I have lived nearby for several years but haven't been in since they reopened the dining room after Covid. I'm so happy I went in tonight - everything was wonderful. The food was delicious, the service was fantastic, and the ambience was just what I needed. read more

The service is always great and the food is excellent. I and my 2 friends are having dinner there tonight. One of my friends is a vegetarian and she's new to Japanese cuisine, but the menu can accommodate her tastes. I am not picky and can eat anything. It's all tasty and fresh. However noodles will probably be my pick since I'm craving it. read more

The sushi is fresh and bright. The atmosphere and decor are well done. The staff are engaging and welcoming. Finally the sushi chef is highly skilled! read more

I was delighted to find Sushi Tama open for dine in once again. Some years back I used to go several times a month and sit at the sushi bar. The sushi chef is always friendly but quiet and reserved. I love the food, excellent sushi and the nabeyaki udon my all time favorite. I will be coming back more frequently that they are open for dine in. The atmosphere is quiet and seems like a small unassuming restaurant one would find in Japan. Great place for a pleasant dinner and quiet conversation. read more

This is THE go-to sushi joint for Tacoma. Classic Japanese sushi, high quality fish, great ambiance, friendly service. The total package. So glad it is open for dine-in again. read more

Great authentic Japanese food. The sushi is fresh and delicious, the staff is friendly.

AMAZING service. Fresh, tasty sushi and katsu. I can't express how fantastic the service is. Family-owned, small business. Would recommend this place to anyone and everyone looking for sushi in Tacoma! read more

The food has been great and the service especially. I enjoy the ambiance as well. I sit at the sushi bar. No TV or major distractions so you can actually enjoy hearing your conversations. read more

I had not realized there was an authentic Japanese restaurant in Tacoma as the closest one I had visited was Miyabi Sushi in Tukwila. The opportunity to visit here was when my boyfriend and I were searching for a place to rent out and we grabbed dinner at Tama Sushi as it was nearby. The exterior was rather small but there was only a few cars and one of the cars we had parked right next to was a take out order so they were leaving after we got out. As we entered, we were greeted by the sushi chef and waitress then told to seat ourselves where we felt comfortable. We decided to take a seat at the sushi bar as it wasn't often we did that. The interior matches the lighting, spacing and decorations of an authentic Japanese restaurant with tatami shades cover the window, colorful lanterns are aligned on the wall and other signature décor. J-pop was playing faintly in the backyard where it was pleasant and not blaring, which I also think fits the aesthetic. Our waitress, Emily was very friendly and professional. She made sure to give us extra time to look over the menu and ensured that our order was exactly what we wanted. She did a fantastic job checking in on us, and we were even surprised when our sushi chef checked up on us and refilled our waters. It was a wonderful experience and probably one of the closest experiences we'll have of true Japanese restaurant dining. The chef made nice conversation was us as well, and even spoke with us in Japanese as we are both learning for a future trip to Japan. Overall, it was such a wonderful experience and we would love to return again to try our more of their sushi and entrees! read more

See all

Love this place, have been eating here for years, it's nice to support a small family business. They not only have great sushi but they also have other Japanese dishes as well. The server gave great suggestions too. Highly recommend read more

Sushi Tama - Japanese Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

OMG you can't pass up this Japanese restaurant if you want authentic Japanese food in Tacoma. Very unassuming exterior & they only do take out orders. Their website has pictures so you know what your ordering. We are from Hawaii so most Asian restaurant don't taste that good to us, but this place was right on the money. Speaking of money the prices are so reasonable for what you get. Young lady who answers the phone speaks English well so don't have to worry about accent or language barrier. One plus plenty free parking on side of restaurant. We ordered the sukiyaki and nabe udon, both came with everything and was piping hot (sometimes when you pick up your food it's cold or warm this was not the case), it was HOT didn't have to heat up. Highly recommend this restaurant, they definitely take pride in their food they pump out and it's all done to perfection! Our go to in Tacoma read more

See all

Unfortunately they accepted and confirmed our reservation but they were closed. I hope they can fix their reservation system

