We went here with high expectations for good ramen. The tempanyaki chicken was undercooked or shall I say raw? My husband spit out both bites he tried because it was raw. I had to cover it with a napkin. The spicy tuna sushi was horrible. I actually spit it into my napkin. It tasted old, not fresh at all and horrible texture. The ramen was the safest bet but doesn't even come close to the ramen we've had in California. The broth was wrong, the noodles weren't cooked enough, still a bit too hard when served and I don't mean al Dente. The egg was cooked too long. The broth was miso and had no flavor. All wrong. Our waitress was nice but a manager never even came out for the raw chicken. Would NOT go back. Horrible. One of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. The rating should be zero stars.
(1)
H M.
I'm sure that it'd been better on site . That being said it was freakin wonderful when I got home . I had the pork ramen as suggested by the friendly hostess and she was spot on . I also tried the Uni shooter that was offered by a regular , SPEC....freakin'.......TACULAR . I owe that young lady a shooter or two for the heads up . I will definitely hit this hidden gem up again . Next time I'll eat in and enjoy it fresh and hot .
(4)
Daisy D.
Tomo popped up on the radar a little bit ago when I was curious to see if Jax had a good ramen place. I haven't tried the ramen yet, but I will be back soon to do so. We were hungry for dinner, but didn't want to cook. Yelp App to the rescue: found our place and were on our way. We were seated quickly and started to peruse the menu. I knew I wanted sushi, but we ordered some Gyoza to start while we decided on what to eat. The dumplings arrived shortly and had a nice char on them. They were delicious and lived up to our expectations. Reminded us of the gyoza we had in So Cal. Then I learned a lesson: semi-private booths are nice when your husband decides to drink from the ponzu dish. Our entrees arrived and I was excited to dig in to my sushi. I ordered the spicy tuna and added avocado and the Captain Crunch roll. The spicy tuna was spicier than others I've had in the area, but I definitely wasn't complaining. The added avocado helped balance out the heat. The CC roll was full of flavor and definitely was a nice change to the typical fried rolls. This one was Katsu fried which added a nice layer of texture. Tomo has earned another fan of this fam.
(4)
Kayla D.
The pork belly ramen was delicious, so was the philly roll. It's a quiet and quaint restaurant. It took a while for us to get our food and our waitress charged us for an appetizer we didn't order. She also barely checked up on us for refills and such. But other than that, it's a great place! We'll be going back.
(3)
Ryan C.
I just wrapped up an enjoyable experience at a gem of a Japanese joint. Tomo is not your average Japanese steakhouse. These guys are very unique. From the greeting, the aesthetics, and the FOOD, it's clear they're passionate about what they do. The staff was extremely friendly, welcoming, and knowledgable. The karage appetizer was delicious. (White fish thighs - lol.) The ramen was a very tasty slurp-fest. Great flavor and quality ingredients. And then the sushi: the OMG roll? Name says it all. The Tomo Bomb was very unique and excellent. I also loved the Ten Spice roll. Almost forgot: don't miss out on the Japanese whisky/scotch! The only down side? They're not closer to home!
(5)
Sara C.
Pretty damn good...pretty damn expensive! I ordered some late lunch for pickup. I got my normal - Salmon sashimi and a spicy scallop handroll, and I also tried the OMG roll. So I guess I didn't know what I was ordering here at tomo but the salmon sashimi was 9 pieces and they were HUGE. No wonder it was $17.50! The scallop in the handroll seemed fake, as it was large, square, and rubbery - not the best at all. I will not order another here. Now the OMG roll came recommended. It was salmon, avocado, cream cheese, topped with bbq eel. There was mayo and crunchies on top. Overall a yummy roll...but do yourself a favor and skip the mayo as it was way too saturated and took away from the fish. I also asked for brown rice instead of white and was told that can't be done. Overall the sushi was good but not quite for $40 for 3 items for lunch. Next time I definitely request a total when I call!
(4)
Carlyne M.
Updating my review. I can no longer rave about Tomo and tell everyone to come here, as this place is hit or miss...and it's been a miss and disappointment these past couple of times. One of these misses was when I came with a friend on a Sunday. I called ahead to see if they could make the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. The girl who picked up said that they didn't make those anymore. Disappointed, I headed over there anyway since I had already made plans with my friend to meet her up. When we got there, I inquired about the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki and told our server that we were disappointed that Tomo didn't make it anymore. The server said they still make it, but it would be best to call ahead. She seemed to know who gave me the wrong information and seemed to be irritated at that person. (My guess is that this person has a track record of telling customers the wrong things.) She said she'd check with the kitchen to see if they could do it, as I told her we were willing to wait. She came back and said that the chef had just gone on break so it couldn't be done. Bummer. The food that we ordered that day was okay, and we equated it with the chef being on break and his sous chef(s) covering for him. This current incident is the one that irritates me the most. . .my husband had called yesterday to ensure that they could make the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki today since there were plans to come here for a birthday dinner. They said yes. He called back an hour ago to double check again, and this time they said no, they were out of the ingredients to make the Hiroshima style. He called back to speak to a manager and has yet to hear back. We decided to cancel coming to Tomo for the birthday dinner and are going elsewhere. I'm lowering my rating to 3 stars now, as I feel that they're just another average, inconsistent restaurant where the food may or may not be available and can be awesome, okay, or meh.
(3)
Eleanor C.
We've flown across the country for ramen, so hey! Why not drive 45 minutes, right? What a gem of a place, right by the beach no less! The staff - super friendly and knowledgable about the offerings. The food - HIT THE SPOT IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES!! They did not dissapoint. The braised pork belly ramen - OMG! Rich, savory, sinfully delicious! Tonkatsu Ramen - just right, not too salty. We also ordered agedashi tofu, and our children are hooked!! The rainbow roll was fresh as fresh can get, but pricey in comparison to other nearby sushi restaurants. All-in-all, two thumbs up!!
(5)
Chris O.
Tomo is a full-range Japanese restaurant not far from the beach. We're talking sushi, to ramen, to hot pot, to Teppanyaki. They've got that Florida influence: playing a preseason football game, a full bar, and a diverse staff. This place is playing instrumental covers of Cold Play as its choice in background music. But most importantly, Tomor is accommodating to vegetarians. None of the ramen on the menu is vegetarian, though more dishes are said to be coming soon. However, the server helping was totally willing to put together a shoyu ramen with extra veggies, tofu, and an egg for me. I also ordered the Go Green roll, one of the few veggie roll options. I'd avoid the roll if I were to come back. It's just very plain. The ramen was good. Each veggie had a different texture, and the noodles were cooked just right. The hardboiled eggs were a nice addition. It was pretty salty though. Overall, it was decent place to grab food by myself in Jacksonville. I'd come back if I were craving ramen like I was today.
(3)
Matt M.
Okay, this may have the best service in town. Our group of five was greeted warmly for a birthday dinner and we just happened to hit $3 happy hour rolls. Needless to say, my kids love sushi, so since I normally ration their sushi they hoped Happy Hour prices would open by wallet. They were correct but for the wrong reasons - my mother was buying me dinner for my birthday and she loves to spoil them. So on their list were multiple Krabstick rolls, California rolls, a Captain Crunch roll and a Shrimp Tempura rolls. They proclaimed all were delicious however the Captain Crunch was simply sublime. I have never had a roll like it in my restaurant adventures and it was really good. We also sampled more than just sushi with plates of Teriyaki Don (good), Shrimp Udon (outstanding) and Pork Ramen (another outstanding). The menu is so vast, I have already planned by return trip to try the Ramen Burger, Sukiyaki and more of the ramen dishes. Service could not have been better, as they have this way of making you feel like their most valued customer. We really enjoyed our dinner and look forward to our return.
(5)
Kathy C.
Yes, I am a Fan of Tomo Japanese Restaurant. We've been there about 3 times now and each time, we were pretty happy with our dining experience. The fact that Tomo is pretty unique to Jacksonville on various types of dishes they serve, makes it an exciting place to visit for me. There are three 'sections' of restaurant - Hibachi grill, sushi, and regular dining. Each time, we sat at the 'regular dining' section because we like to order from various menus. My husband and I are most excited about their ramen and small plates (robata grill, etc). So between the multiple visits, we have tried tonkotsu ramen, bacon wrapped scallops, chicken and oyster karaage, pork belly, and captain crunch roll. I probably forgot some other dishes, but these dishes stood out for me. Now, to be honest, it's not the best ramen, or karaage, or pork belly I've ever had, but certainly very tasty and again, very exciting to have it in Jacksonville. As for their service, I really have to say each time, we were well taken care of. Their service is prompt and friendly. So I hope Tomo do well and hopefully will expand their menu on these small plates / izakaya dishes (hint hint grilled squid maybe?)
(4)
Brian A.
I can't believe I've neglected to review this place for so long! I feel like I've been here way more than I've checked in. First and foremost, it's one of the only places to get authentic ramen in Jacksonville. And it's absolutely killer. Almost to the point where it's hard to order something else besides it! I'm lucky enough to have Tomo two blocks behind my house so I get to come here frequently. That being said, I haven't even scathed the surface of the menu. Along with the traditional Japanese menu, they have a full sushi menu, and a full hibachi menu. On top of that they have daily specials, which are usually what I get. If you ever go in and see the pork ribs on special, GET THEM! They're absolutely delicious. If you find yourself out at jax beach past 10 PM and don't want to settle for taco bell, swing by Tomo. If memory serves, Thursday through Saturday they're open past midnight serving the full menu plus late night food and drink specials.
(5)
Stephanie A.
I really have a lot of good things to say about the whole experience at Tomo. I believe we had a new waitress and she was really trying very hard to please. The manager was extreme accommodating and he made service over the top! They have amazing sukiyaki and normally you have to call ahead and gave it prepared before you arrive but since we arrived early and the big dinner rush had not arrived yet so they made us up a beautiful sukiyaki presentation! My son had the ramen soup and loved every sip. Our sushi was all very good. I watched the people at the hot tables and they all looked like they were having a great time. There is a nice selection of dishes to suit pretty much everyone. I'm happy to go back real soon!!
(5)
Al L.
The first thing I start to judge in a Japanese restaurant is with the green tea they serve. The green tea they served was very good, I was definitely not disappointed and I had several cups. I ordered their rainbow roll and their tempura udon. As my usual habit, I requested that they not place my tempura in the udon soup, and they did as I requested. Sorry, I just love my tempura to stay crispy. The fish in their rainbow was of prime quality with a lot of flavor. Every bite of the slices of fish in the rainbow roll exploded with flavor. The yellow tail in particular was exceptionally good. The broth in their udon soup was very flavorful, and their udon had the great traditional texture I just love. I travel a lot and there are just too many mediocre to bad Japanese restaurants out there; and what's bad is that eating in Japanese restaurants is not cheap. I would definitely go back to this restaurant when I'm in the Jacksonville area again, and I would definitely recommend that you try this place. Sincerely... The Traveling CajunManila
(5)
Abegail S.
The food is awesome. I've been craving Japanese ramen for a minute and I live 5 mins away which is so convenient. Their sushi rolls are the bomb. I had pork ramen soup and it taste like the same soup I had when I was in Japan same as yaki soba. The environment is so clean. and the server (April) is very attentive. Thumbs up. Definitely coming back soon. Highly recommended
(5)
Jerry T.
I'm a huge fan of Tomo. These guys haven't let me down yet, and everything I've tried has been delicious. The soups are awesome. The Tonkotsu Ramen is a creamy pork base, and comes complete with chashu (pork), kamaboko (fish bologna?), dried seaweed, bamboo shoots and springy ramen noodles. It's not the best ramen I've had, but it is the best I've had in Jax. They also have Shoyu Ramen, which is similarly outfitted, but they use a beef stock/soy based broth which is saltier and less flavorful. I prefer the tonkotsu. The last soup I tried was the Buckwheat Tempura Soba. The broth is like a milder version on the Shoya. It's a light soy broth with hearty buckwheat soba noodles, topped with tempura vegetables and shrimp. I tried the Tempura Don last time I went, which is a simple bowl of rice topped with a variety of tempura fried vegetables and shrimp. I'm sure the chef cringed when he saw my order, because I asked for fried rice instead of white. It was actually really good for an extra 2 bucks. Appetizers I've tried are the edamame, gyoza (pork dumplings), clear soup and the tempura. They were all exactly what I expected them to be. No real surprises here. They have a happy hour every day until 7 I believe, where you can do $3 drafts (including Kirin and Sapporo!) and select $3 sushi rolls. They put the rolls that are on sale up on a chalkboard. I've had the philly salmon and philly krab rolls on special, as well as a few rolls during normal hours. I've liked the sushi, but sushi places are a dime a dozen in Jax. I'd try something new. The bar has a nice selection. The house cocktails are names after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for some reason. My favorite is the Michelangelo, which is a orange liqueur/peach schnapps drink. It's girly but it's good. The servers are an absolute delight. They are fun, helpful and don't bat an eye at our shenanigans. Come order a Michelangelo, Tempura and Tonkotsu Ramen and thank me later.
(5)
Henry H.
This restaurant has a Japanese authentic menu. I just ordered items off of that menu. The okanomiayaki was good. This is one of the only places I know of that sells this. The calamari was different. It wasn't too chewy. I didn't care too much for the Nibitashi since it was more breaded type of fish. I do want to try other things on the menu to see what else I would like. The best thing I like was the Hamachi Kama which is a fresh broiled yellow tail cheek. The Kakuni was a pork belly. It has to be my 2nd favorite one I've ate in my life. The Negimaki is green onions that are wrapped with New York strip steak which is really good. I like the rich flavor.
(4)
Stephanie P.
Absolutely delicious. The service is top notch. Michayla and Levi are the best as well as the rest of the staff. Awesome music. The grill is unbelievably filling and tasty. I can't wait to go back. This was our first time there. A diamond in the the rough.
(5)
Mama C.
One of the best hibachi experiences ever. Brought my husband and son here for Father's Day. It's a small area if you want the hibachi tables. My husband was annoyed about the warm temperature of the place but the food made up for it. The cooks here, not Asian. That was a first. However, our cook was wonderful. He joked with my son the entire time and was very attentive. His butter and garlic addition to our steaks was AMAZING and simple. Hands down, the best NY Strip steak hibachi style. We were the last table, so he was a little unorganized but the other cook happily brought out the missing items. We were busy enjoying the curry fries so no complaints. This is our second visit, the first having been all about Ramen. We are very happy both times. Especially when we drive from the OP area. Six thumbs up.
(5)
Mr. G.
Sashimi was good but pricey....the place definitely looks sketchy inside and out but the staff was actually very friendly and the food was good so what the heck....not the place to take anyone that you're trying to impress unless they consider tank tops and flip flops to be "nice clothes..."
(3)
Anna H.
So we were on a fact finding mission tonight. I read someone's review this was the best Sushi ever!!!. Ever? First impression, another mediocre restaurant in a run down strip mall. Not a good start but open the door and look around. Not bad but not good. We were immideatly greeted and ask how we would like to dine. To late to escape now, we opted for a table. The space is quite large and divided nicely, one area for the Teppanyaki Tables sadly they were all empty, full bar, then off to the back the Sushi bar. This room was more encouraging. Tables and Sushi bar seating. This room was well occupied and there were 4 guests at the Sushi bar. Knowing what I was going to eat I strolled over to look at the offerings. Well stocked selection of fish looked very appealing to the eye. Area was clean and well maintained. A great sign. So our choices are in the Raw Roll category; Vampire Slayer @ 11$. Nice combo of fried asparagus, avacado, spicy tuna with fish eggs and fried garlic on top with eel sauce. This had a nice crunch on first bite. Avacado had the perfect firmness. Spicy tuna was not as spicy as I like but that's what the Wasabi is for. Next up 10 Spice @ 11$, 7spiced tuna, jalapeno with spicy tuna & krab with Wasabi sauce. Now this was just what I wanted. Spicy, firm well rolled cut into nice bite sized servings. Fashion Roll @ 7$ may have been the nicest presentation. Tuna, avocado, cucumber lettuce and mayo. Simple but elegant mild tasting, fresh broad leaf lettuce brought the beauty to this roll. Now on to the Non Raw Rolls; Jaguar Roll @ 8$, bbq eel, avacado, cream cheese, fish egg crunch on top with eel sauce. I don't believe authentic sushi contains cream cheese, so no comment on this roll. Last up Mango Tango @ 11$, shrimp tempura, avocado & spicy krab, mango, mango sauce and eel sauce. Now I also don't believe sushi is made with mangos but this roll was one hellofa treat. Sweet, crunchy just a hint of spice. Overall this place was a big win for us. The dinner menu is very ambitious and I could easily be persuaded into a return visit to test out the Noodles: Ramen, Yakisoba, Yaki Udon, Oyako Don...it's like noodle heaven.
(4)
Ape L.
The first time we went here we didn't like it. They gave us a free sushi app which was good but their ramen was lacking in the complexity & flavor required of a true ramen & we were disappointed. The soup broth was created for simple taste buds. I went back because I enjoyed their sushi and discovered that even though I am pregnant now I can still enjoy their cooked BBQ eel sushi, the volcano roll, which is delicious. Their ginger salad is homemade and I love that. Service is pretty good too.
(4)
Pamela D.
This place is a hidden gem where you'll find tasty food, a great selection of drinks and very friendly staff. The prices are extremely fair considering the portion sizes. They have awesome late night specials; there is a Japanese brisket (that's not a brisket) and it's sooooooo delicious. This is the only place I know in Jax that carries sparkling sake; don't knock it until you try it! On weekend nights they have a DJ and it's not packed with people, which you can take in two ways. I like to see this place as one you can go to late night to escape the crowded nonsense of the beach bars. Come with a group of good friends to eat, drink and dance the night away without having to worry about a cover, a place to sit, people spilling their drink all over you..etc OH and I almost forgot another awesome part: Afterhours on weekends, they convert the hibachi grill tables into beer pong tables! The manager is a hardworking and fun guy who works with his staff to keep customers full and happy. Check it out, it's worth it!
(5)
Terry N.
There are 3 things that make a great restaurant, food, people and atmosphere. This place has all three. Levy and his lovely wife have done a great job here. The food is very well prepared and the friendly staff is awesome! If you like sukiyaki this is the place for you, but order in advance for the freshest ingredients!! Thank you guys!!
(5)
Joseph L.
Service was pretty good. But got the order very very wrong. I had two orders of tonkatsu ramen. What came out was the shoyu ramen instead. I was pretty sure it was wrong so I looked at other peoples pictures on yelp and googled images of what tonkatsu broth should look like. And I was right. They gave me the wrong thing for both orders. Instead of a creamy white broth, it was the brown soy sauce based broth. Onto the actual food. I eat ramen pretty often. At least a few times a month so I know about what it should taste like (at least in the US, not Japan) but this ramen was too salty. Instead of having some complex flavors, it was just salt. Overwhelmingly salty. I also got a shrimp tempura roll and it was sad. For $6, I expect more than a shrimp and avocado in the roll. I mean, I live in seattle so maybe it's different, but I can get a better roll at a low end sushi belt at a lower price than what this place gave. Maybe if I had gotten the correct ramen that I had actually ordered I would've given 3 stars, but that's pretty much the max they would get based on the price for portion size and quality of the ingredients.
(2)
Callie P.
Close to where I live and good! I would recommend it! A little pricey but aren't all Japanese steakhouses?
(4)
Elizabeth B.
I had been here several times for drinks and for the first time last weekend, I had dinner. I was fascinated by the smoked white fish sushi that comes out underneath a wine glass to keep in the flavor followed by sake. Couldn't decide on the main dish, so asked the server to pick. Came out with an OMG roll which the name says it all! Just went for dinner again last night...might be a new weekly tradition!
(5)
Mark B.
Ok I have to go back but....I have been making excuses to go here because for the last year I just cant get enough Asian noodles. True Ramen Noodles is what I crave and true ramen is what they have. After eating their ramen it is not what I imaged. This is the only place in town that has true ramen. Then I guess the regular noodles is what I like. The noodles here on this occasion were a little hard. I know al dente but theses just were cooked right. The dish as a whole was good with all the fixings inside were really good and added a nice contrast of textures. The bacon had flavor and the seaweed and the egg hit all the right notes. Maybe I had too high of expectation of true ramen. This one just let me down. The other parts of the meal were really good. The sushi was nicely done. We both loved the Jacksonville roll the best. It had so many parts to it like the crawfish and scallions, avocado and a crunchy something that just made it all pop. The Spicy tuna was good just not what we are used to. The dynamite roll was really good and the shrimp sauce was a great accompaniment to all the rolls. The service was really good too. The girls (sisters) left us alone when we wanted and were there when we needed. I will return but I think I will quit trying make excuses.
(3)
Melissa W.
Awesome Sushi (very meaty) great experience everytime we've been here. Best on Jax Beach hands down.
(5)
Jeff J.
Been here twice on BLOB recommendations. Hibachi both times, because we were entertaining visiting teenagers. Usually not a whole lot to distinguish one restaurants hibachi from another, but the first time we had a very good meal all around and no complaints. We ate there again Thursday, July 3rd. Food was still pretty good (same comment here as another review that the soup was cold), mixed reviews on the ginger dressing (I liked it) and no real complaints on the food. I had the shrimp and steak--the shrimp was awesome, big, fresh, tasty and grilled to perfection. The steak was so-so, cooked alright but lacked seasoning, which is unusual for hibachi steak. But our big disappointment for the evening was how very slow it was. It took 10 minutes for a waitress to show up, 10 minutes later for the drinks to arrive. There was one other table seated when our party of five showed up. After we had been seated about 40 minutes, the chef finally showed up--to prepare the first table's meal! About 15 minutes after we had been seated, a third table was seated. They also were wondering what was taking so long, and the chef hadn't even arrived at our table yet. An hour and five minutes after we had walked in (yes, by that time, we were watching the clock), our chef, who had been bar tendering, arrived (I guess the two guys alternated, the chef for the first table went behind the bar). Once he arrived, all was good and our evening ended up well. As we were walking out, the poor guys at the third table finally had their chef arrive (the first chef, who then came out from behind the bar). I'm guessing that that was a good hour and a half after they had come in. We'll go back, assuming that it was a one time glitch, but we'll see.
(3)
Julia R.
Absolutely delicious food and amazing service. I would definitely recommend to any sushi lovers in Jacksonville area. The lollipop roll was my favorite and so different than anything I've ever tried before -- tuna, avocado, and crab rolled in a thin slice of cucumber. Yum! Would definitely come again.
(5)
Marc M.
Fantastic sushi. Prompt and friendly service. Looks a little divey from the outside but a nice selection of Japanese beers on tap. Our new place in Jacksonville beaches
(5)
Leriza P.
