Taiko Japanese Restaurant & Bar

Amazing place for a sneaky lunch date. Decent selections of lunch set with different combination covers food lovers favourite - gourmet sashimi, sushi, tempuras, katsus, teriyaki chicken /or tofu. Revisit for the dinner menu is next!

Have been going to this place for almost two years, my partner and I always order the five course dinner menu and it’s always been fantastic. Big portions, high quality, quick service, etc. However we visited for the first time since November last week, and we’re shocked and will not be returning ever again. The portions have been reduced dramatically, even the miso soup.the sashimi/beef carpaccio course has been downsized (two small slices of unseasoned beef, whereas it used to be beautifully marinated and a bigger portion) and the sashimi was sliced thinner as well. However everything still tasted ok.the shocking part was the beef teriyaki. It came on a huge plate, but the small amount made it look empty. The worst part is it was served with rosemary on top and mashed potato’s on the side, which were stone cold. The Rosemary ruined the teriyaki flavour, and the fact that there was a small spoonful of mashed potato’s on the plate was almost insulting to Japanese food. I’m not one to complain and I hold a few very special memories at this place, but I won’t be back.

Delicious food, well presented, it's refreshing. However, only 1 bathroom for the whole restaurant. It creates inconvenience for the patrons. Other than that, the food are very nice, and waitresses are attentive.

I would like to give 6 stars of 5 stars!
Unexpectedly awesome. Every dish was unique and had flair.
I can recommend the tataki, sashimi set, tempura - oh, and don't skimp on the cream brulee - a-may-zing

Love this place so much that I’m actually reluctant to share this gem. BEST japanese restaurant I have ever been to in nz so far️ their service is good as well. Nice sashimi presentation and their wagyu sukiyaki is a bom course meal are really big as well! Love their matcha icecream hehe. Haven’t been to any Japanese restaurant that is this good and not too overpriced. 6 stars!

Had a large group there for dinner. Our experience was great. Food is nicely presented with fantastic flavour. Service was prompt and courteous. Will be back for more.

Firstly I tried to call your restaurant 11 times between 630 and 7pm on Saturday to make a reservation. The phone was either busy or was not answered.
I then made an online booking for 9pm.
I received an automated response advising that you would get back to me.
That never happened.
I arrived at the restaurant with my partner at 855pm.
A staff member was on the phone, she did not acknowledge us.
Finally after a wait of 5-10 minutes she got off the phone and asked if she could help us.
I told her that I had a booking for 2 at 9pm.
She told us that the restaurant was closed and that she didn’t have a record of the reservation.
Your website says the restaurant is open until 9pm.
She was unapologetic and quite frankly, rude.
We will nit be returning.

Food was very good, tasty & nice presentation.
However, waiting time needs a lot of improvement.
We went there yesterday 7 people, 3 have finished eating their meals and others still had not received their mains.

The food was delicious and prices were affordable for a fine dine restaurant. Every dish was superbly present. We will definitely be back.

Very fresh scallop sashimi and yummy Takoyaki love the warm sake and nice services. Gonna come back again

Great food, well priced and good service. Probably the best Japanese restaurant we have found in Auckland. Would definitely recommend. Portion sizes are very good.

Such yummy Japanese food in Kingsland! Beautiful presentation with dry ice and other things. We had the beef tataki, salmon, and Yum Yum Prawns which are a must! Plus cold sake which was so pretty.

One of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Auckland, amazing food and good service. Highly recommended!

Talking about Japanese experience with New Zealand pork chicken and veggies. Had the Lunch menu, I’m coming back for dinner.

Managed to sneak in on Easter Sunday (while most of the restaurants in Kingsland were closed for the weekend) so got lucky with a table as a walk-in and had exceptionally fast service. Such a relaxing vibe, beautiful food - especially the sashimi, and notably gorgeous staff! Will return for sure.

Popped in for quick lunch with one of my boys, lunch menu has enough options for the time of day and they were happy for us to add a couple of sides. Sapporo draft came with our set, very nice. We got the seafood platter which was wonderfully presented and with the sides filled us up well. Staff friendly and efficient and food is superb, will be back

Great little Japanese in Kingsland. Small but good menu, all the usual but good quality ingredients done well. Octopus balls are really good and tasty and the beef steak was cooked to perfection and good quality meat. Great place to go before a game at eden park but pays to book as they get busy and dont have a large number of tables.

I only selected one star as I needed at least one to post a review. Terrible food. Very disappointing as I am a local and like to support local restaurants. I’m also a huge lover of Japanese food, which is usually of a great quality. A shame. Restaurants in Kingsland usually don’t get a second chance.

An excellent restaurant with elegant environment and supportive stuff.the food is one of the bests in terms if japanese food in auckland.definitely 5 star recommended

Always enjoyed the ambience, hospitality, and food of taiko. The new place is like a shell of its former self, food is disappointing, its empty atm with dentist room sax funk playing, drinks are flat.pretty much sucks