I can see why people love this place, but for me it certainly did not meet expectations. My entire issue was with their Teriyaki sauce. It was on everything, and I really didn't like it. It had a very unique flavor to it, and i can see if you love the sauce, why you'd love this place. I got the salmon and it was cooked very well. It did take like 45 minutes to get my food, so be prepared for that.
(2)
Zoe L.
This is my FAVORITE restaurant in Ogden. It's a cute little house and there are usually only 2 people working, so you have to realize it might take a little time to get your food. That being said, it's definitely worth the wait. I usually get the Tonkatsu and that feeds me for 2 meals. The food is authentic and the amount of food they give is worth the price. 10/10 would recommend.
(5)
Travis B.
One of the most authentic Japanese restaurants I've been to outside of Japan, I can't recommend this small mom and pop eatery highly enough. The major difference between here and an identical spot Japan would be the portion sizes. I'd suggest ordering only one item from the menu. My first visit here I ordered the Katsudon and a rainbow roll, both of which provided leftovers. If you are a fan of Japanese food, make the effort to eat here - it'll be worth the trip
(5)
Matthew M.
Our family's favorite restaurant since we moved to Utah in 93. Authentic, fresh, everything tastes good. Can't recommend this place enough.
(5)
Ellie F.
Temari is definitely one of the best Japanese restaurants in Utah! I eat there on a regular basis. The beef don is delicious! Although it can sometimes take a while to get your food and getting your own drink is a little weird, that is the price you've got to pay for an amazing meal! Well worth it!
(5)
Katherine L.
We loved everything about Temari - the vibe, the service, and the food! Everything was delicious!
(5)
Mike F.
There isn't a more authentic Japanese food anywhere in Utah. This delightful restaurant is owned by a lovely Japanese couple who pride themselves on delivering generous and delicious portions of mouth watering, home-made Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is very small and you are expected to bus your own tables. However, it is well worth it. They're only for lunch and dinner reservations on Saturday so plan ahead and go to Temari.
(5)
Amanda P.
wayy good japanese food! I got the chicken curry and the temari sushi, both were excellent (and way too much food for one sitting=leftovers). the sushi was the best I've had in Ogden. $10 a roll, and they were sooo filling. and yes, you have to pick up your food and take back your plates when you're done, there's only two people working there. and its got weird hours for lunch, and only open for dinner on Saturday nights, and all of this by reservation only, very exclusive! but definitely worth going to over and over again.
(4)
Matt T.
Temari is so freaking amazing!!!!!! I'm obsessed with their Teriyaki Chicken!! The sauce on the chicken and tempura is incredible! The restaurant is tiny with only 2 employees.. but let me tell you.. the food is absolutely amazing! Best Japanese in Utah.. HANDS DOWN! It has screwy hours.. so definitely check ahead of time before you just go show up.
(5)
Tracy G.
We really like this place, great food and quaint atmosphere. Large portions and seems very clean. We have eaten here a few times and have always been pleased. We will definitely be back again!
(4)
Utah Chic K.
I love this place and consider it a little known treasure in Ogden. It is SMALL, charming, quaint, simple and has very authentic, delicious, high-quality japanese food. The ahi tuna green salad with wontons is hands-down my favorite, I couldn't recommend it more. Service is simple with much of it self-serve, the place is run by an older couple and with them cooking there is simply no one for bussing, so you do it yourself. However, honestly I've never minded and from the regularity of most of their clientele I don't think others mind it either. Tips: You may wait a few minutes when you get there to make an order, don't fret - they will come to the register as soon as possible. They ask that you NOT sit down until your party is all there & have ordered, also that if there are two of you - sit at the two-person table, not the four-seater (it's small and they need to maximize seating for ALL customers). Do not plan to ask for substitutions, specialty sauces, or switch things up - it will throw them off & their beauty is really doing what they know. Watch when others leave to get the routine - you'll throw away your garbage, put the plates back on the counter, spray & wipe down the table. You will be incredibly full, satisfied and happy. :)
(5)
Laura T.
