Tokyo Garden - Fresno

The interior of Tokyo Garden was crafted by traditional Japanese carpenters sometime in the 1950's. The fine nailless all natural wood construction is hard...

This review is for BOTH a regular visit to Tokyo Garden for dinner as well as a private banquet for a group of about 30 people. Tokyo Garden was absolutely...

The interior of Tokyo Garden was crafted by traditional Japanese carpenters sometime in the 1950's. The fine nailless all natural wood construction is hard to find even in today's Japan. There are large murals of Mount Fuji in the main rice fibre matted Tatami room, and a mural of a Japanese fisherman w/ cormorants catching fish in the night in the blazing fire light over the full service bar painted by Bennett Wilson whose Japanese painting technique was developed in the Central Valley. The vintage outdoor neon signage seems to be from the 1950's and still announces Tokyo Garden's location in all its colorful glowing glory. Maybe Tokyo Garden can be declared a historical site for its interior design as well as for its rare neon art. Those who appreciate Japanese aesthetics in woodworking or American neon art will find dining at Tokyo Garden as a way to support its continuing existence as a hidden jewel as an extension to what was Japantown farther south where Kogetsudo-, Japanese pastry shop still operating, and the old Japanese Buddhist Temple still stand. Toshi, one of the partners, has a good sense of humour so there is a giant inflatable Godzilla as well as the mini Godzilla forever imprisoned in a cage whose bars drip toxic radioactive acid to keep him immobile. Brother Tommy injured his foot so wishing him a full recovery. Regards to Etsuko who helped us during our stay. Japanese food leans toward traditional Japanese American. No outré Sushi rolls like Tempura battered rolls w/ county fair tasting mayonnaise, sriracha chile sauce, sweet eel sauce all at once or salmon philly cheese combo where no Alta Cucina Italian nor Japanese would dare tread. Mixed Tempura of shrimp vegetables are great. Batter is crispy, light to be dipped into the Sho-yu/soy sauce Dashi/broth inflected Tempura sauce. For nonpurists, it can be poured over steam rice for added flavour instead of having pure white rice as a palate cleanser. Of course, the vegetable Tempura would be ideal for vegans. The Sashimi is exemplary w/ raw cuts of Maguro/crimson flesh tuna; fatty, orange pinkish Shakè (shah keh); oily omega 3 6 rich Hamachi/yellowtail tuna; steamed Tako/octopus. A little light green Wasabi/Japanese horseradish touch of Sho-yu and mouthful of white rice does it. The 8 oz or 12oz rib eye steak sweet Teriyaki sauce is great for those adverse to gifts from the sea as well as chicken Kushi Yaki or Teriyaki for those not into red meat. Good tasting Miso soup is automatically included when ordering the main dish. Refreshing Japanese Cucumber salad meeting vegan standards is another counter balance to a meat emphasized meal. I ordered the O-zeki Sakè Platinum Junmai Daiginjo- which paired well with all the ordered dishes. Subtle melon bouquet. Dry, light acidity to balance the sweet, slight fruitiness. Peppery, refreshing bitter finish. The peach cobler vanilla ice cream is tasty w/ pieces of sugar cinnamon cooked fresh peaches. A touch of the American South. The lunch menu is more limited to foods that can be prepared more quickly since many lunchtime diners are on a schedule. Dinner menu is more extensive. Call a day ahead if you want the Kaiseki Deluxe menu that includes Creamed Lobster. [hidden link] On Sundays around 6pm there is jazz night w/ different ensemble every night. Nice way to spend a sophisticated early evening whie enjoying a full service bar pleasantly eating Japanese cuisine. For schedule of jazz events: [hidden link] 5 Yelp stars for one of those rare Japanese restaurants that offers a historic building site experience. Surprisingly in the San Joaquin Valley and not in L.A. or S.F.

This review is for BOTH a regular visit to Tokyo Garden for dinner as well as a private banquet for a group of about 30 people. Tokyo Garden was absolutely amazing for both of these very different experiences. Here's why I like them so much: Service: Some of the best hosts/servers/cooks in the Central Valley. On our regular visit, service was fast and all of our orders came out exactly as promised. For the banquet, not only did the food/drinks come out quickly and as ordered, but the owners went far above and beyond to make sure that our dinner (a rehearsal dinner for a wedding) was a very memorable event that all of our guests raved about for days to come. They even helped with the wine and cake we brought ourselves. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Tokyo Garden for this type of event. The Food and Drink: As always, really yummy. We really enjoyed the sukiyaki and teriyaki dishes (the beef teriyaki steaks are some of the best I've ever had, even in Japan, but the salmon and chicken are both good too), and the accompaniments (tempura, sunomono, and soup) were also really yummy. Even with such a large party, the dishes all came out perfectly prepared. They also make one of the best Singapore Slings in all of California! The Ambiance: One of the few old school Japanese eateries still remaining in the Central Valley, and full of charm. The restaurant and bar are both really visually stunning and a bit quirky all at the same time. A/C is great and bathrooms are ample. Parking is usually easy. All in all, this is a great restaurant to enjoy either an intimate dinner with a couple friends/family or a large banquet with a couple dozen other people.

Since Tokyo Garden has closed I now have to drive down to Little Tokyo in L.A. to get real Japanese food.