japanese restaurants I have in San Jose, CA. Long line and long wait time, but it's totally worth it.
(4)Jordan S.
This is, hands down, the best Japanese restaurant in Salt Lake City. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and nothing will disappoint. If you get an appetizer, you absolutely have to try the various tataki. They also have a unique selection of beer and wine, including a fantastic Japanese Stout that I haven't seen anywhere else before. Excellent choice for business lunches or dinners, or just for an elegant night out. I would not recommend bringing children. A great place for a date or to dress up with friends and enjoy a fun and fancy dinner.
(5)Nadia S.
The best sushi place I have been to in the USA. Freshest fish, great menu and they have gunkan maki, which I love! Very welcoming and laid back energy at the sushi bar. They are not making food, they are creating art. The owner is a huge Beatles fan - several special sushi rolls are named after their songs, like Strawberry fields, Yellow Submarine and Imagine...
(5)Derrik S.
Finally tried Takashi for myself and was not disappointed. We got the calamari, edamame, box roll (loved), Yellow Tail roll (pretty good), and some time sashimi. Everything was very flavorful and fresh. Will definitely be back often!
(5)Annelise S.
Best sushi we have had in a long time! Everything was fantastic. We will come back again and again! Loved it.
(5)Bridget H.
I joined some coworkers for lunch here one day, mid-week. There was no line but it was quite full. I was really impressed with the quality of the sushi and the selection of specialty rolls. The Sunshine Roll (salmon, with lemon slices and a citrus "sauce") was really delicious and unlike other sushi rolls I've had before. I also got a few pieces of nigiri sushi and it was quite good. If I was ever in SLC again, I'd love to go back to Takashi for lunch!
(4)Oscar P.
What a great surprise. Wonder and delicious food. If you're in Salt Lake City, it a MUST. Try The Summit. Had to wait 45 min. Every time I have to wait that long at a restaurant, it tell me it's good and this time was not different. Worth the wait.
(5)Leodan L.
Pro: We tried it out for the first time just the other day and I have to say we were pretty surprised by just how good everything was. They had good service the waiter we had came by often and made sure we were doing okay without being bothersome to our conversation. The quality of the sushi was fantastic as well and as a person who rarely enjoys sushi I was very pleased enough to make plans to return for a birthday dinner. Cons: the parking ! Now we went in the early to mid dinner rush (around 6:30-ish) on a weekday and finding parking was hell the restaurant doesn't have its own lot to park in. With that said I couldn't help but suggest using the pay lot on 400 south and main (the courthouse trax station parking lot) you will pay 4 dollars for the entire day and if you plan on doing shopping you will save money in the long run over the 2 dollar an hour. Now the wait time was insane so plan to wait at least 30 minutes we got lucky and walked in as a group of 12 was leaving so we scored a table right away but we noticed that the couple who came in behind us waited well over 30 minutes. And my last con is be ready to spend a pretty penny because it adds up quick. I'm not saying it's not worth the price but the check can sky rocket two or three plates in.
(5)Jason W.
Amazing! My absolute favorite sushi spot in SLC. Great for lunch or dinner. The only drawback is that it tends to get quite crowded most nights. The Box special roll is a must, and the torched sable fish is divine. Lots of delectable choices here for sushi lovers and otherwise. Servers are always attentive, friendly, and knowledgable. If you're not worried about how much you spend, just ask for the chef's tasting special and they will just keep bringing out great dish after great dish for you.
(5)Michael P.
Waited 45 minutes for a table at 7pm. Was well worth it. The bartender was really helpful not only with drink suggestions but food suggestions too. The food was amazing even though I thought sushi he'd already been invented and thee wasn't much new to offer. The service was really good too. I plan to eat there again before I leave the city. Well done.
(5)Vanessa R.
Beautiful, fresh sushi. Great sake list.
(5)Chris H.
Second time to this place. Best sushi I have had in all my travels. Love the sushi with sauce on the side . yellow submarine and ceviche a must. Finished off with imagine. Great flavor. Miso excellent. Hot tea at the end.
(5)Julie V.
A friend of mine once told me the word "takashi" meant praiseworthy, and when I found out about this Japanese restaurant, I knew I had to see if the experience would live up to its title. Oh and yes, it does...that is if you are looking for a more modern style sushi restaurant. Upon finding the restaurant, we walked towards the venue to find a sidewalk and rooms crowded with people waiting to be seated--the estimated time for 2 was 1.5 hours (in UTAH)! This anticipation further excited Vinh H & I as we strolled around the block for bars to hang out at. Within an hour, we received a text saying our table was ready. We were seated immediately at the bar. The sushi chef was friendly, easy to talk with, and recommended various items. We ended up trying 5 rolls and 1 appetizer: Kuro buta belly (appetizer). Soooo delicious! It's a must-try for all pork belly lovers!! As soon as I ordered it, the waiter looked at us and said he was jealous & wished he could have some too! I realized after trying it that his jealousy was honest! It was so good! I enjoyed the taro paste along with the crunchy lotus and tender succulent pork belly. The contrast was great and an appetizer I would try again. Ceviche. The chef said that this was his favorite roll of all, and I have to admit it was quite delicious! I loved the citrus contrast, and as Vinh H puts it, it was inventive. Although simple, it fused the citrus nature of ceviche without overpowering the sushi. Puff the magic dragon. This is a warm roll made of eel, avocado, and a mix. It's great for anyone who is used to ordering warm rolls at sushi joints! It's a very creamy roll from the ingredients itself, and the sesame seeds help balance it out. I really enjoyed this in between my cold rolls, and it helps mix things up a bit! The summit. This is a rice-less cucumber roll that presents well and was quite refreshing. I enjoyed the tangy nature of the sauce and the thick cut of tuna that contrasted well with the mix. I would have liked for the roll itself to not be so drenched in liquid, but overall, the roll was good. The box. This roll is first surrounded by three types of fish & then stuffed with more fish, sauce, and eggs. I'd definitely say that this is one of the biggest bang for the buck, especially if you're looking for something to fill you up! It came out a little warmer than room temperature and the rice was just right--I really enjoyed this roll and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys trying a variety of fish in rolls. Yellow submarine. Least favorite & greatest disappointment. It wasn't necessarily bad, but it was definitely plain. For something that appeared in so many reviews, I had the highest hope for this roll, but fortunately the other rolls excelled where this didn't. +1 Star: Decorations were nice. The location was a bit crowded, yet they managed to seat us prior to the estimated time. +1 Star: Service from the sushi chef was great and the waiters were quick to refill my water. +1 Star: Prices were also quite fair, and Vinh H and my dinner bill ended up being about $100 for two. +1 Star: Food tasted good. The fish had nice flavor that I would come back for again, and the variety was nice. -1 Star: Even with lowering my standards, I couldn't honestly give this place 5 stars because it's not as good as it gets even in Utah. Quite frankly, I'd come back here to take out certain friends who'd appreciate the modern aura of this location that don't mind sushi lacking in certain areas. For higher quality & experience, I'd probably choose another place. Tip: If you want to a traditional type Japanese sushi restaurant, try the Naked Fish Japanese Bistro that is just about 1/2 a mile away.
(4)Shauna Q.
The best sushi in SLC. I love the strawberry fields, woman in red and the spicy tuna!
(5)Meagan B.
Takashi is the first place to make me like sushi! I've tried it a few times, and I would just gag at the flavor, but my husband convinced me to try more here, and to my surprise, and excitement, I loved it! Loved the ambiance, loved the food, loved the sushi!
(4)Alan D.
Good sushi. Great location. Some creative rolls. My wife and I reached the same consensus, before we left the restaurant. We probably wouldn't go back. It's good, but honestly there's other sushi restaurants in Salt Lake that are better. Strawberry fields is a killer roll, it's almost like candy. Everything else was quality, and made really well. Wasn't all that fired up about my server. We asked for a recommendation for what you give a 10 year old girl, he brought some pretty spicy food for her. He took it off the bill when we asked for a replacement. Any one can have an off night. I dunno. This place is more expensive, and the food and service wasn't as good as some other places I've been to.
(3)Jennifer G.
Love Takashi, love the food love the location love the ambiance. Good sushi The only thing I don't love so much are the prices
(4)Jay H.
Easily on of the better sushi restaurants anywhere. Exceptional quality and service. Such well balanced rolls with great flavors. Try the 'Willies Chillies'. They aren't on the menu but they will know if you order them. They are amazing. The torched sablefish is outstanding as well. If you're a salmon fan. The New Zealand salmon is very fatty and succulent. Hell, everything is delicious. Just go and be happy.
(5)R I.
This is my go to sushi restaurant in SLC and they never cease to impress me. The quality of the fish is great for SL. This time we went for my wife's birthday and wanted to try something new. We had the spicy mussels with the quail eggs to start out. The seasoning is great with the right amount of lime. I liked to eat it much like an oyster with the raw quail egg to finish it off. The consistency of the egg complimented the mussels nicely. I definitely recommend it. And do try it with the egg. We sat at the bar which I highly recommend for a more interactive experience. Miguel was our sushi chef, and we watched him make very artistic rolls. We asked him to make us something he liked to make. He made a roll topped with albacore tuna and some panko. It was incredible. Definitely recommend this roll and Miguel as a chef. The place has a great vibe and really the cost is not bad in comparison to other sushi restaurants but the quality is much better.
(5)Leslie W.
I was so impressed with this place. The waiters/hostess/sushi chef were all friendly. The decor is really interesting and modern. The prices were also very reasonable. I was really worried about getting sushi in Utah (thought it might not be fresh) but it was amazing!!! I will definitely recommend this to friends and bring my out of town friends.
(5)j c.
Amazing place. Yes all the hype is well deserved. Hip space located in downtown SLC gets crowded very quickly. Sushi obviously is the star attraction. Rolls are well thought out and put together. I usually dislike rolls because in most places, it's an American invention with overabundance of sauces overpowering the rolls. However, at Takashi, sauces are used to complement and enhance the flavors. Light and tasty calamari highlight the appetizer menu. Interesting options like sable fish. Overall gracious service considering how crowded it gets. Very good host remembered us on repeat visits. About as good as it gets for sushi in the US.
(5)Carl B.
Great service, atmosphere and great Sushi. Monk Fish Liver Pate' is the best. House cured Saba is really good. They live up to their reputation.
(5)Sarah J.
Amazing sushi. Loved it. A must go for sushi in salt lake. Service was excellent. Fun atmosphere. Calamari was wonderful. Rolls were all great. Would I go back...YES
(5)Jeremy H.
Went here with my boss for a work trip. It lived up to all the hype I've heard. They have types of fish that can be rarely found in other sushi spots all over the world. The service from the sushi chef as we sat at the bar was above and beyond. If you are not sure if you want to go. Just go already!
(5)Angie L.
i was really craving sushi saturday night and off to takashi i went! we got there around 6:45 PM and it was about a 30 minute wait. the hostess asked if we were open to sitting at the sushi bar and i said yes, because i was starving and wanted to eat ASAP! i was actually looking up on yelp, bars in the area to go to while waiting, when i had an incoming text. surprisingly it was from takashi and they were ready to seat us at the sushi bar. so a 30 minute wait became a 3 minute wait =) i have never sat at the sushi bar before, but really enjoyed my experience. our server explained how it worked (he would get us drinks and items from the kitchen and we order sushi from the sushi chefs). i got the buddha betty drink and it was quite refreshing. our sushi chef was jacob and he was amazing! very friendly and made our rolls quite quickly. everything was paced really well (when our rolls came out) and the service from everyone else was great. you get your sushi much faster when sitting at the bar so i might try this again in the future. it was really interesting to watch the sushi chefs make the sushi and do the plating - it really is a form of art. everything was so pretty! the food, as always, was delicious. the uni was so delicious and chilled, which i liked. i got my usual summit roll and then tried their fireworks special which was so-so. i also tried the imagine and cerviche roll which were both amazingly good! i almost wished i live downtown just so i could eat here more often. their food is definitely 5 star worthy!
(5)Patricia Denise T.
The wait takes about 20 minutes on weeknights and even longer for Fridays and Saturdays but it's so worth it! Been here at least 4 times in the past year. We always get rolls so I can't say much about the other items in their menu. We always get the Tiger roll (it is FANTASTIC and my absolute favorite) and one or two other rolls.
(5)Craig S.
Great spot for sushi in Salt Lake! I've been twice now when visiting and have both times been very satisfied. One caution is to get there before 6 pm unless you can wait for up to 45 minutes for a table as the 'secret' is out. They have very good green papaya salad, the scallops were cream and the sashimi and rolls very good overall
(4)Bngxn F.
They are popular, and the food is original. Loved the Okinawa beer.
(4)Alyse A.
The best Sushi in ALL of Utah!! We just moved back to Utah from San Francisco so finding great quality fish is so hard. But this place is just as good as some of the Sushi joints out in The Bay. They have live Uni available (the only way to eat Uni) which is impossible to find but you have to get it earlier in the night since they only get 2 a day. Their mussel shooters are absolutely amazing and same with their Tako (Octopus). Everything was just so fresh and delicious and wasn't even very expensive. If you want a recommendation for a roll try the sunshine roll the salmon is so buttery and so delish.
(5)John M.
Excellent for an inland Japanese Restaurant. Regular dishes were prepared well. Just had a touch of raw fish since I would never expect much inland. Even if the fish is shipped in every day the supply chain is just too long. We lived in Tokyo and got spoiled there on fresh fish.
(4)Kylie C.
Are you serious Takashi? You used to be great, but the last two times I've been in I have not been impressed. We came in and ordered appetizers, salads, and miso- and you brought out all of them together- with our salads piping hot. How did they get that way? Could it be you let our food sit out and then threw the whole tray in the microwave to save yourself? I think so. I chose the Dragon Roll so I could experience some of your fish (since most of your rolls are crab or shrimp filled, surprisingly), but the fish was old. My husband ordered the teriyaki chicken and it was fatty and greasy. COME ON. The shrimp and vegetable tempura was flavorless, and the service was AWFUL. Like I get it- you're busy at lunch, but that's no excuse. For a $65 lunch, I expect more. We are never ever ever getting back together.
(1)Natasha S.
Such a horribly disappointing Takashi experience. I'd never been here and was anticipating a great meal. The tuna tataki was delicious, but the rest of the evening was beyond underwhelming. It took forever to get our order in and out server never checked on us after that. Our server and the manager need a serious lesson in customer service. I will absolutely never return and I will recommend many of salt lake's fabulous restaurants over this pretentious establishment.
(1)Nathan W.
This place was so good. We went there on a date night and sat at the sushi bar. Watching the chef make the sushi was almost as fun as eating it... almost. It was really good. I like how fresh it is - so many Utah sushi joints like to deep-fry stuff and put cream cheese in their rolls. Not Takashi, thankfully.
(5)Mike S.
What a fabulous place. The sushi here is fresh and delicious. Their specialty rolls are creative and unique. Rolls I highly recommended you try: the yellow submarine, the summit, strawberry fields, ceviche roll. We had quite a few rolls and were not disappointed. The restaurant was very busy during the lunch hour and we had great service. Definitely will be coming back when in town.
(5)Loren R.