Why didn't I find this place sooner?? Been in Ogden for almost 2 weeks now and I find this place the day before I go back to Cali?!? Waaah :( Enjoyed a HUGE bowl of their Nabeyaki Udon for lunch today. Delicious!! (See pic) Broth was tasty, fresh ingredients, and really filled me up. It took my whole lunch break to finish it! Really cute bungalow-style establishment and literally mom & pop run. You order at the counter and grab your own meal, drink & utensils. After you're done, you clean up after yourself, to include wiping down table (think cafeteria or food court). Very limited seating.
(4)
Tracy N.
Worst service ever. Rude people. We called to make a reservation for Sat dinner and the husband picked up. After giving our reservation he repeated it to us indicating he understood. We arrive and check in with the wife. She looks at her book and does not see our reservation. She then just tries to walk away from us. We tell her we made a reservation and she said that we didn't. We told her that we talked to her husband but she said thats impossible because its not in the book. Apparently you're supposed to leave a voicemail and they call you back. However in our case, the husband picked so we made the reservation directly with him instead of leaving it on the voicemail... She was very rude about it. She could have just owned up and apologized for making a mistake instead of rudely dismissing us and accusing us of lying about a reservation. I will never try to eat there again regardless of it's reputation because service is part of what I am paying for.
(1)
Lifewater A.
458 E. 40th Street * South Ogden, Utah 84403 * (801) 399-9536 Temari's business hours Lunch: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:30 am - 3:00 pm Dinner (reservation only): Saturday 5 pm - close Closed Sunday, Monday & Holidays
(5)
Sylvia C.
This place was yummie in my tummie. Temari fits the whole "mom and pop" dining experience with a Japanese twist. From the looks of it, its a husband and wife them that cooks, cleans, serves and everything else in the middle. This place opens a few hours a day for lunch a few days out of the week. Dinner service is by reservation only. This is defiantly one of those places where the owners enjoy cooking and providing good food to the community. Once you walk in the door, you order from the counter. If they are busy cooking, wait a bit and they will get to you when they can. After you place the order, head over to the dining area... its very small and seats only 15. Your food will be ready for pickup at the kitchen window. Once done, bus you tray and wipe down your own table. With just two in the kitchen running the entire operation, this what you can expect.? The food makes this a 5 star location for me. Its pretty good home cooking... We ordered the sukiyaki and yakisoba and enjoyed every moment of it. The serving size is generous and we had enough leftovers for a late dinner later that night. I am looking to go back for the katsu-don!
(5)
Bryan J.
Absolutely excellent quality and authentic Japanese food. It can be very hard to get a seat, however, because the food is delicious and the place is SOOO small. Don't expect to necessarily get your food served to you with much of a smile -- though the owners certainly are cordial. Your meal may not even arrive at the same time as whomever else with whom you are eating. It will be served for pick up at the kitchen window hot and fresh from the chef. You may show up and the place will just be closed -- maybe because the chef and his wife don't feel like opening that day -- or just because you forgot how bloody strange the business hours are. Dinner is by reservation only. You have to clean up your own dishes by dropping them off at the kitchen window. (Not much of an effort, really, given how small Temari is.) The service irritants are almost enough to make me want to rate Temari one or two stars lower. Yet the food here is fresh and absolutely delicious. Priced fair -- a little overpriced at times considering the "service", yes -- but a far better quality-for-price value than most Japanese restaurants. Just try to endure the eccentricities and make a visit some time!
(4)
Mike J.
Yes, if you are in Salt Lake Takashi and Saba are the best available. If you can't drive further north than Layton Osaka is the place to go. BUT IF YOU WANT THE MOST AUTHENTIC FOR THE VALUE, the place to go in Utah is TEMARI in south Ogden. Yes, I have had the full menu in Kyoto. Yes, I lived in SF for seven years. Short of a flight to Tokyo, TEMARI is the place I have had the pleasure to enjoy. Don't be distracted by the sushi. Explore the menu. I love noodle soup and this is the best Nabeyaki Udon I have had since the side streets of Kyoto. Have some fun. TEMARI is now a destination in Ogden. You will thank me later!!
(5)
Katie K.
My grandmother and I have our lunch dates here. Such good food! I usually get the Sukiyaki and it tastes incredible! The portions are insane.. We usually each get an entree, and 1 or 2 rolls, and she takes the leftovers home... She eats them for a couple of days, no joke. Seating is limited, so we try and get there as soon as it opens.
