On our trip to San Antonio we were recommended to go to here. It's in the top 10 of 100 places to eat in San Antonio. An unassuming building on the outside and dated interior, but the best part and the reason we came here was the food. It was fantastic and adding to the experience was to sit and eat in a traditional Japanese style, so off came the shoes and we sat on the floor. Clearly this place is well liked because it was packed. Definitely worth the stop and is on the list for any return trips to San Antonio.
Great food, Pat the waiter is fanstastic. The place is a bit rustic but don’t let that stop you from going inside and eating some wonderful sushi, sashimi. And have a Sapporo Black beer - flavorful good beer.
Fresh food, great service, and they even saved my reserved spot when I was 45 minutes late.
A hidden gem in my neighborhood.
Total excellence. The best Japanese cuisine experience ever.
You can sit at the bar, get a table or Japan style you’ll have to take yours shoes off and sit Indian style. I Highly recommended it. It’s worth the wait.
My husband and I love this place. If you want traditional sushi... not the fusion sushi, this is the place to go. My husband is Japanese and said that this is what Japanese cooking he knows as he was growing up. Their ramen is also very traditional and very flavorful, we always ask the waiter/waitress add some extras like extra egg, extra green onions for a more enjoyable dinner. Do not look for different ramen preparations, they do not have them, they just have traditional, delicious Japanese ramen. Sushi is great, very fresh fish and perfectly cooked rice- this is what sushi is all about! Our first time there was similar to some who posted negative comments that they were not greeted well. Our subsequent visits there have been very pleasant, to say the least. We have been coming to this place for 3 years now.
This place is authentic Japanese! My boyfriend and I LOVE Japan, and have been multiple times! No other place in San Antonio can do true Japanese like they can! Delicious!!!!!!!! �
Excellent food and amazingly friendly service! Had the Japanese dinner, and it was delicious, also sampled the curry and really liked it!
Melissa Hanks Rutherford
+5
Loved it. Price was cheaper than expected and huge amount of food. Loved sitting on the pillows on the floor for a traditional Japanese meal.
The best authentic Japanese food in San Antonio!
Tucked away gem! Our server was so busy but maintained conversations, joked around with his tables and all while be short handed. He was amazing! Thank you for a great first time❤
The best food in San Antonio!! If you haven't eaten here it's a must! Worthy enough for your bucket list!!!!!
Don't be in a rush when you visit. The sushi is fresh and exceptional, and the home cooked items are amazing. Friendly wait staff at this family-owned and operated establishment. Lots of nostalgia. Very non-conspicuous, not flashy or trendy, but amazing nonetheless. A must visit.
This place is amazing. It’s so authentic. Everything is so fresh.
Good quality food and an authentic experience
This is the most original restaurant delicious food next to being in Japan, the decorated platters are amazing made by the chef and you get a western and Eastern field I love this place 10 Stars
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Niki's Tokyo Inn is perhaps one of the most authentic Japanese eateries I have ever had the pleasure of dining and eating in, from its luxurious portions of sushi to its down to earth ever attentive staff it is by far one of the best (if not the best) soul fulfilling palate pleasing journey's I have ever experienced.
If you dine in on a night that is not so busy (tue, wed, thu) the chances of experiencing magic is up for grabs.
Ambiance: early 20th century Japan
Food presentation: flawless
Quality: consistently outstanding in texture, temperature and taste
Contrast: prior to ordering you are given complementary thinly sliced pickled cucumber salad with a hot rolled towel (and a unique green tea with roasted brown rice and sorghum--upon request--also complementary)
The staff and chef are always very charismatic and full of endearing wit (salt of the earth) but never disrespectful. Never mind the exterior of the building or the lack of obvious land marks, this place doesn't require it. Word of mouth, quality, consistency, persistency and respect for tradition are what have kept this place circulating, alive and booming (all substance zero hype).
So if your looking for a great place that is steeped in tradition, taste wonderful, family friendly and easy on your budget than look no further.
FYI: this review is reflective upon my own personal experience and based on the nights which and when they are not slammed that is not to say that your quality of food will be any less during very busy nights; however, the magic which I speak of can only be experienced (from my personal observations) on the days stated earlier.
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I was impressed! At first sight of the place from the outside, you wonder if you want to continue to walk in but luckily when I got there, there were Asians walking in and out...when you see that...it's a good sign!