Before I start this review, I want to say that their phone number is 2537983790 and not whatever google or their webpage has outdated. I told the owners already so hopefully they change this. A wonderful authentic Japanese restaurant. During covid they are opened and they are also serving only take out orders. Very sweet workers and owners. I ordered the sashimi entree for my dad, a saba shio dinner set for my mom, and a pork tonkatsu dinner bento entree for my husband. I was pleasantly impressed with every bite, as the flavors are just robust. The fried items had fresh oil taste to it, and the sauces that go with it were impeccable. I love how they had a lot of tofu and seaweed in their miso soup, it was hearty and had a good umami taste to it. We will be back. read more

See all

Food was very fresh and great Service was good But...... for 40$ I got the smallest portions ever Edimami was so skimpy and no flavor Sushi left me hungry So advise Increase the size of portions. Price does not reflect what other competition is doing Go see others read more

Start off by saying all of the food was fantastic. That's the most important part of a restaurant, right? Sat at the sushi bar and watched the chef make very pretty rolls. The customer service wasn't great. It felt like they were down multiple people but I don't really know. It took forever to get seated (20 minutes with hardly anyone in there and open seats), forever to get (delicious) food, no water refills. I know the one guy working the front looked busy but I had to grab him to pay as well since we had an event to go to and time was running out. Very likely would have ordered more rolls because the portions are pretty light but didn't want to wait around all night. Ended up ordering more food down the street. The bathroom sink is shared, which is fine. But the light was burned out and it was so dark I couldn't see much. Seems like an easy fix, hope they get to that soon. read more

Very homey place as Japanese native. The food is authentic. It's not fancy but hits the spot for sure. It's like going to my aunts home. Warm friendly atmosphere. I loved the futomaki. There are not many restaurants offer Futomaki in Seattle. I am very happy to get it. I recommend here! read more

The most authentic traditional Japanese restaurant experience in the Pacific Northwest (not that I've actually been to Japan!) Everything here is to Chef Tamasan's exacting, exquisite standards. The vibe is intimate, casual, and perfectly delightful. Also, weekday lunch is a great time to come with a hearing impaired person -- it's so peaceful and quiet -- they even be able to hear you! seriously, I love this place. read more

Perfection in Tacoma. I love this Japanese restaurant, every visit i make sure to try a new dish. I am working myself thru their whole menu and as of yet have not been disappointed. The service is always stellar and the ambiance is just what you need when eating Japanese cuisine. If you find yourself in the area during their open hours i suggest you give them a try, you won't be disappointed. read more

The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the staff was very attentive and friendly. The sushi was fresh and beautifully presented, and very authentic Japanese sushi. The restaurant's attention to detail and the chef's skillful preparation made the dining experience truly exceptional. I can't wait to go back and try more of their delicious offerings!" read more

See all

The food was excellent, as it always is. The sushi is fresh and expertly prepared. Unfortunately the service was another story. I let the server know I had celiac and had to be gluten free. Two minutes she brought a complimentary dish and just to be sure I double checked to make sure it was gluten free. she had to ask the chef and he said it wasn't. When I asked for the salad that went with my dinner she said the dressing had gluten in it. I suggested I could eat it without dressing. At 7:55 we were still finishing our dinner and drinks and she wanted us to pay. I asked her if we needed to leave and she said they closed at 8. Clearly the lights are turned off and the door locked at 8, it didn't mean the kitchen closes. If only the service was as superior as the food. read more

Authentic Japanese cuisine, friendly staff, very clean too. For those who are squeamish eating raw food, they also offer an excellent variety of authentic food that is cooked. read more

First time back in almost 20 years after moving back to the area and they did not miss a beat. Dinner was excellent, the order was fast and everything was correct. Very much looking forward to coming back soon but hopefully for in person dining instead of to go read more