It's all about the food , my motto. If it were about the service, I'd ding this place down to 1 star. I held up reviewing this place until I went there three times, since I liked the sushi but not the service. Please keep in mind I sit at the sushi bar So I am only referring to the server(s) NOT the chef(s). The food: Freshness 5 stars. I am picky with sushi, it is my favorite fancy treat for myself. After a long hard day, some overtime, it is my treat. While the freshness is 5stars, the complexity of the sushi I was disappointed with. The balance of various flavors was missing here compTed to better sushi places. Id give it less than average rating based on the usual sushi complexity I have become spoiled to expect. The uni( sea urchin) was tied for the best you can get, a test of freshness in my book. The spider roll I had was average. I do have a major complaint! Three times in a row I went here over a three year period. Three times in a row I ordered saki. Three times in a row I ran out of saki as I ate my sushi. Three times in a row I had to wait, this time 15 minutes, I kid you not, for a server to ask, and get me more saki. I like to alternate between eating sushi, and clearing my palate with saki, I had fresh sushi in front of me, begging to be savored and with out a server in sight to get me more. This place is different than most sushi places I've been, usually, either the chef OR the server takes your order. Here the chef took my sushi order , while the waiter? Took care of my saki/ other stuff I wanted to order miso soup, didn't get to do that I wanted to order endamme , I didn't get to do that, I wanted a salad. Who do I order that from, the sushi chef? The service at the sushi bar from the servers is virtually non existent While I usually don't ding a place for service , I'm doing it today Three times in a row, over three years. No miso soup , no endamme, indifferent attitude. slow saki. I suspect based on reviews ,that table service is much better . I suspect that the tips that go to the chefs, don't go to the severs?! I made sure to tip the chef ( chef tip jar) NOT put a tip on the cc bill. The server didn't deserve anything. In short, 4 star sushi. 2 star service. This place is coasting on its reputation of freshness. Some competition might do it some good Will I go there again? Not soon. Even though it got the best reviews on yelp, how I found it, I really really don't like waiting for service at the sushi bar for 15 min. I'll try a few other places before I come back in slc 2 large saki 1spider roll 3 order uni 1 order saki ( salmon) sushi 77 plus 15 tip/ = 102$ for ONE person. That's a lot! ( live in Alaska, even there sushi is better and less expensive. ) I'd be ok with it if the service had been better than 2 stars. This place might be great for slc, but it's average for the country. Competitions a bitch You guys need it! Sushi is about the "eating ambiance" for me Did you ever really have it. Stop coasting on a reputation. You are packed. I don't see why. From a professional traveller.
(3)Thomas N.
I like this place. The sushi is one of the top sushi places in Utah, up there with Tsunami Sushi. We sat at the bar and the chefs were awesome company. We've sat at the table before and the service was great as well, albeit SLOW. The drinks were good and prices are on par with other quality sushi joints. Parking is a PITA. That's the thing that discourages me from coming here. They have valet parking, but valet once damaged the armrest in my Audi in the past. I drove back and they would not assume liability, so I will never use valet again. They said once you drive the car off, they are no longer responsible. It was dark and night time so I didn't notice the damage the next day.
(4)heather s.
One of the best sushi restaurants I've ever been too. Come here often. There's usually a long wait on the weekends but worth it!!
(5)K G.
Tonight, the unthinkable happened. Takashi turned into...an average sushi joint. What use to be slc's finest sushi is no longer. Here's why: Rolls: we ordered the Ramon and crunchy ebi. Both were okay. Crunchy ebi was soggy. Hmm. Edamame: bad! How edamame can be bad I have no idea. But it was. Sablefish app: meh. Was okay. Tempura veggies might have been the only item I enjoyed thoroughly. But it was the first item to arrive and we were ravenous so I can't make a fair assessment. Wine selection needs an update.
(3)Brad S.
Is the wait worth it? Absolutely, phenomenal, creative sushi. Try the agedashi tofu and the house nigiri saki, outstanding.
(5)KC C.
Wow, am I in SLC? Food, service and drink ...top notch. Had so many thing but the whole trout app, Uni and great sake...need I say more.
(5)Tim M.
Everything was amazing. We got to sit near the owner's station, who works his magic with the greatest of ease. Highlights were the ceviche roll, the muscle shooters, the evergreen roll, the uni, and the puff the magic dragon roll. The ingredients: Were fresh and amazing. Surprising for Salt Lake City. I've read other reviewers say Takashi beats some of the best sushi places in big cities. The setting: Modern and comfortable. Located on Market Street, so parking is a little tough, but totally worth it. The consensus: We will be back (as soon as we save enough money to go back)
(5)Dawn D.
Second time here and still not disappointed. The wait was long but both times I was lucky enough to get bar seating until my table was ready. Not mad about that though, it's a really great restaurant. Food is great, service was great (shout out to Tony and Johnny)! I'll be back!
(5)A M.
I almost gave this four stars on account of the wines I tasted not being good at all(Pinot Noir and Malbec), but I guess Japanese restaurants are not known for their wine selection. What I liked a lot about this restaurant, given my love for sushi and wide sampling of it across various states and countries, is that it felt new. While there were inevitable similarities, there was also a nice variety of rolls and items that I hadn't tasted before. The items that were similar to what I was used to still had a fresh spin on them. I wouldn't order the seared beef appetizer again, because mine was overcooked and chewy, but I won't take away a star since the sushi itself(what I really came through the door for) was very very good. I did take it as a good sign that people were standing in the rain waiting for the doors to open. We popped into the restaurant up the block for a glass of wine and got lucky in getting seated almost immediately upon our return while a large line formed behind us.
(5)Bowdoin S.
I absolutely love sushi. I travel a lot and even though I think we have great sushi in the San Francisco Bay Area where I am from, this place is easily my favorite sushi place I have been to. The specialty rolls are absolutely spectacular. All of the rolls that I have are very interesting and are multi-dimensional. My favorite roll on the menu is the sunshine roll. I love the crunch of the cucumber and the thin slice of lemon gives it the perfect amount of acidity that does not over power the roll. It is very well balanced. I tried the ceviche roll at the urging of my colleague and although it was still a great roll, the dipping sauce had too much acidity that was overpowering, in my opinion. I liked the chewy texture of the octopus, however. I tried the strawberry fields for the first time during my last visit, and it was a real hit. The strawberry was sweet, but not too overpowering, and the toasted almonds added some nice texture. The dining hall has an upscale feel and the service is overall pretty good. I have always sat at the bar and sometimes you can have a great conversation with the sushi makers, while I had on the past occasion one that just focused on his work. Given the quality of the food, the prices are very reasonable and I am looking forward to my next visit to Salt Lake City!
(5)Danny W.
We arrived and were told there would be a wait which was expected but we live right around the corner so we went home and got a text when a table was ready for us! (The perks of living downtown!) It was very busy and the waiter took a bit to get to us but besides that, great service. Takashi has some of the most unique sushi I've ever tasted. The flavors were all very fresh. My wife and I had a very pleasant dining experience here. The ceviche roll was totally new to us and although the flavors were good, it seemed like a bit of a stretch for a sushi roll. Overall, a good sushi experience for us.
(4)Jhoana R.
Moved from Los Angeles, CA. I was craving sushi this is a great place I fell in love with the magic dragon. Chefs and staff are friendly. It was a friday 7pm the wait was around 2hours but there's a bar that you can go next door for drinks. Loved it too :)
(5)Kaleb L.
Straight the point: Best sushi in Salt Lake by far.
(5)Brooke S.
Takashi is "it", for me. I won't go anywhere else in Utah, for sushi. I've never had a bad meal at Takashi. Coming from Seattle, a seafood restaurant has to meet pretty high standards, for me to praise it. And Takashi always exceeds my expectations. Of the appetizers, I like everything. But the Buddha belly is my favorite. I could order any sushi roll on the menu, and be happy. But the soft-shelled crab: spider roll is tops, in my book. I always try to get there at least 15 minutes early, and even then, there's always a line. But the reason is because Takashi is so well-known, & liked. It's consistently good food. And I will be consistent about going there.
(5)Guy B.
If you were to make one choice as to where to go for sushi in the Salt Lake City area, regardless of cost, Takashi is the place to go. Yes, Naked Fish is a great restaurant, too, but Takashi is the best. Takashi's extensive menu is eclectic, inventive and runs the full gamut of Japanese cuisine (with the exception of ramen). What makes Takashi special is the freshness of the food. The seafood at Takashi is guaranteed to be fresh, on every visit. Their seafood is flown in daily from the coast, and is used up daily. I consider Takashi's seafood/sashimi options to be the freshest available in Utah. Some menu items that we have recently selected that were quite impressive include the agedashi tofu and the fried oysters. Agedashi tofu is cubed tofu that is deep-fried with a very thin breading, and then rested in a dashi-flavored broth with bonito flakes sprinkled on top. Takashi is very generous with the bonito flakes in their version of this dish, which is of paramount importance in terms of flavoring. They are the local winner in preparing this dish. The fried oysters, which were on the "special" board the day we showed up, were divine. They take fresh oysters, dip them in a breading that includes the flavoring of shichimi togarashi, and serve them piping hot with a wasabi aioli and beetroot relish. The flavors here are tremendous. In terms of the sashimi and sushi options, try anything you like, they will always be fresh, well-seasoned and delicious. This is definitely a sushi restaurant where being adventurous pays off. Do yourself a favor next time you go out for sushi. Don't settle for an all-you-can-eat, 50% off, buy-one-get-one free sushi rolls type of joint. They are a dime a dozen, and you get what you pay for. Bite the bullet and go where the sushi is really fresh. Takashi fits the bill!
(5)Don H.
This restaurant is a victim of its own success I live in New York and Seattle place is known for good sushi. Sushi here is mediocre at best. More importantly the service here is very unpleasant, overly washed, and makes a meal not particularly enjoyable. The waiters seem rather disinterested.I would not eat at this place again. In contrast to some of the gems I have found in Salt Lake City, Such as Tim angel or the copper onion. Both of those were quite pleasant, for a dinner night out.h
(2)Brent W.
I should start this review by saying I did have a great experience here, but I felt like it disappointed me a little bit. I think the biggest problem was that we had to wait for more than an hour for table on a Thursday night. We wisely spent this time at the bar, where we made friends with the bartender who was quite pleasant. However, by the time we got our table we hardly even wanted to eat anymore. That being said, this restaurant is perhaps the trendiest place around, because it was packed for the entire evening. I started with a plate of short ribs, which were extremely flavorful and tender. Next, I had a couple of pieces of sushi and a roll. I'd say the roll and sushi were above average, but probably not worth the amount of time we'd waited for. My companions also had pretty delicious food items, but again I don't think it really stood out that much. I would come back, but I would definitely make a reservation. Unfortunately, the whole experience got tainted a little bit.
(4)Juliet C.
I came here awhile back with the bf and it's definitely the best sushi I've had so far in Utah. It's still nothing compared to the sushi I can get back home in CA but here, it definitely hits the spot! We ordered some appetizers like the toro tartare and other items off the menu. I loveeeeee uni and their uni was very fresh! I left happy
(4)Benjamin G.
It's legit. And not just "legit for Salt Lake City." Takashi would be legit in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, or any other world-class city that loves sushi. My #1 tip is to get there early. Takashi only takes reservations for groups of 6+, and only until 6:00 PM. If there are events taking place in SLC, there can be a line waiting to get in within a few minutes of their opening at 5:30 PM. So make it an early dinner, or be prepared to wait. Once you're in, do not leave without trying the blowtorched sablefish nigiri. The smoky garlic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture is unlike anything I've tasted anywhere. (Maybe others have it, but it's very rare.) Other favorites at Takashi include the spicy yellowtail hand roll, the Ramon's Roll (a spicy tuna-and-avocado roll named for the founder of Red Iguana across town), and if they have the madai with lemon pesto get that as well. For vegan offerings, try the Buddha roll, which I recommend without eel sauce. My favorite appetizer is the Izakura, which features a tower of tempura portobellos and green beans paired with grilled steak in a sweet, tangy sauce. I've never left disappointed.
(5)Amir N.
Went back to Takashi last night and mixed things up a bit. Ordered the calamari to start off with and it was seasoned a fried very well. Not too much batter and definitely no greasy after taste. The biggest plus was the rolls tonight. I decided to get the "Yellow Submarine" and the "Imagine" roll. Both of them were good. The Yellow Submarine came with a sour-tasting dipping sauce which I still don't know what to make of, but I kept eating it. The Imagine roll is where it's at though. Loved the tuna tartar on the top. Definitely going to order that one again. Sucked that the wait was long. I even got there later in the night, but luckily there's a bar next door.
(4)Erin A.
Wow. Just wow! This place is as high-quality as sushi gets in Utah. For years, we subscribed to Tsunami being the best "high-end" sushi place, but after eating here, I changed my mind! My husband and I went on a Monday night and luckily got in right before the dinner rush so we only waited a few minutes for a table. Right away, we saw toro on the menu and died of happiness. Toro! In Utah! Then pangs of disappointment..."market price." Aww crap. We ordered it anyway (the 4-piece sashimi was $54, I think?) and were not disappointed. It was as toro should be, fatty, tender, smooth-tasting... Oh man, I'm drooling thinking about it! Anyway, we also ordered The Box which was great because of the quality of the fish, and the other rolls we got were some staples we always get (i.e. rainbow roll, dragon roll). This place was above and beyond my expectations in every way! The decor was modern and neat, the service was great, and most importantly, the fish was the freshest I've had since eating on the coast several years back. Some Japanese businessmen my father works with said this was the most authentic Japanese food they've had outside of Japan, so take that for what you will. This was worth the somewhat pricey bill, and a head above the rest of what I've had in Utah so far. I will most definitely return (when I can afford it!).
(5)Lacy B.
Great downtown location. My husband and I didn't have a reservation but they were able to get us in quickly even with how busy they were. They have an incredible menu of unique rolls. Highly recommend the strawberry fields roll! Amazing! Great assortment of vegetable rolls as well. Also, be sure to check out the dessert menu. Only complaint was the noise level. Kind of loud but great overall!
(4)Alexander D.
I had the T & T and sunshine rolls. The quality of fish is on the better end here. The T & T came with a spicy sauce that you dipped your sushi in and it was delicious. The sunshine roll was a pretty typical but still good. Service was not bad considering it was packed. Overall I'd probably come here again.
(4)Stewart W.
Great spot great ambiance and fantastic by far one of the best sushi spots in salt lake. Don't miss the opportunity .
(5)Christian B.
Being from Florida, fresh is key to good seafood. This is by far my favorite spot in SLC. Ambiance is fun and tight, it can be tough getting a table, but the wait is worth it. Miso soup is a must!
(5)Thang T.
Sushi was really good but our waiter was awesome. I recommend the tirger roll. That roll is so far the best roll i have tasted. Only drawback was that after we ordered, we waited about 20 to 25 minutes for our sushi to come out but then again they were pretty busy so not really a big issue. Overall the ambiance was great. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Laura B.
It's too bad the people that work here are snobs because this could be a great place.
(2)Rachael L.
Love love loved this place. Went for my bday and had a wonderful experience. Excellent service, our server was extremely helpful and thorough regarding a gluten free guest in our party. Nice atmosphere. Delicious sushi and drinks! Caution: CLOSED SUNDAYS :(
(5)Stephen M.
YES! Absolutely as good as other people have said. I've eaten sushi from New York to Honolulu and this is one of the best. And there wasn't one single Asian working at the sushi bar. Delicious food and great presentation. Expensive but good value.
(5)Jeff W.
What a great spot to get sushi. I have never subscribed to the whole "Don't get Sushi unless your near a large body of water" thought of mind. Takashi was extremely busy when I showed up for dinner on a monday night, but they do have a bar for waiting where drinks and appetizers can be ordered. After only one beer, they had a spot for me at the sushi bar. The fish was very fresh, and the prices were extremely reasonable. Their sake selection was very good and they had several options over a wide price range. Next time I'm in town, I will be back to this sushi spot.
(4)Christopher M.
I feel like Takashi is the best sushi place in the Salt Lake Valley. They always have fresh cuts and I appreciate the lounge area while waiting for a table to open.
(5)Bovey R.
It was an impressive experience. I had the steak, which was slightly more charred than I prefer. However, it was tasty with the herb chimichuri. The barbeque rice was also more burnt than I am used to. The balance of flavor was thorough and satisfying. I also had the strawberry roll, which I was somewhat disappointing. Given the hype, I felt that the fish was masked by the overt sweetness and the heat of the pepper. Other than that, it was a great experience. The server was on top of things and checked on the table regularly.
(4)Jourdain S.
Went to Takashi last night and it's amazing! Best sushi I have ever had. It so fresh and the cut of fish is perfect. I take my girlfriend there all the time and she loves it even more than I do.
(5)Jay G.
Sushi has become so pedestrian that it's hard to even give reviews any more. Takashi has provided me with both great sushi, as well as not-so-great sushi. Whether it's the chef or the day, I have no clue. All in all, it's a solid choice, but I would suggest asking about the specials and go for the freshest fish available. I've had not-so-awesome tuna here and that's hard to f up, so take it for what you will. Um, they do have a selection of rolls. I'm sure they're fine. Yes, they have California rolls. No, I can't comment. If that's your thing, I'm sure you'll be pleased... but you could find them at Whole Foods and save yourself the trip. Oh, yeah... anyway... one thing I have noticed: this seems to be every Utah guy's date restaurant of choice. I think I've had more dates take me here or at least suggest it than any other restaurant. Time to think outside the box again!
