Tawara Japanese Restaurant Introduce
For over four decades, **Tawara Japanese Restaurant** has stood as a genuine culinary landmark in the heart of **Ramsey, New Jersey**. This is not just another Asian eatery; it is a dedicated and authentic Japanese institution, proudly serving the Bergen County community since 1981. Founded by Mrs. Ishii, a highly talented home cook hailing from Tokyo, Tawara remains the oldest and most beloved restaurant established in her long career. Today, her daughter, Kiko, maintains the family legacy, ensuring that the restaurant’s commitment to high-quality cuisine and exceptional hospitality endures.
Tawara Japanese Restaurant brings a diverse and comprehensive taste of Japan to North Jersey. It seamlessly operates as a top-tier **Sushi restaurant**, a comforting **Ramen restaurant**, and a go-to spot for traditional Japanese main dishes. The atmosphere is celebrated by **Locals** as **Casual, Cozy, and Trendy**, often described as having a warm, homey vibe that encourages regular visits. Reviews consistently rave about the superior quality of the food, with many local New Jersey patrons declaring Tawara’s offerings—particularly the sushi—to be among the “BEST in Jersey.” This reputation is built on a foundation of using the freshest ingredients and employing skilled chefs who ensure every dish, from a simple bowl of **Miso Soup** to a complex **Omakase** experience, is crafted with care and precision.
Whether you are seeking a quick, delicious lunch, a destination for high-end raw fish, or a comforting bowl of noodles on a cold New Jersey evening, Tawara Japanese Restaurant is ready to welcome you.
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Tawara Japanese Restaurant is conveniently located on West Main Street in Ramsey, making it an accessible dining destination for residents across Bergen County and beyond. The address is **53 W Main St, Ramsey, NJ 07446, USA**. This central location makes it an easy stop for local business professionals, **College students**, and families.
The restaurant places a high priority on guest comfort and accessibility. It is fully **Wheelchair accessible**, featuring a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, a **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, **Wheelchair accessible seating**, and a dedicated **Wheelchair accessible restroom**.
For parking, customers benefit from the availability of a **Free parking lot** as well as ample **Free street parking** in the surrounding area, making both **Dine-in** and **Takeout** visits easy and stress-free. The restaurant accommodates various modern payment options, including all major **Credit cards** and **Debit cards**, as well as **NFC mobile payments**.
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Tawara Japanese Restaurant provides a full spectrum of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the New Jersey community, from intimate dining to large-scale events.
- **Dine-in and Atmosphere:** Offers comfortable **Seating** with full **Table service** for an engaging dining experience. Unique features include private dining options like cozy booths and a dedicated **Private dining room**, perfect for a celebratory dinner or a quiet, intimate meal.
- **Reservations:** **Accepts reservations**, with **Dinner reservations recommended** due to its popularity, especially on weekends.
- **Meal Service Versatility:** Open for **Lunch** and **Dinner**, catering to **Solo dining** as well as large **Groups**. The menu also offers items perfect for a **Quick bite** or a satisfying full meal.
- **Takeout and Catering:** Provides reliable **Takeout** service for those on the go, and extensive **Catering** options for special events, parties, and corporate functions.
- **Beverage Program:** Features a well-curated selection of beverages, including **Beer** and **Wine**, complementing the Japanese menu. A standout is the **Great tea selection**, perfect for traditionalists.
- **Family Amenities:** The restaurant is known to be **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs**, welcoming families of all sizes.
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Tawara's long-standing success is rooted in its dedication to serving both traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine with exceptional quality.
- **Superior Sushi and Sashimi Quality:** The defining feature is the extremely high quality of the raw fish, often noted by regulars for its **thick slices of fresh salmon, tuna, and "special fish in rotation"**. Must-try raw options include the **Sashimi Appetizer**, the **Sushi & Sashimi** platter, and the truly authentic **Omakase** chef’s tasting experience.
- **Specialty Rolls:** The menu offers an extensive array of **American Sushi Rolls**, including the fan-favorite **Sunset Roll** (Spicy Crunchy Avocado topped with Tuna and Salmon), the creative **Dragon Roll**, and the classic **Eel & Avocado**. The unique **Spicy Crunchy Sushi Bowl** is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- **Authentic Japanese Cooked Dishes:** Tawara is a full **Asian restaurant** and excels in traditional non-sushi fare. Highlights include hearty, flavorful **Ramen** and thick-noodled **Udon** varieties, as well as classic rice bowls like **Katsu Don** and **Yakiniku Don**. They also offer customizable options like the **Sea & Land** combination platters.