I pass this place all the time on Penman. Such a random location, but if you know where Cinnotti's Bakery and Terry's County Store are, you're right there! Want some good sushi in Atlantic Beach/Jax Beach area? Definitely a place to check out! Nice cozy place, welcoming owner and staff and the food is fancy good! ;9 Authentic Japanese treat! Starters were different, some seaweed stuff (I forget the names), they "look scary" BUT were quite tasty! A nice way to try something new. =) A good way to sample a little bit of everything, bring a friend and share! ;9 The menu was a little different from the "usual" Japanese restaurants you see around town, but the waitress - Jessica, was very helpful and suggested some great stuff! Thank you! For appetizers, we had the calamari. Don't be shocked, they're thick strips of calamari, not the normal "rings" you would expect to see (they looked like cheese sticks to me - hehe), but still yum! No "marinara" sauce needed. Then we had the Shoyu Ramen Noodle Bowl. Delicious and flavorsome! HUGE bowl, so you might want to share. So big we brought some home and it was "nephew approved!" Also tried the sushi rolls: Volcano Roll - Super spicy, but so good! With crawfish on top - that was different and delicious with a little bit of sweet. Shaggy Roll - shrimp tempura with spicy krab on top. OMGoooooodness! I think this one is my favorite! And the Rainbow Roll - I can't comment on this one, I didn't get a chance to try it. I was SO FULL! Everything was so fresh! But, that's my best friend's favorite roll anywhere she goes -- so ... since it disappeared fast, I'm assuming it was good, too! Haha. Happy Hour until 7pm -- the cocktails are Ninja Turtles! They were very tasty. =) The owner came by to talk to us. Very nice! I don't even want to attempt to spell his name, I don't want to butcher it, but he was very friendly and he said they've been open for about 7 months now. I'm hoping they do well. GREAT STUFF! I can't wait to go back and try more stuff! As always, I only give 4 stars until I return, to give it a definite 5. But, they pretty much rank up there! =) What are you waiting for? CHECK THEM OUT! Hehe.
(4)
Caitlyn F.
We went a little crazy when we got to Tomo's the other night. Tucked away in a strip center along Penman Road, this destination-worthy Japanese spot has been on our list to visit for quite some time and we finally made a point to drive out and try it. The decor channels a traditional sushi house with a touch of modern details, and the servers were quick and welcoming. We were overwhelmed with the menu chock-full of delicious-sounding entrees and sushi rolls - not to mention we are notorious for sticking with our go-to choices and wanted a change - so we let our server guide us with some of her favorites. Place settings and drinks are brought to the table with tiny bowls of edamame, perfect for holding you over until your first dishes arrive. We started with the gyoza and two rolls; the fiery but flavorful Red Dragon and the sweet and crunchy Captain Crunch. Both tasted remarkably fresh and were large portions. For our main entrees we each ordered the rice bowl Katsu; one pork and one chicken. Each starts with a heaping base of sticky rice, topped with chunks of piping hot meat, onion, fried egg and bits of what looked like seaweed all cooked in a soy broth. It was a total comfort meal and hit the spot, plus left us with plenty of leftovers since we really could have just split one. Don't miss the daily happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. where you can try some of the fun house cocktails named for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or some of the Japanese (and local!) beers on draft. You'll be plotting your next trip by the time the check arrives.
(5)
Debbie N.
The service is awesome! Family owned , everyone there treats you like family. Sushi is awesome! Hot pots are incredible!
(5)
Imraan S.
The food here is very tasty. I had a Shoyu Ramen with chicken & garlic oil. It was cooked properly, great flavor. Our waitresses name was Asia, she was super good! Took care of our every need in light of being slammed. The sushi is fresh, very tasty. The tempora is lovely as well. We shall return!
(5)
Nunya B.
Phenomenal food and service. We showed up right before they were closing and they still sat us and gave us the best service. The owner even came out and cooked our food! It was incredibly delicious as well! I highly recommend it!
(5)
Danny M.
Absolutely fantastic! Cool vibe and great service. I'm in JAX Beach on business and couldn't help but notice the number of locals in here eating and greeting; always a good sign. I had the Captain Crunch roll, which was out of this world. Followed with chicken and shrimp grill, which came with fresh roasted veggies and fried rice. Shrimp was fresh and delicate and came with homemade dipping sauce. Chicken was delicious grilled white meat that was accompanied by a house made ginger sauce. Speaking of ginger, the homemade ginger salad dressing that came on the house salad was the best I've ever had which is saying a lot since I always enjoy this in Japanese restaurants. I'm coming back here on biz again so and will be back at Tomo for sure!
(5)
Antoinette O.
We took a trip to Jacksonville to see the beach and try some new food. I'd read on Yelp that this place was amazing and they also offer great ramen so my hubby and I decided to give them a try. My husband stated that his sushi didn't taste fresh. My shrimp tempura appetizer took a while to come out. The ramen was okay - not the worst I've ever had (see my review of Crane Ramen) but not the best. I was bummed that they didn't have any garlic paste. Service was okay; I think they were running low on supplies that day, so a lot of menu items weren't available. This also caused a slow down in the kitchen, which made our food take a while even though it wasn't busy. I won't be back because it's far from my home and I wasn't impressed by the food.
(2)
Austin F.
This place is confusing to say the least. When you're seated they give you four, count 'em, FOUR menus. One has sushi, one has traditional japanese, one has ramen and other stuff, then the drink menu. Craziness. That sends a message to the consumer immediately that the kitchen is overextended and that everything will probably be average at best. Ding! We've got a winner. Karaage? Embarrassing. This is supposed to be coated in rice flour- it's supposed to be light, juicy and packed with gingery, soy umami. This had none of that. Thick batter and waaaay overfried. Not flavorful either. Roasted fish cheeks? Fishy, overcooked, and uneven seasoning,. Sashimi? Laughably huge cuts that destroyed any ideas of delicatness, also- completely overpriced. Sushi? Ok- but again, very expensive and altogether clumsy. Not the freshest fish either. Not a cut above other sushi places quality-wise, but at a premium price-tag. Not cool. Ramen? Ok- but again- muddled flavors. Pork was tender, but the noodles were over and I doubt handmade. C'mon guys. The owners of this place don't know what this place wants to be it seems. There are bizarre pamphlets at the entrance celebrating themselves- cheaply printed and ON SALE FOR $4~!!! Very very strange. Self- aggrandizing is so 2014 guys. Shrink the menu, tighten the execution and the people will come. I bet the financials of this place look grave.
(2)
Tina J.
Went here for my birthday the food was good though the night we went they were understaffed so service was slow. I would definitely go again.
(4)
Brandon B.
I went here when they first opened. It was amazing. A friend and I sampled many of the sushi, apps and grilled options. Don't worry about sitting at one of the teppanyaki tables. Go for the apps and sushi. It was amazing. The grilled fish collar was amazing. The mushroom paradise was fantastic. Get the uni shooter.
(5)
Richard P.
We (wife and I) tried Tomo twice so far and generally had pretty good experience. The restaurant is divided into three sections, a habachi grill section, sushi section, and regular dining. Both times, we opted to sit in the general dining area, ordering izakaya type food, ramen, and some sushi. We went mainly for the izakaya type food which we both love and wish there are more options in Jacksonville. Tomo has some dishes, chicken and oyster karaage, robata grill type dishes like bacon wrapped scallop or meat skewers, etc. They also have tonkotsu ramen along with other udon noodle soup. Not to mention sushi and habichi grill. So my excitement of having an izakaya type joint in Jacksonville (which makes this place a 4 star) is with some worries. I feel they are doing too much and have too much on their menu. It can be a bit daunting and confusing for someone new to Japanese cuisine, not sure what menu to try. Personally, I wish they would 'beef' up the side of menu unique to Jacksonville (i.e. small plates, robata grills, etc) and refine some of the existing dishes. For example, the first time we had their chicken karaage, it was a bit bland and slightly soggy. Certainly not so bad that we would return it, but instead, we asked for chili pepper powder to sprinkle on it. The second time we went, and per our friend's request, ordered it again. And this time, it was stellar. If we had ordered based on previous experience, we would have missed out on this great dish. Having said that, it's still exciting to have Tomo in Jacksonville. So much potential, and I hope they do well.
Jacksonville is in desperate need of an authentic Ramen restaurant. Like for real!!! If you've been to NY or Cali, you know that this place can't even compare. Even though the presentation did look legit... but no. The broth were bland and the noodles... Yeah I can cook that at home. Sushi were not good either, I was really disappointed :( if you're in Jax and craving for ramen..... Yeah, I don't know where to go either so I couldn't tell you.
(3)
Debbi C.
Well, this has to be my new favorite. We had the grill and I ordered steak and chicken to be safe. I worried because the soup was cold and not very tasty and definitely not clear but the salad redeemed it. I had ginger dressing- it was great and Angel tried the wasabi ranch and wasn't disappointed. The veggies were cooked to perfection, the rice was great, the steak perfectly cooked and seasoned and the chicken was yummy. The noodles were a great way to wrap it up. I didn't finish half of my meal because it was filling but I wanted to eat it all. Al, our chef, was funny but was very nice and informative. I liked the way the chefs didn't just do the cheesy one liner jokes and cook. Rather, they engaged us in conversation and even had us talking to other tables and the other chef. Looking forward to our next visit to try the ramen. Yummy! That's the word I keep saying.
(4)
Yo S.
Calamari was good. But other food was a bit disappointment. I'm Japanese (born and raised) so I'm a bit picky when it comes to it. There are several easy improvements they can make. However if people are happy with way they are, I think that's what matters :)
(3)
Sandy G.
I had to give it a star but it doesn't deserve the one. This is by far the worst place to go if you're looking for hibachi. The chef has no clue how to execute the meals. He literally cooked one thing at a time and did it terribly. The vegetables were cooked last which makes no sense and they weren't even fresh. Everything was bland!!! The New York strip seemed more like a sirloin and was super tough. Also the portions were so small which is not what hibachi is known for. We were a party of 8 and all had empty plates between him cooking everything one thing at a time. The ventilation system was awful. The hoods were not sucking up the smoke but instead going right in my husband and I's face. The air conditioner seemed like it was broken and they had fans set up throughout the restaurant. Real classy!! The service also lacked. We had to ask for booster seats twice which still never came and I had to get them myself which she still never even realized. Drinks were forgotten and the food order wasn't right. We had to tell the chef what we really ordered. I honestly don't understand all the 4 and 5 stars this place is TERRIBLE. Its an old seafood restaurant that they probably had to spend a lot to convert if to Japanese and in my opinion it was a huge waste of money. The ambiance is so uninviting and dated and a modge podge of what seems to be used furniture and equipment. Don't waste your money!!!! I will never return!!
(1)
Jordan L.
We were scared when we pulled into the parking lot, because they didn't even look like they were open. Luckily they were, because this food was awesome. They have three different areas to eat at: sushi bar, regular bar, and hibachi. We sat at the regular bar because it was closer to the Sapporo, and they had a TV there. The bartender was very polite, and we got our food in a timely manner. The sushi was amazing. I was upset that they were out of Uni, a type of sushi, but I elected to go with the Sweet Shrimp heads and a Futomaki roll. They were made to perfection. I also had the Katsu Don. This dish was fantastic. It reminded me of the meals I used to eat in the authentic restaurants in Atlanta. The ambiance is a good feeling as soon as you sit down here. It feels fancy, although you get the authentic food as well making it a great overall experience. Out of the many Japanese restaurants I have been to, this is definitely one of the best.
(5)
Ava L.
Great customer service and wonderful food! The fine art of customer service is not dead... it actually exists, here. I walked in and was immediately greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. I was asked if I'd ever been there before. When I said no, I was introduced to the owners and the manager. They each shook my hand and introduced themselves, and struck up a conversation. After that, I was given 3 menus, a quick run down of all the specials, then my waitress explained all three. I was so impressed by the service here that I almost forgot to rant about how fresh and tasty my food was! I started out with the yakitori app which was cooked to perfection. Sometimes places like to overcook them and they become part of the wooden skewer. Then I had the cali roll and a Philly roll with salmon. Yummy! The salmon was fresh and gone within a couple of minutes. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone. I will definitely be back (when I can partake in their happy hour drink specials also awesome)!
(5)
Caron S.
Excellent Japanese spot on Penman, tucked away off the main drag of Beach Boulevard. Fresh sushi (and easy-to-read/understand sushi menu - kudos!), great assortment of noodle dishes and soups, and comfy atmosphere. The tonkotsu ramen (creamy pork broth -- not shoyu) was some of the best I'd experienced and certainly the best bowl I've had in Jacksonville. It was huge and extremely flavorful and complete with all the requisite accoutrements. Our agedashi tofu with bonito flakes was a perfect starter, and great for sharing. The sushi (we had a Captain Crunch roll) was nicely sized and delicious. Add Tomo to your list. It's legit.
(4)
Chelsea W.
Best tasting Japanese food restaurant with the best interactive chef experience. They go above and beyond to take care of their customers. I couldn't recommend a better Japanese style cuisine at the beach.
(5)
Leslie C.
Excellent service and reasonable prices. The tempura and mushroom tofu were good values. Local non-chain atmosphere is a major plus.
(5)
Barbara B.
Fabulous food, arrived early for the"demonstration ", they opened the table up early for us! Fabulous food, very tasty! Al did a great job with the demonstration, funny! Ume, our waitress was friendly and a knowledgeable! It Ahmad to be a hidden gem! We would definitely come back, would love to share it with friends and family! Thanks from the New York crowd !
(5)
Kelly H.
The is a off the path gem!! Authentic Japanese style menu options and amazing sushi combos...I had a roll topped with fried crawfish and drizzled with a sweet sriacha which was to die for and the tempura soba bowl (first time) and I would definetly order both again. We can't wait to go back and try new options!! A little pricy but worth it!
(5)
G Race B.
Great Find! Tucked away off Penman Rd! Only place in Jax I know of where Ramen is served!! We were looking for a quick bite and tried this place-- didn't realize they were open until 2am! A Japanese restaurant open till late hours in Duval is close to non-existent! I'm so thrilled about this! Loved the place. Food was tasty and staff/servers were on point! I just love a place where the servers really take care of you! Didn't have to ask for a drink refill once! Rey just kept it coming! Checked on how we were doing throughout our time there! Looks like it's frequented by mostly regulars, I can see why. Definitely give it a go if you are in the area!
(4)
Valerie C.
Most authentic Japanese restaurant in town. Lots of dishes I've never seen on a menu before! I always come here when I have a craving for Japanese food. The inside is clean and the service is fast and friendly. The servers even remember our names and always make us feel at home. The quality of the seafood is fantastic. Avoid the mainstream sushi hibachi places and go to Tomo to get a real taste of Japanese food that isn't altered for the American palette. They even had okonomiyaki, something I've only seen on the internet until now- and it was delicious. I really want to go back and order one of their hot pots, the table next to us was cooking their meat on the table and all the ingredients looked so vibrant and fresh. The ramen is homemade. I could go on forever. Also try the vampire roll- toasted garlic really added to the sushi something that I can barely describe. We've even been brought a round of free sake. I hope this place sticks around for a long time, I'm getting hungry just writing this review.
(5)
Brett B.
Must try! If you care to take on more authentic Japanese dishes this is where to go. Traditional Japanese sushi and dishes from the kitchen are offered here. There are Japanese chefs that know how to use higher end ingredients/how to buy fish where to buy fish/and take the time to prepare tasteful food. This place can offer a much different experience than the commoditized sushi you can find throughout Jacksonville. Please be open minded and ask for something different! I had the Tuna Crisp and monkfish liver for apps and amazing chefs choice sashimi. Please try because this is the type of restaurant that could help raise the bar for its peers...great owners too!
(5)
Tracey G.
This is the absolute best Japanese dining experience you will find in Jacksonville! This is also the only place where you will find real, authentic ramen (shoyu and tonkotsu) within 100 miles of town. Our family ordered a ton of sushi - all incredibly delicious and well-prepped, in addition to gyoza, croquettes and tuna crisps for appetizers. Our main courses included tonkotsu ramen, a chicken katsu bento box, and yakisoba noodles. For dessert, we had red bean (azuki) ice cream which is out of this world. The staff here is extremely attentive and nice, and the atmosphere is unquestionably Japanese. As soon as you walk in you'll notice the upbeat J-pop music and origami decor hanging by the dining area. We did not formally meet the chef but we did see him shuffling around between the sushi bar and the kitchen. This place really deserves more recognition. Tomo's traditional menu stands out from the rest - in a town filled with cookie-cutter "asian fusion" restaurants and buffets, they have a very honest and respectable approach to their food.
(5)
Isis Z.
Most amazing sushi in Northern Florida. Authentic. Delicious. Rolls: OMG, Sunshine,Jaguar. Captain crunch, Mount Tomo!!!!!
(5)
Teresa H.
I absolutely love Tomo. My husband I went to Tokyo a few years ago and we have been searching for authentic Japanese food here in Jax. Well, we have to search no longer!! The ramen , yes TRUE ramen is delicious. And did someone say Katsu?! Katsu fried oysters, mouth watering... And for those in the know, order Sukiyaki 2 days in advance and prepare yourself for the most mouth watering dining experience ever. Cook your own beef, veggies, noodles in a savory broth at your own table. And don't forget to dip that meat in the raw egg, tasty . You will not leave hungry!! And if there is a Japanese dish you desire and it's not on the menu, just ask the chef. The staff is more than happy to accommodate. I can not say enough about Tomos.
(5)
Sarah A.
The food was good I guess... But we had to wait TWO hours for it. We had three different waitresses and everyone was running around like they didn't have enough people staffed that night. I've been a waitress before and it really wasn't THAT busy to wait 30 minutes to be asked what we wanted to drink. Furthermore... They didn't even bring the food out at one time. They brought it out as it was ready.. So about 20 minutes apart for each roll. It was ridiculous. I only gave this place two stars for the environment and the food tasted ok. But I wouldn't go there again.
(2)
Austin M.
Went here with a group of friends for sushi and sake, and was thoroughly impressed. Ingredients were very fresh, and the service was very good despite us getting a little rowdy. The traditional Japanese menu was also fantastic. Highly recommend going to Tomo. Will be back again for sure!
(4)
Jerry T.
I'm a huge fan of Tomo. These guys haven't let me down yet, and everything I've tried has been delicious. The soups are awesome. The Tonkotsu Ramen is a creamy pork base, and comes complete with chashu (pork), kamaboko (fish bologna?), dried seaweed, bamboo shoots and springy ramen noodles. It's not the best ramen I've had, but it is the best I've had in Jax. They also have Shoyu Ramen, which is similarly outfitted, but they use a beef stock/soy based broth which is saltier and less flavorful. I prefer the tonkotsu. The last soup I tried was the Buckwheat Tempura Soba. The broth is like a milder version on the Shoya. It's a light soy broth with hearty buckwheat soba noodles, topped with tempura vegetables and shrimp. I tried the Tempura Don last time I went, which is a simple bowl of rice topped with a variety of tempura fried vegetables and shrimp. I'm sure the chef cringed when he saw my order, because I asked for fried rice instead of white. It was actually really good for an extra 2 bucks. Appetizers I've tried are the edamame, gyoza (pork dumplings), clear soup and the tempura. They were all exactly what I expected them to be. No real surprises here. They have a happy hour every day until 7 I believe, where you can do $3 drafts (including Kirin and Sapporo!) and select $3 sushi rolls. They put the rolls that are on sale up on a chalkboard. I've had the philly salmon and philly krab rolls on special, as well as a few rolls during normal hours. I've liked the sushi, but sushi places are a dime a dozen in Jax. I'd try something new. The bar has a nice selection. The house cocktails are names after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for some reason. My favorite is the Michelangelo, which is a orange liqueur/peach schnapps drink. It's girly but it's good. The servers are an absolute delight. They are fun, helpful and don't bat an eye at our shenanigans. Come order a Michelangelo, Tempura and Tonkotsu Ramen and thank me later.
(5)
Imraan S.
The food here is very tasty. I had a Shoyu Ramen with chicken & garlic oil. It was cooked properly, great flavor. Our waitresses name was Asia, she was super good! Took care of our every need in light of being slammed. The sushi is fresh, very tasty. The tempora is lovely as well. We shall return!
(5)
Nunya B.
Phenomenal food and service. We showed up right before they were closing and they still sat us and gave us the best service. The owner even came out and cooked our food! It was incredibly delicious as well! I highly recommend it!
(5)
Danny M.
Absolutely fantastic! Cool vibe and great service. I'm in JAX Beach on business and couldn't help but notice the number of locals in here eating and greeting; always a good sign. I had the Captain Crunch roll, which was out of this world. Followed with chicken and shrimp grill, which came with fresh roasted veggies and fried rice. Shrimp was fresh and delicate and came with homemade dipping sauce. Chicken was delicious grilled white meat that was accompanied by a house made ginger sauce. Speaking of ginger, the homemade ginger salad dressing that came on the house salad was the best I've ever had which is saying a lot since I always enjoy this in Japanese restaurants. I'm coming back here on biz again so and will be back at Tomo for sure!
(5)
Ryan C.
I just wrapped up an enjoyable experience at a gem of a Japanese joint. Tomo is not your average Japanese steakhouse. These guys are very unique. From the greeting, the aesthetics, and the FOOD, it's clear they're passionate about what they do. The staff was extremely friendly, welcoming, and knowledgable. The karage appetizer was delicious. (White fish thighs - lol.) The ramen was a very tasty slurp-fest. Great flavor and quality ingredients. And then the sushi: the OMG roll? Name says it all. The Tomo Bomb was very unique and excellent. I also loved the Ten Spice roll. Almost forgot: don't miss out on the Japanese whisky/scotch! The only down side? They're not closer to home!
(5)
Sara C.
Pretty damn good...pretty damn expensive! I ordered some late lunch for pickup. I got my normal - Salmon sashimi and a spicy scallop handroll, and I also tried the OMG roll. So I guess I didn't know what I was ordering here at tomo but the salmon sashimi was 9 pieces and they were HUGE. No wonder it was $17.50! The scallop in the handroll seemed fake, as it was large, square, and rubbery - not the best at all. I will not order another here. Now the OMG roll came recommended. It was salmon, avocado, cream cheese, topped with bbq eel. There was mayo and crunchies on top. Overall a yummy roll...but do yourself a favor and skip the mayo as it was way too saturated and took away from the fish. I also asked for brown rice instead of white and was told that can't be done. Overall the sushi was good but not quite for $40 for 3 items for lunch. Next time I definitely request a total when I call!
(4)
Carlyne M.
Updating my review. I can no longer rave about Tomo and tell everyone to come here, as this place is hit or miss...and it's been a miss and disappointment these past couple of times. One of these misses was when I came with a friend on a Sunday. I called ahead to see if they could make the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. The girl who picked up said that they didn't make those anymore. Disappointed, I headed over there anyway since I had already made plans with my friend to meet her up. When we got there, I inquired about the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki and told our server that we were disappointed that Tomo didn't make it anymore. The server said they still make it, but it would be best to call ahead. She seemed to know who gave me the wrong information and seemed to be irritated at that person. (My guess is that this person has a track record of telling customers the wrong things.) She said she'd check with the kitchen to see if they could do it, as I told her we were willing to wait. She came back and said that the chef had just gone on break so it couldn't be done. Bummer. The food that we ordered that day was okay, and we equated it with the chef being on break and his sous chef(s) covering for him. This current incident is the one that irritates me the most. . .my husband had called yesterday to ensure that they could make the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki today since there were plans to come here for a birthday dinner. They said yes. He called back an hour ago to double check again, and this time they said no, they were out of the ingredients to make the Hiroshima style. He called back to speak to a manager and has yet to hear back. We decided to cancel coming to Tomo for the birthday dinner and are going elsewhere. I'm lowering my rating to 3 stars now, as I feel that they're just another average, inconsistent restaurant where the food may or may not be available and can be awesome, okay, or meh.