(3)Vida A.
Update on my review. So the wait is still long but they text you when your table is ready and we were at Gracie's having a drink, that works. The service seems to have gotten better. At least our server was on it even tho she was busy. Fresh sushi that isn't covered in sauces. Prices are very reasonable. People who think it's pricey are crazy. Most expensive roll is "The box" at $15. Drinks are very good and imaginative. Parking can be a issue but honestly THE BEST SUSHI in Utah.
(5)Mandana S.
Gotta admit, I was not expecting such an incredible dining experience in Salt Lake City. I was absolutely blown away by Takahashi. In fact, it was easily amongst the top 2 sushi, scratch that, RESTAURANT, experiences of my entire life. First course, miso soup. Simple enough, right? Seriously, I've never had miso soup this good. I could have drank a gallon and called it a night. Next up- Tuna Tataki, an old stand-by, available at most sushi joints. But this was something special. It was soft and buttery and sweet and every bite would melt on the tongue like delicate little snowflakes.Magic. Then there was the Yellow Submarine. Hands down the most delicious roll of sushi I have ever tasted. Period. Don't talk to me. You can't convince me otherwise. You're crazy if you try. Just shut up right now. Get away from me! Last, there was the soba with pork short ribs. I don't have words to describe how delicious the broth was or how tenderly the ribs fell apart at my command. I don't have words but if you were in front of me I would slap you across the face to convey the sentiment. Why can't I give them 6 stars? Yelp needs to give me an extra credit option for places like this.
(5)Vincent Y.
The ceviche roll was good, but the rest of the specials were unique and awesome! My favorite was the strawberry fields roll. I've never had this before, and by far it was the sweetest, most satisfying roll I've enjoyed! Next came the yellow submarine - it had a really nice texture to it. Lastly, their toro was very fresh and very fatty, without any hint of fishiness! The best part about Takashi, in my opinion, are the sauce pairings. Each dish I ordered had a signature sauce that didn't warrant any soy+wasabi. This would be a 5-star review were it not for the slow service. It takes longer for you to get your check and pay than it does for you to order and get your food.
(4)Kevin N.
Hands down the best sushi in SLC. Every roll I have ordered I have liked. I haven't tried all of the other entrées because I want to eat their sushi so bad but I have had the clam curry and it was amazing. They have a simpler drink menu but I would suggest trying a cocktail at Kristoff's while waiting to be seated. Like I implied in my last statement you will most likely have to wait to be seated. It is actually very reasonably priced for how great it is. When I want to go somewhere for sushi, I always put Takashi at the top of the list.
(5)Luis T.
Great sushi. The cevichi roll comes with a lemon/citric dipping sauce that definitely makes it a different meal compared to using soy sauce.
(5)Trissta H.
I love this place - more than words can express. The staff is amazing, the food is delicious, the atmosphere is always energetic with a relaxed feel, and the alcohol selection couldn't be better. I recommend the Sake Rose to everyone and anyone. You won't be disappointed. The wait can be long depending on the time or day you go, so hop over to Kristauf's Martini Bar for a delicious drink while you wait. Takashi has many different options to choose from whether you want a cooked Japanese dish, you are vegetarian/vegan, or you can't get enough of flavorful sushi rolls.
(5)Yen D.
Make sure to make reservations beforehand!! This place gets packed with long wait times. I admit I was very turned off when at the first attempt they had recommended going to PF Changs to be seated more quickly...and they were so busy they couldn't do to-go orders... But my group for some reason wanted to try it again.. and here's why it gets 5 stars in a barely asian town... New Zealand salmon--if any salmon were to beat Seattle salmon or on par with it, it would be NZ salmon. I had it in Christchurch and it was good. I had akaroa salmon.. not sure where in NZ Takashi got their salmon from. If you haven't had it yet, it's very tender, fatty and delicate. No place in Seattle offers it, but it's because we have local salmon to eat instead. A little dab of wasabi as well and not overpowering. Only con was the rice was a bit dry and not seasoned as well to not require additional any soy sauce/wasabi mixture. They even had Tasmanian sea trout.. no Seattle sushi place has it, but I didn't get to order it since I was stuffed after the salmon nigiri and eating a whole bowl of agedashi tofu. The agedashi tofu tasted on par with the Japanese places over in Seattle.. beautifully fried, covered in bonito flakes and in its sauce. One of my coworkers had ordered a spicy tuna cucumber roll since she was on a diet. It was presented beautifully, but the spicy tuna wasn't outstanding, but previously frozen "fresh". Tempura veggies, shisito peppers and shrimp was executed with its appropriate crunchy shell. The other rolls were of a good size, however they were unforgettable. But.. due to the extensive menu, I would come here again.
(5)Gary F.
This is one of the best sushi places to eat. Probably the best in SLC, as it was crowded on a Wednesday night. Had to wait for an hour. If your visiting SLC, def go here if your in the mood for sushi.
(5)Matt B.
This is my favorite sushi restaurant in the country. I never miss a visit when in town for work.
(5)Jason W.
"The Go-To Sushi Place When You Want To Get Laid" The title says it all. This place has the right ambiance that is perfect. You get to drink at Kristaufs while you wait and then eat some of best sushi you can have...EVER. I recommmend the Fireworks or Evergreen roll. Both unique and pack a lot of punch.
(5)Blair S.
The sushi was excellent. However, I am extremely annoyed at their reservation policy. Even though Yelp says it takes reservations, it does not. We couldn't even put our name on a waiting list. We had to physically go to the restaurant to put our name on the list so we could wait for an hour outside. Not cool. Loved the salmon skin and the Sunshine roll.
(3)Brian Z.
My dad and I stopped here while on the road from Chicago to San Jose, and I'm glad we did. I had previously only been to your run-of-the-mill Japanese restaurants before (aside from everywhere in Little Tokyo, LA) so it was a nice find, since it was also my first time in SLC. We got seated at the bar since the place was packed (45 min wait), which added to the experience since we could order and then see the rolls be made right i front of us by the chefs. We ordered the Nigiri Combo Set and an Imagine... Roll. Both were very good and used what I could only assume to be the freshest ingredients they could find. You could tell the chefs were trained relatively well and each had a flair for presentation. It was just cool to watch, let alone eat. For the price ($60, including a beer), I thought Takashi provided very good service and food. If I am ever back in SLC, I would definitely visit Takashi again.
(5)Kathryn B.
AH-MAZING! We tried the Ebi Crunch roll, the Sunshine, the Strawberry Fields and the Yellow Submarine. The first three were DIVINE, the Yellow Submarine was just ok. The Ebi and the Sunshine (if you like lemon this is a must try!) were definitely our favorites. The service was quick and friendly, we'll definitely return!
(5)Jayne Y.
Takashi is a little pricier. But you get what you pay for. The menu has some innovative items and the sashimi is very fresh. We ordered the Agedashi Tofu appetizer, Pork ribs, Tuna sashimi, and a roll. Everything was so flavorful and delicious! Go early, it's a long wait!
(4)Wynter K.
We tried to eat here three nights in a row. The first time the maitre d gave us an estimated wait of two hours. So we waited two hours next door at the martini lounge. After two hours we checked back in and were informed that we were half way there. Only another hour wait! Only?!?! So we left. We tried again the next night, same thing. Finally we tried back mid week and after waiting for an hour were shown to the tables. The wait staff was good but completely overwhelmed. One young guy took our order for drinks and Appetizers. Appetizers showed up but no drinks which they later tried to charge us for. He said "it slipped his mind". My wife's miso soup had a hair in it. And yes the sushi was very tasty. The sunshine roll was unexpected and excellent. Thus the three stars. We've been coming here for years for great sushi but things have gotten out of hand.
(3)Kim C.
My sushi approach is generally a couple sets of nigiri and one roll, plus miso if it's cold out. When I'm at a really good sushi bar, I'll throw caution to the wind and let the sushi chef steer to me to whatever is freshest. Despite being at the bar twice here, I never felt that I could throw caution to wind. Why? The two different chef's I sat in front of had nothing to suggest as "freshest." "It's all fresh" they said. Additionally, I don't like spicy stuff (and by spicy, I mean cayenne kind of spice....wasabi, garlic, or ginger spicy is awesome). But every single roll at Takashi has "spicy sauce." I found two that didn't. I had to wonder what they were covering up with the spicy stuff. The nigiri was well prepared. Good. And the one roll I felt comfortable ordering was delish, but it fell apart in my chopsticks. And I still feel like I paid a lot for the meal. So yeah, "A-Ok." But awesome? not really.
(3)Jen W.
overrated. Probably getting more stars than it should from YELP users due to the lack of Japanese (or most ethnic) restaurants in the food scene here in Salt Lake City. I never found the food to be that great, and find it over-priced. For that amount of money, I suggest Naked Fish a few blocks from this joint. On top of that, you cant make reservations here, and there's always a long line out the door--don't waste your time.
(2)Gypsy F.
The fish here is TOP quality. However, the flavor of the rolls is lacking. I had a Yellow Submarine, and a Tiger roll. Neither had much flavor. I wish they had more specialty rolls to choose from, also. The decor is great, the crowd is loud, the music is mellow.
(3)Tanner B.
The best sushi you will ever have. The best things to order are as follows: Azakura Appetizer or Sake Soba Noodles that come with braised pork ribs Spider and Mars Rolls Live Scallop as Nigiri Torched Sablefish Nigiri Tai Tomatillo Sashimi Caribbean Roll if you enjoy spicy If you're still hungry the Panna Cota dessert is tremendous There is often a wait for a table due to deserved popularity so put in your name, go next door to Kristauf's Martini Bar for a Moscow Mule, and Takashi will text you when your table is ready.
(5)Valerie P.
I went to Takashi for lunch because the internet told me to and I try not to upset the internet. Ended up sitting at the bar because everyone else also listens to the internet and the internet was right. I got the Strawberry Fields and the Crunchy Ebi and they were delectable. A little pricey for lunch, but delicious, with a nice atmosphere.
(4)Robert C.
The sushi was awesome and sitting at the sushi bar watching them create their amazing rolls was really entertaining.
(5)Anthony W.
Had dinner here but was disappointed. It started out bad because the place does not take reservations and we ended up waiting 2 hours for a table. With the amount of traffic going through this place I was gearing myself up for an amazing meal. We were finally seated around 1015pm. They do have an extensive menu and I love Japanese food so I would be willing to give this place another try. We started off with the miso marinated sablefish, which was delicious. We then ordered a bunch of sushi for the rest of our meal. The sushi unfortunately was not amazing. It seemed very average for such a high end looking restaurant. The place is not that cheap either and I found myself envisioning sitting in an authentic Japanese sushi place and eating great sushi for about half the price. The sushi rolls were also very small to what I am normally accustomed to. Not sure for the reason for this but for the prices they charge for their rolls, I would have expected bigger rolls.
(3)Micah B.
Highest quality fish + flawless technique= best sushi in Utah. I've been here so many times over the years and am only disappointed when I forget to make a reservation and can't get in! It doesn't matter what kind of sushi you're into--it's all done well here. I am VERY picky about fish and this place always delivers.
(5)Kim P.
Best sushi in Utah, hands down. Highly recommend the torched sable fish and the T&T roll. If they'd take reservations for parties under 6, I would've given them 5 stars. It gets really busy at night and wait times can be long.
(4)Kenny H.
The second restaurant to get 5 stars. The staff is fast friendly and helpful. And the sushi and muscle shooters are divine. Prior to Takashi opening up his own establishment the place he worked prior kept telling us... He'll be back, he's on vacation, etc. so they knew the greatness they were losing and kept trying to ride his coattail's. Another nifty thing they offer which is above and beyond, is if it's busy you can wonder around downtown, grab a drink, check out the Christmas lights, etcetera and they'll shoot you a text when your table is ready.
(5)Julie H.
Whats the big deal? I have been here a few times and the only reason I go back is for a get together not planned by me. In this places defense the sushi is good. It is fresh fish. The beef, it was damn good. The consistent thing here is the under par service. I only give this place 3 stars because the food is good but I wouldn't say so good that I would choose it over Naked Fish or some other places that have equally good sushi, and the ambiance is good but only depending on the night. I think that this place would be a lot better if the service was better and it wasn't so obvious that they are trying to get you out of your table to seat the next one. There are comparable places for the price if you ask me. I have been here a few times and its just not that big a deal if you ask me.
(3)Terra S.
Best miso soup. Everything I've tried here, I've loved. A few favorite rolls: Lady in Red (not on the menu, just ask for it), Crunchy Ebi, Sunshine, Spider, Magic Dragon, and the new special Pray for Snow. Mussel shooters have a yummy kick!
(5)Kiana P.
Been here twice. It is a particularly busy place - one time we had an hour wait and the other time we arrived early just so we wouldn't have to wait. The sushi is well worth the price and sitting at the bar next to the sushi chefs is the best. It is a pricey place but it is the best sushi I've had yet. The atmosphere is also nice, the design is interesting, the service is good.
(5)Neil K.
I agree with the other patrons here. It's important to get here early unless you are willing to sit at the bar. This is great place for a date. The food is pretty good. I had the yellow submarine and a very spicy Mexican roll. The fish was fresh, but not the freshest I've had. It's hard for me to compare to other Utah Sushi places as I'm not from here but I enjoyed my time here! Great place for a date or a cool place with friends!
(4)Souk M.
Takashi serves beautiful plates. Well priced for excellent portions. Takashi just turned 10 and is still going strong. Always fresh and tasty. With an eclectic list of rolls and great traditional items this place will give you a wide variety of Japanese. From quality entrees to simple classics, they have you covered. If you are a fan of sashimi, I suggest the small or large combinations. Always fresh, presented beautifully, and reasonably priced. Great menu items. One of the only places to serve TORCHED SABLE. The texture is divine. Light, creamy, delicate meat with a crisp contrast from the torching. Highly suggested. The Surf and Turf is another good choice for meat lovers who are looking for sea + land. Unique rolls can be found here. I tried the ceviche roll and downtown roll. Both were excellent. The ceviche I served with a Mexican cuisine inspired dipping sauce and topped with different sashimi cuts for a lot of variety packed into one roll. The Downtown is rice less and wrapped in a fresh cucumber. Spot on if you're looking for no rice. Last but not least, SAKE. A very large variety of specialty sakes can be found here that are not offered anywhere else in Utah. You can find unfiltered, filtered, warm, cold. If you are in the mood for a little of everything, sake flights are offered. Side note: they also offer their own Takashi wines. * Tip: get your name down early. As stated by others. Takashi does not take reservations for parties under 6. Space is limited. Be prepared to have a drink or two in the bar area before being seated or feel free to visit Kristauf's or the plentiful establishments neighboring on Main Street while you wait.
(5)Thu T.
Awesome food. Friendly servers. Great ambiance. We got the magic dragon and soft shell crab rolls and salmon nigiri. Very reasonably priced for sushi. Very fresh. The flavors of the rolls didn't really need additional soy sauce--- which says a lot. We got there maybe 10 minutes before last call so we didn't get to try as much as we wanted to. I was eyeing some delicious stack of meat thing they had. How do you deny a stack of meat!? NOM! -- I'm going back today for lunch.
(5)Tyler N.
Simply the best sushi in Salt Lake. Upscale, a little expensive, TREAT YO'SELF.
(5)Lisa H.
The food here is great. I was with a large group, and while the manager seating us wasn't necessarily pleasant the sever we had was very helpful. I got the Saki Soba and the pork belly, which were both some of the best of each I have had. While I didn't try the sushi this time around, several of the other members of my party agreed it was good! The atmosphere of the restaurant seemed hip, which I definitely enjoyed. I'll definitely head back to this place so I can try some of the other things on the menu.
(5)Kevin S.
Good sushi and atmosphere. Visited with clients and the layout facilitates good conversation. Service good too, but overall, just 4 stars this time.