Honestly.... I am so disappointed! I have been wanting to try this spot for YEARS!!!!! I understand it is COVID, but there was absolutely NOTHING redeeming about the food we got tonight. Not only was it not fresh, it did not look appetizing at all. It looked like it had been thrown into the to go box and sitting there for awhile. My sushi was not good at all, incredibly small pieces, and just unappetizing. My sons teriyaki steak was chewy and consisted of mostly rice. I know sushi is expensive, but for over $50 I will be taking my business elsewhere. We usually go to Sushido, and will continue to go there instead. I was so excited for my dinner tonight... I am super bummed out. I have had better sushi from Fred Meyer :( The ONLY reason I am giving them two stars is that the girl who took my order was super sweet. At least they have that going for them. Hopefully this was just an off night... but we probably wont be back to find out. read more

See all

Food is excellent. Service was great. Only thing I would say is annoying is how they want you to make reservations in advance. The last 3xs I've gone in, there was only one other couple there. It's not that busy. read more

Best saba and chicken karaage I've found in Tacoma.

Sushi Tama is solid! I am fairly basic when it comes to sushi and I really like the spicy salmon and spicy tuna rolls

Came here on a Friday night and it wasn't super busy. Service started off great and fast. They brought out a small individual portion complimentary appetizer. It was some kind of cold noodle salad with a slightly tangy/vinegary taste. We ordered some chicken karage, shrimp/veggie tempura, salmon nigiri, spicy tuna roll, salmon roll, and dragon roll (cooked eel and shrimp). I was very disappointed with the food. What came out first was the chicken karage and the karage looked very sad. The pieces were very small and 1 of the pieces looked like it was only batter and they were overly seasoned. The tempura was okay, you can't mess up on that. I did enjoy the salmon nigiri, the salmon tasted very fresh. However, the rolls were also a big disappointment. There portion of rice and fish was not well balanced. The rolls were very tiny and there was so much more rice. They did taste good but we were left still very hungry. So we ordered 1 more roll the dragon roll which had cooked eel on top and in the center of the roll was cooked shrimp. I don't know what happened but they took quite some time with getting this roll out to us. This roll did have more filling to it and not just stuffed with rice. I guess Tacoma will never have a legit sushi restaurant. read more

See all

Grabbed a takeout order during the shutdown, and it totally hit the spot! Very reasonably priced, too! Fish was fresh, and the ramen was also delicious. Would definitely order from here again. Happy to see they're still taking orders during this tough time. :-) read more

Great authentic Japanese food! From bento boxes, donburi, ramen, sushi & more. The staff is wonderful as well! Oishii des! read more

See all

I'm really happy my partner and I have this place nearby! We're from a city with lots of great Japanese restaurants and this reminded us of home. We got the sampler #1, sushi and sashimi entree and Hokkai roll. The Hokkai roll was my favorite, but can't wait to try more! read more

The place was cute and quaint, the restaurant was packed when we got there. Not surprisingly so, because it was Valentine's Day. We ordered 4 rolls, and the total cost was approximately 40 dollars. The sushi itself was fresh, but the rolls were small. It was not worth the wait, and the price. We got there at 530, and didn't get our food until 6 pm. There was not a lot of options to choose from, and most of them had cream cheese. We tried ordering fatty tuna, which the menu offered. But the waitress said, "no." We will not be coming here again. read more

Sushi Tama - Very small serving for 11 dollars, and 8 dollars respectfully. - Japanese Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

The exterior of the building is a bit rough, but don't let that stop you from trying this place out. As soon as you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by a cheerful shout from behind the sushi bar, the first sign that you are in for something special. There are not many staff, so during peak times things can slow down a bit. Regardless, the service you will receive is spectacular. There is a comfortable atmosphere about the place; imagine a neighborhood cafe or bar vibe. As a single diner, the sushi bar is an excellent option. The menu is varied, with dishes such as sushi, maki rolls, udon, or tempura. The sushi is simple (as it should be) and prepared masterfully. Fresh fish, tender rice, and high-quality nori. The tempura is always crisp and light, served alongside a gorgeous soy-based sauce flecked with grated daikon radish. Either of these choices paired with a cold beer makes for a perfect meal. Most definitely recommend you give Sushi Tama a visit! read more