(3)
Eleanor C.
We've flown across the country for ramen, so hey! Why not drive 45 minutes, right? What a gem of a place, right by the beach no less! The staff - super friendly and knowledgable about the offerings. The food - HIT THE SPOT IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES!! They did not dissapoint. The braised pork belly ramen - OMG! Rich, savory, sinfully delicious! Tonkatsu Ramen - just right, not too salty. We also ordered agedashi tofu, and our children are hooked!! The rainbow roll was fresh as fresh can get, but pricey in comparison to other nearby sushi restaurants. All-in-all, two thumbs up!!
(5)
Chris O.
Tomo is a full-range Japanese restaurant not far from the beach. We're talking sushi, to ramen, to hot pot, to Teppanyaki. They've got that Florida influence: playing a preseason football game, a full bar, and a diverse staff. This place is playing instrumental covers of Cold Play as its choice in background music. But most importantly, Tomor is accommodating to vegetarians. None of the ramen on the menu is vegetarian, though more dishes are said to be coming soon. However, the server helping was totally willing to put together a shoyu ramen with extra veggies, tofu, and an egg for me. I also ordered the Go Green roll, one of the few veggie roll options. I'd avoid the roll if I were to come back. It's just very plain. The ramen was good. Each veggie had a different texture, and the noodles were cooked just right. The hardboiled eggs were a nice addition. It was pretty salty though. Overall, it was decent place to grab food by myself in Jacksonville. I'd come back if I were craving ramen like I was today.
(3)
Matt M.
Okay, this may have the best service in town. Our group of five was greeted warmly for a birthday dinner and we just happened to hit $3 happy hour rolls. Needless to say, my kids love sushi, so since I normally ration their sushi they hoped Happy Hour prices would open by wallet. They were correct but for the wrong reasons - my mother was buying me dinner for my birthday and she loves to spoil them. So on their list were multiple Krabstick rolls, California rolls, a Captain Crunch roll and a Shrimp Tempura rolls. They proclaimed all were delicious however the Captain Crunch was simply sublime. I have never had a roll like it in my restaurant adventures and it was really good. We also sampled more than just sushi with plates of Teriyaki Don (good), Shrimp Udon (outstanding) and Pork Ramen (another outstanding). The menu is so vast, I have already planned by return trip to try the Ramen Burger, Sukiyaki and more of the ramen dishes. Service could not have been better, as they have this way of making you feel like their most valued customer. We really enjoyed our dinner and look forward to our return.
(5)
Antoinette O.
We took a trip to Jacksonville to see the beach and try some new food. I'd read on Yelp that this place was amazing and they also offer great ramen so my hubby and I decided to give them a try. My husband stated that his sushi didn't taste fresh. My shrimp tempura appetizer took a while to come out. The ramen was okay - not the worst I've ever had (see my review of Crane Ramen) but not the best. I was bummed that they didn't have any garlic paste. Service was okay; I think they were running low on supplies that day, so a lot of menu items weren't available. This also caused a slow down in the kitchen, which made our food take a while even though it wasn't busy. I won't be back because it's far from my home and I wasn't impressed by the food.
(2)
Austin F.
This place is confusing to say the least. When you're seated they give you four, count 'em, FOUR menus. One has sushi, one has traditional japanese, one has ramen and other stuff, then the drink menu. Craziness. That sends a message to the consumer immediately that the kitchen is overextended and that everything will probably be average at best. Ding! We've got a winner. Karaage? Embarrassing. This is supposed to be coated in rice flour- it's supposed to be light, juicy and packed with gingery, soy umami. This had none of that. Thick batter and waaaay overfried. Not flavorful either. Roasted fish cheeks? Fishy, overcooked, and uneven seasoning,. Sashimi? Laughably huge cuts that destroyed any ideas of delicatness, also- completely overpriced. Sushi? Ok- but again, very expensive and altogether clumsy. Not the freshest fish either. Not a cut above other sushi places quality-wise, but at a premium price-tag. Not cool. Ramen? Ok- but again- muddled flavors. Pork was tender, but the noodles were over and I doubt handmade. C'mon guys. The owners of this place don't know what this place wants to be it seems. There are bizarre pamphlets at the entrance celebrating themselves- cheaply printed and ON SALE FOR $4~!!! Very very strange. Self- aggrandizing is so 2014 guys. Shrink the menu, tighten the execution and the people will come. I bet the financials of this place look grave.
(2)
Tina J.
Went here for my birthday the food was good though the night we went they were understaffed so service was slow. I would definitely go again.
(4)
Brandon B.
I went here when they first opened. It was amazing. A friend and I sampled many of the sushi, apps and grilled options. Don't worry about sitting at one of the teppanyaki tables. Go for the apps and sushi. It was amazing. The grilled fish collar was amazing. The mushroom paradise was fantastic. Get the uni shooter.
(5)
Kathy C.
Yes, I am a Fan of Tomo Japanese Restaurant. We've been there about 3 times now and each time, we were pretty happy with our dining experience. The fact that Tomo is pretty unique to Jacksonville on various types of dishes they serve, makes it an exciting place to visit for me. There are three 'sections' of restaurant - Hibachi grill, sushi, and regular dining. Each time, we sat at the 'regular dining' section because we like to order from various menus. My husband and I are most excited about their ramen and small plates (robata grill, etc). So between the multiple visits, we have tried tonkotsu ramen, bacon wrapped scallops, chicken and oyster karaage, pork belly, and captain crunch roll. I probably forgot some other dishes, but these dishes stood out for me. Now, to be honest, it's not the best ramen, or karaage, or pork belly I've ever had, but certainly very tasty and again, very exciting to have it in Jacksonville. As for their service, I really have to say each time, we were well taken care of. Their service is prompt and friendly. So I hope Tomo do well and hopefully will expand their menu on these small plates / izakaya dishes (hint hint grilled squid maybe?)
(4)
Brian A.
I can't believe I've neglected to review this place for so long! I feel like I've been here way more than I've checked in. First and foremost, it's one of the only places to get authentic ramen in Jacksonville. And it's absolutely killer. Almost to the point where it's hard to order something else besides it! I'm lucky enough to have Tomo two blocks behind my house so I get to come here frequently. That being said, I haven't even scathed the surface of the menu. Along with the traditional Japanese menu, they have a full sushi menu, and a full hibachi menu. On top of that they have daily specials, which are usually what I get. If you ever go in and see the pork ribs on special, GET THEM! They're absolutely delicious. If you find yourself out at jax beach past 10 PM and don't want to settle for taco bell, swing by Tomo. If memory serves, Thursday through Saturday they're open past midnight serving the full menu plus late night food and drink specials.
(5)
Stephanie A.
I really have a lot of good things to say about the whole experience at Tomo. I believe we had a new waitress and she was really trying very hard to please. The manager was extreme accommodating and he made service over the top! They have amazing sukiyaki and normally you have to call ahead and gave it prepared before you arrive but since we arrived early and the big dinner rush had not arrived yet so they made us up a beautiful sukiyaki presentation! My son had the ramen soup and loved every sip. Our sushi was all very good. I watched the people at the hot tables and they all looked like they were having a great time. There is a nice selection of dishes to suit pretty much everyone. I'm happy to go back real soon!!
(5)
Daisy D.
Tomo popped up on the radar a little bit ago when I was curious to see if Jax had a good ramen place. I haven't tried the ramen yet, but I will be back soon to do so. We were hungry for dinner, but didn't want to cook. Yelp App to the rescue: found our place and were on our way. We were seated quickly and started to peruse the menu. I knew I wanted sushi, but we ordered some Gyoza to start while we decided on what to eat. The dumplings arrived shortly and had a nice char on them. They were delicious and lived up to our expectations. Reminded us of the gyoza we had in So Cal. Then I learned a lesson: semi-private booths are nice when your husband decides to drink from the ponzu dish. Our entrees arrived and I was excited to dig in to my sushi. I ordered the spicy tuna and added avocado and the Captain Crunch roll. The spicy tuna was spicier than others I've had in the area, but I definitely wasn't complaining. The added avocado helped balance out the heat. The CC roll was full of flavor and definitely was a nice change to the typical fried rolls. This one was Katsu fried which added a nice layer of texture. Tomo has earned another fan of this fam.
(4)
Kayla D.
The pork belly ramen was delicious, so was the philly roll. It's a quiet and quaint restaurant. It took a while for us to get our food and our waitress charged us for an appetizer we didn't order. She also barely checked up on us for refills and such. But other than that, it's a great place! We'll be going back.
(3)
Al L.
The first thing I start to judge in a Japanese restaurant is with the green tea they serve. The green tea they served was very good, I was definitely not disappointed and I had several cups. I ordered their rainbow roll and their tempura udon. As my usual habit, I requested that they not place my tempura in the udon soup, and they did as I requested. Sorry, I just love my tempura to stay crispy. The fish in their rainbow was of prime quality with a lot of flavor. Every bite of the slices of fish in the rainbow roll exploded with flavor. The yellow tail in particular was exceptionally good. The broth in their udon soup was very flavorful, and their udon had the great traditional texture I just love. I travel a lot and there are just too many mediocre to bad Japanese restaurants out there; and what's bad is that eating in Japanese restaurants is not cheap. I would definitely go back to this restaurant when I'm in the Jacksonville area again, and I would definitely recommend that you try this place. Sincerely... The Traveling CajunManila
(5)
Abegail S.
The food is awesome. I've been craving Japanese ramen for a minute and I live 5 mins away which is so convenient. Their sushi rolls are the bomb. I had pork ramen soup and it taste like the same soup I had when I was in Japan same as yaki soba. The environment is so clean. and the server (April) is very attentive. Thumbs up. Definitely coming back soon. Highly recommended
(5)
Caitlyn F.
We went a little crazy when we got to Tomo's the other night. Tucked away in a strip center along Penman Road, this destination-worthy Japanese spot has been on our list to visit for quite some time and we finally made a point to drive out and try it. The decor channels a traditional sushi house with a touch of modern details, and the servers were quick and welcoming. We were overwhelmed with the menu chock-full of delicious-sounding entrees and sushi rolls - not to mention we are notorious for sticking with our go-to choices and wanted a change - so we let our server guide us with some of her favorites. Place settings and drinks are brought to the table with tiny bowls of edamame, perfect for holding you over until your first dishes arrive. We started with the gyoza and two rolls; the fiery but flavorful Red Dragon and the sweet and crunchy Captain Crunch. Both tasted remarkably fresh and were large portions. For our main entrees we each ordered the rice bowl Katsu; one pork and one chicken. Each starts with a heaping base of sticky rice, topped with chunks of piping hot meat, onion, fried egg and bits of what looked like seaweed all cooked in a soy broth. It was a total comfort meal and hit the spot, plus left us with plenty of leftovers since we really could have just split one. Don't miss the daily happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. where you can try some of the fun house cocktails named for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or some of the Japanese (and local!) beers on draft. You'll be plotting your next trip by the time the check arrives.
(5)
Debbie N.
The service is awesome! Family owned , everyone there treats you like family. Sushi is awesome! Hot pots are incredible!
(5)
Debbi C.
Well, this has to be my new favorite. We had the grill and I ordered steak and chicken to be safe. I worried because the soup was cold and not very tasty and definitely not clear but the salad redeemed it. I had ginger dressing- it was great and Angel tried the wasabi ranch and wasn't disappointed. The veggies were cooked to perfection, the rice was great, the steak perfectly cooked and seasoned and the chicken was yummy. The noodles were a great way to wrap it up. I didn't finish half of my meal because it was filling but I wanted to eat it all. Al, our chef, was funny but was very nice and informative. I liked the way the chefs didn't just do the cheesy one liner jokes and cook. Rather, they engaged us in conversation and even had us talking to other tables and the other chef. Looking forward to our next visit to try the ramen. Yummy! That's the word I keep saying.
(4)
Yo S.
Calamari was good. But other food was a bit disappointment. I'm Japanese (born and raised) so I'm a bit picky when it comes to it. There are several easy improvements they can make. However if people are happy with way they are, I think that's what matters :)
(3)
Henry H.
This restaurant has a Japanese authentic menu. I just ordered items off of that menu. The okanomiayaki was good. This is one of the only places I know of that sells this. The calamari was different. It wasn't too chewy. I didn't care too much for the Nibitashi since it was more breaded type of fish. I do want to try other things on the menu to see what else I would like. The best thing I like was the Hamachi Kama which is a fresh broiled yellow tail cheek. The Kakuni was a pork belly. It has to be my 2nd favorite one I've ate in my life. The Negimaki is green onions that are wrapped with New York strip steak which is really good. I like the rich flavor.
(4)
Stephanie P.
Absolutely delicious. The service is top notch. Michayla and Levi are the best as well as the rest of the staff. Awesome music. The grill is unbelievably filling and tasty. I can't wait to go back. This was our first time there. A diamond in the the rough.
(5)
Richard P.
We (wife and I) tried Tomo twice so far and generally had pretty good experience. The restaurant is divided into three sections, a habachi grill section, sushi section, and regular dining. Both times, we opted to sit in the general dining area, ordering izakaya type food, ramen, and some sushi. We went mainly for the izakaya type food which we both love and wish there are more options in Jacksonville. Tomo has some dishes, chicken and oyster karaage, robata grill type dishes like bacon wrapped scallop or meat skewers, etc. They also have tonkotsu ramen along with other udon noodle soup. Not to mention sushi and habichi grill. So my excitement of having an izakaya type joint in Jacksonville (which makes this place a 4 star) is with some worries. I feel they are doing too much and have too much on their menu. It can be a bit daunting and confusing for someone new to Japanese cuisine, not sure what menu to try. Personally, I wish they would 'beef' up the side of menu unique to Jacksonville (i.e. small plates, robata grills, etc) and refine some of the existing dishes. For example, the first time we had their chicken karaage, it was a bit bland and slightly soggy. Certainly not so bad that we would return it, but instead, we asked for chili pepper powder to sprinkle on it. The second time we went, and per our friend's request, ordered it again. And this time, it was stellar. If we had ordered based on previous experience, we would have missed out on this great dish. Having said that, it's still exciting to have Tomo in Jacksonville. So much potential, and I hope they do well.
Jacksonville is in desperate need of an authentic Ramen restaurant. Like for real!!! If you've been to NY or Cali, you know that this place can't even compare. Even though the presentation did look legit... but no. The broth were bland and the noodles... Yeah I can cook that at home. Sushi were not good either, I was really disappointed :( if you're in Jax and craving for ramen..... Yeah, I don't know where to go either so I couldn't tell you.
(3)
Caron S.
Excellent Japanese spot on Penman, tucked away off the main drag of Beach Boulevard. Fresh sushi (and easy-to-read/understand sushi menu - kudos!), great assortment of noodle dishes and soups, and comfy atmosphere. The tonkotsu ramen (creamy pork broth -- not shoyu) was some of the best I'd experienced and certainly the best bowl I've had in Jacksonville. It was huge and extremely flavorful and complete with all the requisite accoutrements. Our agedashi tofu with bonito flakes was a perfect starter, and great for sharing. The sushi (we had a Captain Crunch roll) was nicely sized and delicious. Add Tomo to your list. It's legit.
(4)
Chelsea W.
Best tasting Japanese food restaurant with the best interactive chef experience. They go above and beyond to take care of their customers. I couldn't recommend a better Japanese style cuisine at the beach.
(5)
Sandy G.
I had to give it a star but it doesn't deserve the one. This is by far the worst place to go if you're looking for hibachi. The chef has no clue how to execute the meals. He literally cooked one thing at a time and did it terribly. The vegetables were cooked last which makes no sense and they weren't even fresh. Everything was bland!!! The New York strip seemed more like a sirloin and was super tough. Also the portions were so small which is not what hibachi is known for. We were a party of 8 and all had empty plates between him cooking everything one thing at a time. The ventilation system was awful. The hoods were not sucking up the smoke but instead going right in my husband and I's face. The air conditioner seemed like it was broken and they had fans set up throughout the restaurant. Real classy!! The service also lacked. We had to ask for booster seats twice which still never came and I had to get them myself which she still never even realized. Drinks were forgotten and the food order wasn't right. We had to tell the chef what we really ordered. I honestly don't understand all the 4 and 5 stars this place is TERRIBLE. Its an old seafood restaurant that they probably had to spend a lot to convert if to Japanese and in my opinion it was a huge waste of money. The ambiance is so uninviting and dated and a modge podge of what seems to be used furniture and equipment. Don't waste your money!!!! I will never return!!
(1)
Jordan L.
We were scared when we pulled into the parking lot, because they didn't even look like they were open. Luckily they were, because this food was awesome. They have three different areas to eat at: sushi bar, regular bar, and hibachi. We sat at the regular bar because it was closer to the Sapporo, and they had a TV there. The bartender was very polite, and we got our food in a timely manner. The sushi was amazing. I was upset that they were out of Uni, a type of sushi, but I elected to go with the Sweet Shrimp heads and a Futomaki roll. They were made to perfection. I also had the Katsu Don. This dish was fantastic. It reminded me of the meals I used to eat in the authentic restaurants in Atlanta. The ambiance is a good feeling as soon as you sit down here. It feels fancy, although you get the authentic food as well making it a great overall experience. Out of the many Japanese restaurants I have been to, this is definitely one of the best.
(5)
Ava L.
Great customer service and wonderful food! The fine art of customer service is not dead... it actually exists, here. I walked in and was immediately greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. I was asked if I'd ever been there before. When I said no, I was introduced to the owners and the manager. They each shook my hand and introduced themselves, and struck up a conversation. After that, I was given 3 menus, a quick run down of all the specials, then my waitress explained all three. I was so impressed by the service here that I almost forgot to rant about how fresh and tasty my food was! I started out with the yakitori app which was cooked to perfection. Sometimes places like to overcook them and they become part of the wooden skewer. Then I had the cali roll and a Philly roll with salmon. Yummy! The salmon was fresh and gone within a couple of minutes. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone. I will definitely be back (when I can partake in their happy hour drink specials also awesome)!
(5)
Mama C.
One of the best hibachi experiences ever. Brought my husband and son here for Father's Day. It's a small area if you want the hibachi tables. My husband was annoyed about the warm temperature of the place but the food made up for it. The cooks here, not Asian. That was a first. However, our cook was wonderful. He joked with my son the entire time and was very attentive. His butter and garlic addition to our steaks was AMAZING and simple. Hands down, the best NY Strip steak hibachi style. We were the last table, so he was a little unorganized but the other cook happily brought out the missing items. We were busy enjoying the curry fries so no complaints. This is our second visit, the first having been all about Ramen. We are very happy both times. Especially when we drive from the OP area. Six thumbs up.
(5)
Leslie C.
Excellent service and reasonable prices. The tempura and mushroom tofu were good values. Local non-chain atmosphere is a major plus.
(5)
Ape L.
The first time we went here we didn't like it. They gave us a free sushi app which was good but their ramen was lacking in the complexity & flavor required of a true ramen & we were disappointed. The soup broth was created for simple taste buds. I went back because I enjoyed their sushi and discovered that even though I am pregnant now I can still enjoy their cooked BBQ eel sushi, the volcano roll, which is delicious. Their ginger salad is homemade and I love that. Service is pretty good too.
(4)
Mr. G.
Sashimi was good but pricey....the place definitely looks sketchy inside and out but the staff was actually very friendly and the food was good so what the heck....not the place to take anyone that you're trying to impress unless they consider tank tops and flip flops to be "nice clothes..."
(3)
Marc M.
Fantastic sushi. Prompt and friendly service. Looks a little divey from the outside but a nice selection of Japanese beers on tap. Our new place in Jacksonville beaches
(5)
Dr P.
Artful Japanese cuisine, beautiful presentation. The mushroom paradise is awesome, the teppanyaki is classic, GO and enjoy..... Fresh flavors and a terrific Japanese Steakhouse!
(4)
Elaine C.
This is by far the most authentic Japanese restaurant in Jacksonville! They do have regular hibachi, but the rest of the menu is much more appealing! The ramen is very soothing and I absolutely love their Katsu curry! The prices are also cheaper than many of the fake Japanese restaurants in Jacksonville and have more quality ingredients. I suggest you try their ice creams too! That is made in house and the flavors change constantly.
(5)
Anna H.
So we were on a fact finding mission tonight. I read someone's review this was the best Sushi ever!!!. Ever? First impression, another mediocre restaurant in a run down strip mall. Not a good start but open the door and look around. Not bad but not good. We were immideatly greeted and ask how we would like to dine. To late to escape now, we opted for a table. The space is quite large and divided nicely, one area for the Teppanyaki Tables sadly they were all empty, full bar, then off to the back the Sushi bar. This room was more encouraging. Tables and Sushi bar seating. This room was well occupied and there were 4 guests at the Sushi bar. Knowing what I was going to eat I strolled over to look at the offerings. Well stocked selection of fish looked very appealing to the eye. Area was clean and well maintained. A great sign. So our choices are in the Raw Roll category; Vampire Slayer @ 11$. Nice combo of fried asparagus, avacado, spicy tuna with fish eggs and fried garlic on top with eel sauce. This had a nice crunch on first bite. Avacado had the perfect firmness. Spicy tuna was not as spicy as I like but that's what the Wasabi is for. Next up 10 Spice @ 11$, 7spiced tuna, jalapeno with spicy tuna & krab with Wasabi sauce. Now this was just what I wanted. Spicy, firm well rolled cut into nice bite sized servings. Fashion Roll @ 7$ may have been the nicest presentation. Tuna, avocado, cucumber lettuce and mayo. Simple but elegant mild tasting, fresh broad leaf lettuce brought the beauty to this roll. Now on to the Non Raw Rolls; Jaguar Roll @ 8$, bbq eel, avacado, cream cheese, fish egg crunch on top with eel sauce. I don't believe authentic sushi contains cream cheese, so no comment on this roll. Last up Mango Tango @ 11$, shrimp tempura, avocado & spicy krab, mango, mango sauce and eel sauce. Now I also don't believe sushi is made with mangos but this roll was one hellofa treat. Sweet, crunchy just a hint of spice. Overall this place was a big win for us. The dinner menu is very ambitious and I could easily be persuaded into a return visit to test out the Noodles: Ramen, Yakisoba, Yaki Udon, Oyako Don...it's like noodle heaven.
(4)
Pamela D.
This place is a hidden gem where you'll find tasty food, a great selection of drinks and very friendly staff. The prices are extremely fair considering the portion sizes. They have awesome late night specials; there is a Japanese brisket (that's not a brisket) and it's sooooooo delicious. This is the only place I know in Jax that carries sparkling sake; don't knock it until you try it! On weekend nights they have a DJ and it's not packed with people, which you can take in two ways. I like to see this place as one you can go to late night to escape the crowded nonsense of the beach bars. Come with a group of good friends to eat, drink and dance the night away without having to worry about a cover, a place to sit, people spilling their drink all over you..etc OH and I almost forgot another awesome part: Afterhours on weekends, they convert the hibachi grill tables into beer pong tables! The manager is a hardworking and fun guy who works with his staff to keep customers full and happy. Check it out, it's worth it!
(5)
Terry N.