(5)
Chris Y.
This place is beyond amazing. One of the best meals I have ever had, extremely reasonably priced
(5)
Adam B.
This restaurant is all about quality and freshness of food. Chicken teriyaki was perfect and I typically don't like fried food including tempura, but it was so lightly battered and cooked perfectly. This is one of the best japanese (inexpensive) restaurants I have been to and I have been to hundreds of these places. Why can't you guys be close to my home?
(5)
Randee H.
AMAZING Authentic Japanese food. It is family owned. The parents (who are Japanese) cook the food, and the daughter waits the tables. The food is fresh and did I mention AMAZING!
(5)
Harold G.
We did not get a chance to sample the cuisine. We had a reservation, were seated and offered a drink. We all chose water. When it arrived in a STYROFOAMM CUP I was immediately struck by the incongruity of it. I have had a lot of experience with Japanese restaurants- especially in Japan and part of the dining experience is the lovely assortment of food containers they employ. I remarked on this - and was immediately asked to leave!!!
(1)
Bruce J.
Excellent quality Japanese food, and huge portions. Be sure to make a reservation or you'll have to wait. Close your eyes and point at the menu--you can't go wrong.
(5)
Marty C.
Love their food. Everything is authentic and delicious. The portion is also huge. Fried pork chop is enough for 2 hungry adults. Love that we pick up the order and clean the place. The money saved from the staff really reflects on the quality of the food. Only wish their hour was longer so I could go there whenever.
(4)
Jill B.
After living in Japan for three years I was worried I wouldn't be able to find delicious, authentic Japanese food in Utah, but I was wrong. I had lunch there today for the first time and my food was amazing! Can't wait to go back again with my family.
(5)
Ashley S.
This is one of our favorite Japanese restaurants. Im in love with their teriyaki salmon. Their yakisoba noodles are also excellent. It's best to make reservations when dining here.
(5)
Holly D.
We love this place. We have been going to Temari for over 10 years now, and we've never been disappointed. Before they moved to their new location, they had a cartoon sign posted in their waiting area "If you are in a hurry, McDonalds is just a block up the road". They refuse to be rushed and you will get a good meal every time.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Austin S.
I can see why people love this place, but for me it certainly did not meet expectations. My entire issue was with their Teriyaki sauce. It was on everything, and I really didn't like it. It had a very unique flavor to it, and i can see if you love the sauce, why you'd love this place. I got the salmon and it was cooked very well. It did take like 45 minutes to get my food, so be prepared for that.
(2)Zoe L.
This is my FAVORITE restaurant in Ogden. It's a cute little house and there are usually only 2 people working, so you have to realize it might take a little time to get your food. That being said, it's definitely worth the wait. I usually get the Tonkatsu and that feeds me for 2 meals. The food is authentic and the amount of food they give is worth the price. 10/10 would recommend.
(5)Travis B.
One of the most authentic Japanese restaurants I've been to outside of Japan, I can't recommend this small mom and pop eatery highly enough. The major difference between here and an identical spot Japan would be the portion sizes. I'd suggest ordering only one item from the menu. My first visit here I ordered the Katsudon and a rainbow roll, both of which provided leftovers. If you are a fan of Japanese food, make the effort to eat here - it'll be worth the trip
(5)Matthew M.
Our family's favorite restaurant since we moved to Utah in 93. Authentic, fresh, everything tastes good. Can't recommend this place enough.
(5)Ellie F.
Temari is definitely one of the best Japanese restaurants in Utah! I eat there on a regular basis. The beef don is delicious! Although it can sometimes take a while to get your food and getting your own drink is a little weird, that is the price you've got to pay for an amazing meal! Well worth it!
(5)Katherine L.
We loved everything about Temari - the vibe, the service, and the food! Everything was delicious!
(5)Mike F.
There isn't a more authentic Japanese food anywhere in Utah. This delightful restaurant is owned by a lovely Japanese couple who pride themselves on delivering generous and delicious portions of mouth watering, home-made Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is very small and you are expected to bus your own tables. However, it is well worth it. They're only for lunch and dinner reservations on Saturday so plan ahead and go to Temari.