(4)Eric J.
Takashi is glorious. Easily the most creative and freshest sushi in SLC. I appreciate the care that this place takes to be masters of their craft. The prices are worth it and the ambiance is fun and fresh as well. It is a must visit for sushi.
(5)Kimberly M.
Unfortunately I did not share the same amazing experience that all of my fellow Yelpers did here. Let me preface this review by saying that my boyfriend and I arrived ten minutes before the restaurant closed. I don't make a habit of showing up at restaurants right before they close, but I had worked a 12 hour day outside in 40 degree, rainy weather and then rushed to the restaurant (and got lost in the process) because it would be my only opportunity while visiting SLC to try this place out. That being said, I would have been perfectly fine if the hostess had told us that we were too late to be seated. In fact, I would have preferred that instead of what ended up being the worst sushi dining experience I've ever had. We were greeted warmly by the hostess and promptly seated. From then on we were rushed through the entire dining process. Our server immediately came over and told us that he would be back shortly to take our orders because last call for sushi was in 5 minutes. When he returned he seemed relieved that I had no questions about the menu and was ready to place an order. We got the Strawberry Fields Roll, the Yellow Submarine Roll, and the Little Mermaid Roll. By the time our food was served, the lights were turned up brighter and the heat had been turned off. I assume because they wanted people to leave. I was getting rapidly colder. The Yellow Submarine Roll- Was okay. I found it kind of flavorless, but the quality seemed good. The Little Mermaid Roll- This roll was loaded with fresh jalapenos. Which is strange because that was not in the description of the roll. Nor is it in any description of any other roll on the menu, so I'm not sure what roll I was actually served. I physically picked out all of the jalapenos I could and then soaked the roll in soy sauce to mask the spiciness. Needless to say, by the end of the roll my mouth was on fire and my ability to taste anything was pretty much shot. The Strawberry Fields Roll- I was really looking forward to this roll because of the strawberries and toasted almonds. I had hoped it would ease my scorched taste buds. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The menu described this roll as having eel sauce on the outside, but in fact, it was covered with additional red chilies. I ate one roll and couldn't stomach any more. At this point I was chugging water. When my server returned to ask if we wanted anything else I asked for milk or something and told him my mouth was on fire. He simply said they didn't have anything like that and he would just bring me more water...which, of course, does nothing but spread the heat. My boyfriend and I both wanted dessert, and Takashi's dessert menu was tempting, but we left and went somewhere else for it simply because it had already been such an uncomfortable dining experience. Couple all of that nonsense with the fellow diner who was point blank staring at my black boyfriend throughout the entire meal, and I can say with confidence that I will not be returning to this over-hyped establishment.
(1)Allen B.
Ok so takashi is sigh out a doubt me and my wife's guilty pleasure. I don't really need to tell you how great it is but. We got the chance to eat at the spot at the sushi bar that takashi always works. It is truly an honor he is a master of his art and all other sushi pails in comparison.so good that days later I am still having foodgasm's love it
(5)Channing M.
Loveeeeeee Takashi! This is the best sushi that you will find in Salt Lake, nay, in Utah... so DEFINITELY make this a priority if you are looking for sushi! The fish is fresh and the rolls are delicious. They have your typical rolls but there are some other ones that totally rocked our world. Here is what I would recommend: Azekura: seriously, you may want to each get one, this was sooooo good and I did NOT want to share it. This is seared beef with tempura-fried portabella and green beans $10. Specialty Rolls: T&T (yeah we may have gotten 3 of these...spicy and delicious), Yellow Submarine, and Magic Dragon Sashimi: Hamichi (yellow tail) and Maguro (tuna).... delicious, fresh, smaller slices but still good! The other rolls that are normally listed elsewhere are very good and are totally up to par with other places and it is a perk that they have the fresh fish, nothing stinky or fishy smelling!!! They also have a nice sake selection. The servers are nice and friendly and very knowledgeable. I would hands-down say this is the best sushi joint that I have been to in Utah and would highly recommend coming here!
(5)Thomas V.
sushi here is made from high quality fish and everything tastes good but portions are smaller and it is fancier dining. it's not worth the wait or the hype though. there are other sushi places that are decent for a lot cheaper and bigger portions. it's good but not worth the price or wait. id come here on a date but not expect to leave full even with a $100 bill.
(4)Armando C.
Drinks were good. Sushi was good, not the best in the world but pretty solid for SLC. Wait staff was fantastic. Ceviche roll was really good.
(4)Justin R.
Hands down the best sushi in Salt Lake City. The atmosphere is lively and fun and they quality of each dish is superb, it can get a little pricey, but its worth it.
(5)Oscar O.
I dont eat sushi but this place is incredible. The yaki soba soup is one of the best soups I have had. The steak is pretty good as well. This place is worth the wait and the price.
(5)Jozef M.
If Nikola Tesla served up alternating menus instead of alternating currents, if Serena Williams tennis racket was a sashimi blade, if god went pescetarian and built another earth he would ask you not to eat from the tree of Takashi. Once Takashi laid down on his back and I could swear that tuna belly looked like the south end of the sistine.
(5)Xicheng W.
Food is fresh and tasty, it's definitely top sushi place in SLC. Recommend to go earlier and lineup to avoid wait on weekend. You'll know once you try their food.
(5)Brad B.
This place is good, nice atmosphere, good place to go on a date. The quality of the fish is good, and I loved their unagi, probably the best I've ever had. I will say though I do think there is one better in Salt Lake City though. I do like this place and will come back sometime I would imagine. Staff was okay, all in all it was a good experience, glad to have tried it out finally after all the hype.
(4)Chris R.
Coming from SF I have pretty high standards for sushi....Takashi did not disappoint. Everything was fresh and delish. Gotta try the Toro with Quail Egg, fantastic. My only complaint is they don't take reservations....be prepared to wait but it sure is worth the time!
(4)Johnny V.
Please order the Sable Fish Nigiri and the Muscle shooter... To die for!!! One of the sushi places in US!
(5)Fun T.
Great meal shared with friends yesterday. Bartenders were fun to talk to also. Suggested that they try to get Li Hing Moi Powder and Tajine for some of the glass rims. Think it would add a little extra kick and flavor to the already delicious drinks. The seafood soup was very tasty, thanks for the suggestion Shel! Tempura Shishito Peppers - also awesome. Sushi and Sashimi = Yum... who knew there would be such good fish in SLC. (I'd pass on the Ebony and Ivory Roll next time though...)
(4)Elizabeth M.
Never disappointed ! Try the Salmon Gunkan Maki, one of my favorites.
(5)Mark M.
Not that this place needs more good reviews, but it lived up to the hype for us. One of my friends told me my mind would be blown. My mind was blown. As a Kansan, I am not well seasoned in sushi, but I loved each roll I got. I especially liked the tools with eel. The cocktails were also fantastic.
(5)Rebecca S.
So amazing! The sushi was to die for but we also tried miso soup served hot and delicious, as well as the ridiculously tender skirt steak and it was so amazing! When you go to Takashi there will be a wait, the good news is they have a bar, go and order your Sapporo and wait for the deliciousness you will not be disappointed!
(5)Kyle E.
Has always been very good when I go but yesterday I think I got a touch of food poisoning there. The salmon nigiri tasted ultra salty which was weird. And I felt horrible all day and night into today. Was the only thing I ate that day as well so it couldn't have been anything else
(2)Wanda B.
Food and atmosphere are worth more than three stars, but I'm totally turned off by the pretension behind its policy of no reservations for parties wishing to be seated past 5 or 6 pm. This is Salt Lake City, not New York City, get over yourself Takashi.
(3)JT N Kim T.
Omg! The uni, the tuna-belly, the amber-jack!!! All were so good and tasty. Do ask for real wasabi, it's much better than the green paste stuff. You will be pleasantly surprised by the staff and chefs here at Takashi. It is so good
(5)Justin C.
Wow, just noticed I hadn't written a review for this place. This is some of the best sushi I've ever had, and certainly the best in the city (though I really like Naked Fish as well). Their rolls are just so creative, I'm always blown away by the place. The ceviche roll comes to mind as one that just has incredible flavor (and does actually, for the record, taste like ceviche). Good sake selection as well (i.e. they have a cheap bottle of nigori). The only downside? This restaurant is probably the most popular in the city, and you definitely feel it if you dare to venture here on a Friday or Saturday. The ambience leans towards the rowdy side - great place to go if you're starting a night out. Try Naked Fish if you want something more intimate.
(5)K F.
The sushi here is quite delectable and a very good price for the quality of what you get. If you sit at the bar it can get a little crowded; however, that is normal for the sushi bar area in any restaurant. To balance it out, the sushi chefs are extremely friendly and quick. There are the options of standard rolls you can find most places as well as rolls unique to this establishment. I very much enjoyed the downtown roll and spider roll. The yellowtail and salmon sashimi slices were thick, fresh, and very pleasing to the tongue.
(5)Eileen C.
All time delicious sushi and small plates. We have been many times but last time we sat at the sushi bar and it was our favorite visit yet. Strawberry Fields and Sunshine are favorites, ask for Go Utes which is an off menu item. Wok asparagus is another fave but sitting at the sushi bar we passed on small plates and opted for a steady stream of new flavors. Get there early or be prepared to wait. Although the marvelous cocktails make waiting its own good time.
(5)Chelle T.
Takashi lives up to the hype! Everything was terrific: flavorful piping hot miso; scrumptious small hot plates (wok-fired asparagus and grilled eggplant were especially awesome); and some of the best rolls I've ever sampled. Pair the great food with friendly service and a warm, intimate environment - this means I'll be back next time I'm in SLC.
(5)Katie H.
A little pricey but very unique options. Sashimi was outstanding very fresh. They incorporate a lot of fruit in their roles such as kiwi and pineapple
(4)Christy R.
Not worth the wait nor the money. Nothing we ordered had any flavor what so ever! The 'sauces' we horrible! What a waste of an evening!!
(2)Francesco P.
Excellent sushi and non sushi dishes. I got the papaya salad and vegan stir fry which were both excellent. Fresh food, unique flavors, you can't really ask for more.
(5)Tracy L.
This place is amazing and always delivers. I come here every time I'm in SLC. The fish is extremely fresh and the chefs are knowledgable. I recommend the Sablefish nigiri, which is beautifully torched and served with a little garlic, green onion, and ponzu. Usually I try to avoid out-of-the-box rolls because I like to taste the fish, but I must say that Takashi chefs are creative in a good way.
(4)Cindi O.
I truly do not understand the hype about Takashi. We recently moved to the area and friends have been telling me to eat there for years. We went a couple weeks ago and were not at all impressed. The service was great, but our rolls were nothing special. We even asked the sushi chef for recommendations! If that is the best they have, then they are in trouble. The rolls were all mushy and all tasted about the same. I would like to give them another chance, but it's going to take quite a lot of coaxing. I've heard Naked Fish is better - my fingers are crossed! Please anyone, tell me what I'm missing here!
(2)Katie B.
When you eat sushi in a land-locked city, you typically set the standards pretty low - but Takashi raises the bar for Salt Lake City sushi. I came here with a big group for a "business" dinner, and after a bit of snark from the host threatening to give our table away, we experienced nothing but excellent service and incredible sushi. Our group got two orders of 18 rolls - and there wasn't a single piece of sushi I didn't love. The sashimi was fresh, the rolls were creative, and the sauces were tasty. I rarely even knew what I was shoveling into my mouth, but it was all superb. I would highly suggest letting your waiter call the shots - you won't be disappointed. The only thing that didn't impress our crew was the "hotter than hell" sauce - it wasn't THAT hot. But really, that was the only thing we could nitpick. There were so many flavors, varieties of fish, toppings, and general tastiness spread across our table. Yum! For dessert, we ordered at least one of everything on the menu - and it was all good. I would highly recommend the black sesame gelato. I enjoyed the unusual flavor, and loved the sesame seed coated cracker that came with it. Huge kudos to our waitress, Anne. She was extremely accommodating, explained each roll as she presented it to us, had excellent suggestions, and maintained a cheerful attitude no matter what customers threw her way.
(5)Jessie M.
I've never been disappointed with anything I've tasted here. Everything always exceeds my expectations. My all time favorite is the Ceviche roll. Oh my! I crave it everyday now! It's zesty, fresh, and delicious! Every roll I've had tastes great, definitely the best sushi I've had in Utah by far! I recommend it all the time.
(5)Dustin W.
Amazing sushi! Great atmosphere. The service was awesome. Brice was our server and gave some great suggestions. He recommended the Shiva roll which was an amazing blend of sweet and spicy. My mouth is watering thinking about it.
(4)Val D.
This place is heaven sent and one of the best sushi restaurants in town. The ambiance is excellent and makes Salt Lake feel like a metropolitan. Want to eat something filling and light before a night on the town? Go to Takashi! Well priced and worth every cent.
(5)Sarah B.
I feel the need to write a review after having a practically perfect birthday dinner at Takashi. Our waitress was absolutely wonderful and the service was quick, efficient, and friendly. The food is incredible. I enjoyed everything but my favorites are the Strawberry Fields roll and the Mussel Shooters. The flourless chocolate torte and black sesame gelato were also great l but I couldn't finish on account of all the delicious food eaten prior. I left absolutely stuffed but content. Only con is the wait time and the fact that they don't take reservations for smaller parties. Get there early and plan on waiting a bit.
(5)H Y.
Great service, great food, and probably the best sushi place in Utah. Their sushi have the right proportion of seafood to rice. I hate sushi that is stuff with rice. I rather pay a bit extra for a bit more seafood. Only wish I could afford to come here more often and that this place wasn't too crowded.
(5)Ryan G.
This place is good but Spendy. Great date spot during the week when there isnt a wait.
(3)Amber S.
The restaurant is small so expect to wait if you are going at dinner time, the food is expensive but worth the price.
(4)Alissa D.
The Crunchy Ebi is the best roll I have ever had. It's perfection! The Wagu Beef with julienne veggies roll is killer. I have not had a roll there I did not enjoy. It's pricey but worth every single penny! Get there early if you can, they usually have about a 2 hour wait. The owners are so nice, the staff is friendly and always willing to help even if you aren't their table. Brice is the best waiter ever! The sushi bar is super fun to sit at, if it's available, take it!
(5)Sean U.
The sushi was surprisingly really good - considering that Utah is a land-locked state. But, I've had better sushi in other parts of the U.S. The restaurant appeared to be well managed because every staff member that attended to us went above and beyond expections. I would have given this place 4 stars if it weren't for the prices (too high) and the wait time (which was tolerable only for the mere fact that we were able to get a drink while waiting).
(3)joe p.
Went on Thursday night 8pm and found line , hostess said about an hour or so wait. After 1.5 hours noticed other couples getting seated ahead of us, hostess didn't seem to care. Finally asked why she said they allow text messaging to get tables, and they would seat us next. Another couple swooped in, so that was irratating. The manager was very rude, said they don't want customers to ask other customers why they get seated ahead; so we left. If you want good service, next door had the best, plus great seafood.
(1)Alysha M.
Here for business and ate here earlier this week and loved it! Came back to get take out because it's THAT good. Service could use a little work-- good people, but needs some improvement. Otherwise I'd give it 5 stars.
(4)Brian S.
I asked Takashi what his favorite thing was, and he created an amazing little octopus concoction that melted my senses into an puddle of sushi love. Don't know what he calls it, but ask him for his favorite octopus magic, and abracadabra - you'll disappear -for about 3-4 minutes.... :)
(5)Jennifer H.
Visiting Utah and had dinner here with family. Very impressed with the quality of seafood, inventive rolls and ambience. For the experience and great time the price was pleasantly less expensive than expected. Yey Utah and highly recommend. Note thought to likely expect to wait a while on waiting list...they don't take phone reservations. Loved - torched sablefish and TNT rolls everyone loved.
(4)Ashley A.
Our server was the worst server I have ever had. Dont ask if they could make a Moscow Mule because that is a ridiculous question. You should also know that the most popular roles are Court's (our server) favorite roles and that you are an idiot for not knowing that. He was short with us, dropped off our appetizers and meal without saying a word. The best part is we were not even done with our meal and he puts our check, standing straight up, right in the middle of our table. He made an evening out with my girlfriend, that I dont get to see often, horrible. I will never go back because of this experience.