Pleasant, well rounded Japanese sushi experience. First and foremost, all raw protein was clean, fresh, odorless and tasted high grade/unfrozen. We enjoyed a variety of nigiri and sashimi. The sushi rice was seasoned and properly cooked, no need to over mask with soy sauce, gari or wasabi. The menu offers a variety of samplers, appetizers, and straight up sushi. Our dinner was served with Miso soup, hot and delicate, my three year old loved it. Overall experience was beautiful. Nothing lavishly fancy, but far from a dive. If ever you are craving traditional Japanese, simple quality sushi or hot macha tea, try this place. Fair prices and adequate service. No complaints. read more

Sushi Tama - Yummy little appetizer - Japanese Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

See all

Aside from their amazing food, it would be nice if they could communicate on the Sushi Tama website that they're only allowing take-out orders and no dine-in (on February 15, 2023). We live in Seattle and made the long drive to Tacoma only to see that note posted on your front door. Really? You're better than that. read more

We decided to give this place a try. It was 8:45 when we went in. No one was in there but they were very welcoming. We had dinner combo and Shogayaki. It came with small dish of appetizer, salad and miso soup. They were so delish and the volume was satisfying for me and my 6'4 tall boyfriend!! This place is authentic Japanese. Nothing Chinese or Korean on the menu! If you want real Japanese food, this place is the one!! read more

See all

Sushi Tama is a restaurant with good food that is difficult to categorize. It's called "sushi" Tama, but... On one hand, the sushi menu is limited - on the other hand, it's clearly to assure freshness & excellence. The choice of maki is even more limited, so roll freaks beware. Overall the presentation is beautiful, & the cuts excellent. The hot kitchen produces all the stand-bys (tempura, udon, etc) well. On the traditional side, you'll find lots of little treasures. Sushi Tama makes konnyaku on the premises. I also believe they make their own tofu; we were served a delicious side dish made with okara (soy pulp). The lacklauster interior is a conundrum. On one hand, you have a highly skilled sushi chef and high prices - which combines oddly with the homemade side of the menu and shabby digs. The place is small, but it makes sense given the emphasis on homemade & authentic. If you want a more authentic-type Japanese meal, try Sushi Tama. If you want a sushi gut buster -go elsewhere. read more

Absolutely awesome place to eat, staff is very attentive and food is very simple but so very delicious. Price and portion is reasonable, atmosphere is very relaxed and comfortable. This place is my go to for sushi. read more

See all

I took my friend on a girl-date to Sushi Tama. It's walking distance from UPS, her school, which was nice. It's pretty small, but I liked the feel and ambiance of the inside. It's homey, and feels very authentic. There was one waitress and one sushi chef, and I'm sure a worker or two in the back. The sushi chef was talking in Japanese to two ladies that walked in, which made it feel even more authentic. I actually wish they had more items on their menu, I didn't really care for a lot of what they had on there. At least half the menu was combination plates that came with too much food, when I just wanted to order a couple little things. We ordered the fried calamari, Northwestern roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber), avocado maki, and albacore nigiri. The calamari was good, especially with some lemon squeezed on top. The sushi rice for the rolls and sushi was really good, and the albacore was really fresh. We were still hungry, so we also ordered unagi and ebi. Both were great. They didn't have any ono, my favorite, but as jay s. said, the limited sushi list is probably to assure freshness and quality fish. I was very satisfied. The rolls are pretty small, but they're also cheap. I'd definitely be willing to go back here if I had some more time. read more

See all

First time ordering from here. The food tasted regular, nothing special. Overpriced. Paid $50 for this. read more

Sushi Tama - Japanese Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

See all

The only place I go for Japanese food. Since I grew up eating Japanese food all my life, being half Japanese, it reminds me of home style food. I have had at one time or another eaten everything on their menu. All of it is delicious! The only thing I wish is if they offered okinomiyaki. The quiet atmosphere and great service keeps us all coming back. We do takeout most of the time now since we don't get out much, but miss the sushi chef greeting us as we walk in the door. read more