There are 3 things that make a great restaurant, food, people and atmosphere. This place has all three. Levy and his lovely wife have done a great job here. The food is very well prepared and the friendly staff is awesome! If you like sukiyaki this is the place for you, but order in advance for the freshest ingredients!! Thank you guys!!
(5)
Joseph L.
Service was pretty good. But got the order very very wrong. I had two orders of tonkatsu ramen. What came out was the shoyu ramen instead. I was pretty sure it was wrong so I looked at other peoples pictures on yelp and googled images of what tonkatsu broth should look like. And I was right. They gave me the wrong thing for both orders. Instead of a creamy white broth, it was the brown soy sauce based broth. Onto the actual food. I eat ramen pretty often. At least a few times a month so I know about what it should taste like (at least in the US, not Japan) but this ramen was too salty. Instead of having some complex flavors, it was just salt. Overwhelmingly salty. I also got a shrimp tempura roll and it was sad. For $6, I expect more than a shrimp and avocado in the roll. I mean, I live in seattle so maybe it's different, but I can get a better roll at a low end sushi belt at a lower price than what this place gave. Maybe if I had gotten the correct ramen that I had actually ordered I would've given 3 stars, but that's pretty much the max they would get based on the price for portion size and quality of the ingredients.
(2)
Kelly H.
The is a off the path gem!! Authentic Japanese style menu options and amazing sushi combos...I had a roll topped with fried crawfish and drizzled with a sweet sriacha which was to die for and the tempura soba bowl (first time) and I would definetly order both again. We can't wait to go back and try new options!! A little pricy but worth it!
(5)
G Race B.
Great Find! Tucked away off Penman Rd! Only place in Jax I know of where Ramen is served!! We were looking for a quick bite and tried this place-- didn't realize they were open until 2am! A Japanese restaurant open till late hours in Duval is close to non-existent! I'm so thrilled about this! Loved the place. Food was tasty and staff/servers were on point! I just love a place where the servers really take care of you! Didn't have to ask for a drink refill once! Rey just kept it coming! Checked on how we were doing throughout our time there! Looks like it's frequented by mostly regulars, I can see why. Definitely give it a go if you are in the area!
(4)
Valerie C.
Most authentic Japanese restaurant in town. Lots of dishes I've never seen on a menu before! I always come here when I have a craving for Japanese food. The inside is clean and the service is fast and friendly. The servers even remember our names and always make us feel at home. The quality of the seafood is fantastic. Avoid the mainstream sushi hibachi places and go to Tomo to get a real taste of Japanese food that isn't altered for the American palette. They even had okonomiyaki, something I've only seen on the internet until now- and it was delicious. I really want to go back and order one of their hot pots, the table next to us was cooking their meat on the table and all the ingredients looked so vibrant and fresh. The ramen is homemade. I could go on forever. Also try the vampire roll- toasted garlic really added to the sushi something that I can barely describe. We've even been brought a round of free sake. I hope this place sticks around for a long time, I'm getting hungry just writing this review.
(5)
Brett B.
Must try! If you care to take on more authentic Japanese dishes this is where to go. Traditional Japanese sushi and dishes from the kitchen are offered here. There are Japanese chefs that know how to use higher end ingredients/how to buy fish where to buy fish/and take the time to prepare tasteful food. This place can offer a much different experience than the commoditized sushi you can find throughout Jacksonville. Please be open minded and ask for something different! I had the Tuna Crisp and monkfish liver for apps and amazing chefs choice sashimi. Please try because this is the type of restaurant that could help raise the bar for its peers...great owners too!
(5)
Barbara B.
Fabulous food, arrived early for the"demonstration ", they opened the table up early for us! Fabulous food, very tasty! Al did a great job with the demonstration, funny! Ume, our waitress was friendly and a knowledgeable! It Ahmad to be a hidden gem! We would definitely come back, would love to share it with friends and family! Thanks from the New York crowd !
(5)
Callie P.
Close to where I live and good! I would recommend it! A little pricey but aren't all Japanese steakhouses?
(4)
Elizabeth B.
I had been here several times for drinks and for the first time last weekend, I had dinner. I was fascinated by the smoked white fish sushi that comes out underneath a wine glass to keep in the flavor followed by sake. Couldn't decide on the main dish, so asked the server to pick. Came out with an OMG roll which the name says it all! Just went for dinner again last night...might be a new weekly tradition!
(5)
Mark B.
Ok I have to go back but....I have been making excuses to go here because for the last year I just cant get enough Asian noodles. True Ramen Noodles is what I crave and true ramen is what they have. After eating their ramen it is not what I imaged. This is the only place in town that has true ramen. Then I guess the regular noodles is what I like. The noodles here on this occasion were a little hard. I know al dente but theses just were cooked right. The dish as a whole was good with all the fixings inside were really good and added a nice contrast of textures. The bacon had flavor and the seaweed and the egg hit all the right notes. Maybe I had too high of expectation of true ramen. This one just let me down. The other parts of the meal were really good. The sushi was nicely done. We both loved the Jacksonville roll the best. It had so many parts to it like the crawfish and scallions, avocado and a crunchy something that just made it all pop. The Spicy tuna was good just not what we are used to. The dynamite roll was really good and the shrimp sauce was a great accompaniment to all the rolls. The service was really good too. The girls (sisters) left us alone when we wanted and were there when we needed. I will return but I think I will quit trying make excuses.
(3)
Melissa W.
Awesome Sushi (very meaty) great experience everytime we've been here. Best on Jax Beach hands down.
(5)
Teresa H.
I absolutely love Tomo. My husband I went to Tokyo a few years ago and we have been searching for authentic Japanese food here in Jax. Well, we have to search no longer!! The ramen , yes TRUE ramen is delicious. And did someone say Katsu?! Katsu fried oysters, mouth watering... And for those in the know, order Sukiyaki 2 days in advance and prepare yourself for the most mouth watering dining experience ever. Cook your own beef, veggies, noodles in a savory broth at your own table. And don't forget to dip that meat in the raw egg, tasty . You will not leave hungry!! And if there is a Japanese dish you desire and it's not on the menu, just ask the chef. The staff is more than happy to accommodate. I can not say enough about Tomos.
(5)
Sarah A.
The food was good I guess... But we had to wait TWO hours for it. We had three different waitresses and everyone was running around like they didn't have enough people staffed that night. I've been a waitress before and it really wasn't THAT busy to wait 30 minutes to be asked what we wanted to drink. Furthermore... They didn't even bring the food out at one time. They brought it out as it was ready.. So about 20 minutes apart for each roll. It was ridiculous. I only gave this place two stars for the environment and the food tasted ok. But I wouldn't go there again.
(2)
Austin M.
Went here with a group of friends for sushi and sake, and was thoroughly impressed. Ingredients were very fresh, and the service was very good despite us getting a little rowdy. The traditional Japanese menu was also fantastic. Highly recommend going to Tomo. Will be back again for sure!
(4)
Jenny H.
We went here with high expectations for good ramen. The tempanyaki chicken was undercooked or shall I say raw? My husband spit out both bites he tried because it was raw. I had to cover it with a napkin. The spicy tuna sushi was horrible. I actually spit it into my napkin. It tasted old, not fresh at all and horrible texture. The ramen was the safest bet but doesn't even come close to the ramen we've had in California. The broth was wrong, the noodles weren't cooked enough, still a bit too hard when served and I don't mean al Dente. The egg was cooked too long. The broth was miso and had no flavor. All wrong. Our waitress was nice but a manager never even came out for the raw chicken. Would NOT go back. Horrible. One of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. The rating should be zero stars.
(1)
H M.
I'm sure that it'd been better on site . That being said it was freakin wonderful when I got home . I had the pork ramen as suggested by the friendly hostess and she was spot on . I also tried the Uni shooter that was offered by a regular , SPEC....freakin'.......TACULAR . I owe that young lady a shooter or two for the heads up . I will definitely hit this hidden gem up again . Next time I'll eat in and enjoy it fresh and hot .
(4)
Tracey G.
This is the absolute best Japanese dining experience you will find in Jacksonville! This is also the only place where you will find real, authentic ramen (shoyu and tonkotsu) within 100 miles of town. Our family ordered a ton of sushi - all incredibly delicious and well-prepped, in addition to gyoza, croquettes and tuna crisps for appetizers. Our main courses included tonkotsu ramen, a chicken katsu bento box, and yakisoba noodles. For dessert, we had red bean (azuki) ice cream which is out of this world. The staff here is extremely attentive and nice, and the atmosphere is unquestionably Japanese. As soon as you walk in you'll notice the upbeat J-pop music and origami decor hanging by the dining area. We did not formally meet the chef but we did see him shuffling around between the sushi bar and the kitchen. This place really deserves more recognition. Tomo's traditional menu stands out from the rest - in a town filled with cookie-cutter "asian fusion" restaurants and buffets, they have a very honest and respectable approach to their food.
(5)
Isis Z.
Most amazing sushi in Northern Florida. Authentic. Delicious. Rolls: OMG, Sunshine,Jaguar. Captain crunch, Mount Tomo!!!!!
(5)
Patrick M.
Horrible table service. Waited 20 minutes for someone. Not that many people there. Menu is limited at table, no hibachi. You have to be at the grill. Can't comment on the food, got too hungry to wait any longer.
(1)
Cris S.
Excellent service, nice ambiance &authentic (except for the large, American sized portions) japanese food. Sushi was fresh, tempura light & crispy, soba perfectly cooked. This may be the only Japanese restaurant in JAX with a Japanese owner. Try it! The have a sushi bar, teppan tables, a cocktail bar area & regular tables (actually very cool tables hand made by the owners) & a menu to suit everyone
(5)
Jeff J.
Been here twice on BLOB recommendations. Hibachi both times, because we were entertaining visiting teenagers. Usually not a whole lot to distinguish one restaurants hibachi from another, but the first time we had a very good meal all around and no complaints. We ate there again Thursday, July 3rd. Food was still pretty good (same comment here as another review that the soup was cold), mixed reviews on the ginger dressing (I liked it) and no real complaints on the food. I had the shrimp and steak--the shrimp was awesome, big, fresh, tasty and grilled to perfection. The steak was so-so, cooked alright but lacked seasoning, which is unusual for hibachi steak. But our big disappointment for the evening was how very slow it was. It took 10 minutes for a waitress to show up, 10 minutes later for the drinks to arrive. There was one other table seated when our party of five showed up. After we had been seated about 40 minutes, the chef finally showed up--to prepare the first table's meal! About 15 minutes after we had been seated, a third table was seated. They also were wondering what was taking so long, and the chef hadn't even arrived at our table yet. An hour and five minutes after we had walked in (yes, by that time, we were watching the clock), our chef, who had been bar tendering, arrived (I guess the two guys alternated, the chef for the first table went behind the bar). Once he arrived, all was good and our evening ended up well. As we were walking out, the poor guys at the third table finally had their chef arrive (the first chef, who then came out from behind the bar). I'm guessing that that was a good hour and a half after they had come in. We'll go back, assuming that it was a one time glitch, but we'll see.
(3)
Julia R.
Absolutely delicious food and amazing service. I would definitely recommend to any sushi lovers in Jacksonville area. The lollipop roll was my favorite and so different than anything I've ever tried before -- tuna, avocado, and crab rolled in a thin slice of cucumber. Yum! Would definitely come again.
(5)
Ken Y.
An authentic Japanese restaurant with a sushi bar, tepanyaki, bar with tables and booths. Japanese owned and operated with dedicated sushi chef, keishiki chef (formal dining) and great kitchen and attentive wait staffs. Menu is diverse which offers traditional Japanese fare including grilled miso marinated black cod, sea bass, salmon, teriyaki beef and chicken, hamachi-kama (grilled yellowtail jaw), tempura, udon and soba. The sushi bar rolls, nigri and sashimi are always made from fresh ingrediants. And, if you're lucky, uni (sea urchin). The beer's cold and the saki's hot.
(5)
Crispian G.
best freshes sushi in jacksonville. a true sushi lovers joint. it's in a random spot but you have to check it out if you LOVE sushi!
(5)
Kristina D.
Food was great and the service was awesome. They really care about their customers and want to make sure you have a great dining experience. We ate at the grill and the portions were good size. The soup was different than I have had before and a little salty, but still had great flavor. The staff was very attentive and very gracious that we came in. We have found a new place for Japanese food. Hope it does well!!!
(5)
Leriza P.
I pass this place all the time on Penman. Such a random location, but if you know where Cinnotti's Bakery and Terry's County Store are, you're right there! Want some good sushi in Atlantic Beach/Jax Beach area? Definitely a place to check out! Nice cozy place, welcoming owner and staff and the food is fancy good! ;9 Authentic Japanese treat! Starters were different, some seaweed stuff (I forget the names), they "look scary" BUT were quite tasty! A nice way to try something new. =) A good way to sample a little bit of everything, bring a friend and share! ;9 The menu was a little different from the "usual" Japanese restaurants you see around town, but the waitress - Jessica, was very helpful and suggested some great stuff! Thank you! For appetizers, we had the calamari. Don't be shocked, they're thick strips of calamari, not the normal "rings" you would expect to see (they looked like cheese sticks to me - hehe), but still yum! No "marinara" sauce needed. Then we had the Shoyu Ramen Noodle Bowl. Delicious and flavorsome! HUGE bowl, so you might want to share. So big we brought some home and it was "nephew approved!" Also tried the sushi rolls: Volcano Roll - Super spicy, but so good! With crawfish on top - that was different and delicious with a little bit of sweet. Shaggy Roll - shrimp tempura with spicy krab on top. OMGoooooodness! I think this one is my favorite! And the Rainbow Roll - I can't comment on this one, I didn't get a chance to try it. I was SO FULL! Everything was so fresh! But, that's my best friend's favorite roll anywhere she goes -- so ... since it disappeared fast, I'm assuming it was good, too! Haha. Happy Hour until 7pm -- the cocktails are Ninja Turtles! They were very tasty. =) The owner came by to talk to us. Very nice! I don't even want to attempt to spell his name, I don't want to butcher it, but he was very friendly and he said they've been open for about 7 months now. I'm hoping they do well. GREAT STUFF! I can't wait to go back and try more stuff! As always, I only give 4 stars until I return, to give it a definite 5. But, they pretty much rank up there! =) What are you waiting for? CHECK THEM OUT! Hehe.
(4)
Cali D.
The sushi is the best in Jacksonville area. The sushi rice texture, taste and temperature was very good. I always have yellowtail sashimi, it was very fresh and the portion size was generous. The sushi chef is actually Japanese which is hard to find. I come from the San Francisco area and this is good sushi. The waiter was very busy but did provide attentive service. We plan on returning.
(4)
Michael W.
Finally a tasteful and authentic Japanese restaurant with a great menu and delicious food. They have the best sushi I've ever tried. Not your standard cookie cutter sushi here. The hibachi chef was excellent also, and the flavored sake was awesome. This is definitely a place to call home about. It's tucked away off the main road, but wow what a treasure to find. I'll be back!
(5)
Amanda M.
First time eating here was with my sister. I ordered shrimp tempura rolls and they were delicious. They came in fast as well. My sister ordered some ramen dish and didn't like it because it was fishy so we sent it back and the manager suggested the darker base. My sister told them not to put fish in it. When the order came out, they had put fish in it. They didn't even listen. So we sent it back. She tried it and still didn't like it. Mind you, the people that served us and had helped us out were very friendly. Then a different girl server walks by and we tell her that we didn't like this at all and we just didn't want to switch anything out, we just wanted to send it back. She got an attitude and told us there's nothing she can do. And she just kept repeating it after every thing I said. So I told her well that's not fair. We aren't gonna pay ten dollars for something she didn't even touch. She rolled her eyes and said let me ask my manager if she can take it off the check. She comes back and says her manager took it off. I said thanks I appreciate it. She was soo rude. Was being the nicest I can be just letting her know the honest truth and opinion and I have prior food/restaurant experience. No one says "there's nothing I can do" to anyone unless you just don't care about your job or the customers. Just quit. My sushi was really good though, so that's why I gave it three stars.
(3)
Andrew L.
This place was great! It was my daughter's birthday, so we called ahead and they put up a sign, had birthday hats, and her meal was free. Good sushi and the cook was both fun, entertaining, and good natured with our unpredictable kids. The was great all around, I highly recommend the duck. While it took a while for the food to be served, the staff were more than friendly and accommodating for our young family. Thumbs up in my opinion.
(5)
Jarrod C.
We had an excellent meal there Saturday. The wife's grilled duck breast was flavorful and succulent, served in perfect thin slices after first searing the outside. General level of Japanese authenticity higher than the local norms(for example they had negitoro balls in the sushi bar and a kaiseki meal available). Good portion sizes on both the teppan table meals and my chirashi sushi. Will happily return.
(4)
Rachel T.
My husband and I have been going to Tomo now at least once a week for a year ever since moving into the area. We were so excited initially to have a good sushi place near. Food has always been decent to great, but the service has always been just O.K . The past several times we've been there, the service has been an absolute insult at best. Ignored for up to 20 minutes before even getting drinks or menus, drinks never coming and then when/if ever recognized asked " oh did you still want that?" Last time my entree ( which was a raw dish) came out nearly 45 minutes after my husbands, who ordered a stew. We have never complained or said one word to anyone. And never once has anyone even acknowledged the crappy service or situation. High maintenance we are not, and good food we love and have recommended this place to several of our friends in the area who are diners. Unfortunately, we tired out and will never recommend this place again. Ever. This place needs to get it together service wise.
(1)
Stacy P.
I am not sure who the customers are putting the reviews on here but obviously they don't get out much. We made the mistake of going to Tomo because of the rave reviews and it was the worst experience we have every had. I reserved a table for 8 people for my mother in laws 70th birthday on New Years Eve thinking they would be so busy due to the amazing reviews. Turned out it was dead and the service was still horrible! We walked in and went to the bar to get a drink while waiting for our entire party to show. The bartender didn't even acknowledge that we were sitting there even though he only had 2 other people sitting at his bar. Once our party was there, they sat us but then it took forever to get a waitress to the table to get drink orders and then she didn't even get that right. She brought my husband a coke instead of a bourbon and coke, and couldn't brink my limes even though I asked 4 times. Then came ordering the salads and soup, that was exhausting...oh and they only have wasabi ranch and ginger as dressing options, bleh. The soup was gross and lukewarm when served. Their sushi menu is overwhelming, a full page back and front. While waiting to order our food, we had 3 different waitresses running back and forth to our table and yet our drinks were still not refreshed. One waitress would stop and ask if we needed drinks but while my husband was telling her what we wanted, she literally turned and walked away not getting the whole order. While waiting on our chef to get to the table our sushi was delivered which was awful!! The rainbow role tasted fishy, the spicy crawfish was so covered with sauce that it was all you could taste. Oh wait I forgot our saki was delivered and got cold while waiting for our saki cups to be delivered. Remember, 3 waitresses and still no cups to enjoy our saki. I never got limes, I used my husbands from his rum and coke. So then dinner, very white chef, trying to rock an accent but not well. He did have a sense of humor thank goodness. The food was such a small amount, very little flavor and my son was asked to put his steak back on the table himself as it was barely cooked, even though my steak was completely overdone. So after eating, very thirsty as no drinks still had been brought to refresh us, we noticed that one of our parties never got their sushi they ordered. So the waitress, one of them, went through what the first sushi order was and yep the other two were included on mine but shouldn't have been as it was a separate check and separate order. So then their sushi was brought after we were all done eating our dinner and ready to leave. It was also tasteless. I went and sought out the chef to tell him our disappointment with their restaurant and he could care less. Did nothing to appease us and so we had to fight to get our extra sushi taken off the check. I will never return to this restaurant under any circumstance.
(1)
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
Address :1253 Penman Rd
Jacksonville Beach, FL, 32250
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Jenny H.
We went here with high expectations for good ramen. The tempanyaki chicken was undercooked or shall I say raw? My husband spit out both bites he tried because it was raw. I had to cover it with a napkin. The spicy tuna sushi was horrible. I actually spit it into my napkin. It tasted old, not fresh at all and horrible texture. The ramen was the safest bet but doesn't even come close to the ramen we've had in California. The broth was wrong, the noodles weren't cooked enough, still a bit too hard when served and I don't mean al Dente. The egg was cooked too long. The broth was miso and had no flavor. All wrong. Our waitress was nice but a manager never even came out for the raw chicken. Would NOT go back. Horrible. One of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. The rating should be zero stars.
(1)H M.
I'm sure that it'd been better on site . That being said it was freakin wonderful when I got home . I had the pork ramen as suggested by the friendly hostess and she was spot on . I also tried the Uni shooter that was offered by a regular , SPEC....freakin'.......TACULAR . I owe that young lady a shooter or two for the heads up . I will definitely hit this hidden gem up again . Next time I'll eat in and enjoy it fresh and hot .
(4)Daisy D.
Tomo popped up on the radar a little bit ago when I was curious to see if Jax had a good ramen place. I haven't tried the ramen yet, but I will be back soon to do so. We were hungry for dinner, but didn't want to cook. Yelp App to the rescue: found our place and were on our way. We were seated quickly and started to peruse the menu. I knew I wanted sushi, but we ordered some Gyoza to start while we decided on what to eat. The dumplings arrived shortly and had a nice char on them. They were delicious and lived up to our expectations. Reminded us of the gyoza we had in So Cal. Then I learned a lesson: semi-private booths are nice when your husband decides to drink from the ponzu dish. Our entrees arrived and I was excited to dig in to my sushi. I ordered the spicy tuna and added avocado and the Captain Crunch roll. The spicy tuna was spicier than others I've had in the area, but I definitely wasn't complaining. The added avocado helped balance out the heat. The CC roll was full of flavor and definitely was a nice change to the typical fried rolls. This one was Katsu fried which added a nice layer of texture. Tomo has earned another fan of this fam.
(4)Kayla D.
The pork belly ramen was delicious, so was the philly roll. It's a quiet and quaint restaurant. It took a while for us to get our food and our waitress charged us for an appetizer we didn't order. She also barely checked up on us for refills and such. But other than that, it's a great place! We'll be going back.
(3)Ryan C.
I just wrapped up an enjoyable experience at a gem of a Japanese joint. Tomo is not your average Japanese steakhouse. These guys are very unique. From the greeting, the aesthetics, and the FOOD, it's clear they're passionate about what they do. The staff was extremely friendly, welcoming, and knowledgable. The karage appetizer was delicious. (White fish thighs - lol.) The ramen was a very tasty slurp-fest. Great flavor and quality ingredients. And then the sushi: the OMG roll? Name says it all. The Tomo Bomb was very unique and excellent. I also loved the Ten Spice roll. Almost forgot: don't miss out on the Japanese whisky/scotch! The only down side? They're not closer to home!
(5)Sara C.
Pretty damn good...pretty damn expensive! I ordered some late lunch for pickup. I got my normal - Salmon sashimi and a spicy scallop handroll, and I also tried the OMG roll. So I guess I didn't know what I was ordering here at tomo but the salmon sashimi was 9 pieces and they were HUGE. No wonder it was $17.50! The scallop in the handroll seemed fake, as it was large, square, and rubbery - not the best at all. I will not order another here. Now the OMG roll came recommended. It was salmon, avocado, cream cheese, topped with bbq eel. There was mayo and crunchies on top. Overall a yummy roll...but do yourself a favor and skip the mayo as it was way too saturated and took away from the fish. I also asked for brown rice instead of white and was told that can't be done. Overall the sushi was good but not quite for $40 for 3 items for lunch. Next time I definitely request a total when I call!