(2)Den C.
This is a very good spot and can hold it's own against many other sushi restaurants in LA or NYC. I would definitely be back if I'm in town again. Sashimi was fresh. The pork belly was great. This place doesn't feel like a generic, faceless sushi restaurant. This is Takashi's restaurant and you know what he looks like whether you want to or not (magazine cover in waiting area).
(4)Donny T.
Fantastic seafood. Tried the fried trout with some friends. I highly recommend it. Very good food, great service.
(5)Jason K.
I had heard great things about this place and maybe that was the problem. We had the yakitori for an app, and it was just ok. I'll chalk that up to getting yakitori at a sushi place. The sushi was just OK as well. We had one roll with way too much cream cheese in it. Not good. We also got several other rolls that were very mediocre. Maybe we just got the wrong thing, I heard the tasting menu was very good. I will try that in the future
(3)B. T.
Normally Takashi is very good. This last trip was so disappointing that we will likely not return. I took my clients there for dinner and was, quite frankly, embarrased by the mediocre service and stale, ill prepared, and substandard food. Either the ownership corrects this quickly or they will be gone. I can't recommend this place at all which is a disappointment.
(1)Marie S.
Really good sushi spot. I went there twice while I was there on business. The second time i was served a roll that was a bit fishy and I let the server know and she replaced it with a different roll with no problem. Their service was really good too. Didn't give 5 stars because it's very loud in the restaurant.
(4)Rudy W.
Yes a worthy sushi place to go in SLC. great selections and the fish are fresh. nicely done in regards to fusion with other kind of flavor in the rolls. worth to try.
(4)Tanner K.
Got to Takashi on a Friday night and it was packed to the brim, so we gave the hostess our number and walked around downtown. About an hour later we got the text saying our spots were ready. We had two bar seats that sat us across from an excellent chef. Almost bald, half Japanese guy with glasses. He was great. We ordered the large sashimi platter, the black magic roll, and finally the strawberry fields roll. The sashimi was amazing and the albacore was phenomenal. The black magic roll was tangy and savory. The strawberry fields was the best sushi roll I have ever had, and I've had a lot of sushi. I highly recommend it.
(5)Vinson L.
I've been to Takashi a few times whenever I am in SLC for work. Definitely one of the better places to get some fresh fish in the downtown area. Be prepared, however, to either wait for a table or seat at the bar, or make a reservation. I usually try to get a seat at the bar so I can talk with the sushi chef - most of the one's that I have had are know their fish and I always want the recommendation of what is fresh that day/week. I usually start off with the spicy mussel shooter (with quail egg). This is one of their best dishes, but be careful, it can be really spicy. Then I'll either order the fish I like or just let the chef prepare some sashimi and sushi for me (omakase-style). You will definitely not be disappointed with anything they prepare for you as I have always had a great meal here.
(4)Malissa M.
Overall okay with a quite a few misses and a couple of hits. First, wait was told to be 30, but ended up more like 45 min. So we lucked out and 3 of us got to sit at the little bar. I got a sake flight which was awesome. Friends got wine. When finally seated, took a while for waitress to come take our order. My friend commented on that and waitress said absolutely nothing (not, sorry for delay, it's hectic, Nada). Odd. They each ordered rolls while I got veggie tempura (share), gyoza, rice and chicken yakitori. Their rolls came out quick. Then I got the tempura, then grass started growing. Then I got my yakitori. I didn't see my gyoza for a while so we flagged down someone else and she brought my gyoza. And you know what showed up last? RICE. I mean, what am I supposed to do with it now after I've eaten everything else? I ordered hot items so I assumed my rice would come early to be eaten with the rest. Oh, and the rice was brought to me by someone else also. I dont' think our waitress gave a hoot about our table. In the end, it's lucky the food was really good. Chicken yakitori could have had a little more of its sauce but otherwise fine. Gyoza was excellent and surpisingly with a bit of a kick in the broth it sat in. If in the area again, I'd come back, just hoping for a different server!
(3)Malouf S.
Takashi is the best sushi in Utah. Fish is fresh. Rolls are innovative and delicately flavored. Sashimi is dressed with complimentary flavors. Oyster shooters and jalapeño infused caviar should not be missed.
(5)Kay P.
Their ridiculously tender flank steak served with tempura fried asparagus is to die for !!!! If you haven't tried it, or this place, you are missing out. Takashi is a great owner who is friendly and professional. He cares about his customers and is always striving to make your experience wonderful. Their sushi is fresh and has a beautiful presentation. Their steak was like butter..no need for the knife. It's absolutely divine. Whenever I go there I order two plates of it! Go there now!
(5)Logan N.
This place has amazing sushi. The strawberry roll was different. But so good. Loved the crunchy ebi and tiger roll. Great food!
(5)Tally P.
Takashi has a great environment and good sushi rolls but it is a little expensive. If you're looking for a nice night out, it's worth trying out.
(4)Richard S.
Great sushi. Good service. Nice atmosphere. Pricey but worth it!
(4)Drew H.
Amazing sushi and variety. Friendly and attractive staff.
(5)Kara M.
Contrary to popular opinion, my experience at Takashi was an extreme disappointment. Being recognized as one of Salt Lake's "greatest sushi restaurants" left me wondering whether I was even at the same restaurant I saw glowing reviews on from Yelp. I was so excited to try this place because the decor and atmosphere is awesome. My husband and I arrived at 8:15pm and got seated at 9pm. We immediately told him our order so he could get it in because at this point we were really hungry. A bowl of rice took ten minutes. Our meal took an HOUR to get to us. I'm sorry I am not an impatient or picky person but when the two other tables that were seated after us got their sushi way before us and were done by the time our food arrived, left us with a bad taste in our mouths. We wanted to order more rolls but was scared it would take another hour to come out. Thus, we left there still hungry. The manager or waiter had little interest in apologizing or offering us something to eat in the meantime. The sushi wasn't all that great and tasted like a step up from the pre-made stuff at the grocery store. I was very confused about the glowing reviews on here. But perhaps Takashi customer's don't care or can't tell the difference. I hate to rag on this place because I wanted to like this place soo bad. However, I feel people should know their service is horrible and sushi is sub-par and over-priced. Listening to my husband from now on and only getting sushi from coastal cities.
(1)L L.
Great sushi Great service. Lunch is busy, so get there when they open. Dinner is just as crazy, but a lot of fun.
(4)Bobby Z.
You know when you've eaten something really truly great when it doesn't just taste good and fill you up, but gives you a palpable sense of elation. That is what you can find at Takashi. For what ever reason you always leave felling completely satisfied and happy.
(5)Rishabh J.
Had t and t, fireworks, giant clam handroll and Kumamoto oysters= yum!! Will recommend this to sushi lovers but note it can get pricey, not uncommon with sushi joints.
(4)Mitch T.
This place is phenomenal! That's it!
(5)Ashley A.
This is the real deal folks. If you're looking for some great sushi, you have arrived. My husband and I ordered the sable fish (which I had never even heard of) appetizer. It was MIND BLOWING. If there weren't so many people there, I would have shamelessly licked the plate. The only thing that stopped me was my pride and the waiter took the plate away before I could talk myself into it. The ribs are good. The soup is good. The sushi is more than good. Divine sums it up nicely. This is the ultimate date night. We go a few times a year and we have never been disappointed.
(4)Joshua B.
The food was great and my wife and I both enjoyed trying a few new things on the menu. When we asked for some recommendations we felt the waiter lost interest in our ticket after we told him that we don't drink alcohol. So we found our selves exploring the menu for about 20 min before he returned with our water. The saving grace was the atmosphere that was present and the really good sushi.
(4)Rebecca R.
The best sushi you can find in SLC! And the flavors! Oh so amazing! Most sushi places fry the fish and cover things in heavy sauces to mask the flavors of their less-than-fresh fish, but that is not the case here. They get their fish fresh daily! The calamari (although not gluten free) is my favorite. Tender, crispy with the flavors of sesame oil and a wasabi aioli for dipping. We also had Willy's Chillys, Black Magic Women (roll), TNT roll (very spicy!!!), curry clams, and you have to try the blackened sablefish! Plus you must try the mushroom panna cotta. The best part is the prices are really reasonable for a sushi place! I've paid much more for rolls that were a lot less quality. The only disappointing thing is they do not take reservations and you are usually looking at 45 to an hour wait. It's totally worth it though!
(5)Frankie C.
Great place. Do not pass this by! :-)
(5)E. H.
Great selection. But honestly overall just ok.
(4)Jon D.
Excellent Sushi. Very friendly staff. Would recommend.
(5)Aubrey D.
My brother is an AMAZING sushi chef at this restaurant and if he isn't reason enough for you to get to Takashi then the awesome environment should be. It's a sleek and modern dining experience with food that is second to none in the state.
(5)Gifford L.
The food was very good and I'm more of a turf than a surf guy (though they do have some turf options on the menu). The food quality is probably a 4 or 5 star experience however the service could have been a little better. At the suggestion of our hostess we asked for Soy paper instead and were charged an additional $1 for this. It isn't a big deal but I personally hate extra charges that are not clearly spelled out or explained. Could have been an oversight I just expect a little better. Will I be going back? Yes when I'm feeling a craving for this kind of food again I definetly will.
(3)Maria O.
A bit overpriced, not a lot of options for cooked rolls, not very big portions. The only cooked roll that was REALLY good was magic dragon. The rest was whatever. The big minus for us was one hour wait every time we came there - and they don't take reservations. We were sitting at the bar which gave us an opportunity to observe the food making process - that was a lot of fun! Chefs were creative and very professional. In general, the place is nothing special for us. Giving it 3 stars because of the wait. And even after we got there after the wait, we still had to wait for another 10-15 minutes just to sit at the bar. So-so
(3)AJ T.
You have to try the "Yellow Submarine"! I tried 7 different rolls and that one blew them all out of the water. Best Sushi in Salt Lake and some of the best I've ever had. That's coming from someone that has lived almost their entire life in Seattle!
(5)Alex O.
This place is pretty good, for being a landlocked state. In salt lake I like here and naked bistro. The presentation is really nice but fish quality is just ok. Disappointed in the ikura, fishy and very salty, bad texture, tasted unmarinated. Aji was weird, not oily and bland. Kohada was a little sour, tasted off. I still enjoy the acidity of vinegar so it worked for me. Everything else was good, the ambience is cool, nice spot to hang out. It gets loud here.
(4)Sulo D.
This is hands down one of the best Japanese restaurant in salt lake city. I have been here twice and each time food and service both were perfect.... Wait times can be more than an hour but the food is worth it... Also the food is a bit expensive... But would definitely go back again! :)
(5)Charlotte B.
Favorite restaurant in Salt Lake. Go early or go grab a drink next door (the host will come and get you when ready). Have eaten here many times and always have great service and phenomenal food (lunch and dinner). Would be nice if the city had more places like this!
(5)Perapol D.
I was there with my sister to try out this place because of yelp 4.5 Star review. This was probably the worst sushi I have ever eaten. Fish was not fresh, sushi rice tasted old and hard, and our server provided unacceptable service, he came back to our table 3 times, didn't even offer to see if I wanted another cocktail when it was empty. At the end of our experience...I am sure I will not go back.
(1)Adam B.
This place was awesome the sushi is unique, fresh and delicious. Drinks were amazing, appetizers were great, service was good! all around experience very enjoyable definitely will return
(5)Jeremy H.
Possibly the worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant. We called ahead and they said the wait was a half hour. We show up ten minutes later and the wait is an hour. Well ya know how they always say some ridiculous number but it never turns out to be that long. We'll not this time. Waited at least an hour if not more. Nothing changed when we got seated. Wait staff was slow and polite at best. Took another half hour for sushi to actually show up. Was hoping the amazing taste of the sushi would make up for it. But no. Everything was way too salty, or maybe that was just me. Either way I'll never go again and would never recommend it.
(1)Sandy C.
My second time here, as good as i expect. Nice food and service. Fancy but still have the taste of Japanese food. Always fresh fish here. 5 star for Takashi!!!
(5)Grace L.
Went to Takashi for the first time today for take out. The waiter was prompt and attentive, even though I was only ordering for myself. I received my food quickly and with no problems. I ordered the little Mermaid roll and found it fresh, if a little bit lacking in favor. The place was completely packed with more people coming in by the second (I went in 15 minutes past noon). I'd likely go back and try a hot dish next time.
(4)Ally L.
It is impossible not to love Takashi. The service is always consistent and the food, oh well so good. The martini bar next door is a plus while waiting for your table.
(4)Bill R.
OK where to start? We knew the opening time on Saturday night, and showed up at 5:25 pm, 5 minutes before opening. The line was already past Kristauf's Martini bar (where I'm sure many would end up waiting for a table), and almost to The Melting Pot (is that still open?) Somehow, we got in at the bar on the first wave, and was seated in front of Jake. He was humble, attentive, astute, and gave great answers to every question we asked. Quail egg shooters were fantastic (a bit to large for my wife), wok tossed asparagus was perfect, Salmon skin roll was crunchy and tasty, Black Magic Woman roll (sablefish) was delightful, Strawberry fields roll was just spicy enough for me, and not too spicy for my wife (did you change the heat on the sides of the roll for us? Jake? Seriously?) I must say the rest of the rolls (spider, dragon) and the desert fade into the background. Ambiance was perfect. Service was dedicated. Price was $60 (without drinks) for 2. Why have we never been here before? Oh, as it turns out, we found out later that Jake appears to be the GM for the restaurant. You would never know it from how down to earth, humble and hardworking he is. Takashi himself was taking the day off, but clearly he has the staff trained. We will be back.
(5)David K.
Great Service great food!! I really enjoyed the strawberry fields roll. Perfect combo of sweet and spicy.
(5)Henry H.
Its just the best. I wish it wasn't so noisy so I could have normal conversation there and it is way crowded and no reservations. But besides those downsides, just awesome sushi, soups, small plates everything.
(5)Gaciel A.
I visited my best friend in Salt Lake and she brought me here. At first I was pretty indifferent about it as it just seemed like any other sushi place I had been to. That all changed once I tasted the Strawberry Fields roll. That was the most uniquely delicious sushi roll I've ever had. Everything else was also fresh and the service was quick. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for something new or the usual sushi; only better!
(5)Nick F.
Takashi seemed to be a favorite with people on yelp, so we had to experience it for ourselves. As noted by others, parking can be a hassle and weekend waits do extend out for quite some time. We were unfortunately passed over during our 45 minute wait. They sat us as soon as they could after they realized the mistake and we waited for them to impress us. The Pork Belly was amazing. The sauce and tempura went well with it. The quality of fish was unexpected...we were surprised how good it was in the middle of Utah. My friends compliment the quality of the Uni and Toro especially. Most surprising was the hot green tea. I became accustomed to the tea being made in the back and all we see is the pot and some cups, wondering if it was just something they served or something they tried to serve well. There was the flavor of brown rice along with the green tea, so being curious i opened the lid and saw a strainer filled with a wonderful mix of things that added to the basic flavors I expected. Reminded me of home actually. Decor was well planned. Atmosphere was a bit noisy for my tastes. We were not in the mood so unable to comment on the Sake selection. Hopefully we will get a seat at the sushi bar next time. It will be a completely different experience and I hope we get the chance while we are in town. I definitely recommend Takashi to any one looking for a nice night out.
(4)Grady L.
This place is special. The seafood is super fresh and delicious. The sushi rolls are creative and on point. For a place like Utah, this is one of the best restaurants. Worth the cost and wait. Yes, there can be a line to get in. For real seafood, come here.
(5)Fernando R.
The sushi is perfect and very different from the usual rolls you get anywhere else, here sitting At the bar is half the fun ! Be prepared to wait but well worth it!
(5)Simon T.
I'm a sushi snob and I must say, this place has really, really good Unagi. Really impressed.
(4)Danielle M.
