Temari Cafe

We recently dined at The Temari Cafe. Although we observed limited vegetarian options and the staff's reluctance to modify menu items, everything else was excellent. The service was warm and welcoming, and the genuine Japanese ambiance set it apart. Unlike many eateries that mix Japanese elements with other culinary traditions, this cafe exuded an authentically Japanese aura. From the attentive service to the curated menu, it was markedly more Japanese than many venues we've frequented outside of Japan. The dishes, rich in traditional Japanese nuances, were imaginatively prepared, flavorful, and visually captivating, culminating in a delightful dessert. We eagerly anticipate our return to explore more of their offerings and hope to see an expanded vegetarian selection.

I’ve been going here for more than 10 years and the food is always consistent. It’s one of the few Japanese family owned restaurants in the area. My go to is the chicken karaage or the chicken katsu with curry rice. It does tend to get busy during peak times and on the weekends. You can expect to wait 20-30 minutes during busy times, but you can check out the Japanese grocery store upstairs while waiting. The staff is attentive and quick to help if you have questions. It’s easy to get in and out of the parking lot since it’s right off 355. Expect to spend at least $20-30 for a meal.

I sought out Temari for numerous reasons. The fact that this non-descript restaurant sits right below a small Japanese market and various review pictures depict really vibrant sushi entrees gives me high hopes that I may have found my go-to sushi place. But I am both pleased and dissappointed as I think my expectations may be too high. What was pleasing is the sushi where I was surprised to see nice fatty yellowtail and what seems like chūtoro in the sashimi dinner portion that was ordered; the chirashi seemed small and lackluster though. What was dissappointing is the price (which I felt was high) and the seating (really small tables). While I cannot be certain, it seemed like the kitchen is super small so I wonder at times if the food is prepped elsewhere - which is not an issue at all. Again, I believe my expectations are too high as I was hunting for my go-to sushi haunt with awesome Japanese small plates and client-impressing sushi so I think my hunt continues.

Avocado sushi was pretty good and good price. Right amount of rice and avocado. The karrake chicken not the best I’ve had compared to Akira. The batter they used wasn’t great and not crispy or it’s just not my style. The Chicken Katsu Donburi ($18.95) wasn’t that good! The rice was so mushy and the batter on the chicken fell off before I put the chicken into my mouth. It just didn’t deliver in taste and quality. Quite disappointing because I really wanted it to be good. Miso soup is really good! The dressing for the salad is superb! Brother ordered katsu and loved it.

We visited this location based on a recommendation and we were not disappointed. The staff is very friendly and the service is excellent. The restaurant is very small and constantly packed so the minimal wait staff may take longer than some may like at peak times, but we were fine with the pace of things. The appetizers we had were amazing, easily some of the best of each type we've had out (Shrimp Shumai, Takoyaki). Every dish looks beautiful and well-crafted. We came here for the Ramen, which was good. Very delicious broth, well made, but not our favourite in terms of Ramen. The detractors for Ramen for me were the standard Hard-boiled egg instead of the more commonly used soft-boiled eggs that most are used to seeing in Ramen. The second is the pork - the pork was fine, but it tasted like the pork used to make the broth so a bit dried out and lacking in strong flavors. Again though, the broth was amazing. Would I go again? Sure - but I think I'd try other dishes instead of getting Ramen. Everything else I saw come out from the kitchen looked amazing, and if the apps were any indication, I'm willing to guess they taste amazing too.