- **Signature Appetizers:** Do not overlook the starters. The **Pork Belly Buns** are a celebrated dish, described by some customers as "life-changing," while the **Tawara Wings** and **Kara-Age** (Japanese fried chicken) are perfect examples of delicious **Comfort food**.
- **Health and Dietary Options:** The menu is inclusive, offering excellent **Healthy options** throughout and well-prepared **Vegetarian options** like the **Tofu Buns**, **Sesame Spinach**, and several vegetable-based rolls.
- **Long-Term, Friendly Staff:** The incredible loyalty of the staff, some of whom have been with the restaurant for decades, creates a consistently positive and **welcomed** dining environment. Guests frequently single out the team for their friendly service and genuine warmth.
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To place a takeout order, arrange catering, or reserve a table for an unforgettable dining experience, please contact Tawara Japanese Restaurant using the information below:
**Address:** 53 W Main St, Ramsey, NJ 07446, USA
**Phone:** (201) 825-8712
**Mobile Phone:** +1 201-825-8712
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What makes **Tawara Japanese Restaurant** a premier choice in **Bergen County** is the flawless intersection of multi-generational authenticity, high-quality ingredients, and unparalleled customer warmth. For the local New Jersey diner, Tawara offers a consistent, trustworthy destination for authentic Japanese fare—a true hidden gem that many feel has the quality of a Manhattan establishment right in their backyard.
The restaurant provides the kind of flexibility that modern diners demand. You can come in for an affordable **Weekday Teishoku Lunch Set** (like the **Ginger Pork** or **Salmon Teriyaki** options) or celebrate a major milestone with a premium, chef-led **Omakase**. This duality—the ability to be both a casual, reliable neighborhood spot and a high-end sushi bar—is rare.
Furthermore, the emphasis on a **Cozy** atmosphere and the staff's dedication, mentioned by happy regulars, ensures every visit feels special. Customers are not just served; they are welcomed by a team that often knows them by name, creating that sought-after, **homey vibe**. When you choose Tawara, you are choosing a 40-year legacy of fresh fish, comforting noodles, excellent service, and a truly authentic taste of Japan right here in **Ramsey, NJ**. It is the ideal spot for anyone looking for that high-quality, authentic Japanese experience without the hassle of leaving North Jersey.
Tawara Japanese Restaurant Vibe
Appetizers
- Edamame $5.00
salted boiled soybeans
- Shoyu Edamame $6.50
soybeans seared in brown butter & soy sauce
- Beef Negimaki $9.00
sirloin steak rolled with scallions & braised
- Pork Belly Buns $8.00
crispy pork with Japanese vegetables
- Tofu Buns $6.50
with Japanese vegetables & miso spread
- Grilled Squid $9.00
grilled Japanese surume ika squid in a fresh ginger sauce
- Spicy Grilled Squid $9.50
grilled Japanese squid sauteed in our spicy pepper sauce
- Kara-Age $7.00
boneless fried marinated chicken thighs
- Ebi Gyoza $6.50
pan fried shrimp & vegetable dumplings
- Vegetable Gyoza $5.50
pan-fried vegetable dumplings with a dipping sauce
- Ebi Shumai $6.50
steamed round shrimp dumplings
- Tawara Wings $7.00
crispy chicken wings in our chili pepper, ginger & garlic sauce
- Tempura $7.00
fried in Japanese flour batter, with dipping broth
- Beef Tataki $9.50
steak & shaved onion with ponzu sauce
- Oshinko $6.00
assorted pickled Japanese vegetables
- Sesame Spinach $5.00
cold baby spinach with sesame sauce
- Miso Eggplant $6.00
eggplant in miso sauce, spicy optional
- Yasai Itame $6.50