Oh man I wish we could take this place back home to socal. We eat a lot of sushi and this is truly some of the best sushi I have ever had. I normally hate fried rolls but my other half loves them so we got the T&T, oh god the sauce is so good and the fried is so light and not greasy. We got the Ramon roll so spicy and flavorful. The sunshine roll was very refreshing, and the evergreen was light and flavorful. We got the ebi and tiger both similar, not overly sweet like some places when they use eel sauce, very good. We also got miso, lots of tofu and seaweed, flavorful broth. We also got the veggie tempura, again it was light and non greasy. To us the prices were more than fair and cheaper than our places at home. We love this place and went twice while here. Only weird thing is the night service was a bit better and was all male staff versus when we went at lunch. Both times pretty busy but we arrived right before the crowds so no wait.
(5)Dustin T.
Favorite sushi place in Salt Lake City. I've had sushi in places that SHOULD have much fresher fish - LA, San Francisco, Honolulu. But I have not been to restaurant with fresher or better sushi than Takashi. All of their sashimi is phenomenal. one of my favorite dishes is the spicy mussel shots with quail egg. It's served in mussel shells, spiced perfectly and the quail egg gives it all the perfect texture and a more memorable experience.
(5)Meg K.
There isn't much to say here, because this was some of the absolute best sushi I've ever had and there are only a few ways to iterate that. So I'll just say this: I had a sashimi platter, which I often think is one of the true measures of a sushi restaurant, as the fish can't hide behind anything. A plate of raw fish- I will know how fresh, how tender, the quality of what is being served etc. And the sashimi platter was just delightful. Honestly, there were buttery pieces that fell apart in my mouth. They were so delicious, I could have eaten a much larger platter than I ordered. My bad, what a dummy. I also ordered one of the riceless (wrapped in cucumber) rolls- the Summit- and it was truly phenomenal. Fresh, lots of different textures and fishes, neatly rolled into a delicious, slightly sweet combination. Seriously, I wish they were open now so I could have some breakfast sushi...gosh, that sounds great. I had some tea and edamame to round things out, plus we had a great server (Court) who was efficient and had good recommendations. You are making a mistake if you don't go here. It will haunt you.
(5)Jody O.
I've been to Takashi several times now. I look forward to my trips to SLC for the specific reason of coming here. The menu is always filled with unbelievable innovations that you would find in NYC, LA, Vegas, Chicago, or any other food city Mecca. The Saikyo Miso Sablefish is unbelievable. If you haven't tried this, you are missing out. All of the sushi rolls are delicious along with the other entrees. I've read many other Yelp reviews where they have downgraded a star because of parking or the restaurant being over crowded. HELLO, the reason it's crowded and parking is limited is because this place ROCKS! The restaurant establishment shovel not be downgraded because of these two things out of their control. Go early to get in easy. If not, expect to wait, but it will be well worth it. I am looking forward to my next visit to SLC to go here again. I wish they would open another one here in Vegas!
(5)Chris P.
The sushi was very high quality, with a chalkboard full of specials that I have not seen available at other places. Good selection of Japanese beers also.
(5)Joshua M.
Pleasant atmosphere. It gets a little loud in there when it's busy, but it's manageable. Sushi menu is second to none in SLC. Even up against other places that I've eaten sushi in CA and TX this place can compete. They also have rice-free rolls that are delicious and interesting for anyone looking for low carb options that aren't sashimi platters. Everything was delicious and the chalk board with specials on it makes it interesting every time I've been. Pro-Tip: get the whole fried trout appetizer. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Tim B.
I've lived in four different states and this is the best sushi I've ever eaten. Worth the wait but recommend getting there early.
(5)Brad n.
I have been here twice, and will continue to. Great service, freshest fish I have found in SLC. Not to mention Echigo (Rice beer) a hard to find beer, and a must have if you are a beer lover.
(5)Brian P.
Good sushi, high-end atmosphere...but it's become the "trendy" place for sushi. The prices and wait times don't justify not considering alternate choices. Don't get me wrong...one of the better places in town, but it's been hyped up to the point where it's reputation exceeds the reality of it actually delivers.
(4)Jaimie K.
5 Stars for fresh sashimi 5 Stars for great location (just around the corner from my work) 5 Stars for beautiful plates of art 5 Stars for the mod meets oriental decor 5 Stars for "THE BOX"... AMAZEBALLS, you have to try! By far, my FAVORITE sushi/ Japanese restaurant in UT!!!! & the only place in SLC that serves FRESH Toro! At last, I found a sushi bar that exceeds my expectation; YES, I'm proud to be a sushi/sashimi snob! I do suggest folks to make a reservation because this place is poppin! (THANK GOD FOR OPENTABLE)
(5)Brandon W.
The Ceviche and Summit rolls were the best. I did not like the Imagine roll as much. Strawberry fields was good for dessert.
(3)Tricia R.
We placed an order to go because we are in town working, messed up one of our rolls after we repeated it 3 times on phone. salmon sashimi okay, good spicy mayo, strawberry field & yellow submarine are nothing special and neither even have avocado? were from NYC & California and know good sushi. prices are reasonable though and good ambiance
(3)Ryn C.
Having lived in Utah for years, I thought I would love the idea of moving to Hawaii. Great fish and great sushi. Unfortunately I used to frequent Takashi and now I am spoiled. So my first trip back home of course would be Takashi and sushi. My girlfriend was a bit worried that I was hyping it up so much, and I have to admit I wondered about that as well. But, with the first serving of Uni (Nigiri) I knew that I may have even underestimated it. (btw, I only eat Nigiri). The entire experience was special and we both couldn't stop talking about it for days. I had a rule when I came here that I couldn't eat any place I could back in Hawaii. Also, I couldn't eat at the same place twice. Well my last night here, because of the great experience, we came back. Let me say, it was another exceptional experience. It was even good to see Takashi slaving away behind the bar. It was nice that he stopped by to say hi. I don't know if he still remembered me after all those years ago as a concierge, but it was nice for him to drop by and chat about old times. Food was fantastic, uni was fresh and sweet, ama ebi was a treat, and the toro just melted in your mouth. My recommendation, eat the (Nigiri). While rolls are cheaper and fun, to really appreciate the quality of fish there is only one way... well 2. The Sashimi platters would not be a horrible choice as well. I wish I could take Takashi back with me. Thank you for making me homesick before I fly back to Hawaii. Arghhh, already craving sushi. I will miss this place immensely.
(5)David T.
Good Good Good...Slow Slow Slow!! The food here is really good. I live in Las Vegas and although we don't live on a coast, we still have pretty fresh sushi. I'm not going to write a long review about the food because it was delicious and is raved about on many other reviews on this site. I will say that the management needs to seriously re-evaluate what experience they want to bring their patron. From how busy it is and the constant waits to get in, I'm sure nothing will change but if this restaurant were in a real city with real options, consumers wouldn't stand for it. First off, we had to wait 30 minutes to be seated while sushi bar was empty. The hostess said they needed to catch up so they stopped seating at the bar to get food out to tables. OK that makes sense, but why have so many seats and tables if you're not equipped to handle a dinner crowd? Second, when we finally got seated our chef had just started the largest sashimi plate I've ever seen. Meanwhile, 20 minutes later, we finally got to speak to him and order food. During that time, we sat the first 10 minutes before anyone even took our drink order. Once we finally did start getting food, it was good enough to overlook the EXTREMELY slow service and we actually enjoyed it. If I were back in SLC, I might try it for lunch but I don't know if I have the patience for another slow dinner service. btw, I'm glad we were seated at the bar as it looked like tables were taking even longer to get their food.
(3)Sam S.
Takashi has the best sushi in SLC. Super fresh and innovative, and the service is excellent. Kudos to the friendly sushi chefs and our amazing server, Adam. Be sure to get the pork belly appetizer, it might just be the very best thing I've ever out in my mouth.
(5)R R.
Takashi is oft hailed as the pinnacle of sushi in Salt Lake. I think it easily beats out Naked Fish, when comparing sushi of the same price-point and ambience, but I am often just as happy at Shogun and Simply Sushi if I'm looking for an everyday sushi experience. For the rarest fish, their specials are pretty creative and fun. I love getting a seat at the bar, interacting with our neighbors and talking with the chefs, but I love that everywhere. It's truly the wait that is confounding. Sometimes I wonder if I would have enjoyed the sushi as much, if I weren't drunk from Kristauf's or starving from the 1+hour wait. This isn't NY or SF, why are we waiting that long? That said, I've never had a bad experience at Takashi. The food is always delicious and energy and atmosphere really make the night!
(4)Tony L.
Each time I decided to pay a little visit to good-o-Takashi, there is always an uncontrollable desire to order the most expensive thing on their menu, usually is because they are items that are rarely found in sushi restaurants outside of the downtown area. There is no denial that this place offers the best, and you simply cannot find better sushi anywhere else in state. Whenever I am here, I like to take my time to come up with a long list of nigiri orders, since I am not a big fan of rolls unless they used exotic ingredients such as a toro tuna special roll I had here one time, and our server has been patient with us. I really like the nigiri here, the fish-to-rice ratio is the best I have seen, the fishes are always fresh, and the chefs have great slicing skill. Toro Tuna is a must have despite whatever the season price might be. Torched nigiris are great choice too. All other nigiris are decent as well, as I never had bad nigiris here. The off-menu items are good once awhile, but it all depends on the ingredients they use, and I generally avoid the ones that are too Americanized. Other than that, Takashi definitely deserves a "Woohoo! As good as it gets" from me.
(5)Michelle C.
Best sushi restaurant in town. They catered to our vegan requests and the staff was very friendly. It was by far the most artistic, fresh, and tasty vegan sushi we have ever had. If you are not vegan. You will love this place too, as did our pescatarian friends from LA and NY. They raved about how delicious it was, and couldn't wait to visit again. That says something for a sushi restaurant to have avid NY and LA fans.
(5)Tanya L.
I got take-out for lunch and wanted something simple and light. I got the ebi nigiri, maguro nigiri, and green salad. The nigiri were small and just ok with a strong fishy smell. I could have gotten the same quality at the hole in the wall sushi place by my house for a third of the price. The salad was disappointing. The dressing was bland and had an over powering soy sauce smell. I've had their rolls before which are great but a basic nigiri really tells you the quality of a sushi restaurant. Also they put wasabi on their nigiri which was an unpleasant surprise for my tongue.
(2)Scott C.
This place was bomb! Went here for my B-Day and it was great! Really long wait times so be prepared. The best sushi experience in salt lake hands down!!
(5)Nate S.
Takashi Epiphany: There are at least two different restaurants writhing about under the Takashi blanket. When I ate at the first one, I had to put up with an annoying interloper who brought me things but mostly just got in the way of the food. Some of that food was outstanding, some was ornate, some was over-wrought (we're long overdue for a truffle oil embargo). Last night, we cut out the middling men and sat at the bar. Because we ordered no cooked food, we simply passed our requests and smiles directly to the sushi chef. He was friendly and informative and fun to watch. We ate a bunch, moving from nigiri through two rolls to more nigiri. When you cut out the bullshit, Takashi kicks ass in variety and quality. Ankimo: monkfish liver Uni!!!: And this time we watched him lay beautiful slices of uni on sushi rice, then generously lay on some more. Before handing it over he asked if we'd like a little of the crispy sea salt atop. The answer is YES! It was perfect, and (see earlier review) the exact freaking opposite of the bizarre atrocity I received at my table the first time I ordered "uni nigiri, no nori." New Zealand salmon: puffy rich clouds Kampachi: amberjack with tiny bit of yuzu chili. Plus, the chef generously added a torched skin sidecar. Toro with Quail Egg For the rolls... Easy Rider in soy: tasty, if you like toasted sesame, cucumber, mint, and basil. Asayake special: I ordered this roll for one reason--aji amarillo (say that in Spanish). Peruvian cuisine rightly worships the aji pepper. As it turns out, Takashi himself spent a good part of his childhood in Peru, and this bright and delicious creation is a reflection of that. (Not surprisingly, I also learned that his favorite local restaurant is Del Mar al Lago, the ceviche wonderland.) So there it is. Eat at the bar. Order fresh fish. Go easy on the frou frou.
(4)Chad T.
If you're looking for sushi in downtown SLC, this is definitely the place to go. The fish is very fresh and none of that farm-raised nonsense you get in other places. I only had a selection of sashimi myself but the rolls I saw from other people looked delicious as well. Plan ahead, because they don't take reservations after 6pm and it fills up on weeknights.
(5)Sean F.
My sushi experience is not very extensive, so I don't feel like I can accurately give a five star review, but I will say that I don't think that many other place that I go will be able to hold a candle to this place. I absolutely love the peruvian infusion that is added into this traditional Japanese dish.
(4)Ashley B.
Awesome Sushi and Drinks
(4)Jose L.
Seriously great sushi, made me more of a sushi eater. I was out here this week for work and a buddy of mine said "hey, let's try some sushi. I said, seriously? You know we're in SLC?" Well, I was wrong, and he was way right. The street we walked in from was totally quiet, then as we entered we saw that the place was packed. Really good stuff, the rolls were great, tasty shishito peppers and other stuff for apps, delicious spicy mussels, nothing wrong. Nice atmosphere, timely service, will certainly come back again when I am in town.
(5)Bryan P.
Best sushi in Utah. Service excellent always a wait so get their early, worth the wait
(5)Karen W.
Good quality sushi with interesting roll options. They have some harder to find sushi items you might not see at other sushi establishments, as well as cooked foods like soba. We shared a few rolls and a bowl of soba and left with full stomachs. We tried a mix of some basic rolls such as spicy tuna and salmon roll, and some of the more signature rolls like the ceviche and the strawberry fields. The strawberry fields was OK, but the mix of sweet strawberry with fish was a bit too weird tasting for me. I liked the ceviche roll, but it was pretty much a standard sushi type roll that you dipped into a ceviche-like sauce. The sauce itself was very nice. It had a spicy, citrus kick to it which matched well with the roll. Being in an adventurous mood, I tried the monkfish liver, which had a rich creamy texture and taste very similar to foie gras. We also shared a bowl of soba, which was delicious and a huge portion, definitely enough for 2 people easily. The soba tasted freshly made, with a light pork flavored broth. We were lucky and snagged the last reservation for Saturday night at the time we picked (Right at the 5:30 opening time). Reservations are highly recommended for the weekend since they were packed within a half hour of opening!
(4)Erika C.
It was good--but I was still underwhelmed given the reviews. I'm also a sushi/sashimi purist. Creative/fancy rolls don't impress me. Give me good fresh fish, simply but well prepared. I'm from Los Angeles and still looking for my go-to here in SLC..I'd go back here but this isn't it for me.
(3)Kase B.
If you haven't been to Takashi then you are truly missing out on the best sushi in the state of utah. I have lived in La and San Diego and I can say its as good or better then the best booth have to offer. If you go sit at the bar in front of Tommy he is awesome and you will be treated rite. Ps it is truly great food!
(5)Ty K.
I have not traveled all over the world but I would make a small wager that Takashi can compete with any Sushi Bar. The Albacore was fantastic and the Tuna and Salmon melted in your mouth. The Strawberry Fields Roll was better than desert. Worth the wait to set at the bar at watch the chef work his talents with the knife. If the wait is really long, go next door to the Market Street Grill and eat a plate of oysters to warm up.
(5)Ryan K.
I was very hesitant coming to a sushi restaurant in Utah. However I was blown away by the quality of the sushi. I got the Maguro and Sake nigiri, spicy maguro, and the TnT roll. The quality of fish was outstanding and the price was very reasonable. I've eaten sushi all over the west coast and even in Japan. This place rates as one of the best places in the US. The service was also outstanding which made for an all around enjoyable experience. I highly recommend it.
(5)Anya R.
Didn't expect SLC to have such great sushi - fresh and delicious selections! Definitely worth a visit
(5)Edward J.
The best sushi I've ever had! This place is nice and modern. The atmosphere is nice and the staff seemed friendly. Strolled in here during a trip to Salt Lake City and will definitely be coming back upon my several coming returns.
(5)Ezra C.
GREAT Sushi... in UTAH?!? Rumor has it that the fish is flown in from the coast... Better Sushi than I have had in San Diego, Seattle and San Francisco! Takashi really knows what they are doing. Real Sushi quality depends on many factors and no two days are exactly the same... but even on an off night Takashi serves up the BEST in Utah, by far! Impress your gourmet and foodie friends from out of town and take them here! They will be amazed that such delicious and high quality sushi can be found in Salt Lake City!
