+1 253-301-4969
Mandolin Sushi & Japanese Steak House in Tacoma, WA, artfully blends the vibrant flavors of authentic Japanese sushi with the sizzling excitement of traditional teppanyaki grill cuisine. Nestled at 3923 S 12th St, this restaurant invites guests into a warm, inviting atmosphere where culinary craftsmanship takes center stage alongside a memorable dining experience.
Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or a lover of hearty steakhouse fare, Mandolin Sushi & Japanese Steak House offers a remarkable menu that tantalizes the senses. Start with the comforting warmth of their Miso Soup or the perfectly seasoned Edamame as you anticipate dishes that burst with flavor. The sushi selection shines with vibrant options like the classic California Roll and the fresh, delicate Sashimi Bento, alongside specialty rolls that are truly show-stoppers. For instance, the Mexico City Roll layers crab, avocado, and cream cheese before being topped with spicy shrimp, jalapeños, and a blend of spicy mayo and sriracha, delivering a playful balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet sensations. The indulgent Phoenix Rising Roll ignites the palate even further with shrimp tempura and smoked salmon finished flambé-style, a spectacle as thrilling as its complex flavors.
The teppanyaki experience here is equally captivating. Diners can enjoy the theatrical preparation of sizzling Chicken Fried Rice with Steak and Shrimp or the decadent Steak and Lobster combo, cooked tableside to your liking. The kitchen’s attention to detail is evident in every bite — from the tender, juicy textures of the expertly grilled steaks to the delightfully crisp, golden tempura selections like their Tempura Rainbow roll.
Families are thoughtfully catered to with a dedicated kids’ menu, featuring crowd-pleasers like Chicken Teriyaki with gyoza and rice or simple yet satisfying options such as plain yakisoba noodles, ensuring younger diners have an equally enjoyable experience.
Guests frequently praise the attentive and efficient service that complements the rich, flavorful fare. Denise C notes the generous portions and the consistently attentive waitstaff, highlighting how the team anticipates diners’ needs without prompting. Regulars like Eboni Allen reflect on the restaurant’s evolution over the years, appreciating the artistry and quality that first drew them in. Even occasional critiques, like Benjamin McLean’s honest observations about parking challenges, underscore a willing and welcoming environment where customers feel heard and valued.
For those planning a special night out or a casual dinner with friends, Mandolin Sushi & Japanese Steak House delivers on a promise of quality, creativity, and genuine hospitality. The combination of fresh sushi, skillful teppanyaki cooking, and an inviting atmosphere makes this Tacoma gem a must-visit destination for anyone craving an authentic and memorable Japanese dining experience.
Very nice Hibachi resturant also great sushi, highly recommend it, food is tasty, service is good. Make sure to reserve in advance if you are a big party, we were a party of 9. The parking is tight
I had driven by the establishment many times over since they opened. I decided to take my lady friend there for a date night. I first noticed that the parking lot, or should I say lack of a parking lot with parking spaces to close small and to small . That was the first impression. Second was I had to part two blocks away in front of a home that the neighbors did not appreciate. My date and I had to endure dark street lighting along with uneven pavement to eventually arrive at the entrance to the establishment. We had to wait for 10 to fiftheen minutes before being seated even though they were not busy. Upon being seated for the cook in front of you experience, the wait staff took more than 10 minutes to bring us a menu, and we felt rushed to order while the server turned on the grill at the station. I ordered a ice tea with lemons. After another 10 minutes I was told that they were out and it would take an hour to make another batch. We asked for water with extra lemons only to receive four thinly sliced lemons for the both of us in a extra large glass of water. The soup came and it was not hot at all, it was dam near cold with not enough substance to mention. We were not treated as guest that should enjoy there first experience. Me and my date felt insulted by the wait staff. The only joy of our evening was the fun provided by the chef who gave us a great food experience, he was charismatic and made us smile. When the bill came the wait staff did not give me change so I could decide on the tip amount. the bill was $79.82 or something like that I put a $100.00 bill in the wrap and they gave me a $20.00 back. After the worst service I have ever had that they wanted the rest of my money. I left all the change and as we exited the restaurant the server smiled at me knowing they did not provide service worthy of the tip she earned. I will tell my influencing friends not to support this establishment.
The salmon roll was delicious, except for the California roll portion, which was cold and premade when served. Despite this minor issue, the server was incredibly kind and caring, and the service was prompt and efficient.
Had a great experience here. As soon as we walked in we were greeted and seated. We choose the dine in side without the main attraction. Our waitress was super attentive answered all our questions and without having to ask once came around to fill our drink four times. The servings were huge, I was not expecting to have to take so much food home. I would have liked my meat to be more seasoned but it was delicious none the less. The peach, blueberry and strawberry lemonades were good but the strawberry was the best. The soup was surprisingly bland no flavor at all. The atmosphere was a little intense for me. I am used to the hype yelling along with the cook but some of the grown men (customers) in there were going way overboard like it's a food establishment not a baseball game lol. The bathrooms were clean and of course it was expensive but it was worth it. I would definitely visit again.
Never did a review for this place in all the years we used to go here. Came here a lot when it first opened over 10 years ago. It was such a treat to have a delicious sushi place around the corner from our house. The way the sushi used to be served was like a work of art. If I dig around I might be able to find photos of that time. Went Aug 2025 to treat myself to a solo lunch. Sushi still delicious. Good enough service. But I was sad to smell like a sour smell soon as I walked in and tables/chairs looking a bit beat up. The smell was like a back bar that hadn’t been cleaned well or something like that. I’d still come through for the good food and nostalgia. Man where did the years go? I wonder if it’s same management/owner as the beginning. I remember a real sweet/shy lady that was always running the place. Ahhh memories