Tomo's Cuisine is "Real Japanese." - Closed
In a funky odd building on Route 23 in Little Falls you step in and feel as if you have been beamed to a sushi shop in Kyoto.
As group after group of Japanese patrons arrive the illusion is confirmed.
Recommended by our friend Rosie, Diana and I met Rosie and her husband Lowell for dinner at Tomo's a few nights ago.
David Corcoran of the Times gave Tomonori Tanaka's tiny restaurant a very good. It deserves this rating with one caveat. This is a place for devoted sushi lovers.
We started with appetizers of smoked Salmon shoulders and a seaweed salad, which we all enjoyed. I thought the Hijiki and Miso soup we had next was the best I have ever tasted. Diana was not as enthusiastic.
Ordering is a event in itself. The menu in English and Japanese is supplemented with a dizzying array of signs, surounding Tomo at the Sushi bar, offering specials of the day.
We took the easy route and order the chef's sushi specials. It had an exotic name that I don't recall. Tomonori obviously has access to top quality fish. I am told there are days when he does not open because the offerings of the market that day were not to his high standards.
Tomo's big roll with shrimp, salmon and avocado was a winner.
A sense of humor prevails with a waitress wearing the Tomo t-shirt, $15.00, with the back covered with Tomo's Rules like ''No Junk Fusion'' expressing Tomonori's distaste for the "Neo" cuisine of places like Azzoro or Ocho. Other phrases like "the more you tip the nicer we are" or "reading the NY times does not make you a gourmet" lead to a fun experience. But this is not a restaurant I would recommend to everyone.
Tomo's Cuisine
113 Route 23 (Newark-Pompton Turnpike)
Little Falls
(973) 837-1117
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
Where'd Tomo go???
Posted by: Linda | 07/28/2011 at 13:11
Tomo's is wonderful. The fresh is unusually fresh, the sushi offerings and many appetizers are unusual, the service is friendly and the prices are reasonable. I missed Tomo's when he left South Orange and am so happy to have found him again in Little Falls.
Jonathan Ben-Asher - Maplewood
[email protected]
Posted by: Jonathan Ben-Asher | 09/03/2010 at 23:38
we remember tomo from south orange and have wondered where he went. (still have my tomo shirt.) best sushi and sashimi around (including the city). see you soon tomo.
rmember! no junk sushi!
Posted by: charlie | 10/06/2008 at 12:50
This is a strange review. I haven't been to this restaurant although i am considering it, but it's unclear to me why there are caveats about this place. Please state what they are. God knows, I don't want Nobu-style fake-sushi, but please explain what's the issue here.
Posted by: ben madriss | 07/26/2008 at 20:32
We are diehard Tomo fans from his (and our favorite waitress/hostess Fin's) days in SO.
Our entire family of 5 enjoys Tomo Cuisine more than anyplace else. We eat the sushi/sashimi and the kids devour the California rolls and Tempura Udon.
Posted by: suzanne | 02/10/2008 at 16:34
Best and most authentic Japanese food in the region! Great service. Fabulous fish treats.
Posted by: Stefan | 09/28/2007 at 13:57
Tomo's is a WONDERFUL restaurant; the food is divine, the service impeccable, and the specials are something not often seen in this area. Make sure and try the pork belly ,and the fresh sardines in ponzu (yum!). I would recommend this restaurant to everyone who enjoys a fabulous and healthy meal at a reasonable price!
Posted by: Kris | 05/19/2007 at 14:52
I would describe this restaurant as a place for hard core sushites!
Posted by: Rosie | 04/03/2007 at 13:00