(5)Amanda P.
wayy good japanese food! I got the chicken curry and the temari sushi, both were excellent (and way too much food for one sitting=leftovers). the sushi was the best I've had in Ogden. $10 a roll, and they were sooo filling. and yes, you have to pick up your food and take back your plates when you're done, there's only two people working there. and its got weird hours for lunch, and only open for dinner on Saturday nights, and all of this by reservation only, very exclusive! but definitely worth going to over and over again.
(4)Matt T.
Temari is so freaking amazing!!!!!! I'm obsessed with their Teriyaki Chicken!! The sauce on the chicken and tempura is incredible! The restaurant is tiny with only 2 employees.. but let me tell you.. the food is absolutely amazing! Best Japanese in Utah.. HANDS DOWN! It has screwy hours.. so definitely check ahead of time before you just go show up.
(5)Tracy G.
We really like this place, great food and quaint atmosphere. Large portions and seems very clean. We have eaten here a few times and have always been pleased. We will definitely be back again!
(4)Utah Chic K.
I love this place and consider it a little known treasure in Ogden. It is SMALL, charming, quaint, simple and has very authentic, delicious, high-quality japanese food. The ahi tuna green salad with wontons is hands-down my favorite, I couldn't recommend it more. Service is simple with much of it self-serve, the place is run by an older couple and with them cooking there is simply no one for bussing, so you do it yourself. However, honestly I've never minded and from the regularity of most of their clientele I don't think others mind it either. Tips: You may wait a few minutes when you get there to make an order, don't fret - they will come to the register as soon as possible. They ask that you NOT sit down until your party is all there & have ordered, also that if there are two of you - sit at the two-person table, not the four-seater (it's small and they need to maximize seating for ALL customers). Do not plan to ask for substitutions, specialty sauces, or switch things up - it will throw them off & their beauty is really doing what they know. Watch when others leave to get the routine - you'll throw away your garbage, put the plates back on the counter, spray & wipe down the table. You will be incredibly full, satisfied and happy. :)
(5)Laura T.
Why didn't I find this place sooner?? Been in Ogden for almost 2 weeks now and I find this place the day before I go back to Cali?!? Waaah :( Enjoyed a HUGE bowl of their Nabeyaki Udon for lunch today. Delicious!! (See pic) Broth was tasty, fresh ingredients, and really filled me up. It took my whole lunch break to finish it! Really cute bungalow-style establishment and literally mom & pop run. You order at the counter and grab your own meal, drink & utensils. After you're done, you clean up after yourself, to include wiping down table (think cafeteria or food court). Very limited seating.
(4)Tracy N.
Worst service ever. Rude people. We called to make a reservation for Sat dinner and the husband picked up. After giving our reservation he repeated it to us indicating he understood. We arrive and check in with the wife. She looks at her book and does not see our reservation. She then just tries to walk away from us. We tell her we made a reservation and she said that we didn't. We told her that we talked to her husband but she said thats impossible because its not in the book. Apparently you're supposed to leave a voicemail and they call you back. However in our case, the husband picked so we made the reservation directly with him instead of leaving it on the voicemail... She was very rude about it. She could have just owned up and apologized for making a mistake instead of rudely dismissing us and accusing us of lying about a reservation. I will never try to eat there again regardless of it's reputation because service is part of what I am paying for.
(1)Lifewater A.
458 E. 40th Street * South Ogden, Utah 84403 * (801) 399-9536 Temari's business hours Lunch: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:30 am - 3:00 pm Dinner (reservation only): Saturday 5 pm - close Closed Sunday, Monday & Holidays
(5)Sylvia C.
This place was yummie in my tummie. Temari fits the whole "mom and pop" dining experience with a Japanese twist. From the looks of it, its a husband and wife them that cooks, cleans, serves and everything else in the middle. This place opens a few hours a day for lunch a few days out of the week. Dinner service is by reservation only. This is defiantly one of those places where the owners enjoy cooking and providing good food to the community. Once you walk in the door, you order from the counter. If they are busy cooking, wait a bit and they will get to you when they can. After you place the order, head over to the dining area... its very small and seats only 15. Your food will be ready for pickup at the kitchen window. Once done, bus you tray and wipe down your own table. With just two in the kitchen running the entire operation, this what you can expect.? The food makes this a 5 star location for me. Its pretty good home cooking... We ordered the sukiyaki and yakisoba and enjoyed every moment of it. The serving size is generous and we had enough leftovers for a late dinner later that night. I am looking to go back for the katsu-don!