(4)Carlyne M.
Updating my review. I can no longer rave about Tomo and tell everyone to come here, as this place is hit or miss...and it's been a miss and disappointment these past couple of times. One of these misses was when I came with a friend on a Sunday. I called ahead to see if they could make the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. The girl who picked up said that they didn't make those anymore. Disappointed, I headed over there anyway since I had already made plans with my friend to meet her up. When we got there, I inquired about the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki and told our server that we were disappointed that Tomo didn't make it anymore. The server said they still make it, but it would be best to call ahead. She seemed to know who gave me the wrong information and seemed to be irritated at that person. (My guess is that this person has a track record of telling customers the wrong things.) She said she'd check with the kitchen to see if they could do it, as I told her we were willing to wait. She came back and said that the chef had just gone on break so it couldn't be done. Bummer. The food that we ordered that day was okay, and we equated it with the chef being on break and his sous chef(s) covering for him. This current incident is the one that irritates me the most. . .my husband had called yesterday to ensure that they could make the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki today since there were plans to come here for a birthday dinner. They said yes. He called back an hour ago to double check again, and this time they said no, they were out of the ingredients to make the Hiroshima style. He called back to speak to a manager and has yet to hear back. We decided to cancel coming to Tomo for the birthday dinner and are going elsewhere. I'm lowering my rating to 3 stars now, as I feel that they're just another average, inconsistent restaurant where the food may or may not be available and can be awesome, okay, or meh.
(3)Eleanor C.
We've flown across the country for ramen, so hey! Why not drive 45 minutes, right? What a gem of a place, right by the beach no less! The staff - super friendly and knowledgable about the offerings. The food - HIT THE SPOT IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES!! They did not dissapoint. The braised pork belly ramen - OMG! Rich, savory, sinfully delicious! Tonkatsu Ramen - just right, not too salty. We also ordered agedashi tofu, and our children are hooked!! The rainbow roll was fresh as fresh can get, but pricey in comparison to other nearby sushi restaurants. All-in-all, two thumbs up!!
(5)Chris O.
Tomo is a full-range Japanese restaurant not far from the beach. We're talking sushi, to ramen, to hot pot, to Teppanyaki. They've got that Florida influence: playing a preseason football game, a full bar, and a diverse staff. This place is playing instrumental covers of Cold Play as its choice in background music. But most importantly, Tomor is accommodating to vegetarians. None of the ramen on the menu is vegetarian, though more dishes are said to be coming soon. However, the server helping was totally willing to put together a shoyu ramen with extra veggies, tofu, and an egg for me. I also ordered the Go Green roll, one of the few veggie roll options. I'd avoid the roll if I were to come back. It's just very plain. The ramen was good. Each veggie had a different texture, and the noodles were cooked just right. The hardboiled eggs were a nice addition. It was pretty salty though. Overall, it was decent place to grab food by myself in Jacksonville. I'd come back if I were craving ramen like I was today.
(3)Matt M.
Okay, this may have the best service in town. Our group of five was greeted warmly for a birthday dinner and we just happened to hit $3 happy hour rolls. Needless to say, my kids love sushi, so since I normally ration their sushi they hoped Happy Hour prices would open by wallet. They were correct but for the wrong reasons - my mother was buying me dinner for my birthday and she loves to spoil them. So on their list were multiple Krabstick rolls, California rolls, a Captain Crunch roll and a Shrimp Tempura rolls. They proclaimed all were delicious however the Captain Crunch was simply sublime. I have never had a roll like it in my restaurant adventures and it was really good. We also sampled more than just sushi with plates of Teriyaki Don (good), Shrimp Udon (outstanding) and Pork Ramen (another outstanding). The menu is so vast, I have already planned by return trip to try the Ramen Burger, Sukiyaki and more of the ramen dishes. Service could not have been better, as they have this way of making you feel like their most valued customer. We really enjoyed our dinner and look forward to our return.
(5)Kathy C.
Yes, I am a Fan of Tomo Japanese Restaurant. We've been there about 3 times now and each time, we were pretty happy with our dining experience. The fact that Tomo is pretty unique to Jacksonville on various types of dishes they serve, makes it an exciting place to visit for me. There are three 'sections' of restaurant - Hibachi grill, sushi, and regular dining. Each time, we sat at the 'regular dining' section because we like to order from various menus. My husband and I are most excited about their ramen and small plates (robata grill, etc). So between the multiple visits, we have tried tonkotsu ramen, bacon wrapped scallops, chicken and oyster karaage, pork belly, and captain crunch roll. I probably forgot some other dishes, but these dishes stood out for me. Now, to be honest, it's not the best ramen, or karaage, or pork belly I've ever had, but certainly very tasty and again, very exciting to have it in Jacksonville. As for their service, I really have to say each time, we were well taken care of. Their service is prompt and friendly. So I hope Tomo do well and hopefully will expand their menu on these small plates / izakaya dishes (hint hint grilled squid maybe?)
(4)Brian A.
I can't believe I've neglected to review this place for so long! I feel like I've been here way more than I've checked in. First and foremost, it's one of the only places to get authentic ramen in Jacksonville. And it's absolutely killer. Almost to the point where it's hard to order something else besides it! I'm lucky enough to have Tomo two blocks behind my house so I get to come here frequently. That being said, I haven't even scathed the surface of the menu. Along with the traditional Japanese menu, they have a full sushi menu, and a full hibachi menu. On top of that they have daily specials, which are usually what I get. If you ever go in and see the pork ribs on special, GET THEM! They're absolutely delicious. If you find yourself out at jax beach past 10 PM and don't want to settle for taco bell, swing by Tomo. If memory serves, Thursday through Saturday they're open past midnight serving the full menu plus late night food and drink specials.
(5)Stephanie A.
I really have a lot of good things to say about the whole experience at Tomo. I believe we had a new waitress and she was really trying very hard to please. The manager was extreme accommodating and he made service over the top! They have amazing sukiyaki and normally you have to call ahead and gave it prepared before you arrive but since we arrived early and the big dinner rush had not arrived yet so they made us up a beautiful sukiyaki presentation! My son had the ramen soup and loved every sip. Our sushi was all very good. I watched the people at the hot tables and they all looked like they were having a great time. There is a nice selection of dishes to suit pretty much everyone. I'm happy to go back real soon!!
(5)Al L.
The first thing I start to judge in a Japanese restaurant is with the green tea they serve. The green tea they served was very good, I was definitely not disappointed and I had several cups. I ordered their rainbow roll and their tempura udon. As my usual habit, I requested that they not place my tempura in the udon soup, and they did as I requested. Sorry, I just love my tempura to stay crispy. The fish in their rainbow was of prime quality with a lot of flavor. Every bite of the slices of fish in the rainbow roll exploded with flavor. The yellow tail in particular was exceptionally good. The broth in their udon soup was very flavorful, and their udon had the great traditional texture I just love. I travel a lot and there are just too many mediocre to bad Japanese restaurants out there; and what's bad is that eating in Japanese restaurants is not cheap. I would definitely go back to this restaurant when I'm in the Jacksonville area again, and I would definitely recommend that you try this place. Sincerely... The Traveling CajunManila
(5)Abegail S.
The food is awesome. I've been craving Japanese ramen for a minute and I live 5 mins away which is so convenient. Their sushi rolls are the bomb. I had pork ramen soup and it taste like the same soup I had when I was in Japan same as yaki soba. The environment is so clean. and the server (April) is very attentive. Thumbs up. Definitely coming back soon. Highly recommended
(5)Jerry T.
I'm a huge fan of Tomo. These guys haven't let me down yet, and everything I've tried has been delicious. The soups are awesome. The Tonkotsu Ramen is a creamy pork base, and comes complete with chashu (pork), kamaboko (fish bologna?), dried seaweed, bamboo shoots and springy ramen noodles. It's not the best ramen I've had, but it is the best I've had in Jax. They also have Shoyu Ramen, which is similarly outfitted, but they use a beef stock/soy based broth which is saltier and less flavorful. I prefer the tonkotsu. The last soup I tried was the Buckwheat Tempura Soba. The broth is like a milder version on the Shoya. It's a light soy broth with hearty buckwheat soba noodles, topped with tempura vegetables and shrimp. I tried the Tempura Don last time I went, which is a simple bowl of rice topped with a variety of tempura fried vegetables and shrimp. I'm sure the chef cringed when he saw my order, because I asked for fried rice instead of white. It was actually really good for an extra 2 bucks. Appetizers I've tried are the edamame, gyoza (pork dumplings), clear soup and the tempura. They were all exactly what I expected them to be. No real surprises here. They have a happy hour every day until 7 I believe, where you can do $3 drafts (including Kirin and Sapporo!) and select $3 sushi rolls. They put the rolls that are on sale up on a chalkboard. I've had the philly salmon and philly krab rolls on special, as well as a few rolls during normal hours. I've liked the sushi, but sushi places are a dime a dozen in Jax. I'd try something new. The bar has a nice selection. The house cocktails are names after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for some reason. My favorite is the Michelangelo, which is a orange liqueur/peach schnapps drink. It's girly but it's good. The servers are an absolute delight. They are fun, helpful and don't bat an eye at our shenanigans. Come order a Michelangelo, Tempura and Tonkotsu Ramen and thank me later.
(5)Henry H.
This restaurant has a Japanese authentic menu. I just ordered items off of that menu. The okanomiayaki was good. This is one of the only places I know of that sells this. The calamari was different. It wasn't too chewy. I didn't care too much for the Nibitashi since it was more breaded type of fish. I do want to try other things on the menu to see what else I would like. The best thing I like was the Hamachi Kama which is a fresh broiled yellow tail cheek. The Kakuni was a pork belly. It has to be my 2nd favorite one I've ate in my life. The Negimaki is green onions that are wrapped with New York strip steak which is really good. I like the rich flavor.
(4)Stephanie P.
Absolutely delicious. The service is top notch. Michayla and Levi are the best as well as the rest of the staff. Awesome music. The grill is unbelievably filling and tasty. I can't wait to go back. This was our first time there. A diamond in the the rough.
(5)Mama C.
One of the best hibachi experiences ever. Brought my husband and son here for Father's Day. It's a small area if you want the hibachi tables. My husband was annoyed about the warm temperature of the place but the food made up for it. The cooks here, not Asian. That was a first. However, our cook was wonderful. He joked with my son the entire time and was very attentive. His butter and garlic addition to our steaks was AMAZING and simple. Hands down, the best NY Strip steak hibachi style. We were the last table, so he was a little unorganized but the other cook happily brought out the missing items. We were busy enjoying the curry fries so no complaints. This is our second visit, the first having been all about Ramen. We are very happy both times. Especially when we drive from the OP area. Six thumbs up.
(5)Mr. G.
Sashimi was good but pricey....the place definitely looks sketchy inside and out but the staff was actually very friendly and the food was good so what the heck....not the place to take anyone that you're trying to impress unless they consider tank tops and flip flops to be "nice clothes..."
(3)Anna H.
So we were on a fact finding mission tonight. I read someone's review this was the best Sushi ever!!!. Ever? First impression, another mediocre restaurant in a run down strip mall. Not a good start but open the door and look around. Not bad but not good. We were immideatly greeted and ask how we would like to dine. To late to escape now, we opted for a table. The space is quite large and divided nicely, one area for the Teppanyaki Tables sadly they were all empty, full bar, then off to the back the Sushi bar. This room was more encouraging. Tables and Sushi bar seating. This room was well occupied and there were 4 guests at the Sushi bar. Knowing what I was going to eat I strolled over to look at the offerings. Well stocked selection of fish looked very appealing to the eye. Area was clean and well maintained. A great sign. So our choices are in the Raw Roll category; Vampire Slayer @ 11$. Nice combo of fried asparagus, avacado, spicy tuna with fish eggs and fried garlic on top with eel sauce. This had a nice crunch on first bite. Avacado had the perfect firmness. Spicy tuna was not as spicy as I like but that's what the Wasabi is for. Next up 10 Spice @ 11$, 7spiced tuna, jalapeno with spicy tuna & krab with Wasabi sauce. Now this was just what I wanted. Spicy, firm well rolled cut into nice bite sized servings. Fashion Roll @ 7$ may have been the nicest presentation. Tuna, avocado, cucumber lettuce and mayo. Simple but elegant mild tasting, fresh broad leaf lettuce brought the beauty to this roll. Now on to the Non Raw Rolls; Jaguar Roll @ 8$, bbq eel, avacado, cream cheese, fish egg crunch on top with eel sauce. I don't believe authentic sushi contains cream cheese, so no comment on this roll. Last up Mango Tango @ 11$, shrimp tempura, avocado & spicy krab, mango, mango sauce and eel sauce. Now I also don't believe sushi is made with mangos but this roll was one hellofa treat. Sweet, crunchy just a hint of spice. Overall this place was a big win for us. The dinner menu is very ambitious and I could easily be persuaded into a return visit to test out the Noodles: Ramen, Yakisoba, Yaki Udon, Oyako Don...it's like noodle heaven.
(4)Ape L.
The first time we went here we didn't like it. They gave us a free sushi app which was good but their ramen was lacking in the complexity & flavor required of a true ramen & we were disappointed. The soup broth was created for simple taste buds. I went back because I enjoyed their sushi and discovered that even though I am pregnant now I can still enjoy their cooked BBQ eel sushi, the volcano roll, which is delicious. Their ginger salad is homemade and I love that. Service is pretty good too.
(4)Pamela D.
This place is a hidden gem where you'll find tasty food, a great selection of drinks and very friendly staff. The prices are extremely fair considering the portion sizes. They have awesome late night specials; there is a Japanese brisket (that's not a brisket) and it's sooooooo delicious. This is the only place I know in Jax that carries sparkling sake; don't knock it until you try it! On weekend nights they have a DJ and it's not packed with people, which you can take in two ways. I like to see this place as one you can go to late night to escape the crowded nonsense of the beach bars. Come with a group of good friends to eat, drink and dance the night away without having to worry about a cover, a place to sit, people spilling their drink all over you..etc OH and I almost forgot another awesome part: Afterhours on weekends, they convert the hibachi grill tables into beer pong tables! The manager is a hardworking and fun guy who works with his staff to keep customers full and happy. Check it out, it's worth it!
(5)Terry N.
There are 3 things that make a great restaurant, food, people and atmosphere. This place has all three. Levy and his lovely wife have done a great job here. The food is very well prepared and the friendly staff is awesome! If you like sukiyaki this is the place for you, but order in advance for the freshest ingredients!! Thank you guys!!
(5)Joseph L.
Service was pretty good. But got the order very very wrong. I had two orders of tonkatsu ramen. What came out was the shoyu ramen instead. I was pretty sure it was wrong so I looked at other peoples pictures on yelp and googled images of what tonkatsu broth should look like. And I was right. They gave me the wrong thing for both orders. Instead of a creamy white broth, it was the brown soy sauce based broth. Onto the actual food. I eat ramen pretty often. At least a few times a month so I know about what it should taste like (at least in the US, not Japan) but this ramen was too salty. Instead of having some complex flavors, it was just salt. Overwhelmingly salty. I also got a shrimp tempura roll and it was sad. For $6, I expect more than a shrimp and avocado in the roll. I mean, I live in seattle so maybe it's different, but I can get a better roll at a low end sushi belt at a lower price than what this place gave. Maybe if I had gotten the correct ramen that I had actually ordered I would've given 3 stars, but that's pretty much the max they would get based on the price for portion size and quality of the ingredients.
(2)Callie P.
Close to where I live and good! I would recommend it! A little pricey but aren't all Japanese steakhouses?
(4)Elizabeth B.
I had been here several times for drinks and for the first time last weekend, I had dinner. I was fascinated by the smoked white fish sushi that comes out underneath a wine glass to keep in the flavor followed by sake. Couldn't decide on the main dish, so asked the server to pick. Came out with an OMG roll which the name says it all! Just went for dinner again last night...might be a new weekly tradition!
(5)Mark B.
Ok I have to go back but....I have been making excuses to go here because for the last year I just cant get enough Asian noodles. True Ramen Noodles is what I crave and true ramen is what they have. After eating their ramen it is not what I imaged. This is the only place in town that has true ramen. Then I guess the regular noodles is what I like. The noodles here on this occasion were a little hard. I know al dente but theses just were cooked right. The dish as a whole was good with all the fixings inside were really good and added a nice contrast of textures. The bacon had flavor and the seaweed and the egg hit all the right notes. Maybe I had too high of expectation of true ramen. This one just let me down. The other parts of the meal were really good. The sushi was nicely done. We both loved the Jacksonville roll the best. It had so many parts to it like the crawfish and scallions, avocado and a crunchy something that just made it all pop. The Spicy tuna was good just not what we are used to. The dynamite roll was really good and the shrimp sauce was a great accompaniment to all the rolls. The service was really good too. The girls (sisters) left us alone when we wanted and were there when we needed. I will return but I think I will quit trying make excuses.
(3)Melissa W.
Awesome Sushi (very meaty) great experience everytime we've been here. Best on Jax Beach hands down.
(5)Jeff J.
Been here twice on BLOB recommendations. Hibachi both times, because we were entertaining visiting teenagers. Usually not a whole lot to distinguish one restaurants hibachi from another, but the first time we had a very good meal all around and no complaints. We ate there again Thursday, July 3rd. Food was still pretty good (same comment here as another review that the soup was cold), mixed reviews on the ginger dressing (I liked it) and no real complaints on the food. I had the shrimp and steak--the shrimp was awesome, big, fresh, tasty and grilled to perfection. The steak was so-so, cooked alright but lacked seasoning, which is unusual for hibachi steak. But our big disappointment for the evening was how very slow it was. It took 10 minutes for a waitress to show up, 10 minutes later for the drinks to arrive. There was one other table seated when our party of five showed up. After we had been seated about 40 minutes, the chef finally showed up--to prepare the first table's meal! About 15 minutes after we had been seated, a third table was seated. They also were wondering what was taking so long, and the chef hadn't even arrived at our table yet. An hour and five minutes after we had walked in (yes, by that time, we were watching the clock), our chef, who had been bar tendering, arrived (I guess the two guys alternated, the chef for the first table went behind the bar). Once he arrived, all was good and our evening ended up well. As we were walking out, the poor guys at the third table finally had their chef arrive (the first chef, who then came out from behind the bar). I'm guessing that that was a good hour and a half after they had come in. We'll go back, assuming that it was a one time glitch, but we'll see.
(3)Julia R.
Absolutely delicious food and amazing service. I would definitely recommend to any sushi lovers in Jacksonville area. The lollipop roll was my favorite and so different than anything I've ever tried before -- tuna, avocado, and crab rolled in a thin slice of cucumber. Yum! Would definitely come again.
(5)Marc M.
Fantastic sushi. Prompt and friendly service. Looks a little divey from the outside but a nice selection of Japanese beers on tap. Our new place in Jacksonville beaches
(5)Leriza P.
I pass this place all the time on Penman. Such a random location, but if you know where Cinnotti's Bakery and Terry's County Store are, you're right there! Want some good sushi in Atlantic Beach/Jax Beach area? Definitely a place to check out! Nice cozy place, welcoming owner and staff and the food is fancy good! ;9 Authentic Japanese treat! Starters were different, some seaweed stuff (I forget the names), they "look scary" BUT were quite tasty! A nice way to try something new. =) A good way to sample a little bit of everything, bring a friend and share! ;9 The menu was a little different from the "usual" Japanese restaurants you see around town, but the waitress - Jessica, was very helpful and suggested some great stuff! Thank you! For appetizers, we had the calamari. Don't be shocked, they're thick strips of calamari, not the normal "rings" you would expect to see (they looked like cheese sticks to me - hehe), but still yum! No "marinara" sauce needed. Then we had the Shoyu Ramen Noodle Bowl. Delicious and flavorsome! HUGE bowl, so you might want to share. So big we brought some home and it was "nephew approved!" Also tried the sushi rolls: Volcano Roll - Super spicy, but so good! With crawfish on top - that was different and delicious with a little bit of sweet. Shaggy Roll - shrimp tempura with spicy krab on top. OMGoooooodness! I think this one is my favorite! And the Rainbow Roll - I can't comment on this one, I didn't get a chance to try it. I was SO FULL! Everything was so fresh! But, that's my best friend's favorite roll anywhere she goes -- so ... since it disappeared fast, I'm assuming it was good, too! Haha. Happy Hour until 7pm -- the cocktails are Ninja Turtles! They were very tasty. =) The owner came by to talk to us. Very nice! I don't even want to attempt to spell his name, I don't want to butcher it, but he was very friendly and he said they've been open for about 7 months now. I'm hoping they do well. GREAT STUFF! I can't wait to go back and try more stuff! As always, I only give 4 stars until I return, to give it a definite 5. But, they pretty much rank up there! =) What are you waiting for? CHECK THEM OUT! Hehe.
(4)Caitlyn F.
We went a little crazy when we got to Tomo's the other night. Tucked away in a strip center along Penman Road, this destination-worthy Japanese spot has been on our list to visit for quite some time and we finally made a point to drive out and try it. The decor channels a traditional sushi house with a touch of modern details, and the servers were quick and welcoming. We were overwhelmed with the menu chock-full of delicious-sounding entrees and sushi rolls - not to mention we are notorious for sticking with our go-to choices and wanted a change - so we let our server guide us with some of her favorites. Place settings and drinks are brought to the table with tiny bowls of edamame, perfect for holding you over until your first dishes arrive. We started with the gyoza and two rolls; the fiery but flavorful Red Dragon and the sweet and crunchy Captain Crunch. Both tasted remarkably fresh and were large portions. For our main entrees we each ordered the rice bowl Katsu; one pork and one chicken. Each starts with a heaping base of sticky rice, topped with chunks of piping hot meat, onion, fried egg and bits of what looked like seaweed all cooked in a soy broth. It was a total comfort meal and hit the spot, plus left us with plenty of leftovers since we really could have just split one. Don't miss the daily happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. where you can try some of the fun house cocktails named for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or some of the Japanese (and local!) beers on draft. You'll be plotting your next trip by the time the check arrives.
(5)Debbie N.
The service is awesome! Family owned , everyone there treats you like family. Sushi is awesome! Hot pots are incredible!
(5)Imraan S.
The food here is very tasty. I had a Shoyu Ramen with chicken & garlic oil. It was cooked properly, great flavor. Our waitresses name was Asia, she was super good! Took care of our every need in light of being slammed. The sushi is fresh, very tasty. The tempora is lovely as well. We shall return!
(5)Nunya B.
Phenomenal food and service. We showed up right before they were closing and they still sat us and gave us the best service. The owner even came out and cooked our food! It was incredibly delicious as well! I highly recommend it!
(5)Danny M.