(5)Xander C.
Takashi is one of those places that I would bring someone from out of town to. "Oh, you're from the west coast-- try THIS sushi!" Honestly, how they get the fish to taste so fresh in a landlocked state is beyond me /s. (As a side note, I have a million-dollar idea to have an aquarium-like train bring in fresh fish from the sea). It doesn't matter if you like nigiri or sashimi or California rolls-- they can do it all and they can do it with style. People talk about pairing foods all the time; throw that out of the window & randomly pick an appetizer, a beer, some sushi and you'll have an incredible meal, I guarantee it. I highly recommend the ceviche & sunset roll because you will not be disappointed with the zestiness (I'm Mexican. I like lime & citrus.). Also, if the wait is too long & the bar is full, just hop on over to Kristauf's next door & grab a drink to wait it out.
(5)Hannah M.
My favorite sushi in Utah. Very fresh and some interesting sushi combinations! Nice diverse selection of seafoods, as well.
(5)Shane N.
I really have to say hands down, this is my favorite restaurant in Utah. Salt Lake City has a lot of Sushi restaurants and there are quite a few good ones. But Takashi puts the rest to shame. They go out of their way to create unique rolls that are a step above the same cookie cutter rolls much of their competition sales. The Magic Dragon and Takashi's Hakozushi are two of my favorites. You might want to try the Sable Fish and add a Saki tower as well. Can't wait to go back again soon.
(5)Jessie J.
The best japanese sushi in SLC..a little expensive..sashimi is really great!! Soba noodle is Oishi!!
(5)Jamie S.
FABOLOUS!!! Im still dreaming of the barbecue rice, which was phenomenal and I definitely recommend trying it!!! I also tried the fish small plate, tuna, and sweet potato roll...all were delectable! I dont claim to be a sushi connoisseur, but in all my travels, this is one of the best sushi places that Ive been to. Good service experience...the waiter I had was also very knowledgeable about wine. Overall, a great experience from start to finish.
(5)David A.
I give Takashi 3 stars at best. We had 8 different sushi's and was only impressed with 1 of them. Fish was not that fresh. Came away burping fish. If you know good sushi, it stays fresh with you long after the meal. The rolls were way over priced for only getting 5 slices. Chefs top recommendations were like eating California rolls from a grocery store. Costco does better. Shows lack of knowledge and creativity of a well trained sushi chef. Serving staff was very nice and the best part of the experience. Save your money and eat quality seafood next door at the Fish Market. Ate there last night. They will wow you...
(3)Bill L.
With just one night being spent in Salt Lake City, brew pubs and American fare were the options considered until a friend of mine told me that the city gets lots of fresh fish flown in and has good sushi, so our direction instantly changed. A Yelp review led us to Takashi, located convenient to our hotel in SLC's downtown, which is pleasantly compact.As a walk-up during prime time on Saturday night, we were met with an hour wait, which was fine -- we went and explored cocktails at some of the nearby bars until we got the text. We ended up with seats at the sushi bar, which was lots of fun, and led to a little interaction with our neighboring diners. The two guys to our left who put their meal into the hands of the sushi chef and the two women to our right who were quick to approve of a particular Japanese beer as their favorite. We started with their Yellow Submarine specialty roll, which was amazing, before asking Chris, the sushi chef working in front of us, to surprise us with a plate to share. The resulting plate of sashimi was nothing short of amazing -- arctic char, white tuna, mackerel and some type of snapper (I think!). After that, we tried the giant clam nigiri, which was very unique. The food is phenomena. The decor is modern, inviting and lively, with the most notable feature being large round Japanese lanterns of various sizes overhead.The service was good, but given that we ordered all of our food from the sushi chef, it wasn't really possible to fairly judge it.
(5)Debra A.
Hell's bells this place was good! My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and scored some major points. We ordered the Tuna Tataki, Ramon's Roll and the citrus salmon roll (can't remember the name) and went to taste bud nirvana. The host and our waiter were phenomenal. The guy taking water around was cracking us up because he wouldn't make eye contact or crack a smile. We loved every bit of this place and will be back. Or at least a girl can dream.
(5)Christine G.
Eggplant (Nasu) was incredible. Great sushi roll. Wonderful cold sake flight for an affordable price. Amazing BBQ sauce & Ponzi SOY SAUCE. Great place to eat. I did have a small hair on my sushi roll plate but food was so good I did not care.
(5)Michelle K.
Food speaks for itself, and is usually a 4 or 5 (stick to the sushi if you're coming here, even the vegetarian sushi is really good). Service is usually good, but my last dining experience with the rotund blonde mo-hawk server in his 30's was not pleasant. I've never had a server be... bossy. The lunch hour rush had died down. I asked for miso and he *informed* me (my word choice based on his tone) that he would wait until my friend arrived before making it. (I had just confirmed she was about to walk through the door, so we had to wait until he came back around to get our appetizers going.) I asked about spoons to go with the miso (yes, I know the special asian soup spoons may not be proper dining etiquette in japanese culture) and instead of granting my request he took it upon himself to *instruct* me that miso isn't eaten with a spoon - and then continued walking away. If I hadn't been surprised, I would have (and should have) said something. Turns out the tofu was clumping at the bottom and a spoon would've really come in handy. To his credit, he did offer us dessert even though it was the end of their lunch period, but we declined. As we passed by him to leave a minute later, he glanced our way then decided to continue counting his tips instead of saying the usual, "goodbye, come back again etc..." I'll come back for the food but I hope this was a one-time incident. Update: Kyoto (11th east and 13th south) is a great Takashi alternative. I think it has better sushi, service, and parking, and a shorter wait time. However, if you're looking for sushi on the way cheap, Red Ginger (33rd south state) is the place to go.
(4)Jen H.
I'd go 5 stars if the prices were more affordable, or at least hold a special now and again. But the best roll by far is the ceviche.
(4)Case F.
Very fresh sushi and sashimi. Our waiter recommended several varieties of sashimi that I was not familiar with, but gladly ordered. The result, a wonderful dinning experience.
(5)Jowanza J.
For someone who only eats veggie sushi this place is completely on point. Absolutely delcious, plus speedy service. Thank you, I'l be back many times over.
(5)Joshua K.
Some of the better Sushi I've had in Salt Lake. It takes a ridiculous amount of time to find a seat because this place is always packed but the sushi is phenomenol. I won't pick anything out because I've never had a bad bite to eat here. You can't lose.
(5)Patty H.
Food is so good, agadashi tofu is the right consistency, soft but still holds it shape well. The Takashi's hakozushi aka the box, was fresh and tasty with a little bite. I like the small sashimi plate it is just the right size for one. Should come around 5:30 when they open so there is no wait.
(5)Ashley B.
I went to Takashi the week of January 21st and had the absolut worst service. I have been to this restaurant many times and wanted to take my husband who had never tried it. We arrived at 5:15 with dinner reservations at 5:30. we were obviously early and so were quite a few other people we all stood outside while it was freezing and only after one other customer knocked on the window repeatedly did a server finally decide to inform us that "everyone knows to wait in the foyer of the bar next door." Once we were in we sat at our table and were greeted by our server who from the start seemed bothered that he had to even be there. He took our drink orders and when my husband asked for a Dr. Pepper the waiter scoffed at him then flipped open the menu and said we dont have dr. pepper these are the drinks we have. After that we ordered a few starters and two rolls when the Gyoza came out they were steamed and served in a very thin sauce so after attempting to pick the slippery dumpling up with chop sticks and failed I just used my fingers to eat it. Quickly the server came up to me and put his hand on my shoulder and said " do you need a fork" like I had offended him. This is far from fine dining and I shouldn't be told how I need to eat $7.00 gyoza I was just very put off by this waiters pretentious attitude and was really disappointed with how we were treated. I had also heard the manager making rude remarks about another customer to the hostess and just thought it was in bad taste to make comments about people on the restaurant floor especially when other customers can hear. The food on the other hand was great but like Chef and restauranteur Danny Meyer said " People come for the food but they come back for the service" I know that I can get quality sushi and much better service somewhere else.
(1)Bud H.
The sushi at this place is really good, but there are a couple of items in addition to sushi that have me coming back time and time again: the Ridiculously Tender Flank Steak (dinner) and the Haiku combo (lunch). First off, the flank steak is aptly named as it's ridiculously tender and ridiculously tasty as well. The green sauce it's served with is insanely good. And the tempura-battered green beans are almost better than french fries. As much as I love sushi, and I do love sushi, I have a hard time not ordering the flank steak when I go to this place for dinner. And for lunch? I usually go with the Haiku combo. It's the perfect combination of land and sea. It comes with Miso soup, a salad, rice (steamed or bbq), sashimi, a spicy roll, and grilled chicken (with a fantastic teriyaki glaze drizzled over it). I'm in love with this chicken. It's got a slight char on the outside because of the grill but maintains its moisture as it's always cooked perfectly. I could eat this meal weekly and never tire of it. Going back and forth between the chicken and the spicy roll is a true delight. And although $14 might be a bit steep for lunch, the quantity and quality of the food makes it well worth the price.
(5)Lisa R.
Takashi is a D in the R...a diamond in the rough! I was surrounded by sushi options in downtown, but went here on the advice of my yelpie friend Teri C. Manager Rich sat me and my lovely 3 conference friends at the bar, in front of the amazing Chef Tony! I am usually quite skeptical about non-Japanese or Korean sushi chefs, but Tony's fiery mix of Cuban and Puerto Rican served our group well. I started off with the Shisohito - Japanese Rice Vodka, shiso, muddled cucumber and lime - delicious. My two friends on the left were sushi novices and ordered accordingly. My new colleague on the right was more adventurous and ordered some delicious treats. I then chowed down on "The Box"/Takashi's Hakozushi: basically the Tokyo-style pressed sushi - Amberjack, spicy sauce and tobiko layered with rice and topped with salmon, tuna and yellowtail. Meanwhile Minnesota pal discovered she didn't like mackerel and I ate one piece of that....amazing! My true test of good sushi is how the mackerel is cured. I next had the torched sablefish sushi - black cod blowtorched and topped with ponzu, garlic/onion paste and green onions - just as Teri C. mentioned, all of these condiments were placed carefully with a long chopstick. Then...Spanish mackerel with spicy daikon and green onion. The fish body was fried and placed on the plate beautifully...and I ate it all...and the eyes were good (I got used to those fried shrimp brains when ordering amaebi...spoiled girl!) Then....ankimo sashimi with pickled lotus root, shredded daikon, cucumber and radish sliced micro-thin...this was different...I did it for Teri C. Not bad, but I prefer uni's sliminess and richness. Enjoyed the tang of the pickled lotus root! Next, a spicy yellowtail handroll with kaiware sprouts - very fresh and not chopped bits from a fridge - freshly made with good cuts of hamachi. Then my more adventurous dining companion let me try the Summit Roll - tuna, spiced crab, avocado and tobiko wrapped in cucumber sheet, drizzled with Takashi's secret tataki sauce and razor thin thai bird chile slices. She also let me take a bite of her salmon skin handroll - Tony managed to put large cuts of salmon and skin that looked more like a filet of fish than skin shreds! I also noticed he was generous with her unagi and charred the ends in a mouthwatering way. Needless to say, Tony entertained us too. We had great conversation with him, enjoyed watching him work (and play with the giant live scallop), and it was worth every penny for the quality and experience. The taste was just wow! If I had more money to spend, I would have ordered the spider roll (they stuck a whole soft shell crab in there!) and maybe the miso eggplant appetizer. Tony said there is an off-the-menu more traditional "Box." I also loved the giant fish over the bar made of silver metal. I would go here in a heartbeat next time I am in SLC.
(5)Ed Q.
They have some of the most delicious and interesting rolls I have ever eaten. They pay great attention to everything they serve, from the simplest green tea to the craziest specialty roll. The atmosphere is not quite Ichiban awesome but its very nice. Their wait staff and food is excellent. SayÅnara
(5)Grace S.
Amazing fresh fish. About 1 hour wait on a Saturday night, but worth it, in my opinion. It's hard to find good seafood in SLC so I was really pleased with the selection and quality of the maguro, amberjack, and uni. I would come back just to eat the sashimi (the other items on the menu were less appealing). I tried the tempura shrimp and veggies, but they weren't anything special compared to other Japanese restaurants in SLC.
(4)Jenny S.
Who would have thought Salt Lake City had such great sushi?! It was awesome. We asked our server for some of her favorites and she didn't steer us wrong. Everything was fantastic. Different options than I've ever seen on a sushi menu. The first night we tried there the wait was 1 1/2 hours so we chose somewhere else. We went back the next night based on recommendations and the wait was much shorter. We first sat at the bar waiting on our table...the bartender wasn't that friendly and seemed annoyed by our questions but the food was great. I would absolutely recommend it and go back again. It did seem like they were itching for us to leave even though we kept ordering, but I think that's just the way they do it in Salt Lake.
(4)Natalie C.
Takashi is such a treat! It feels like you're dining on the set of Lost in Translation. I always get the azekura tower, and their sake list is exceptional.
(5)Teri C.
Takashi was all that it's cracked up to be! Arriving on a weeknight with no reservations, I called ahead to see how long the wait was for the sushi bar. It was a little after 9 and the hostess said there was no wait. As we entered, we took the last two seats on the end of the sushi bar, unknowingly being seated before Takashi himself. We went straight for the nigiri - although they do have some interesting rolls with some unique items in them (strawberries in Strawberry Fields, roasted red pepper in Black Magic Woman, and Thai basil in Easy Rider). * Ankimo ($5.95) - So deliciously fatty and good! * Hamachi Nigiri ($5.95) * Hirame Nigiri ($4.50) * Toro Nigiri ($16) * Umi Masu Nigiri ($9.95) * Escolar Nigiri ($5.95) * Iwana Nigiri ($5.95) * Aji Nigiri ($6.50) * Black Cod Nigiri ($5.95) One of the first things I noticed was the attention to detail that our sushi chef took in slicing the fish, putting it on rice, and arranging it on a plate. It's been awhile since I've seen the use of those finely thin long chopsticks to pick up green onions and other adornments. I was immediately impressed and appreciative with the care he took in preparing our meal. In terms of quality, we were impressed. Impressed to continue ordering after the first few bites and only wishing for more! It wasn't until near the end of our meal did we actually get a chance to really speak with our sushi chef. He gave us suggestions on how we should enjoy some of our sushi (since one set had a blow torch used on it). And that's when we learned that we were fortunate enough to sit in front of Takashi himself! This only escalated our experience since many chef/owners take to the floor and don't work the sushi bar anymore. We think we're spoiled because we're only going to want to sit in front of Takashi now! After a very satisfying meal, our check arrived. I really appreciated how everything was broken down on our receipt. Too often when you sit at the sushi bar, you get one final total and you can only hope that everything is correct (which can be tricky when you don't know how much many of the items are). My only complaint was that our first pot of tea came out lukewarm. We didn't say anything but the second refill was plenty hot, and we were glad about that. The wait staff did a fine job in taking away our empty plates in a timely manner. And they do have a lot of staff here! Overall, Takashi is one of our new favorite restaurants. Next time we're in town, you'll find us at the sushi bar enjoying lovely pieces of iwana nigiri! Yum!
(5)Paul B.