(5)Bryan J.
Absolutely excellent quality and authentic Japanese food. It can be very hard to get a seat, however, because the food is delicious and the place is SOOO small. Don't expect to necessarily get your food served to you with much of a smile -- though the owners certainly are cordial. Your meal may not even arrive at the same time as whomever else with whom you are eating. It will be served for pick up at the kitchen window hot and fresh from the chef. You may show up and the place will just be closed -- maybe because the chef and his wife don't feel like opening that day -- or just because you forgot how bloody strange the business hours are. Dinner is by reservation only. You have to clean up your own dishes by dropping them off at the kitchen window. (Not much of an effort, really, given how small Temari is.) The service irritants are almost enough to make me want to rate Temari one or two stars lower. Yet the food here is fresh and absolutely delicious. Priced fair -- a little overpriced at times considering the "service", yes -- but a far better quality-for-price value than most Japanese restaurants. Just try to endure the eccentricities and make a visit some time!
(4)Mike J.
Yes, if you are in Salt Lake Takashi and Saba are the best available. If you can't drive further north than Layton Osaka is the place to go. BUT IF YOU WANT THE MOST AUTHENTIC FOR THE VALUE, the place to go in Utah is TEMARI in south Ogden. Yes, I have had the full menu in Kyoto. Yes, I lived in SF for seven years. Short of a flight to Tokyo, TEMARI is the place I have had the pleasure to enjoy. Don't be distracted by the sushi. Explore the menu. I love noodle soup and this is the best Nabeyaki Udon I have had since the side streets of Kyoto. Have some fun. TEMARI is now a destination in Ogden. You will thank me later!!
(5)Katie K.
My grandmother and I have our lunch dates here. Such good food! I usually get the Sukiyaki and it tastes incredible! The portions are insane.. We usually each get an entree, and 1 or 2 rolls, and she takes the leftovers home... She eats them for a couple of days, no joke. Seating is limited, so we try and get there as soon as it opens.
(5)Chris Y.
This place is beyond amazing. One of the best meals I have ever had, extremely reasonably priced
(5)Adam B.
This restaurant is all about quality and freshness of food. Chicken teriyaki was perfect and I typically don't like fried food including tempura, but it was so lightly battered and cooked perfectly. This is one of the best japanese (inexpensive) restaurants I have been to and I have been to hundreds of these places. Why can't you guys be close to my home?
(5)Randee H.
AMAZING Authentic Japanese food. It is family owned. The parents (who are Japanese) cook the food, and the daughter waits the tables. The food is fresh and did I mention AMAZING!
(5)Harold G.
We did not get a chance to sample the cuisine. We had a reservation, were seated and offered a drink. We all chose water. When it arrived in a STYROFOAMM CUP I was immediately struck by the incongruity of it. I have had a lot of experience with Japanese restaurants- especially in Japan and part of the dining experience is the lovely assortment of food containers they employ. I remarked on this - and was immediately asked to leave!!!
(1)Bruce J.
Excellent quality Japanese food, and huge portions. Be sure to make a reservation or you'll have to wait. Close your eyes and point at the menu--you can't go wrong.
(5)Marty C.
Love their food. Everything is authentic and delicious. The portion is also huge. Fried pork chop is enough for 2 hungry adults. Love that we pick up the order and clean the place. The money saved from the staff really reflects on the quality of the food. Only wish their hour was longer so I could go there whenever.
(4)Jill B.
After living in Japan for three years I was worried I wouldn't be able to find delicious, authentic Japanese food in Utah, but I was wrong. I had lunch there today for the first time and my food was amazing! Can't wait to go back again with my family.
(5)Ashley S.
This is one of our favorite Japanese restaurants. Im in love with their teriyaki salmon. Their yakisoba noodles are also excellent. It's best to make reservations when dining here.
(5)Holly D.
We love this place. We have been going to Temari for over 10 years now, and we've never been disappointed. Before they moved to their new location, they had a cartoon sign posted in their waiting area "If you are in a hurry, McDonalds is just a block up the road". They refuse to be rushed and you will get a good meal every time.
(5)