assorted sauteed vegetables with sesame oil
- Agedashi Fried Tofu $6.50
enoki mushroom dashi broth
- Takoyaki $8.00
octopus fritters topped with sauce, mayo, pickled ginger & bonito flakes
- Tako Sunomono $8.50
sushi-grade octopus & vegetables marinated in a rice vinegar dressing
- Natto $3.00
a side dish of fermented sticky soybeans
Sushi Chef Appetizers
- Tawara Tartare $10.00
wasabi-sesame sauce, sliced onion, ginger, avocado, & your choice of tuna or salmon
- Sashimi Appetizer $11.00
- Steak Sushi $9.00
four pieces of glazed grilled steak nigiri
- Crunchy Spicy Sushi Bowl $8.50
sushi rice, tempura flakes, spicy sauce, scallions, & roasted sesame seeds
Salads
- Green Salad $5.50
with homemade dressing
- Avocado Salad $5.50
greens with avcaodo
- Grilled Squid Salad $13.50
greens, sauteed mushrooms, seaweed salad, ginger dressing, spicy optional
- Seaweed Salad $6.00
assorted marinated seaweed in a vinegar sesame dressing
- Crispy Beef Salad $10.00
greens, shaved onion, & crispy beef in a roasted sesame dressing
- Tofu Salad $5.50
sliced tofu, greens, pickled ginger in our miso-sesame dressing
Soups
- Miso Soup $2.50
tofu, wakame, scallions
- Asari Clam Soup $4.50
clear soup with Japanese asari clams, scallions & ginger
Shogun Zen Box
with miso soup and rice
- Shogun A $26.00
nigiri sushi, sashimi, shrimp & vegetable tempura, kara-age chicken, sesame spinach, oshinko
- Shogun B $23.00
fish teriyaki, inari stuffed tofu sushi, shrimp & vegetable tempura, kara-age chicken, sesame spinach, oshinko pickled vegetables
- Vegetable Shogun $20.00
vegetable tempura, inari stuffed tofu sushi, sauteed vegetables, miso eggplant, sesame spinach, oshinko pickled vegetables
Sea & Land
With miso soup, salad, and rice. Choose one selection from both sea & land $30. 2 sea selections $32 2 land selections $28
- Sea
grilled salmon, salmon teriyaki, shrimp teriyaki with mushrooms, grilled squid, spicy grilled squid
- Land
steak teriyaki with mushrooms, chicken teriyaki, beef negimaki, pork loin teriyaki
Donburi Rice Bowls & Rice Dishes
- Katsu Don $15.00
fried cutlet cooked in donburi sauce with onion & egg, choose pork or chicken
- Oyako Don $14.00
chicken breast, sauce, onion & egg
- Tempura Donburi $10.00
tempura & sauce over rice
- Yakiniku Don $16.00
sliced seared beef, onion, carrots & scallions over rice
- Spicy Beef Don $16.00
thinly sliced beef seared in our spicy sauce with vegetables
- Yasai Don $10.00
assorted sauteed vegetables with sesame oil
- Kamakura Don $14.00
shrimp tempura cooked in donburi sauce with onion and egg
- Chahan Japanese Fried Rice $11.00
sauteed with vegetables & egg
Noodles
- Ramen $13.00
noodle soup topped with roast pork, vegetables, and fish cake, choice of shoyu, miso, or paitan soup
- Chanpon $17.00
noodle soup topped with sauteed vegetables, pork, and seafood in a white soup
- Yakisoba $16.00
thin yakisoba noodles sauteed with vegetables
- Nabeyaki Udon $18.00
udon noodles simmered in a pot with chicken, vegetables, egg & shrimp tempura
- Hiyashi Udon $8.50
cold udon noodles with ginger & scallion dip
- Zaru Soba $8.50
cold soba noodles with wasabi & scallion dip
- Udon or Soba Noodle Soup $12.00
kake - plain with scallions; niku - with beef, scallions, & ginger; tempura - with shrimp tempura; kitsune - with fried tofu; tanuki - with tempura flakes; tamago - with egg
- Curry Udon $15.00
udon noodles in a thick Japanese curry soup
- Yaki Udon $9.00
Thick udon noodles sauteed with vegetables in soy sauce
Japanese Sushi Rolls
- Tekka $5.00
tuna
- Negihama $6.00
yellowtail & scallion
- Negitoro $8.50
fatty tuna & scallion
- Unakyu $6.50
eel & cucumber
- Salmon Skin $6.00
with cucumber & bonito flakes
- Futomaki $6.00
crab, egg & vegetables
- Kappa $3.50
