Tokyo Teriyaki

Located at 3111 Judson St, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, Tokyo Teriyaki stands as a notable Japanese restaurant within the local community. For those utilizing a platform like "Doctor Near Me," while the establishment does not offer medical services, it provides an essential local service: access to well-prepared and comforting food. In the pursuit of daily well-being, readily available and enjoyable meal options are crucial, and Tokyo Teriyaki aims to fill this need with its authentic Japanese cuisine in Gig Harbor.

The restaurant can be contacted via phone at (253) 853-3232 or through its mobile number, +1 253-853-3232. This direct line simplifies the process of placing orders, particularly for takeout, which is a common practice for many customers. While specific operating hours are not explicitly stated in the provided information, typical teriyaki establishments cater to both lunch and dinner crowds. Based on general industry practices, Tokyo Teriyaki likely operates from late morning until early evening, offering consistent availability for residents and visitors throughout the week.

Tokyo Teriyaki is affectionately described by a customer as a "proverbial, ('Hole in the Wall') restaurant," indicating a humble, unpretentious, yet potentially exceptional dining establishment. It is conveniently situated "in the same strip mall as the post office," suggesting easy access and visibility for those familiar with the local area. The interior provides a "very quaint inside dining experience boasting only about ten tables," emphasizing a small, intimate setting. This limited seating capacity implies a more personal touch and a cozy atmosphere rather than a large, bustling eatery. The decor includes "very pretty Japanese pictures on the walls and a carved wooden boat on a side table," which contributes to an authentic Japanese ambiance. This attention to subtle cultural details enhances the dining experience, making it feel more genuine and inviting. The overall impression is one of a small, well-maintained space where the focus is on the food and a comfortable, personalized customer experience.

Tokyo Teriyaki offers both dine-in and takeout services. The review explicitly mentions that while the customers ordered their food "To go," they also had the opportunity to "check out the decor" while waiting, confirming that dine-in is an option. The small number of tables (around ten) reinforces the idea of a more intimate dine-in experience. A significant highlight of their service is the personal touch, as exemplified by the "maitre d" who was "very friendly and while we waited gave us two little cups of miso soup to try for free-delicious!" This gesture demonstrates exceptional hospitality and a commitment to customer satisfaction, leaving a lasting positive impression.

However, the restaurant's services are not without challenges. One review noted a significant wait time, with an hour-long wait for food despite being the "only two people in the restaurant" on a Monday evening. This delay was attributed to the prioritization of "online orders." This indicates that while they cater to in-person diners, the volume of takeout orders, potentially through third-party delivery platforms, can impact service speed for those dining inside. Despite the wait, the "lady who helped us was very sweet," again emphasizing the consistent friendliness of the staff. This suggests a strong customer service ethic even when operational delays occur.

Tokyo Teriyaki's menu focuses on core Japanese comfort foods, with a clear emphasis on quality.

• Signature Teriyaki: The Chicken Teriyaki dinner comes highly recommended, indicating it is a flagship dish and a particular strength of the restaurant. Teriyaki, being a staple of Japanese-American cuisine, is likely prepared with a focus on flavorful sauce and well-cooked protein.
• Noodle Dishes: Yakisoba noodles are another recommended item, suggesting that their noodle preparations are also a highlight. Yakisoba typically involves stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables, offering a satisfying and hearty meal.
• Soups: The Miso soup is praised for its deliciousness, especially after being offered as a complimentary sample. This staple Japanese soup is a good indicator of the restaurant's commitment to authentic flavors, even in smaller offerings.
• Fresh Salad: One review specifically mentioned that the "salad was good," indicating attention to fresh, quality ingredients even in side dishes. This detail can be important for customers who value freshness and lighter options.

The promotional power of Tokyo Teriyaki largely stems from its word-of-mouth appeal and the strong positive sentiments expressed by satisfied customers.

• "Hole in the Wall" Appeal: The description as a "Hole in the Wall" that "cooks amazing food" is a powerful promotional hook, suggesting that it's a hidden gem worth discovering. This often attracts adventurous diners looking for authentic, unpretentious culinary experiences. The fact that a long-time Gig Harbor resident "didn't know it was here" until their daughter discovered it further reinforces this "hidden gem" narrative.
• High Recommendations: Direct recommendations for specific dishes like the "Chicken Teriyaki dinner, Yakisoba noodles and Miso soup" provide clear guidance to new customers and highlight the restaurant's signature offerings.
• Exceptional Customer Service: The "maitre d" being "very friendly" and offering "free-delicious" miso soup samples is a standout example of excellent customer service. Such personal touches create memorable experiences and foster strong customer loyalty. This positive interaction is a significant promotional asset, as good service often encourages repeat visits and positive recommendations.
• Visual Appeal: The mention of a customer planning to "provide some pictures and in a couple weeks a short video" indicates a strong desire to share their positive experience, which acts as organic, user-generated promotional content.
• Mixed Reviews and "Off Nights": While one review glowingly recommends the restaurant, another highlights a "not great experience" due to long wait times and food that "just wasn't that good." The reviewer acknowledges that "there are good reviews, so maybe it was just an off night," which suggests that inconsistencies might occur, but the overall potential for a positive experience exists. This objective presentation of varied experiences helps set realistic expectations for new customers. The consistent praise for the "very sweet" lady who helped them, even during a negative experience, further underscores the strength of their customer service.

In conclusion, Tokyo Teriyaki in Gig Harbor, WA, presents itself as a charming, small Japanese restaurant with a focus on authentic flavors and a personal touch in service. Despite its unassuming exterior, it aims to deliver "amazing food," with highlights including its Chicken Teriyaki, Yakisoba, and Miso soup. While operational challenges, such as potential wait times due to online orders, may sometimes affect the dining experience, the consistent praise for its friendly staff and the overall quality of its core dishes make it a highly recommended "hole in the wall" for those seeking genuine Japanese cuisine in the Gig Harbor area.

Tokyo Teriyaki

3111 Judson St, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, USA