Welcome to Tanuki Izakaya & Ramen
Tanuki Izakaya & Ramen, located in Elk Grove, CA, offers an exceptional dining experience that combines authenticity and warmth. Renowned for its handmade dishes, the restaurant shines with standout selections like the tonkotsu ramen and beef tongue curry noodles. Guests rave about the incredible flavors, including tender pork belly and flavorful yakitori skewers. The attentive service enhances the atmosphere, making families feel welcomed, with thoughtful touches like baby-changing facilities. The giant hedgehog statue adds a playful charm. Tanuki Izakaya & Ramen is the perfect spot to indulge in handcrafted Japanese comfort food while enjoying a memorable meal with loved ones.
Tanuki Izakaya & Ramen: Reviews & Ratings
This place made me want to write a review, for all the right reasons. Family and I were tired after school events and didn’t want to cook, boom tonkatsu ramen with pork belly that melts like butter. My seven year old who complained about not liking the food at a place he hadn’t seen the menu of? Silenced when he got a bowl of rice and then told us he loved the chicken skewer so much we “HAVE to try it”. Servers so nice and personable they came to greet my baby and told me there was a changing station in the bathroom if I needed it (10/10). The giant hedgehog in the walkway named Tanuki? Cherry on the frickin top. Thanks guys.
As soon as you walk in they greet you. We were seated within five minutes. If you have not try the beef tongue curry noodles it is a must! I love how they kept checking in on us and refilling our water. Recommend getting the thicker broth. Ramen and food was so delicious! We would definitely come back again when we are in the area.
My team and I went to eat there for lunch and were surprised by how so much of the food is handmade with care by Steve. He came out and explained a lot of things to us about the food.! It was such a good time that I went again for dinner to try the Ramen since we didn’t have that. The curry was so creamy. Everything was yummy... oishi!!!
Had a chicken appetizer skewer. Cooked just till done. The in between scallions was a surprise flavor bomb. Tsukamen Ramen was also surprising with dipping sauce with bits of tender pork. Love the soft boiled egg and the smokey char siu was delicious.
We just came back from Tanuki. We got ramen and a couple of Yakatori (chicken heart Tare and Pork belly Shoi). The skewers were so tasty and ramen were great! The tonkotsu broth was clean (not too salty and not too milky/creamy). You can actually taste the quality of every ingredient. Service was very great and attentive. Overall, the overall dining experience was great, and we were pleased with how quick and efficient the whole process of greeting, ordering, eating, and paying. We will come back to try more of the yakatori menu as what we sampled actually wowed us. Highly recommend this place for those like skewers and/or ramen. It is on par with Umami in Folsom. I wish they give us the option to select regular or more aldente (chewy) type of noodle.
I’ve been going to this restaurant for over a year and it serves some of the highest quality Japanese food in the area. The only caveat to this review is that I’ve never tried their curry dishes or sushi. If you like chicken or if don’t like chicken, their Karaage (fried chicken) is superb. All their Ramen is of high quality, and the Pork Katsu Don is exceptional. Flavor profiles on all dishes are unique to themselves and the staff are exceptionally friendly. This is the type of restaurant you would tell your friends about right away (because I did) regardless of how far away it is. Enjoy
The waitress was super friendly and attentive to our table, she seems to know a lot of customers by name. Great service, the gyoza skin is thin and the fillings were packed, not like little filling with a lot of skin. Ramen selection are classic and tasty broth
Great little ramen shop that has some good variety on the menu to enjoy with your ramen bowl. The pork broth was rich and flavorful smaller in size compared to other ramen shops I've been to for the same prize, but good nonetheless. Can't go wrong with any of the proteins on a skewer
Location
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7119 Elk Grove Blvd #125, Elk Grove, CA 95758, United States Hotline: +1 916-829-2186
Welcome to Tanuki Izakaya & Ramen, a culinary gem nestled in Elk Grove, CA. Conveniently located at 7119 Elk Grove Blvd #125, this izakaya-style eatery has swiftly carved a name for itself, promising an authentic Japanese dining experience that honors traditional flavors while embracing a warm, inviting atmosphere.
As you step through the doors, you are immediately greeted by friendly staff who embody the essence of hospitality, ensuring that your dining experience is not just a meal but a memorable occasion. Patrons often rave about the prompt service, with reviews highlighting that you're seated within moments of your arrival, making it a perfect spot for bustling families and busy individuals alike.
The menu at Tanuki is a tantalizing journey into Japanese cuisine, with highlights that beckon for your attention. Take, for example, the highly recommended beef tongue curry noodles—a dish that has earned rave reviews for its bold flavors and comforting richness. For ramen enthusiasts, the tonkotsu ramen is a must-try, with its unctuous broth that strikes the perfect balance, neither too salty nor overly creamy.
Gabrielle Kubicki, a satisfied customer, praises the tonkatsu ramen with pork belly, describing the meat as “melting like butter.” Her family's experience echoes a common theme: children who are often picky eaters can’t help but be silenced by the flavorful offerings, like the delightful chicken skewers that have charmed little Palates across Elk Grove.
Speaking of skewers, Tanuki excels in serving soundly crafted yakitori. Reviewers like Jackman Tse and Nick H have waxed poetic about the tender chicken skewers, noting surprising bursts of flavor, especially with the in-between scallions. The Tsukamen ramen also makes a splash, served with a rich dipping sauce that elevates the dining experience. The inclusion of delicate accompaniments, like the perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg and smoky char siu, suggests thoughtful preparation that has not gone unnoticed.
One of the standout aspects of Tanuki is their dedication to handmade traditions. As LuAnn Shikasho recounts, the chef, Steve, takes the time to explain the care that goes into each dish, enhancing the dining experience and weaving a storytelling thread through every bite.
Despite its bustling ambiance, dining at Tanuki remains a peaceful experience, thanks to the attentive staff ensuring your glass stays filled and your needs are met promptly. This combination of quality service and exceptional dishes—whether you’re dining solo, with a partner, or alongside the whole family—creates a welcoming vibe that beckons you to return.
If you’re in the mood for a satisfying meal, complete with the charm of traditional izakaya culture and the flavor-packed goodness of ramen, visit Tanuki Izakaya & Ramen – where every visit is a delightful exploration of Japanese flavors that leaves you wanting more. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the friendly giant hedgehog, Tanuki, as a cherry on top of your culinary adventure!
For reservations or inquiries, feel free to contact them at +1 916-829-2186.