Absolutely fantastic! Cool vibe and great service. I'm in JAX Beach on business and couldn't help but notice the number of locals in here eating and greeting; always a good sign. I had the Captain Crunch roll, which was out of this world. Followed with chicken and shrimp grill, which came with fresh roasted veggies and fried rice. Shrimp was fresh and delicate and came with homemade dipping sauce. Chicken was delicious grilled white meat that was accompanied by a house made ginger sauce. Speaking of ginger, the homemade ginger salad dressing that came on the house salad was the best I've ever had which is saying a lot since I always enjoy this in Japanese restaurants. I'm coming back here on biz again so and will be back at Tomo for sure!
(5)Antoinette O.
We took a trip to Jacksonville to see the beach and try some new food. I'd read on Yelp that this place was amazing and they also offer great ramen so my hubby and I decided to give them a try. My husband stated that his sushi didn't taste fresh. My shrimp tempura appetizer took a while to come out. The ramen was okay - not the worst I've ever had (see my review of Crane Ramen) but not the best. I was bummed that they didn't have any garlic paste. Service was okay; I think they were running low on supplies that day, so a lot of menu items weren't available. This also caused a slow down in the kitchen, which made our food take a while even though it wasn't busy. I won't be back because it's far from my home and I wasn't impressed by the food.
(2)Austin F.
This place is confusing to say the least. When you're seated they give you four, count 'em, FOUR menus. One has sushi, one has traditional japanese, one has ramen and other stuff, then the drink menu. Craziness. That sends a message to the consumer immediately that the kitchen is overextended and that everything will probably be average at best. Ding! We've got a winner. Karaage? Embarrassing. This is supposed to be coated in rice flour- it's supposed to be light, juicy and packed with gingery, soy umami. This had none of that. Thick batter and waaaay overfried. Not flavorful either. Roasted fish cheeks? Fishy, overcooked, and uneven seasoning,. Sashimi? Laughably huge cuts that destroyed any ideas of delicatness, also- completely overpriced. Sushi? Ok- but again, very expensive and altogether clumsy. Not the freshest fish either. Not a cut above other sushi places quality-wise, but at a premium price-tag. Not cool. Ramen? Ok- but again- muddled flavors. Pork was tender, but the noodles were over and I doubt handmade. C'mon guys. The owners of this place don't know what this place wants to be it seems. There are bizarre pamphlets at the entrance celebrating themselves- cheaply printed and ON SALE FOR $4~!!! Very very strange. Self- aggrandizing is so 2014 guys. Shrink the menu, tighten the execution and the people will come. I bet the financials of this place look grave.
(2)Tina J.
Went here for my birthday the food was good though the night we went they were understaffed so service was slow. I would definitely go again.
(4)Brandon B.
I went here when they first opened. It was amazing. A friend and I sampled many of the sushi, apps and grilled options. Don't worry about sitting at one of the teppanyaki tables. Go for the apps and sushi. It was amazing. The grilled fish collar was amazing. The mushroom paradise was fantastic. Get the uni shooter.
(5)Richard P.
We (wife and I) tried Tomo twice so far and generally had pretty good experience. The restaurant is divided into three sections, a habachi grill section, sushi section, and regular dining. Both times, we opted to sit in the general dining area, ordering izakaya type food, ramen, and some sushi. We went mainly for the izakaya type food which we both love and wish there are more options in Jacksonville. Tomo has some dishes, chicken and oyster karaage, robata grill type dishes like bacon wrapped scallop or meat skewers, etc. They also have tonkotsu ramen along with other udon noodle soup. Not to mention sushi and habichi grill. So my excitement of having an izakaya type joint in Jacksonville (which makes this place a 4 star) is with some worries. I feel they are doing too much and have too much on their menu. It can be a bit daunting and confusing for someone new to Japanese cuisine, not sure what menu to try. Personally, I wish they would 'beef' up the side of menu unique to Jacksonville (i.e. small plates, robata grills, etc) and refine some of the existing dishes. For example, the first time we had their chicken karaage, it was a bit bland and slightly soggy. Certainly not so bad that we would return it, but instead, we asked for chili pepper powder to sprinkle on it. The second time we went, and per our friend's request, ordered it again. And this time, it was stellar. If we had ordered based on previous experience, we would have missed out on this great dish. Having said that, it's still exciting to have Tomo in Jacksonville. So much potential, and I hope they do well.
(4)Jay M.
The following review was published under my byline in the Florida Times-Union on Thursday, August 7, 2014. This is an original, unabridged version of that review. Fans of Jacksonville Beach's former Chizu Japanese Steakhouse, which closed in 2011, can still find Asian flavors in the same spot under different ownership as Tomo Japanese Restaurant. The Penman Road establishment, which marks two years in business this month, prides itself on fresh, authentic and traditional Japanese fare from its sushi bar, teppanyaki tables and standard dining room. On the menu you'll find a plethora of appetizers, noodle and rice bowls, bento boxes, curries, and sushi, sashimi and nigiri. Along with standard meats at the teppanyaki tables, you can ask for more exotic proteins such as squid, filet mignon, duck breast and lobster. Diving into our orderly menu dissection, we started with the Gyoza ($5.50), otherwise known as pan-fried pork dumplings, an Asian appetizer staple. The half-moon dough pockets were plump but singed a little too much on one side for my liking, producing a slightly burnt taste. We had much better luck with the Croquette ($5), a mashup of potatoes, ground beef and scallions panko-breaded and lightly fried into orderly patties and drizzled with tonkatsu sauce, a dark, sweet and salty fruit- and vegetable-based creation. In checking out the sushi offerings, we ordered another standard, the Philly Classic Roll with Smoked Salmon ($6.50). The six cream cheese, avocado and salmon rolls were melt-in-your-mouth creamy and easy to live with. My dining partner chose the Vegetable Tempura Bento Box ($12), which came with soup, salad, steamed or fried ($2 extra) rice and "chef's choice" sides. While the entrée used more authentic vegetables, including Japanese squash, the flavor and presentation did the job but weren't memorable. Entree-wise, I opted for the Tonkatsu Curry ($11.50), a mountainous portion of what the menu describes as "Japanese comfort food." To this diner, that's a spot-on description. The mild curry gravy was chock-full of carrots, onions and potatoes against a stack of panko-fried pork loin and steamed rice. It was hearty, enjoyable and, as advertised, filling. Dessert options are at the chef's daily discretion. On our visit these included two varieties of ice cream and Miso Cheesecake ($5). We ordered the latter, a pleasant portion suitable for one, or two light eaters. It was plenty tart with a cascade of caramel sauce and an unmistakable hint of saltiness that set this slice apart, in a good way. While we didn't try out the teppanyaki table menu, families will find children's entrees here with chicken, shrimp and filet mignon on the grill. Tomo sports a full bar with nightly 2-for-1 happy hour specials on draft beer, house wine, well liquors and specialty cocktails, along with Friday ladies night specials. It also pours nine sake varietals, available by the carafe or bottle. On Friday and Saturday nights from 10 to 2, the main dining room transforms into Club Izakaya, complete with a DJ and dance music. Aesthetically I imagine Tomo more as a nightclub anyway thanks to its dark interior. Think comfortable and casual, not upscale. Overall we found service to be friendly and accommodating. Despite a couple of quality hiccups on our visit, including the Gyoza matter and a watered-down cocktail, lovers of authentic Japanese tastes may find Tomo's menu novelty and variety outshine them. They, and most diners, should find it a worthy dine across the ditch. Tomo Japanese Restaurant 1253 Penman Road, Jacksonville Beach (904) 372-4369 TomoJapaneseJacksonville… Type of cuisine: Japanese (kitchen, teppanyaki and sushi bar) Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10:30 p.m. (Club Izakaya, open Fridays and Saturdays 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.) Credit cards: All major accepted Bar service: Full bar Catering: Yes Children's menu: Yes (at teppanyaki tables) Reservations: Yes Price range: Appetizers, $5-10; dining room entrees/bowls, $8-13; teppanyaki entrees, $15-33; sushi rolls, $3.50-13
(3)Phuong N.
Jacksonville is in desperate need of an authentic Ramen restaurant. Like for real!!! If you've been to NY or Cali, you know that this place can't even compare. Even though the presentation did look legit... but no. The broth were bland and the noodles... Yeah I can cook that at home. Sushi were not good either, I was really disappointed :( if you're in Jax and craving for ramen..... Yeah, I don't know where to go either so I couldn't tell you.
(3)Debbi C.
Well, this has to be my new favorite. We had the grill and I ordered steak and chicken to be safe. I worried because the soup was cold and not very tasty and definitely not clear but the salad redeemed it. I had ginger dressing- it was great and Angel tried the wasabi ranch and wasn't disappointed. The veggies were cooked to perfection, the rice was great, the steak perfectly cooked and seasoned and the chicken was yummy. The noodles were a great way to wrap it up. I didn't finish half of my meal because it was filling but I wanted to eat it all. Al, our chef, was funny but was very nice and informative. I liked the way the chefs didn't just do the cheesy one liner jokes and cook. Rather, they engaged us in conversation and even had us talking to other tables and the other chef. Looking forward to our next visit to try the ramen. Yummy! That's the word I keep saying.
(4)Yo S.
Calamari was good. But other food was a bit disappointment. I'm Japanese (born and raised) so I'm a bit picky when it comes to it. There are several easy improvements they can make. However if people are happy with way they are, I think that's what matters :)
(3)Sandy G.
I had to give it a star but it doesn't deserve the one. This is by far the worst place to go if you're looking for hibachi. The chef has no clue how to execute the meals. He literally cooked one thing at a time and did it terribly. The vegetables were cooked last which makes no sense and they weren't even fresh. Everything was bland!!! The New York strip seemed more like a sirloin and was super tough. Also the portions were so small which is not what hibachi is known for. We were a party of 8 and all had empty plates between him cooking everything one thing at a time. The ventilation system was awful. The hoods were not sucking up the smoke but instead going right in my husband and I's face. The air conditioner seemed like it was broken and they had fans set up throughout the restaurant. Real classy!! The service also lacked. We had to ask for booster seats twice which still never came and I had to get them myself which she still never even realized. Drinks were forgotten and the food order wasn't right. We had to tell the chef what we really ordered. I honestly don't understand all the 4 and 5 stars this place is TERRIBLE. Its an old seafood restaurant that they probably had to spend a lot to convert if to Japanese and in my opinion it was a huge waste of money. The ambiance is so uninviting and dated and a modge podge of what seems to be used furniture and equipment. Don't waste your money!!!! I will never return!!
(1)Jordan L.
We were scared when we pulled into the parking lot, because they didn't even look like they were open. Luckily they were, because this food was awesome. They have three different areas to eat at: sushi bar, regular bar, and hibachi. We sat at the regular bar because it was closer to the Sapporo, and they had a TV there. The bartender was very polite, and we got our food in a timely manner. The sushi was amazing. I was upset that they were out of Uni, a type of sushi, but I elected to go with the Sweet Shrimp heads and a Futomaki roll. They were made to perfection. I also had the Katsu Don. This dish was fantastic. It reminded me of the meals I used to eat in the authentic restaurants in Atlanta. The ambiance is a good feeling as soon as you sit down here. It feels fancy, although you get the authentic food as well making it a great overall experience. Out of the many Japanese restaurants I have been to, this is definitely one of the best.
(5)Ava L.
Great customer service and wonderful food! The fine art of customer service is not dead... it actually exists, here. I walked in and was immediately greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. I was asked if I'd ever been there before. When I said no, I was introduced to the owners and the manager. They each shook my hand and introduced themselves, and struck up a conversation. After that, I was given 3 menus, a quick run down of all the specials, then my waitress explained all three. I was so impressed by the service here that I almost forgot to rant about how fresh and tasty my food was! I started out with the yakitori app which was cooked to perfection. Sometimes places like to overcook them and they become part of the wooden skewer. Then I had the cali roll and a Philly roll with salmon. Yummy! The salmon was fresh and gone within a couple of minutes. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone. I will definitely be back (when I can partake in their happy hour drink specials also awesome)!
(5)Caron S.
Excellent Japanese spot on Penman, tucked away off the main drag of Beach Boulevard. Fresh sushi (and easy-to-read/understand sushi menu - kudos!), great assortment of noodle dishes and soups, and comfy atmosphere. The tonkotsu ramen (creamy pork broth -- not shoyu) was some of the best I'd experienced and certainly the best bowl I've had in Jacksonville. It was huge and extremely flavorful and complete with all the requisite accoutrements. Our agedashi tofu with bonito flakes was a perfect starter, and great for sharing. The sushi (we had a Captain Crunch roll) was nicely sized and delicious. Add Tomo to your list. It's legit.
(4)Chelsea W.
Best tasting Japanese food restaurant with the best interactive chef experience. They go above and beyond to take care of their customers. I couldn't recommend a better Japanese style cuisine at the beach.
(5)Leslie C.
Excellent service and reasonable prices. The tempura and mushroom tofu were good values. Local non-chain atmosphere is a major plus.
(5)Barbara B.
Fabulous food, arrived early for the"demonstration ", they opened the table up early for us! Fabulous food, very tasty! Al did a great job with the demonstration, funny! Ume, our waitress was friendly and a knowledgeable! It Ahmad to be a hidden gem! We would definitely come back, would love to share it with friends and family! Thanks from the New York crowd !
(5)Kelly H.
The is a off the path gem!! Authentic Japanese style menu options and amazing sushi combos...I had a roll topped with fried crawfish and drizzled with a sweet sriacha which was to die for and the tempura soba bowl (first time) and I would definetly order both again. We can't wait to go back and try new options!! A little pricy but worth it!
(5)G Race B.
Great Find! Tucked away off Penman Rd! Only place in Jax I know of where Ramen is served!! We were looking for a quick bite and tried this place-- didn't realize they were open until 2am! A Japanese restaurant open till late hours in Duval is close to non-existent! I'm so thrilled about this! Loved the place. Food was tasty and staff/servers were on point! I just love a place where the servers really take care of you! Didn't have to ask for a drink refill once! Rey just kept it coming! Checked on how we were doing throughout our time there! Looks like it's frequented by mostly regulars, I can see why. Definitely give it a go if you are in the area!
(4)Valerie C.
Most authentic Japanese restaurant in town. Lots of dishes I've never seen on a menu before! I always come here when I have a craving for Japanese food. The inside is clean and the service is fast and friendly. The servers even remember our names and always make us feel at home. The quality of the seafood is fantastic. Avoid the mainstream sushi hibachi places and go to Tomo to get a real taste of Japanese food that isn't altered for the American palette. They even had okonomiyaki, something I've only seen on the internet until now- and it was delicious. I really want to go back and order one of their hot pots, the table next to us was cooking their meat on the table and all the ingredients looked so vibrant and fresh. The ramen is homemade. I could go on forever. Also try the vampire roll- toasted garlic really added to the sushi something that I can barely describe. We've even been brought a round of free sake. I hope this place sticks around for a long time, I'm getting hungry just writing this review.
(5)Brett B.
Must try! If you care to take on more authentic Japanese dishes this is where to go. Traditional Japanese sushi and dishes from the kitchen are offered here. There are Japanese chefs that know how to use higher end ingredients/how to buy fish where to buy fish/and take the time to prepare tasteful food. This place can offer a much different experience than the commoditized sushi you can find throughout Jacksonville. Please be open minded and ask for something different! I had the Tuna Crisp and monkfish liver for apps and amazing chefs choice sashimi. Please try because this is the type of restaurant that could help raise the bar for its peers...great owners too!
(5)Tracey G.
This is the absolute best Japanese dining experience you will find in Jacksonville! This is also the only place where you will find real, authentic ramen (shoyu and tonkotsu) within 100 miles of town. Our family ordered a ton of sushi - all incredibly delicious and well-prepped, in addition to gyoza, croquettes and tuna crisps for appetizers. Our main courses included tonkotsu ramen, a chicken katsu bento box, and yakisoba noodles. For dessert, we had red bean (azuki) ice cream which is out of this world. The staff here is extremely attentive and nice, and the atmosphere is unquestionably Japanese. As soon as you walk in you'll notice the upbeat J-pop music and origami decor hanging by the dining area. We did not formally meet the chef but we did see him shuffling around between the sushi bar and the kitchen. This place really deserves more recognition. Tomo's traditional menu stands out from the rest - in a town filled with cookie-cutter "asian fusion" restaurants and buffets, they have a very honest and respectable approach to their food.
(5)Isis Z.
Most amazing sushi in Northern Florida. Authentic. Delicious. Rolls: OMG, Sunshine,Jaguar. Captain crunch, Mount Tomo!!!!!
(5)Teresa H.
I absolutely love Tomo. My husband I went to Tokyo a few years ago and we have been searching for authentic Japanese food here in Jax. Well, we have to search no longer!! The ramen , yes TRUE ramen is delicious. And did someone say Katsu?! Katsu fried oysters, mouth watering... And for those in the know, order Sukiyaki 2 days in advance and prepare yourself for the most mouth watering dining experience ever. Cook your own beef, veggies, noodles in a savory broth at your own table. And don't forget to dip that meat in the raw egg, tasty . You will not leave hungry!! And if there is a Japanese dish you desire and it's not on the menu, just ask the chef. The staff is more than happy to accommodate. I can not say enough about Tomos.
(5)Sarah A.
The food was good I guess... But we had to wait TWO hours for it. We had three different waitresses and everyone was running around like they didn't have enough people staffed that night. I've been a waitress before and it really wasn't THAT busy to wait 30 minutes to be asked what we wanted to drink. Furthermore... They didn't even bring the food out at one time. They brought it out as it was ready.. So about 20 minutes apart for each roll. It was ridiculous. I only gave this place two stars for the environment and the food tasted ok. But I wouldn't go there again.
(2)Austin M.
Went here with a group of friends for sushi and sake, and was thoroughly impressed. Ingredients were very fresh, and the service was very good despite us getting a little rowdy. The traditional Japanese menu was also fantastic. Highly recommend going to Tomo. Will be back again for sure!
(4)Jerry T.
I'm a huge fan of Tomo. These guys haven't let me down yet, and everything I've tried has been delicious. The soups are awesome. The Tonkotsu Ramen is a creamy pork base, and comes complete with chashu (pork), kamaboko (fish bologna?), dried seaweed, bamboo shoots and springy ramen noodles. It's not the best ramen I've had, but it is the best I've had in Jax. They also have Shoyu Ramen, which is similarly outfitted, but they use a beef stock/soy based broth which is saltier and less flavorful. I prefer the tonkotsu. The last soup I tried was the Buckwheat Tempura Soba. The broth is like a milder version on the Shoya. It's a light soy broth with hearty buckwheat soba noodles, topped with tempura vegetables and shrimp. I tried the Tempura Don last time I went, which is a simple bowl of rice topped with a variety of tempura fried vegetables and shrimp. I'm sure the chef cringed when he saw my order, because I asked for fried rice instead of white. It was actually really good for an extra 2 bucks. Appetizers I've tried are the edamame, gyoza (pork dumplings), clear soup and the tempura. They were all exactly what I expected them to be. No real surprises here. They have a happy hour every day until 7 I believe, where you can do $3 drafts (including Kirin and Sapporo!) and select $3 sushi rolls. They put the rolls that are on sale up on a chalkboard. I've had the philly salmon and philly krab rolls on special, as well as a few rolls during normal hours. I've liked the sushi, but sushi places are a dime a dozen in Jax. I'd try something new. The bar has a nice selection. The house cocktails are names after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for some reason. My favorite is the Michelangelo, which is a orange liqueur/peach schnapps drink. It's girly but it's good. The servers are an absolute delight. They are fun, helpful and don't bat an eye at our shenanigans. Come order a Michelangelo, Tempura and Tonkotsu Ramen and thank me later.
(5)Imraan S.
The food here is very tasty. I had a Shoyu Ramen with chicken & garlic oil. It was cooked properly, great flavor. Our waitresses name was Asia, she was super good! Took care of our every need in light of being slammed. The sushi is fresh, very tasty. The tempora is lovely as well. We shall return!
(5)Nunya B.
Phenomenal food and service. We showed up right before they were closing and they still sat us and gave us the best service. The owner even came out and cooked our food! It was incredibly delicious as well! I highly recommend it!
(5)Danny M.
Absolutely fantastic! Cool vibe and great service. I'm in JAX Beach on business and couldn't help but notice the number of locals in here eating and greeting; always a good sign. I had the Captain Crunch roll, which was out of this world. Followed with chicken and shrimp grill, which came with fresh roasted veggies and fried rice. Shrimp was fresh and delicate and came with homemade dipping sauce. Chicken was delicious grilled white meat that was accompanied by a house made ginger sauce. Speaking of ginger, the homemade ginger salad dressing that came on the house salad was the best I've ever had which is saying a lot since I always enjoy this in Japanese restaurants. I'm coming back here on biz again so and will be back at Tomo for sure!
(5)Ryan C.
I just wrapped up an enjoyable experience at a gem of a Japanese joint. Tomo is not your average Japanese steakhouse. These guys are very unique. From the greeting, the aesthetics, and the FOOD, it's clear they're passionate about what they do. The staff was extremely friendly, welcoming, and knowledgable. The karage appetizer was delicious. (White fish thighs - lol.) The ramen was a very tasty slurp-fest. Great flavor and quality ingredients. And then the sushi: the OMG roll? Name says it all. The Tomo Bomb was very unique and excellent. I also loved the Ten Spice roll. Almost forgot: don't miss out on the Japanese whisky/scotch! The only down side? They're not closer to home!
(5)Sara C.
Pretty damn good...pretty damn expensive! I ordered some late lunch for pickup. I got my normal - Salmon sashimi and a spicy scallop handroll, and I also tried the OMG roll. So I guess I didn't know what I was ordering here at tomo but the salmon sashimi was 9 pieces and they were HUGE. No wonder it was $17.50! The scallop in the handroll seemed fake, as it was large, square, and rubbery - not the best at all. I will not order another here. Now the OMG roll came recommended. It was salmon, avocado, cream cheese, topped with bbq eel. There was mayo and crunchies on top. Overall a yummy roll...but do yourself a favor and skip the mayo as it was way too saturated and took away from the fish. I also asked for brown rice instead of white and was told that can't be done. Overall the sushi was good but not quite for $40 for 3 items for lunch. Next time I definitely request a total when I call!
(4)Carlyne M.
Updating my review. I can no longer rave about Tomo and tell everyone to come here, as this place is hit or miss...and it's been a miss and disappointment these past couple of times. One of these misses was when I came with a friend on a Sunday. I called ahead to see if they could make the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. The girl who picked up said that they didn't make those anymore. Disappointed, I headed over there anyway since I had already made plans with my friend to meet her up. When we got there, I inquired about the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki and told our server that we were disappointed that Tomo didn't make it anymore. The server said they still make it, but it would be best to call ahead. She seemed to know who gave me the wrong information and seemed to be irritated at that person. (My guess is that this person has a track record of telling customers the wrong things.) She said she'd check with the kitchen to see if they could do it, as I told her we were willing to wait. She came back and said that the chef had just gone on break so it couldn't be done. Bummer. The food that we ordered that day was okay, and we equated it with the chef being on break and his sous chef(s) covering for him. This current incident is the one that irritates me the most. . .my husband had called yesterday to ensure that they could make the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki today since there were plans to come here for a birthday dinner. They said yes. He called back an hour ago to double check again, and this time they said no, they were out of the ingredients to make the Hiroshima style. He called back to speak to a manager and has yet to hear back. We decided to cancel coming to Tomo for the birthday dinner and are going elsewhere. I'm lowering my rating to 3 stars now, as I feel that they're just another average, inconsistent restaurant where the food may or may not be available and can be awesome, okay, or meh.