cucumber
- Oshinko $4.00
pickled yellow takuan daikon
- Natto $3.50
fermented soybeans
- Ume Shiso $3.75
pickled plum & fresh shiso
- Kanpyo $4.00
sweet marinated gourd
- Tamago $4.00
sweet egg omelet
American Sushi Rolls
- Eel & Avocado $8.00
- Rainbow $12.00
crabstick, cucumber, avocado, masago roe, assorted fish on top
- Mexican Tuna or Salmon $7.00
with spicy sauce, tempura flakes, avocado & scallion
- Sunset $9.00
crunchy spicy avocado topped with tuna & salmon
- California $5.50
crabstick, avocado, masage roe
- Spicy Crunchy California $6.50
- Philly $7.00
smoked salmon, cream cheese, scallion, cucumber
- Lobster $12.00
avocado, scallion, lobster salad
- Maine $14.00
sweet potato tempura topped with lobster salad
- Shrimp Tempura $7.00
masago, avocado, cucumber, scallion
- Bamboo $9.00
choice of tuna, yellowtail or salmon with scallion topped with sliced avocado
- Special Tuna or Salmon $9.00
avocado, masago, cucumber, scallion, topped with fish
- Dragon $12.00
masago, avocado & scallion topped with roast eel
- Manhattan $7.00
tuna, salmon, hamachi, avocado, cucumber, masago on top
- Alaskan $7.00
smoked salmon, Kewpie mayo, cucumber, scallion, lettuce
- Boston $7.00
crabstick, Kewpie mayo, cucumber, scallion, lettuce
- Hot Roll $6.50
crabstick & fluke tempura, scallion, eel sauce, aonori seaweed flakes
- Pepper Tuna or Salmon $14.00
vegetable tempura, avocado, masago, scallion, pepper-seared fish outside, 2 chili sauces
- Spicy Crunchy Crab $7.00
spicy crab salad, avocado, tempura flakes, scallions
- Texas $13.00
cucumber, avocado, scallion, grilled steak on top, teriyaki, wasabi oil
- Special Scallop $14.00
cucumber, avocado, masago, sliced scallops on top, lemon, scallion
- Sweet Potato Tempura $4.75
- Spicy Crunchy Avocado $4.75
- Ume Pickled Plum & Cream Cheese $4.00
- Egg & Avocado $4.50
- Salmon $6.00
- Spicy Tuna $6.00
with scallions & cucumber
- Spicy Salmon $6.00
with scallions & cucumber
Sushi Bar Entrees
Please ask for seasonal sushi specials
- Nigiri $20.00
assorted fresh fish nigiri & tuna roll
- Chirashi $22.00
sliced fish over a bed of sushi rice
- Tekkadon $20.00
sliced tuna over sushi rice
- Salmon Don $20.00
Sliced house-cured salmon over a bed of sushi rice
- Sushi & Sashimi $25.00
nigiri sushi, sashimi, and tuna, avocado & masago roll
- Sashimi $22.00
assorted sliced fresh fish
- Omakase $38.00
24 hours notice recommended, not available during peak hours without pre-ordering
Nigiri & Sashimi
- Maguro $2.75
tuna
- Hamachi $2.75
yellowtail
- Hamachi Toro $3.75
- Salmon $2.75
- Smoked Salmon $2.75
- Hirame $2.75
fluke
- Engawa $2.75
fluke fin
- Suzuki $2.75
bass
- Uni $6.50
sea urchin
- Unagi $3.25
raost eel
- Sawara $2.75
Spanish mackerel
- Saba $2.75
Japanese mackerel
- Ebi $2.50
steamed shrimp
- Ika $3.00
Japanese squid
- Tako $3.00
Japanese octopus
- Hokkigai $2.75
surf clam
- Hotategai $3.00
scallop
- Ikura $3.50
salmon roe
- Toro $8.50
Fatty Tuna
- Tobikko $2.75
flying fish roe
- Kanikama $2.00
crabstick
- Tamago $2.00
egg omelet
- Inari $2.00
stuffed tofu
Main Dishes a la Carte
- Teriyaki $17.00
homemade teriyaki sauce, with vegetables
- Beef Negimaki $20.00
sirloin rolled with scallions, pan-seared & braised
- Spicy Beef $19.00
thin sliced beef seared in a chili sauce with sauteed vegetables
- Shogayaki $17.00
ginger chicken or pork with onions
- Katsu $16.00
panko-fried with Bulldog sauce and green salad
- Grilled Salmon $19.00
with vegetables
- Tawara Steak $24.00
grilled sirloin with shaved raw onions, sesame & vinegar sauce
- Sukiyaki $19.00
vegetables, tofu, shirataki noodles simmered in a broth
- Tempura $15.00
fried in a Japanese flour batter with a dipping broth
Desserts
Please ask about our monthly special dessert