I was at the Hilton for a regulatory meeting and was experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms from an unintentional 3-day lapse in fish from my diet. FYI: Being a native of New Orleans, withdrawal jitters usually start less than 24 hours after the last meal that included seafood. While the hotel restaurant advertised something similar to edible (at least a fishy item was listed on their menu), the concierge recommended a short walk to Takashi (18 W Market Street) and even being directionally challenged, I was able to find the place. I am VERY glad that I did. With a somewhat common looking façade, on entering, the place is immaculate: modern, crisp, clean lines, open, paper lantern strewn high ceilings - a bit warehouse-ish (a good thing). There was also a nice saltwater fish tank which in retrospect, aquatically speaking, I guess watching your brethren slaughtered before you is a bit cruel...just sayin. It was a Thursday night late - 9:30p (they close at 10) - and it was packed: a wait at the door. However, while I certainly missed and would always prefer dinner with my much better half, the advantage to flying solo is the pity bestowed on you by the hostess who in this case, immediately found a warm comfy seat for me at the counter. While the concierge highly recommended that I ask for a counter space by Takashi (yes, Takashi Gibo is the owner and namesake), I could see that none were open and was happy to have a seat at al. So I ended up sitting across from one of the chefs - not Japanese but after all was said and done, he DEFINITELY knew his craft. He was very busy but very affable and actually took the time to treat me like a friend. However, not quite ready to let him go all "omakase" on me (we had just met after all), I asked and he immediately hooked me up with an ice cold brew and my standard Miso soup and Edamame starter - scrumptilicious! He then recommended the sablefish which was also recommended by the Hilton concierge as a specialty. (Note to self: when two different people recommend the same dish to a perfect stranger - and have no agenda - take the recommendation). The sablefish was to die for. It melted in my mouth and my jonesing immediately stopped. I then moved on to the small sashimi combo - small only because I had to reserve room for the ceviche which I have never seen offered at a sushi restaurant before. Word had it that Mr. Gibo grew up in Peru and as I have spent many a day in Lima devouring their ceviche (the best that I have ever tasted save my own Peruvian-stolen recipe), had to try his. Needless to say, the sushi was fresh, tasty and sating. The ceviche was excellent. The mistake I made was not the upsell on the international sake "flight" I ordered - a delicious tasting of five different sakes - but not inquiring the price of the Toro. I guess that I was just shocked to find that in the middle of the Mormon desert, they would have fresh (and yes it definitely was fresh) fatty tuna. So in retrospect, although it added a hefty $40 to my bill, I have no complaints. I definitely do not get to Salt Lake City often - and now know that I can never get to Salt Lake City enough to satisfy myself with Takashi. If you can get to this area, like fish and do not eat here, I would strongly recommend seeking professional help.
(5)Pete E.
best sushi in slc.
(5)Zane B.
First things first. The crunchy ebi and tiger rolls were fantastic. Everything for that matter was great. I don't think Takashi makes a bad roll. Two reasons for the 4 stars rather than 5. The restaurant was kind of loud, and I was little bummed by the number of rolls to choose from.
(4)Jose S.
People don't usually believe me when I tell them the best sushi I've ever had was in Salt Lake City. In fact, I can't believe that one of my favorite sushi establishments isn't even located on one of the US coast lines. But, it you ever find yourself in SLC and craving sushi, Takashi should be your number one stop. Make sure to grab the Sakyo Miso Sablefish as a starter, because it is hands down the best thing you can order. The sablefish is flaky and tender, and practically melts in your mouth like butter. The flavor is top notch, and you'll most likely find yourself ordering at least two if you eat with a group. The spicy-sour flavor lovers will go crazy for the Spicy Mussel Shooters. With or without quail egg, the mussels bring the pallette to life with a kick of lime, and just enough spice to tingle the tounge. Those averse to strong, sour flavors should probably steer clear, but everyone else should be sure to place at least 1 order per two people. The sushi selection has enough variety to keep everyone satisfied, but as far as rolls go, I'd gladly suggest the Puff the Magic Dragon Roll. It's pretty much your typical dragon roll (eel and sauce, with deliciousness in the middle), but the presentation is pretty neato. There's even some rolls sans-rice for the carb conscious, so pretty much everybody should be able to find something they can dig in to. Anyone making a trip to SLC should make this one of their must tries. Be sure to arrive as early as possible, as space fills up pretty quickly. Single diners can usually grab a spot at the sushi bar pretty easy if they arrive early enough.
(5)Jessica D.
Sushi was amazing quality! I just wish I could go there more often.
(4)Mike C.
I went here two nights in a row, sad? I think not, and neither will you if you eat here. On my second trip here I brought my coworkers who collectively agreed that this is the best sushi they have ever had. The wait staff was very knowledgeable about their seasonal and regular offerings. If you can find a spot at the sushi bar, you'll practically have one of the sushi chefs to yourself, which is nice because they will make you special roles and recommend others you wouldn't have normally chosen. If I came back to SLC and was only able to visit one restaurant, it would undoubtedly be Takashi.
(5)Nelson W.
This place is hoppin. Very busy on the night we went but we were able to get a table. The sushi was fresh and tasty. Cooked items were great too. It is certainly not inexpensive but the quality was good so to not make us feel like we got subpar food for the price. Handrolls were made with lots of care and to our specifications and food arrived quickly. Presentation of the dishes was definitely on the forefront of the staff. You could tell they put the time and effort into not just making the food taste delicious but also look tasty as well. The wait staff was attentive and courteous, always willing to accomodate or provide information. Would definitely return if we were visiting SLC again.
(4)Rena A.
I fell in love with this place the first time I walked in the door! The rolls were delicious and the atmosphere was decent. I went on a really busy night the first time and it was a bit crowded but we were still able to get a table fairly quickly. The server was nice and didn't blink twice when I asked for 3 different drinks because I just couldn't decide on one. The TNT roll was fantastic and I pretty much got the whole thing to myself since my friend thought it was to spicy. I think the only downside was that the tables are fairly close together and I had to listen the guy at the table next to me brag to his date about how much money his family has. Other than that it was a fantastic dinner that made for a fantastic night!
(4)Tricia R.
i was in SLC for work and stopped in here for lunch with my friend/coworker before heading to a meeting. coming from a coast, i was reluctant about seafood in the mountains, but whatevs - the place had great reviews and neither of us had been there before. can i just say that the food was really impressive? i couldn't even tell you how many rolls we ended up ordering. plus we had the calamari and the pork belly. i'm a total sucker for pork belly. i could see this place poppin on a friday and saturday night but lunch was fairly quiet. i would absolutely go back for more.
(4)Jennifer J.
The food is clean, simple, and tasty. I think they do a good job of keeping the flavors fresh and clean but it is missing something, so I can't say that it is amazing. I haven't explored the area much so this may be as good as it gets for sushi/Japanese. I think they are on the right track, but I've had sushi/Japanese at the same price point but much better. However, it is definitely worth a try! I would go with about 4 people so you can taste several dishes and share.
(4)Randal S.
Best sushi in town, my friends. There is no doubt in my mind. You can taste the quality. Also met Ty Pennington here when he was in town for Extreme Makeover Home Edition. In other words, out-of-towner celebs eat here. This place is too cool for school.
(5)A W.
This is the best sushi that I have found in SLC so far. The Atmosphere/decor is very modern, nice, and clean. Great for a date or a girls night out. Takashi is fairly small and gets busy on the weekends. I don't believe they take dinner reservations on weekends so you have to go in and put down your name and they will text you when they have a table for you. I've always had good service and good food here. I would recommend Takashi to others. I like the sunshine roll, any shrimp tempura rolls, and I once had a daily special that had salmon, mango, and hot chilies - which was amazing (I don't remember the name). Also they have a combo that is similar to a bento box style lunch that comes with rice, choice of meat, salad, etc that is great.
(4)Kenwyn D.
Even after living in San Francisco for 15 years, I think this is one of the best sushi restaurants I've been to. The fish is so fresh, the combinations are creative and live up to their description, the cocktails are unique and tasty, and the staff are nice. But really, the sushi is just so good the rest doesn't even matter.
(5)Vang H.
Thank you yelp! We arrived around 6 PM on a Wednesday night and sat at the sushi bar since the restaurant was packed. Have you seen the episode of "The League" where Ruxin goes to the sushi restaurant? I was a bit hesitant when I sat down but our experience was amazing! Our dishes included: sashimi plate, hot plate (pork belly and fried calamari), and rolls (monk fish liver and octopus). Everything tasted delicious and I'm still thinking about that pork belly plate! The sashimi plate was amazing and each slide melted in my mouth. Also, our sushi chef was very meticulous in the preparation of his dishes- very impressed. From someone that loves sushi, I would recommend this place with no hesitation!
(5)Michael M.
Fish is way fresh beer is cold glass is chilled sushi bar clean and fast great experience
(5)Dale J.
We were in the mood for something tasty but light after a long day. Found this restaurant after a quick search on Yelp. Best features: very flavourful sushi and other plates with new ideas and wonderful presentation and exclusive Saki offerings. Worst features: 1 hour wait for a table and higher than average booze prices. Must try: ceviche sushi (peruvian influenced) and the pane-cotta desert (would make a Michelin chef cry with delight). The service was good but made excellent by Rich the floor manager and knowledgable bar staff.
(4)A H.
Went to dinner at Taskashi's for the first time last Saturday with some friends. After over a 1 1/2 hour wait we were finally seated. I have to say the food was okay, but not spectacular like I would expect for having to wait that long. The hostesses at the front are very nice and friendly. Our waiter did spill fish sauce in my friend's purse, but didn't bother to mention it or say sorry. I only saw he spilled something, but we didn't realize it was in her purse until we left. Not sure if I would really go back. I can get the same quality else where with less hassle. I'm just not sure what all the hype is about?
(3)Matthew B.
I have been to Takashi on 3 different occasions now whilst travelling for work. It is an exceptional place with fantastic food that comes out quickly. The Halibut and Pork Belly small plates were unreal, and the Magic Dragon and Tiger Roll were my standout favorite rolls. The price is also very good value for money - making Takashi my favorite place for eats in SLC.
(5)Carol Y.
I came here on Sat, and this was my second time to be here. And I'm a little bit disappointed as the sushi wasn't very fresh, the rice was big, and it looks very ugly, just like the one I got from all you can eat. We also ordered the noodles and the asparagus appetizer and they are really good, I like them a lot. I might not come back for sushi except special occasion. I think Naked fish's sushi taste better.
(4)Lisa K.
Coastal people: This is incredibly good, totally legitimate sushi in a really cool looking space. I had one rice-less sushi which forget the name of that was amazing. Also it seemed very inexpensive compared to the large East and West Coast cities.
(5)Yiching P.
A friend of mine, who is a sushi chef, brought a few nigiri from Takashi to me at work one day and said, "You've gotta try this!" I did, and I fell in love. Takashi is one of the best restaurants in the city, in my opinion, and whenever people ask my recommendations on Japanese food or sushi, this is the place I send them to. I can't go to Takashi often, but when I go, I love requesting a seat at the bar (preferably from Takashi if he's working!) and ask for omakase, which allows the chef to make decisions on what to give me based on what just came in that day, or what the chef's specialties are. Omakase at Takashi never disappoints me! My husband and I would also tell the chef our "budget" for the night and have the chef feed us everything from sashimi to kitchen items. Think I'm gonna get myself some Takashi again very soon.
(5)Daela T.
Bellied up to the bar with my 13 y/o son. We usually start with edamame, miso soup, and try an array of different sushi rolls. We had a great chef in front of us. Made some excellent suggestions, and even went off-menu for a vegetarian roll that he makes for his Hawaiian wife. Always busy inside, a consistent choice for sushi fun in downtown Salt Lake City.
(4)Clay G.
While I am not a sushi aficionado, I have to say that this is the best sushi restaurant that I have found. We sat at the sushi bar (recommended), and leisurely worked our way through a variety of items. All were innovative, beautifully presented, and tasty. My only (minor) complaint is the service is a bit slow.
(4)Doug B.
Terrible service and when a lower than "expected" tip was given we were accosted by waiter and manager. Here is your tip - a tip is earned based on service. It is not an entitlement. Never should a patron be physically touch or verbally abused for a lower tip.
(1)Siara C.
The ONLY sushi place in Utah worth going to. Why, you ask? What about all the discount, tuesday-special, mayonnaise-on-every-roll places around town? Yeah, exactly my point. Yuck. Those are your other options. Utah being the land-locked little slice of heaven it is, I might be a snob to say that I wouldn't touch "discount" or "all-you-can-eat" sushi with a 10 foot pole. Or any sushi, for that matter, that does anything to cover up the taste of what should be supremely fresh fish. I would, however, be inclined to spend a little more money to eat fish that is flown in daily. Especially when I'm eating it raw. Worth every penny. Takashi has the most unique, inventive rolls and the most knowledgable servers. If you have a non-sushi eating pal in attendance, the other entrees far exceed anything you'd see at other sushi places. Try the mango mousse for a light dessert. Perfection!
(5)Diamond C.
Ah...Takashi... I thought the fish, flavor, presentation and service was all excellent. I came home $160 poorer after dinner as my date was a sashimi FIEND, but we both had a great time! We made reservations as I've heard it can be helpful and sure enough, there was a ton of people there when they opened. We sat at the bar and even tried some fish I haven't had in san diego, like the tasmanian sea bass, which was excellent. Even with the typical upscale sushi restaurant prices (takashi is about average there) we will be coming back sometime!
(4)Eric W.
My review here only speaks for the sashimi/sushi I had, which was very average. I had the sashimi appetizer, and while the pieces were of good size, there was no WOW about it. I've had much better around the country at places more landlocked than SLC that weren't nearly as hyped as this place. And quite frankly, any sashimi appetizer that includes mackerel should be dumped in the trash. That is one of the trash fish of the ocean, and if a place like this can't find a better option than that, something isn't right. I also had the Imagine roll (albacore and something else I can't remember in, tuna tartar and tobiko on top). The rice was pretty chewy, and there was just no 'pop' about the flavor. The menu has a lot more on it, and it ain't cheap. There are probably some fantastic creations here, but if you're just looking to have some regular sushi, there are surely places just as good and at much less cost to go to. I was here on business and none of the people I was working with were sushi fans, so a Google search turned up this highly rated place. After these two things, a beer and sake, I was already out 45$ not including a tip. Way too much $$ for what I got. There was a Mikado near my hotel that had mixed reviews. I probably would have done just as well there for less $$. YMMV
(3)s t.
we didn't know what to expect but had heard that this was THE place to enjoy fab sushi. we enjoyed everything (food + service). sat at the sushi bar and our sushi chef was just-right. i am holding back on 1 star just because i would like to return when i can eat limitless raw items again.
(4)N K.
Delicious. Best on weekdays when there is a shorter wait as it has become very popular. Great for dates during weekdays and is much noisier on weekends. Good sushi by any city's standard, coastal or not. I see families, parties, couples and all types of groups here. Seems like you can come formal or casual.
(4)Vi T.
I love sushi. I could eat sushi every week and be entirely content. Needless to say, I've eaten at a lot of different sushi places and Takashi is still one of my favorites. People tend to complain about the price but I think their prices are comparable to most sushi joints. I mean, unless you're solely eating sushi at Smith's or something. Their fish is always fresh and the presentation, beautiful. Sure, they have a handful of generic rolls but that's okay. Sometimes you want something simple and not so complex. I love trying their special rolls that are displayed on their fun chalkboard pillar by the sushi bar. If I was more artistic, I would have a wall like that at my place! I adore the modern yet simple decor of the restaurant. Nothing super flashy so you don't feel too out of place if you show up in jeans and a t-shirt. But it's swanky enough for a nice night out. And if you're having a night out, try the Rosy Glow sake. You'll thank me later. Oh speaking of the sushi bar, if you're alone or in a really small group, I'd suggest sitting at the bar. This isn't a "slap fish on a plate and I'm done" kind of thing. They truly are entertainers. They show you that sushi-making is an art. I once watched a chef spend 5 minutes cutting and fanning out cucumber pieces and that was just for decoration! Watching them expertly cut, roll, and add embellishments to your plate is a magical experience.
(5)Kate C.
I am usually one to admit when I am slapped in the face with being wrong. That said, I may have been a little harsh on my friend Takashi in my first review. Sure, this place is a little pretentious, but they aren't quite as overrated as I originally thought. I suppose I'm starting like them because they are constantly impressing me with their ingredient combinations. To be fair, I've seen other sushi restaurants incorporate fruits into rolls before, but never kiwi! That's probably what won me over. I visited Takashi last night and ordered a roll from the "specials" board that had kiwi on it! Amazing. I usually judge my sushi restaurant experiences based on their unique flavor combinations in their specialty rolls. For this reason only, Takashi deserves the extra star. What with the Strawberry Fields roll and now a kiwi roll... the possibilities behind that sushi bar inspire me. I'm tempted to keep eating at Takashi often (despite my bank account) just to see what they might invent next.
(4)