Tamaya

For over nine years, Tamaya has stood as a beloved cornerstone of authentic Japanese cuisine in Hacienda Heights, earning a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of countless Californians. This charming establishment isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary sanctuary, particularly celebrated for its exceptional ramen that many consider among the best in Los Angeles. Tamaya offers a comforting and genuinely Japanese dining experience, where every bowl of ramen tells a story of quality ingredients, masterful preparation, and a dedication to flavor that truly transports you. Whether you're a long-time ramen enthusiast or new to the world of Japanese comfort food, Tamaya is a must-visit for anyone seeking a deeply satisfying and authentic meal in Los Angeles County.

Tamaya is conveniently located at 17142 Colima Rd, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Hacienda Heights, a bustling community within Los Angeles County, making it a highly accessible destination for locals and visitors alike. Colima Road is a well-known artery in the area, ensuring that the restaurant is easy to find, whether you're navigating by car or utilizing local transit options. The restaurant is situated in a plaza that typically offers ample parking, a definite advantage in Southern California where convenience is highly valued. While it's a popular spot and can sometimes have a wait due to its cozy size, its central location makes it a go-to for many seeking their ramen fix without a lengthy commute.

Tamaya focuses on delivering high-quality, authentic Japanese comfort food with a strong emphasis on ramen.

• Dine-In Service: Tamaya offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meals directly at the restaurant.
• Extensive Ramen Menu: Their primary offering is a wide variety of ramen, including popular choices like Shoyu Ramen, Miso Ramen, Shio Ramen, Kotteri Tonkotsu (richer and thicker broth), Spicy Beef Ramen, Roast Chicken Ramen, and vegetarian options like Veggie Ramen (with seaweed and mushroom broth) and Kinoko Ramen (sautéed mushroom).
• Customizable Ramen: Guests can often customize their ramen bowls with options like less salt, no meat, and additional toppings such as flavored eggs, extra noodles, greens, corn, bamboo shoots (menma), bean sprouts (moyashi), seaweed (wakame), and green onions (negi).
• Authentic Japanese Appetizers: Complementing the ramen are classic appetizers, including highly praised cabbage and pork-filled gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), chicken karaage (fried chicken), edamame, tofu steak, mabo tofu, takoyaki, and various salads (chicken, tofu).
• Rice Dishes: Tamaya also offers a selection of hearty rice dishes such as Katsu Don (pork cutlet with egg and onion), Oyako Don (chicken with egg and onion), Beef Curry Rice, Pork Cutlet Curry, Fried Rice, and Teriyaki sets (chicken and beef).
• Desserts and Beverages: The menu includes Japanese-inspired desserts like shaved ice (with various flavors and toppings like red bean and milk) and different ice cream flavors (vanilla, green tea, red bean, or a trio). Beverage options include various Japanese sodas (Ramune, Calpico, Melon Soda), teas (Oolong, Green Tea), and classic soft drinks.
• Takeout Service: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, Tamaya offers convenient takeout options.
• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Customers consistently praise the staff for being incredibly friendly, warm, and providing exceptional service that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Vegetarian-Friendly Options: With dedicated vegetarian ramen and several vegetable-based appetizers and salads, Tamaya caters well to diners with plant-based preferences.

Tamaya stands out as a true local favorite in Hacienda Heights due to several distinguishing features that have kept customers returning for years.

• Consistently High-Quality Food: Patrons consistently commend Tamaya for maintaining a "top quantity" of food over many years. The dishes, especially the ramen, are noted for being "really good," with high-quality ingredients and quick preparation.
• Authentic Ramen Broths: The ramen broths are a major draw, described as "light yet full of flavor" and "not too salty," allowing the natural taste of the ingredients to shine through. Their Shoyu Ramen is particularly highlighted for its sensational soup and perfectly cooked noodles.
• Perfectly Cooked Noodles: The noodles are consistently praised for having "just the right amount of chew," indicating careful attention to detail in their preparation, a hallmark of excellent ramen.
• Outstanding Gyoza: The cabbage and pork-filled gyoza are a crowd favorite, often cited as a perfect accompaniment to their ramen, showcasing the restaurant's "true craftsmanship" even in simpler dishes.
• Cozy, Family-Like Atmosphere: Despite sometimes having a wait, the restaurant cultivates a warm, inviting, and intimate environment that reminds many of authentic ramen shops in Japan. This welcoming ambiance contributes significantly to the overall dining pleasure.
• Exceptional and Friendly Service: The staff, including named individuals like Masa, Kiyo, and Masumi, receive consistent accolades for their warm smiles, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor, making every visit feel special and comfortable.
• Great Value: Customers feel that the quality and generous portions of food offered are very reasonably priced, providing excellent value for an authentic Japanese meal.
• Long-Standing Local Presence: Having been a local favorite for over nine years, Tamaya has built a reputation for consistency and quality, solidifying its status as a reliable and cherished dining spot in the community.

While Tamaya focuses on offering consistent quality and value through its regular menu, there are a few points of note regarding pricing and potential offers:

• Reasonable Pricing for Quality: The general consensus among customers is that the prices are very reasonable for the high quality and quantity of food received, making it an everyday value rather than relying heavily on special discounts.
• Kids and Senior Pricing: It's common for local Japanese restaurants to offer reduced pricing for children and sometimes seniors, although specific details for Tamaya are not publicly available. It's always worth inquiring directly.
• Lunch vs. Dinner Pricing: While not explicitly detailed in reviews, many ramen establishments have slightly different pricing for lunch vs. dinner, with lunch often being a more economical option. Check their menu or ask for details.
• Restaurant.com Affiliation: Tamaya has been listed on Restaurant.com, which can be a source for purchasing discounted gift certificates for the restaurant. Checking this platform periodically might yield savings.

For the most up-to-date information on any current promotions, seasonal specials, or loyalty programs, it is always best for local users to contact Tamaya directly via phone or visit their official website if available.

To enjoy a comforting bowl of authentic ramen and other Japanese delights at Tamaya, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 17142 Colima Rd, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, USA
Phone: (626) 581-3223

Operating Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday: 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Given its popularity and smaller size, especially during peak lunch and dinner hours, there can sometimes be a wait. It is recommended to plan your visit accordingly or call ahead, especially for larger groups.

Tamaya in Hacienda Heights is perfectly suited for locals in California because it embodies the essence of a truly beloved neighborhood eatery. For over nine years, it has consistently delivered on its promise of top-quality, authentic Japanese ramen and comfort food, becoming a cherished destination for countless individuals and families. The profound emotional connection expressed by long-term customers, who recount years of cherished memories associated with Tamaya, speaks volumes about its special place in the community.

Locals return time and again for the consistently delicious food, particularly the perfectly cooked noodles and the flavorful, well-balanced broths that transport them to ramen shops in Japan. The addition of their amazing gyoza and other well-crafted dishes further cements its appeal. Despite its cozy size, the quick food service ensures that even during busy times, the wait for your meal is minimal. Most importantly, the incredibly friendly and welcoming staff create a genuine, family-like atmosphere that makes every diner feel at home. Tamaya isn't just a place to eat; it's a comforting escape, a taste of authentic Japan right in Hacienda Heights, and a place where culinary memories are made and cherished. It's this blend of quality, authenticity, and heartwarming hospitality that makes Tamaya a true gem for the California community.

Tamaya

17142 Colima Rd, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, USA