(3)Eleanor C.
We've flown across the country for ramen, so hey! Why not drive 45 minutes, right? What a gem of a place, right by the beach no less! The staff - super friendly and knowledgable about the offerings. The food - HIT THE SPOT IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES!! They did not dissapoint. The braised pork belly ramen - OMG! Rich, savory, sinfully delicious! Tonkatsu Ramen - just right, not too salty. We also ordered agedashi tofu, and our children are hooked!! The rainbow roll was fresh as fresh can get, but pricey in comparison to other nearby sushi restaurants. All-in-all, two thumbs up!!
(5)Chris O.
Tomo is a full-range Japanese restaurant not far from the beach. We're talking sushi, to ramen, to hot pot, to Teppanyaki. They've got that Florida influence: playing a preseason football game, a full bar, and a diverse staff. This place is playing instrumental covers of Cold Play as its choice in background music. But most importantly, Tomor is accommodating to vegetarians. None of the ramen on the menu is vegetarian, though more dishes are said to be coming soon. However, the server helping was totally willing to put together a shoyu ramen with extra veggies, tofu, and an egg for me. I also ordered the Go Green roll, one of the few veggie roll options. I'd avoid the roll if I were to come back. It's just very plain. The ramen was good. Each veggie had a different texture, and the noodles were cooked just right. The hardboiled eggs were a nice addition. It was pretty salty though. Overall, it was decent place to grab food by myself in Jacksonville. I'd come back if I were craving ramen like I was today.
(3)Matt M.
Okay, this may have the best service in town. Our group of five was greeted warmly for a birthday dinner and we just happened to hit $3 happy hour rolls. Needless to say, my kids love sushi, so since I normally ration their sushi they hoped Happy Hour prices would open by wallet. They were correct but for the wrong reasons - my mother was buying me dinner for my birthday and she loves to spoil them. So on their list were multiple Krabstick rolls, California rolls, a Captain Crunch roll and a Shrimp Tempura rolls. They proclaimed all were delicious however the Captain Crunch was simply sublime. I have never had a roll like it in my restaurant adventures and it was really good. We also sampled more than just sushi with plates of Teriyaki Don (good), Shrimp Udon (outstanding) and Pork Ramen (another outstanding). The menu is so vast, I have already planned by return trip to try the Ramen Burger, Sukiyaki and more of the ramen dishes. Service could not have been better, as they have this way of making you feel like their most valued customer. We really enjoyed our dinner and look forward to our return.
(5)Antoinette O.
We took a trip to Jacksonville to see the beach and try some new food. I'd read on Yelp that this place was amazing and they also offer great ramen so my hubby and I decided to give them a try. My husband stated that his sushi didn't taste fresh. My shrimp tempura appetizer took a while to come out. The ramen was okay - not the worst I've ever had (see my review of Crane Ramen) but not the best. I was bummed that they didn't have any garlic paste. Service was okay; I think they were running low on supplies that day, so a lot of menu items weren't available. This also caused a slow down in the kitchen, which made our food take a while even though it wasn't busy. I won't be back because it's far from my home and I wasn't impressed by the food.
(2)Austin F.
This place is confusing to say the least. When you're seated they give you four, count 'em, FOUR menus. One has sushi, one has traditional japanese, one has ramen and other stuff, then the drink menu. Craziness. That sends a message to the consumer immediately that the kitchen is overextended and that everything will probably be average at best. Ding! We've got a winner. Karaage? Embarrassing. This is supposed to be coated in rice flour- it's supposed to be light, juicy and packed with gingery, soy umami. This had none of that. Thick batter and waaaay overfried. Not flavorful either. Roasted fish cheeks? Fishy, overcooked, and uneven seasoning,. Sashimi? Laughably huge cuts that destroyed any ideas of delicatness, also- completely overpriced. Sushi? Ok- but again, very expensive and altogether clumsy. Not the freshest fish either. Not a cut above other sushi places quality-wise, but at a premium price-tag. Not cool. Ramen? Ok- but again- muddled flavors. Pork was tender, but the noodles were over and I doubt handmade. C'mon guys. The owners of this place don't know what this place wants to be it seems. There are bizarre pamphlets at the entrance celebrating themselves- cheaply printed and ON SALE FOR $4~!!! Very very strange. Self- aggrandizing is so 2014 guys. Shrink the menu, tighten the execution and the people will come. I bet the financials of this place look grave.
(2)Tina J.
Went here for my birthday the food was good though the night we went they were understaffed so service was slow. I would definitely go again.
(4)Brandon B.
I went here when they first opened. It was amazing. A friend and I sampled many of the sushi, apps and grilled options. Don't worry about sitting at one of the teppanyaki tables. Go for the apps and sushi. It was amazing. The grilled fish collar was amazing. The mushroom paradise was fantastic. Get the uni shooter.
(5)Kathy C.
Yes, I am a Fan of Tomo Japanese Restaurant. We've been there about 3 times now and each time, we were pretty happy with our dining experience. The fact that Tomo is pretty unique to Jacksonville on various types of dishes they serve, makes it an exciting place to visit for me. There are three 'sections' of restaurant - Hibachi grill, sushi, and regular dining. Each time, we sat at the 'regular dining' section because we like to order from various menus. My husband and I are most excited about their ramen and small plates (robata grill, etc). So between the multiple visits, we have tried tonkotsu ramen, bacon wrapped scallops, chicken and oyster karaage, pork belly, and captain crunch roll. I probably forgot some other dishes, but these dishes stood out for me. Now, to be honest, it's not the best ramen, or karaage, or pork belly I've ever had, but certainly very tasty and again, very exciting to have it in Jacksonville. As for their service, I really have to say each time, we were well taken care of. Their service is prompt and friendly. So I hope Tomo do well and hopefully will expand their menu on these small plates / izakaya dishes (hint hint grilled squid maybe?)
(4)Brian A.
I can't believe I've neglected to review this place for so long! I feel like I've been here way more than I've checked in. First and foremost, it's one of the only places to get authentic ramen in Jacksonville. And it's absolutely killer. Almost to the point where it's hard to order something else besides it! I'm lucky enough to have Tomo two blocks behind my house so I get to come here frequently. That being said, I haven't even scathed the surface of the menu. Along with the traditional Japanese menu, they have a full sushi menu, and a full hibachi menu. On top of that they have daily specials, which are usually what I get. If you ever go in and see the pork ribs on special, GET THEM! They're absolutely delicious. If you find yourself out at jax beach past 10 PM and don't want to settle for taco bell, swing by Tomo. If memory serves, Thursday through Saturday they're open past midnight serving the full menu plus late night food and drink specials.
(5)Stephanie A.
I really have a lot of good things to say about the whole experience at Tomo. I believe we had a new waitress and she was really trying very hard to please. The manager was extreme accommodating and he made service over the top! They have amazing sukiyaki and normally you have to call ahead and gave it prepared before you arrive but since we arrived early and the big dinner rush had not arrived yet so they made us up a beautiful sukiyaki presentation! My son had the ramen soup and loved every sip. Our sushi was all very good. I watched the people at the hot tables and they all looked like they were having a great time. There is a nice selection of dishes to suit pretty much everyone. I'm happy to go back real soon!!
(5)Daisy D.
Tomo popped up on the radar a little bit ago when I was curious to see if Jax had a good ramen place. I haven't tried the ramen yet, but I will be back soon to do so. We were hungry for dinner, but didn't want to cook. Yelp App to the rescue: found our place and were on our way. We were seated quickly and started to peruse the menu. I knew I wanted sushi, but we ordered some Gyoza to start while we decided on what to eat. The dumplings arrived shortly and had a nice char on them. They were delicious and lived up to our expectations. Reminded us of the gyoza we had in So Cal. Then I learned a lesson: semi-private booths are nice when your husband decides to drink from the ponzu dish. Our entrees arrived and I was excited to dig in to my sushi. I ordered the spicy tuna and added avocado and the Captain Crunch roll. The spicy tuna was spicier than others I've had in the area, but I definitely wasn't complaining. The added avocado helped balance out the heat. The CC roll was full of flavor and definitely was a nice change to the typical fried rolls. This one was Katsu fried which added a nice layer of texture. Tomo has earned another fan of this fam.
(4)Kayla D.
The pork belly ramen was delicious, so was the philly roll. It's a quiet and quaint restaurant. It took a while for us to get our food and our waitress charged us for an appetizer we didn't order. She also barely checked up on us for refills and such. But other than that, it's a great place! We'll be going back.
(3)Al L.
The first thing I start to judge in a Japanese restaurant is with the green tea they serve. The green tea they served was very good, I was definitely not disappointed and I had several cups. I ordered their rainbow roll and their tempura udon. As my usual habit, I requested that they not place my tempura in the udon soup, and they did as I requested. Sorry, I just love my tempura to stay crispy. The fish in their rainbow was of prime quality with a lot of flavor. Every bite of the slices of fish in the rainbow roll exploded with flavor. The yellow tail in particular was exceptionally good. The broth in their udon soup was very flavorful, and their udon had the great traditional texture I just love. I travel a lot and there are just too many mediocre to bad Japanese restaurants out there; and what's bad is that eating in Japanese restaurants is not cheap. I would definitely go back to this restaurant when I'm in the Jacksonville area again, and I would definitely recommend that you try this place. Sincerely... The Traveling CajunManila
(5)Abegail S.
The food is awesome. I've been craving Japanese ramen for a minute and I live 5 mins away which is so convenient. Their sushi rolls are the bomb. I had pork ramen soup and it taste like the same soup I had when I was in Japan same as yaki soba. The environment is so clean. and the server (April) is very attentive. Thumbs up. Definitely coming back soon. Highly recommended
(5)Caitlyn F.
We went a little crazy when we got to Tomo's the other night. Tucked away in a strip center along Penman Road, this destination-worthy Japanese spot has been on our list to visit for quite some time and we finally made a point to drive out and try it. The decor channels a traditional sushi house with a touch of modern details, and the servers were quick and welcoming. We were overwhelmed with the menu chock-full of delicious-sounding entrees and sushi rolls - not to mention we are notorious for sticking with our go-to choices and wanted a change - so we let our server guide us with some of her favorites. Place settings and drinks are brought to the table with tiny bowls of edamame, perfect for holding you over until your first dishes arrive. We started with the gyoza and two rolls; the fiery but flavorful Red Dragon and the sweet and crunchy Captain Crunch. Both tasted remarkably fresh and were large portions. For our main entrees we each ordered the rice bowl Katsu; one pork and one chicken. Each starts with a heaping base of sticky rice, topped with chunks of piping hot meat, onion, fried egg and bits of what looked like seaweed all cooked in a soy broth. It was a total comfort meal and hit the spot, plus left us with plenty of leftovers since we really could have just split one. Don't miss the daily happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. where you can try some of the fun house cocktails named for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or some of the Japanese (and local!) beers on draft. You'll be plotting your next trip by the time the check arrives.
(5)Debbie N.
The service is awesome! Family owned , everyone there treats you like family. Sushi is awesome! Hot pots are incredible!
(5)Debbi C.
Well, this has to be my new favorite. We had the grill and I ordered steak and chicken to be safe. I worried because the soup was cold and not very tasty and definitely not clear but the salad redeemed it. I had ginger dressing- it was great and Angel tried the wasabi ranch and wasn't disappointed. The veggies were cooked to perfection, the rice was great, the steak perfectly cooked and seasoned and the chicken was yummy. The noodles were a great way to wrap it up. I didn't finish half of my meal because it was filling but I wanted to eat it all. Al, our chef, was funny but was very nice and informative. I liked the way the chefs didn't just do the cheesy one liner jokes and cook. Rather, they engaged us in conversation and even had us talking to other tables and the other chef. Looking forward to our next visit to try the ramen. Yummy! That's the word I keep saying.
(4)Yo S.
Calamari was good. But other food was a bit disappointment. I'm Japanese (born and raised) so I'm a bit picky when it comes to it. There are several easy improvements they can make. However if people are happy with way they are, I think that's what matters :)
(3)Henry H.
This restaurant has a Japanese authentic menu. I just ordered items off of that menu. The okanomiayaki was good. This is one of the only places I know of that sells this. The calamari was different. It wasn't too chewy. I didn't care too much for the Nibitashi since it was more breaded type of fish. I do want to try other things on the menu to see what else I would like. The best thing I like was the Hamachi Kama which is a fresh broiled yellow tail cheek. The Kakuni was a pork belly. It has to be my 2nd favorite one I've ate in my life. The Negimaki is green onions that are wrapped with New York strip steak which is really good. I like the rich flavor.
(4)Stephanie P.
Absolutely delicious. The service is top notch. Michayla and Levi are the best as well as the rest of the staff. Awesome music. The grill is unbelievably filling and tasty. I can't wait to go back. This was our first time there. A diamond in the the rough.
(5)Richard P.
We (wife and I) tried Tomo twice so far and generally had pretty good experience. The restaurant is divided into three sections, a habachi grill section, sushi section, and regular dining. Both times, we opted to sit in the general dining area, ordering izakaya type food, ramen, and some sushi. We went mainly for the izakaya type food which we both love and wish there are more options in Jacksonville. Tomo has some dishes, chicken and oyster karaage, robata grill type dishes like bacon wrapped scallop or meat skewers, etc. They also have tonkotsu ramen along with other udon noodle soup. Not to mention sushi and habichi grill. So my excitement of having an izakaya type joint in Jacksonville (which makes this place a 4 star) is with some worries. I feel they are doing too much and have too much on their menu. It can be a bit daunting and confusing for someone new to Japanese cuisine, not sure what menu to try. Personally, I wish they would 'beef' up the side of menu unique to Jacksonville (i.e. small plates, robata grills, etc) and refine some of the existing dishes. For example, the first time we had their chicken karaage, it was a bit bland and slightly soggy. Certainly not so bad that we would return it, but instead, we asked for chili pepper powder to sprinkle on it. The second time we went, and per our friend's request, ordered it again. And this time, it was stellar. If we had ordered based on previous experience, we would have missed out on this great dish. Having said that, it's still exciting to have Tomo in Jacksonville. So much potential, and I hope they do well.
(4)Jay M.
The following review was published under my byline in the Florida Times-Union on Thursday, August 7, 2014. This is an original, unabridged version of that review. Fans of Jacksonville Beach's former Chizu Japanese Steakhouse, which closed in 2011, can still find Asian flavors in the same spot under different ownership as Tomo Japanese Restaurant. The Penman Road establishment, which marks two years in business this month, prides itself on fresh, authentic and traditional Japanese fare from its sushi bar, teppanyaki tables and standard dining room. On the menu you'll find a plethora of appetizers, noodle and rice bowls, bento boxes, curries, and sushi, sashimi and nigiri. Along with standard meats at the teppanyaki tables, you can ask for more exotic proteins such as squid, filet mignon, duck breast and lobster. Diving into our orderly menu dissection, we started with the Gyoza ($5.50), otherwise known as pan-fried pork dumplings, an Asian appetizer staple. The half-moon dough pockets were plump but singed a little too much on one side for my liking, producing a slightly burnt taste. We had much better luck with the Croquette ($5), a mashup of potatoes, ground beef and scallions panko-breaded and lightly fried into orderly patties and drizzled with tonkatsu sauce, a dark, sweet and salty fruit- and vegetable-based creation. In checking out the sushi offerings, we ordered another standard, the Philly Classic Roll with Smoked Salmon ($6.50). The six cream cheese, avocado and salmon rolls were melt-in-your-mouth creamy and easy to live with. My dining partner chose the Vegetable Tempura Bento Box ($12), which came with soup, salad, steamed or fried ($2 extra) rice and "chef's choice" sides. While the entrée used more authentic vegetables, including Japanese squash, the flavor and presentation did the job but weren't memorable. Entree-wise, I opted for the Tonkatsu Curry ($11.50), a mountainous portion of what the menu describes as "Japanese comfort food." To this diner, that's a spot-on description. The mild curry gravy was chock-full of carrots, onions and potatoes against a stack of panko-fried pork loin and steamed rice. It was hearty, enjoyable and, as advertised, filling. Dessert options are at the chef's daily discretion. On our visit these included two varieties of ice cream and Miso Cheesecake ($5). We ordered the latter, a pleasant portion suitable for one, or two light eaters. It was plenty tart with a cascade of caramel sauce and an unmistakable hint of saltiness that set this slice apart, in a good way. While we didn't try out the teppanyaki table menu, families will find children's entrees here with chicken, shrimp and filet mignon on the grill. Tomo sports a full bar with nightly 2-for-1 happy hour specials on draft beer, house wine, well liquors and specialty cocktails, along with Friday ladies night specials. It also pours nine sake varietals, available by the carafe or bottle. On Friday and Saturday nights from 10 to 2, the main dining room transforms into Club Izakaya, complete with a DJ and dance music. Aesthetically I imagine Tomo more as a nightclub anyway thanks to its dark interior. Think comfortable and casual, not upscale. Overall we found service to be friendly and accommodating. Despite a couple of quality hiccups on our visit, including the Gyoza matter and a watered-down cocktail, lovers of authentic Japanese tastes may find Tomo's menu novelty and variety outshine them. They, and most diners, should find it a worthy dine across the ditch. Tomo Japanese Restaurant 1253 Penman Road, Jacksonville Beach (904) 372-4369 TomoJapaneseJacksonville… Type of cuisine: Japanese (kitchen, teppanyaki and sushi bar) Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10:30 p.m. (Club Izakaya, open Fridays and Saturdays 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.) Credit cards: All major accepted Bar service: Full bar Catering: Yes Children's menu: Yes (at teppanyaki tables) Reservations: Yes Price range: Appetizers, $5-10; dining room entrees/bowls, $8-13; teppanyaki entrees, $15-33; sushi rolls, $3.50-13
(3)Phuong N.
Jacksonville is in desperate need of an authentic Ramen restaurant. Like for real!!! If you've been to NY or Cali, you know that this place can't even compare. Even though the presentation did look legit... but no. The broth were bland and the noodles... Yeah I can cook that at home. Sushi were not good either, I was really disappointed :( if you're in Jax and craving for ramen..... Yeah, I don't know where to go either so I couldn't tell you.
(3)Caron S.
Excellent Japanese spot on Penman, tucked away off the main drag of Beach Boulevard. Fresh sushi (and easy-to-read/understand sushi menu - kudos!), great assortment of noodle dishes and soups, and comfy atmosphere. The tonkotsu ramen (creamy pork broth -- not shoyu) was some of the best I'd experienced and certainly the best bowl I've had in Jacksonville. It was huge and extremely flavorful and complete with all the requisite accoutrements. Our agedashi tofu with bonito flakes was a perfect starter, and great for sharing. The sushi (we had a Captain Crunch roll) was nicely sized and delicious. Add Tomo to your list. It's legit.
(4)Chelsea W.
Best tasting Japanese food restaurant with the best interactive chef experience. They go above and beyond to take care of their customers. I couldn't recommend a better Japanese style cuisine at the beach.
(5)Sandy G.
I had to give it a star but it doesn't deserve the one. This is by far the worst place to go if you're looking for hibachi. The chef has no clue how to execute the meals. He literally cooked one thing at a time and did it terribly. The vegetables were cooked last which makes no sense and they weren't even fresh. Everything was bland!!! The New York strip seemed more like a sirloin and was super tough. Also the portions were so small which is not what hibachi is known for. We were a party of 8 and all had empty plates between him cooking everything one thing at a time. The ventilation system was awful. The hoods were not sucking up the smoke but instead going right in my husband and I's face. The air conditioner seemed like it was broken and they had fans set up throughout the restaurant. Real classy!! The service also lacked. We had to ask for booster seats twice which still never came and I had to get them myself which she still never even realized. Drinks were forgotten and the food order wasn't right. We had to tell the chef what we really ordered. I honestly don't understand all the 4 and 5 stars this place is TERRIBLE. Its an old seafood restaurant that they probably had to spend a lot to convert if to Japanese and in my opinion it was a huge waste of money. The ambiance is so uninviting and dated and a modge podge of what seems to be used furniture and equipment. Don't waste your money!!!! I will never return!!
(1)Jordan L.
We were scared when we pulled into the parking lot, because they didn't even look like they were open. Luckily they were, because this food was awesome. They have three different areas to eat at: sushi bar, regular bar, and hibachi. We sat at the regular bar because it was closer to the Sapporo, and they had a TV there. The bartender was very polite, and we got our food in a timely manner. The sushi was amazing. I was upset that they were out of Uni, a type of sushi, but I elected to go with the Sweet Shrimp heads and a Futomaki roll. They were made to perfection. I also had the Katsu Don. This dish was fantastic. It reminded me of the meals I used to eat in the authentic restaurants in Atlanta. The ambiance is a good feeling as soon as you sit down here. It feels fancy, although you get the authentic food as well making it a great overall experience. Out of the many Japanese restaurants I have been to, this is definitely one of the best.
(5)Ava L.
Great customer service and wonderful food! The fine art of customer service is not dead... it actually exists, here. I walked in and was immediately greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. I was asked if I'd ever been there before. When I said no, I was introduced to the owners and the manager. They each shook my hand and introduced themselves, and struck up a conversation. After that, I was given 3 menus, a quick run down of all the specials, then my waitress explained all three. I was so impressed by the service here that I almost forgot to rant about how fresh and tasty my food was! I started out with the yakitori app which was cooked to perfection. Sometimes places like to overcook them and they become part of the wooden skewer. Then I had the cali roll and a Philly roll with salmon. Yummy! The salmon was fresh and gone within a couple of minutes. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone. I will definitely be back (when I can partake in their happy hour drink specials also awesome)!
(5)Mama C.
One of the best hibachi experiences ever. Brought my husband and son here for Father's Day. It's a small area if you want the hibachi tables. My husband was annoyed about the warm temperature of the place but the food made up for it. The cooks here, not Asian. That was a first. However, our cook was wonderful. He joked with my son the entire time and was very attentive. His butter and garlic addition to our steaks was AMAZING and simple. Hands down, the best NY Strip steak hibachi style. We were the last table, so he was a little unorganized but the other cook happily brought out the missing items. We were busy enjoying the curry fries so no complaints. This is our second visit, the first having been all about Ramen. We are very happy both times. Especially when we drive from the OP area. Six thumbs up.
(5)Leslie C.
Excellent service and reasonable prices. The tempura and mushroom tofu were good values. Local non-chain atmosphere is a major plus.
(5)Ape L.
The first time we went here we didn't like it. They gave us a free sushi app which was good but their ramen was lacking in the complexity & flavor required of a true ramen & we were disappointed. The soup broth was created for simple taste buds. I went back because I enjoyed their sushi and discovered that even though I am pregnant now I can still enjoy their cooked BBQ eel sushi, the volcano roll, which is delicious. Their ginger salad is homemade and I love that. Service is pretty good too.
(4)Mr. G.
Sashimi was good but pricey....the place definitely looks sketchy inside and out but the staff was actually very friendly and the food was good so what the heck....not the place to take anyone that you're trying to impress unless they consider tank tops and flip flops to be "nice clothes..."
(3)Marc M.