- Fried Ice Cream $6.50
- Ice Cream $4.00
green tea, red bean, chocolate, vanilla; other flavors available seasonally, please ask
- Mochi Ice Cream $3.50
chewy rice cake filled with ice cream. ask for flavors
- Ogura Red Bean Jam $1.50
topping for any dessert
Weekday Teishoku Lunch Sets
Available monday - friday from 11:30 to 2:30 pm includes miso soup & rice. Ask about our daily lunch special
- Ginger Pork or Ginger Chicken $10.00
onions & ginger sauce, served with salad
- Katsu $10.00
panko-fried chicken or pork cutlet served with salad
- Sukiyaki $9.00
vegetables, tofu, and shirataki noodles simmered in a broth
- Grilled Salmon $10.00
served with salad
- Salmon Teriyaki $10.00
served with salad
- Dumpling Lunch $9.00
gyoza or shumai dumplings with salad
- Teriyaki $10.00
with vegetables
- Grilled Squid Salad $12.50
greens, sauteed mushrooms, seaweed salad, ginger dressing, spicy optional
- Tempura $9.00
fried in a Japanese flour batter with a dipping broth
Lunch Donburi Rice Bowls
Includes miso soup
- Oyako Don $10.00
- Spicy Beef Don $12.00
- Tempura Donburi $11.00
- Katsu Don $10.00
chicken or pork
- Yakiniku Don $12.00
- Kamakura Don $10.00
- Crunchy Spicy Sushi Bowl $8.50
Tawara Japanese Restaurant Details
Service options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Tawara Japanese Restaurant Photos










Tawara Japanese Restaurant Location
Tawara Japanese Restaurant
53 W Main St, Ramsey, NJ 07446, USA
Tawara Japanese Restaurant Reviews
udondoorrollsbowlroomfood and servicesalmonteriyakipork bunsappetizers
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1By far ONE OF THE BEST SUSHI in Jersey. I went to celebrate with my friends here and I I was so happy with their high quality sushi and delicious udon. Everything tastes so good, thick slices of fresh salmon, tuna, and def 10/10 recommend. Reka was also very friendly and made us feel at home :)
August 27 · Visuthida PThis place is 5+++++. Moved to Ramsey in 2022 and this place became our regular. What makes this place special is not just the quality and variety of food but the staff as well. Reika and the team make you feel welcomed and special. Tons of regulars and it creates a very cozy, homey vibe. There is always special fish in rotation and you would never guess that such high quality sushi would exist in New Jersey suburbs. I have nothing but praise for this place. We absolutely love it !
September 26 · Vladimir PantileiHands down, best sushi in NJ. This is the most authentic with the highest quality fish I ever had. It's to the point you don't even want the soy sauce or wasabi, the rolls and fish are absolutely the best quality with care taken into every piece. The cooked foods were fantastic as well. Absolutely the best, don't hesitate to try it.
February 24 · Daniel Stephen GioniGood things come to those who wait.After eating at another establishment not far from here, the name caught our eye. As we walked we noticed a market attached. We proceeded in and bought several things that sparked our interest. As we left we said,“ let’s come back and eat here one day!”Yesterday was the day, we stumbled in early and were lucky enough to snag a tiny booth as we had no reservations ( hint ).We found out after thoroughly enjoying this meal that they have been there over 40 years.This place was special, spot on, can’t wait to return. Thanks for a great meal and a warm atmosphere.I see the reviews have been great… here’s one more 👍👍
October 13 · JOSH GLooking for an authentic Japanese restaurant experience? Look no further than Tawara. This family run restaurant serves delicious food.
June 28 · Yvonne Kunihira-Davidson
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