The Vibe
Eating at the Tokyo Cafe is like an reuniting with an old friend that’s had a makeover. Tokyo Cafe has shed some of it’s former geisha chic aesthetic and added a few modern highlights. Shojhi screened simplicity surrounds the natural wood sushi bar and makes for a casual vibe.
“Regulars” keep the atmosphere friendly if not gregarious – this is a good sign because nothing’s worse than getting a makeover that no one will appreciate. The crowd ranges from college students on up. Part of the charm is that there’s none of the sleek flash that you see in all the other trendy sushi spots in town.
The Food
The food also got the makeover treatment. I’m told there’s a new sushi chef on board that’s busting out some creative new dishes.
I still consider myself a sushi neophyte so I had my lovely friend Adry, a Tokyo Cafe regular, guided me on my choices. We chose the Bento Box and the Crunchy roll.
The bento box selections provided a good sampling and my sushi was excellent. Adry’s sushi was topped with spicy sauce and it left me wishing I had ordered mine with the flavorful dabs of red sauce as well. The crunchy roll was an easy choice because I’ll pretty much eat anything wrapped in panko crumbs. The roll itself was a good mix of textures and flavors but the sauce could’ve used a bit more punch. There’s a large selection of intriguing rolls to choose from.
The peach tower desert seemed too good to pass up. This tower of power layered creamy marscarpone in between fried wontons and was surrounded by luscious peaches and blueberries. It was heavenly but a heavy follow up to the crisp flavors of the sushi.
The Service
The service is quite friendly. The hostess had the mostest and was full of smiles and friendly banter. Our waiter, though a cute kid, needed to brush up on some waitronly basics. Basic number one includes appetizers come before entrees and it’s bad if the customer has to remind you repeatedly. The kid’s “aw shucks attitude” makes it hard to get super snarky, so I will cut him a break (this time!).
Overall
I have to admit I’d let this little “off the bricks” place fade into the background over the past few years. With the recharged menu it is definitely a contender for a night out. The prices are reasonable and though it can get loud it’s still easy to find a quiet corner. If you haven’t been in a while or have never been it’s worth a shot. There were many tempting dinner choices, not just sushi, and I can’t wait for an excuse to go back.
Price $ or $$
Sushi $2.50 – $12.00
Bowls start at $5.95
Entrees $7.95 – $16.00
Eat This: Yes, three out of five panko-encrusted panthers. This place has that classic casual Fort Worthy feel and they back it up with a solid menu.
I Eat This: Sushi Bento Box with Spicy Sauce.
Tokyo Cafe
5121 Pershing Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 737-8568
Monday – Thursday 11Am – 9PM
Friday-Saturday 11AM – 10PM