Fantastic sushi. Prompt and friendly service. Looks a little divey from the outside but a nice selection of Japanese beers on tap. Our new place in Jacksonville beaches
(5)Dr P.
Artful Japanese cuisine, beautiful presentation. The mushroom paradise is awesome, the teppanyaki is classic, GO and enjoy..... Fresh flavors and a terrific Japanese Steakhouse!
(4)Elaine C.
This is by far the most authentic Japanese restaurant in Jacksonville! They do have regular hibachi, but the rest of the menu is much more appealing! The ramen is very soothing and I absolutely love their Katsu curry! The prices are also cheaper than many of the fake Japanese restaurants in Jacksonville and have more quality ingredients. I suggest you try their ice creams too! That is made in house and the flavors change constantly.
(5)Anna H.
So we were on a fact finding mission tonight. I read someone's review this was the best Sushi ever!!!. Ever? First impression, another mediocre restaurant in a run down strip mall. Not a good start but open the door and look around. Not bad but not good. We were immideatly greeted and ask how we would like to dine. To late to escape now, we opted for a table. The space is quite large and divided nicely, one area for the Teppanyaki Tables sadly they were all empty, full bar, then off to the back the Sushi bar. This room was more encouraging. Tables and Sushi bar seating. This room was well occupied and there were 4 guests at the Sushi bar. Knowing what I was going to eat I strolled over to look at the offerings. Well stocked selection of fish looked very appealing to the eye. Area was clean and well maintained. A great sign. So our choices are in the Raw Roll category; Vampire Slayer @ 11$. Nice combo of fried asparagus, avacado, spicy tuna with fish eggs and fried garlic on top with eel sauce. This had a nice crunch on first bite. Avacado had the perfect firmness. Spicy tuna was not as spicy as I like but that's what the Wasabi is for. Next up 10 Spice @ 11$, 7spiced tuna, jalapeno with spicy tuna & krab with Wasabi sauce. Now this was just what I wanted. Spicy, firm well rolled cut into nice bite sized servings. Fashion Roll @ 7$ may have been the nicest presentation. Tuna, avocado, cucumber lettuce and mayo. Simple but elegant mild tasting, fresh broad leaf lettuce brought the beauty to this roll. Now on to the Non Raw Rolls; Jaguar Roll @ 8$, bbq eel, avacado, cream cheese, fish egg crunch on top with eel sauce. I don't believe authentic sushi contains cream cheese, so no comment on this roll. Last up Mango Tango @ 11$, shrimp tempura, avocado & spicy krab, mango, mango sauce and eel sauce. Now I also don't believe sushi is made with mangos but this roll was one hellofa treat. Sweet, crunchy just a hint of spice. Overall this place was a big win for us. The dinner menu is very ambitious and I could easily be persuaded into a return visit to test out the Noodles: Ramen, Yakisoba, Yaki Udon, Oyako Don...it's like noodle heaven.
(4)Pamela D.
This place is a hidden gem where you'll find tasty food, a great selection of drinks and very friendly staff. The prices are extremely fair considering the portion sizes. They have awesome late night specials; there is a Japanese brisket (that's not a brisket) and it's sooooooo delicious. This is the only place I know in Jax that carries sparkling sake; don't knock it until you try it! On weekend nights they have a DJ and it's not packed with people, which you can take in two ways. I like to see this place as one you can go to late night to escape the crowded nonsense of the beach bars. Come with a group of good friends to eat, drink and dance the night away without having to worry about a cover, a place to sit, people spilling their drink all over you..etc OH and I almost forgot another awesome part: Afterhours on weekends, they convert the hibachi grill tables into beer pong tables! The manager is a hardworking and fun guy who works with his staff to keep customers full and happy. Check it out, it's worth it!
(5)Terry N.
There are 3 things that make a great restaurant, food, people and atmosphere. This place has all three. Levy and his lovely wife have done a great job here. The food is very well prepared and the friendly staff is awesome! If you like sukiyaki this is the place for you, but order in advance for the freshest ingredients!! Thank you guys!!
(5)Joseph L.
Service was pretty good. But got the order very very wrong. I had two orders of tonkatsu ramen. What came out was the shoyu ramen instead. I was pretty sure it was wrong so I looked at other peoples pictures on yelp and googled images of what tonkatsu broth should look like. And I was right. They gave me the wrong thing for both orders. Instead of a creamy white broth, it was the brown soy sauce based broth. Onto the actual food. I eat ramen pretty often. At least a few times a month so I know about what it should taste like (at least in the US, not Japan) but this ramen was too salty. Instead of having some complex flavors, it was just salt. Overwhelmingly salty. I also got a shrimp tempura roll and it was sad. For $6, I expect more than a shrimp and avocado in the roll. I mean, I live in seattle so maybe it's different, but I can get a better roll at a low end sushi belt at a lower price than what this place gave. Maybe if I had gotten the correct ramen that I had actually ordered I would've given 3 stars, but that's pretty much the max they would get based on the price for portion size and quality of the ingredients.
(2)Kelly H.
The is a off the path gem!! Authentic Japanese style menu options and amazing sushi combos...I had a roll topped with fried crawfish and drizzled with a sweet sriacha which was to die for and the tempura soba bowl (first time) and I would definetly order both again. We can't wait to go back and try new options!! A little pricy but worth it!
(5)G Race B.
Great Find! Tucked away off Penman Rd! Only place in Jax I know of where Ramen is served!! We were looking for a quick bite and tried this place-- didn't realize they were open until 2am! A Japanese restaurant open till late hours in Duval is close to non-existent! I'm so thrilled about this! Loved the place. Food was tasty and staff/servers were on point! I just love a place where the servers really take care of you! Didn't have to ask for a drink refill once! Rey just kept it coming! Checked on how we were doing throughout our time there! Looks like it's frequented by mostly regulars, I can see why. Definitely give it a go if you are in the area!
(4)Valerie C.
Most authentic Japanese restaurant in town. Lots of dishes I've never seen on a menu before! I always come here when I have a craving for Japanese food. The inside is clean and the service is fast and friendly. The servers even remember our names and always make us feel at home. The quality of the seafood is fantastic. Avoid the mainstream sushi hibachi places and go to Tomo to get a real taste of Japanese food that isn't altered for the American palette. They even had okonomiyaki, something I've only seen on the internet until now- and it was delicious. I really want to go back and order one of their hot pots, the table next to us was cooking their meat on the table and all the ingredients looked so vibrant and fresh. The ramen is homemade. I could go on forever. Also try the vampire roll- toasted garlic really added to the sushi something that I can barely describe. We've even been brought a round of free sake. I hope this place sticks around for a long time, I'm getting hungry just writing this review.
(5)Brett B.
Must try! If you care to take on more authentic Japanese dishes this is where to go. Traditional Japanese sushi and dishes from the kitchen are offered here. There are Japanese chefs that know how to use higher end ingredients/how to buy fish where to buy fish/and take the time to prepare tasteful food. This place can offer a much different experience than the commoditized sushi you can find throughout Jacksonville. Please be open minded and ask for something different! I had the Tuna Crisp and monkfish liver for apps and amazing chefs choice sashimi. Please try because this is the type of restaurant that could help raise the bar for its peers...great owners too!
(5)Barbara B.
Fabulous food, arrived early for the"demonstration ", they opened the table up early for us! Fabulous food, very tasty! Al did a great job with the demonstration, funny! Ume, our waitress was friendly and a knowledgeable! It Ahmad to be a hidden gem! We would definitely come back, would love to share it with friends and family! Thanks from the New York crowd !
(5)Callie P.
Close to where I live and good! I would recommend it! A little pricey but aren't all Japanese steakhouses?
(4)Elizabeth B.
I had been here several times for drinks and for the first time last weekend, I had dinner. I was fascinated by the smoked white fish sushi that comes out underneath a wine glass to keep in the flavor followed by sake. Couldn't decide on the main dish, so asked the server to pick. Came out with an OMG roll which the name says it all! Just went for dinner again last night...might be a new weekly tradition!
(5)Mark B.
Ok I have to go back but....I have been making excuses to go here because for the last year I just cant get enough Asian noodles. True Ramen Noodles is what I crave and true ramen is what they have. After eating their ramen it is not what I imaged. This is the only place in town that has true ramen. Then I guess the regular noodles is what I like. The noodles here on this occasion were a little hard. I know al dente but theses just were cooked right. The dish as a whole was good with all the fixings inside were really good and added a nice contrast of textures. The bacon had flavor and the seaweed and the egg hit all the right notes. Maybe I had too high of expectation of true ramen. This one just let me down. The other parts of the meal were really good. The sushi was nicely done. We both loved the Jacksonville roll the best. It had so many parts to it like the crawfish and scallions, avocado and a crunchy something that just made it all pop. The Spicy tuna was good just not what we are used to. The dynamite roll was really good and the shrimp sauce was a great accompaniment to all the rolls. The service was really good too. The girls (sisters) left us alone when we wanted and were there when we needed. I will return but I think I will quit trying make excuses.
(3)Melissa W.
Awesome Sushi (very meaty) great experience everytime we've been here. Best on Jax Beach hands down.
(5)Teresa H.
I absolutely love Tomo. My husband I went to Tokyo a few years ago and we have been searching for authentic Japanese food here in Jax. Well, we have to search no longer!! The ramen , yes TRUE ramen is delicious. And did someone say Katsu?! Katsu fried oysters, mouth watering... And for those in the know, order Sukiyaki 2 days in advance and prepare yourself for the most mouth watering dining experience ever. Cook your own beef, veggies, noodles in a savory broth at your own table. And don't forget to dip that meat in the raw egg, tasty . You will not leave hungry!! And if there is a Japanese dish you desire and it's not on the menu, just ask the chef. The staff is more than happy to accommodate. I can not say enough about Tomos.
(5)Sarah A.
The food was good I guess... But we had to wait TWO hours for it. We had three different waitresses and everyone was running around like they didn't have enough people staffed that night. I've been a waitress before and it really wasn't THAT busy to wait 30 minutes to be asked what we wanted to drink. Furthermore... They didn't even bring the food out at one time. They brought it out as it was ready.. So about 20 minutes apart for each roll. It was ridiculous. I only gave this place two stars for the environment and the food tasted ok. But I wouldn't go there again.
(2)Austin M.
Went here with a group of friends for sushi and sake, and was thoroughly impressed. Ingredients were very fresh, and the service was very good despite us getting a little rowdy. The traditional Japanese menu was also fantastic. Highly recommend going to Tomo. Will be back again for sure!
(4)Jenny H.
We went here with high expectations for good ramen. The tempanyaki chicken was undercooked or shall I say raw? My husband spit out both bites he tried because it was raw. I had to cover it with a napkin. The spicy tuna sushi was horrible. I actually spit it into my napkin. It tasted old, not fresh at all and horrible texture. The ramen was the safest bet but doesn't even come close to the ramen we've had in California. The broth was wrong, the noodles weren't cooked enough, still a bit too hard when served and I don't mean al Dente. The egg was cooked too long. The broth was miso and had no flavor. All wrong. Our waitress was nice but a manager never even came out for the raw chicken. Would NOT go back. Horrible. One of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. The rating should be zero stars.
(1)H M.
I'm sure that it'd been better on site . That being said it was freakin wonderful when I got home . I had the pork ramen as suggested by the friendly hostess and she was spot on . I also tried the Uni shooter that was offered by a regular , SPEC....freakin'.......TACULAR . I owe that young lady a shooter or two for the heads up . I will definitely hit this hidden gem up again . Next time I'll eat in and enjoy it fresh and hot .
(4)Tracey G.
This is the absolute best Japanese dining experience you will find in Jacksonville! This is also the only place where you will find real, authentic ramen (shoyu and tonkotsu) within 100 miles of town. Our family ordered a ton of sushi - all incredibly delicious and well-prepped, in addition to gyoza, croquettes and tuna crisps for appetizers. Our main courses included tonkotsu ramen, a chicken katsu bento box, and yakisoba noodles. For dessert, we had red bean (azuki) ice cream which is out of this world. The staff here is extremely attentive and nice, and the atmosphere is unquestionably Japanese. As soon as you walk in you'll notice the upbeat J-pop music and origami decor hanging by the dining area. We did not formally meet the chef but we did see him shuffling around between the sushi bar and the kitchen. This place really deserves more recognition. Tomo's traditional menu stands out from the rest - in a town filled with cookie-cutter "asian fusion" restaurants and buffets, they have a very honest and respectable approach to their food.
(5)Isis Z.
Most amazing sushi in Northern Florida. Authentic. Delicious. Rolls: OMG, Sunshine,Jaguar. Captain crunch, Mount Tomo!!!!!
(5)Patrick M.
Horrible table service. Waited 20 minutes for someone. Not that many people there. Menu is limited at table, no hibachi. You have to be at the grill. Can't comment on the food, got too hungry to wait any longer.
(1)Cris S.
Excellent service, nice ambiance &authentic (except for the large, American sized portions) japanese food. Sushi was fresh, tempura light & crispy, soba perfectly cooked. This may be the only Japanese restaurant in JAX with a Japanese owner. Try it! The have a sushi bar, teppan tables, a cocktail bar area & regular tables (actually very cool tables hand made by the owners) & a menu to suit everyone
(5)Jeff J.
Been here twice on BLOB recommendations. Hibachi both times, because we were entertaining visiting teenagers. Usually not a whole lot to distinguish one restaurants hibachi from another, but the first time we had a very good meal all around and no complaints. We ate there again Thursday, July 3rd. Food was still pretty good (same comment here as another review that the soup was cold), mixed reviews on the ginger dressing (I liked it) and no real complaints on the food. I had the shrimp and steak--the shrimp was awesome, big, fresh, tasty and grilled to perfection. The steak was so-so, cooked alright but lacked seasoning, which is unusual for hibachi steak. But our big disappointment for the evening was how very slow it was. It took 10 minutes for a waitress to show up, 10 minutes later for the drinks to arrive. There was one other table seated when our party of five showed up. After we had been seated about 40 minutes, the chef finally showed up--to prepare the first table's meal! About 15 minutes after we had been seated, a third table was seated. They also were wondering what was taking so long, and the chef hadn't even arrived at our table yet. An hour and five minutes after we had walked in (yes, by that time, we were watching the clock), our chef, who had been bar tendering, arrived (I guess the two guys alternated, the chef for the first table went behind the bar). Once he arrived, all was good and our evening ended up well. As we were walking out, the poor guys at the third table finally had their chef arrive (the first chef, who then came out from behind the bar). I'm guessing that that was a good hour and a half after they had come in. We'll go back, assuming that it was a one time glitch, but we'll see.
(3)Julia R.
Absolutely delicious food and amazing service. I would definitely recommend to any sushi lovers in Jacksonville area. The lollipop roll was my favorite and so different than anything I've ever tried before -- tuna, avocado, and crab rolled in a thin slice of cucumber. Yum! Would definitely come again.
(5)Ken Y.
An authentic Japanese restaurant with a sushi bar, tepanyaki, bar with tables and booths. Japanese owned and operated with dedicated sushi chef, keishiki chef (formal dining) and great kitchen and attentive wait staffs. Menu is diverse which offers traditional Japanese fare including grilled miso marinated black cod, sea bass, salmon, teriyaki beef and chicken, hamachi-kama (grilled yellowtail jaw), tempura, udon and soba. The sushi bar rolls, nigri and sashimi are always made from fresh ingrediants. And, if you're lucky, uni (sea urchin). The beer's cold and the saki's hot.
(5)Crispian G.
best freshes sushi in jacksonville. a true sushi lovers joint. it's in a random spot but you have to check it out if you LOVE sushi!
(5)Kristina D.
Food was great and the service was awesome. They really care about their customers and want to make sure you have a great dining experience. We ate at the grill and the portions were good size. The soup was different than I have had before and a little salty, but still had great flavor. The staff was very attentive and very gracious that we came in. We have found a new place for Japanese food. Hope it does well!!!
(5)Leriza P.
I pass this place all the time on Penman. Such a random location, but if you know where Cinnotti's Bakery and Terry's County Store are, you're right there! Want some good sushi in Atlantic Beach/Jax Beach area? Definitely a place to check out! Nice cozy place, welcoming owner and staff and the food is fancy good! ;9 Authentic Japanese treat! Starters were different, some seaweed stuff (I forget the names), they "look scary" BUT were quite tasty! A nice way to try something new. =) A good way to sample a little bit of everything, bring a friend and share! ;9 The menu was a little different from the "usual" Japanese restaurants you see around town, but the waitress - Jessica, was very helpful and suggested some great stuff! Thank you! For appetizers, we had the calamari. Don't be shocked, they're thick strips of calamari, not the normal "rings" you would expect to see (they looked like cheese sticks to me - hehe), but still yum! No "marinara" sauce needed. Then we had the Shoyu Ramen Noodle Bowl. Delicious and flavorsome! HUGE bowl, so you might want to share. So big we brought some home and it was "nephew approved!" Also tried the sushi rolls: Volcano Roll - Super spicy, but so good! With crawfish on top - that was different and delicious with a little bit of sweet. Shaggy Roll - shrimp tempura with spicy krab on top. OMGoooooodness! I think this one is my favorite! And the Rainbow Roll - I can't comment on this one, I didn't get a chance to try it. I was SO FULL! Everything was so fresh! But, that's my best friend's favorite roll anywhere she goes -- so ... since it disappeared fast, I'm assuming it was good, too! Haha. Happy Hour until 7pm -- the cocktails are Ninja Turtles! They were very tasty. =) The owner came by to talk to us. Very nice! I don't even want to attempt to spell his name, I don't want to butcher it, but he was very friendly and he said they've been open for about 7 months now. I'm hoping they do well. GREAT STUFF! I can't wait to go back and try more stuff! As always, I only give 4 stars until I return, to give it a definite 5. But, they pretty much rank up there! =) What are you waiting for? CHECK THEM OUT! Hehe.
(4)Cali D.
The sushi is the best in Jacksonville area. The sushi rice texture, taste and temperature was very good. I always have yellowtail sashimi, it was very fresh and the portion size was generous. The sushi chef is actually Japanese which is hard to find. I come from the San Francisco area and this is good sushi. The waiter was very busy but did provide attentive service. We plan on returning.
(4)Michael W.
Finally a tasteful and authentic Japanese restaurant with a great menu and delicious food. They have the best sushi I've ever tried. Not your standard cookie cutter sushi here. The hibachi chef was excellent also, and the flavored sake was awesome. This is definitely a place to call home about. It's tucked away off the main road, but wow what a treasure to find. I'll be back!
(5)Amanda M.
First time eating here was with my sister. I ordered shrimp tempura rolls and they were delicious. They came in fast as well. My sister ordered some ramen dish and didn't like it because it was fishy so we sent it back and the manager suggested the darker base. My sister told them not to put fish in it. When the order came out, they had put fish in it. They didn't even listen. So we sent it back. She tried it and still didn't like it. Mind you, the people that served us and had helped us out were very friendly. Then a different girl server walks by and we tell her that we didn't like this at all and we just didn't want to switch anything out, we just wanted to send it back. She got an attitude and told us there's nothing she can do. And she just kept repeating it after every thing I said. So I told her well that's not fair. We aren't gonna pay ten dollars for something she didn't even touch. She rolled her eyes and said let me ask my manager if she can take it off the check. She comes back and says her manager took it off. I said thanks I appreciate it. She was soo rude. Was being the nicest I can be just letting her know the honest truth and opinion and I have prior food/restaurant experience. No one says "there's nothing I can do" to anyone unless you just don't care about your job or the customers. Just quit. My sushi was really good though, so that's why I gave it three stars.
(3)Andrew L.
This place was great! It was my daughter's birthday, so we called ahead and they put up a sign, had birthday hats, and her meal was free. Good sushi and the cook was both fun, entertaining, and good natured with our unpredictable kids. The was great all around, I highly recommend the duck. While it took a while for the food to be served, the staff were more than friendly and accommodating for our young family. Thumbs up in my opinion.
(5)Jarrod C.
We had an excellent meal there Saturday. The wife's grilled duck breast was flavorful and succulent, served in perfect thin slices after first searing the outside. General level of Japanese authenticity higher than the local norms(for example they had negitoro balls in the sushi bar and a kaiseki meal available). Good portion sizes on both the teppan table meals and my chirashi sushi. Will happily return.
(4)Rachel T.
My husband and I have been going to Tomo now at least once a week for a year ever since moving into the area. We were so excited initially to have a good sushi place near. Food has always been decent to great, but the service has always been just O.K . The past several times we've been there, the service has been an absolute insult at best. Ignored for up to 20 minutes before even getting drinks or menus, drinks never coming and then when/if ever recognized asked " oh did you still want that?" Last time my entree ( which was a raw dish) came out nearly 45 minutes after my husbands, who ordered a stew. We have never complained or said one word to anyone. And never once has anyone even acknowledged the crappy service or situation. High maintenance we are not, and good food we love and have recommended this place to several of our friends in the area who are diners. Unfortunately, we tired out and will never recommend this place again. Ever. This place needs to get it together service wise.
(1)Stacy P.
I am not sure who the customers are putting the reviews on here but obviously they don't get out much. We made the mistake of going to Tomo because of the rave reviews and it was the worst experience we have every had. I reserved a table for 8 people for my mother in laws 70th birthday on New Years Eve thinking they would be so busy due to the amazing reviews. Turned out it was dead and the service was still horrible! We walked in and went to the bar to get a drink while waiting for our entire party to show. The bartender didn't even acknowledge that we were sitting there even though he only had 2 other people sitting at his bar. Once our party was there, they sat us but then it took forever to get a waitress to the table to get drink orders and then she didn't even get that right. She brought my husband a coke instead of a bourbon and coke, and couldn't brink my limes even though I asked 4 times. Then came ordering the salads and soup, that was exhausting...oh and they only have wasabi ranch and ginger as dressing options, bleh. The soup was gross and lukewarm when served. Their sushi menu is overwhelming, a full page back and front. While waiting to order our food, we had 3 different waitresses running back and forth to our table and yet our drinks were still not refreshed. One waitress would stop and ask if we needed drinks but while my husband was telling her what we wanted, she literally turned and walked away not getting the whole order. While waiting on our chef to get to the table our sushi was delivered which was awful!! The rainbow role tasted fishy, the spicy crawfish was so covered with sauce that it was all you could taste. Oh wait I forgot our saki was delivered and got cold while waiting for our saki cups to be delivered. Remember, 3 waitresses and still no cups to enjoy our saki. I never got limes, I used my husbands from his rum and coke. So then dinner, very white chef, trying to rock an accent but not well. He did have a sense of humor thank goodness. The food was such a small amount, very little flavor and my son was asked to put his steak back on the table himself as it was barely cooked, even though my steak was completely overdone. So after eating, very thirsty as no drinks still had been brought to refresh us, we noticed that one of our parties never got their sushi they ordered. So the waitress, one of them, went through what the first sushi order was and yep the other two were included on mine but shouldn't have been as it was a separate check and separate order. So then their sushi was brought after we were all done eating our dinner and ready to leave. It was also tasteless. I went and sought out the chef to tell him our disappointment with their restaurant and he could care less. Did nothing to appease us and so we had to fight to get our extra sushi taken off the check. I will never return to this restaurant under any circumstance.
(1)