The place is old but once you walk in, it's an entirely different story. You have the option to eat Japanese style (no shoes and sitting on the floor) or American (at a table or bar sitting on a chair). The ambience has a really good and authentic feel, nothing modern or complex...Just simple.
The food was amazing! If not better than other places in town...the food was fresh and none of the fish dish we got had a scent of fish (you know what I mean!). My wife and I got the ten course ($18/person) and added the chirashi bowl. Other reviews I read spoke highly of the chirashi bowl and I was tempted to try it.... My God I was not disappointed! The bowl I'd different cuts of sushi /sashimi but not rolled into a roll..Instead they are on top of a bed of sushi rice. It was fresh and very good. The ten course is more than worth the $18/person. Only thing I didn't like was the chicken katsu...or at least that's what I think it was. Other wise...the fried fish, fried oyster, fried chicken drummet, sukiyaki, big plate of tempura veggies and prawns were good.
In summary...I am going back!
The food is great but it would be nice to see them clean up the place some. When I took my shoes off to go sit in the traditional seating area, I felt like I was walking on wet moss instead of carpet. Couldn't do it. Had to put my shoes back on and sit at a table. Next time I'll wear a couple of pairs of socks because, like I said, the food was great.
Loved it!. One of the most delightful restaurants to dine in. Must say its the most authentic Japanese restaurants in San Antonio, and is a true gem. Look forward to returning soon.
I'm a San Antonio Girl that lives in Fort Worth. My dear friend took me here. I will agree, I had never noticed the building and it is understated and old. It is authentic and doesn't have the Las Vegas type flair others seem to need to make great sushi.
The sushi sampler plate was fantastic. My four year old enjoyed her soup and (favorite) Edemame. Our server sang a little Fort Worth song as a suprise. It was a great experience, and great if you enjoy the authentic experience.
By far the best and most authentic Japanese in town.
San Antonio institution-rightly deserved. When I think about "how many places are still around from when we moved here in 1980?" there's not a long list that comes to mind. There were two places serving japanese food at the time, and stepping into Niki's is vaguely reminescent of stepping into a time warp. Little has changed inside or out in all that time. Standards are still very well prepared and served. Tempura, sukiyaki and hand rolls were excellent on this visit. Pat is a most gracious host as always.
Best original sushi in today. Wish they served nigiri salmon (not the smoked one) and always wonder what happened to Nikki to make her averse to this delicacy. Excellent nigiri, excellent inari and ability to sit either "Se-za" or "An-za" make this a must visit. Take your time because you will whether you want to or not and while you may desire faster food, sushi should nevet be rushed. If you're gonna pay for a great meal, at least have the time to savor the experience and thus morefully enjoy not only the food, but also the company. Wish they would use rewardsnetwork so we'd get miles & we would be there all the time.
They totally rock fresh sushi and tempura. Don't come here for cream cheese. Some of the best in US at fraction of the price
Fresh and Amazing. I had a wonderful dining experience at this venerable eatery. Everything I was served was fresh the service from the waitstaff was great even considering a very busy evening. Don't be put off by the outside of the place. Once you get inside you are transported to Japan. I asked to eat in the traditional manner seated on the floor but you can also request western style. This is a memorable place to eat and a wonderful place to bring friends and lovers.
Super fresh sushi. Lots of options here whether it be the food or the seating. Niki's is a rabbit's warren of small and cozy spaces from rooms that seat several in traditional Japanese style to typical American seating arrangements. The sushi is fresh, plentiful and tasty. Tempura dishes are certainly more than enough to share. Owner Pat Lalley could be a standup comedian!
Real.... Real Japanese food and culture. Service was really slow; however, we were a party of 15, so I'm not certain if that's the case with typical dining.
Jim Bolton. My Mom and Dad starting taking me to Nikkis when it first opened in 1970. I was just a baby and I had my first solid food there. I am now 40. My brother is the same way. As my brother and I had serious relationships the family checked them out by taking them too Nikkis. It's our family tradition. My brother and I now take our children to Nikkis and they tell there friends. The tradition lives on. We were friends with Nikki and Pat since he was 13 and working in the restaurant. You can travel the US like we have trying the most trendeous sushi places, but you will never experience more authentic and incredible food than at Nikkis. It is my families home away from home. If you want a special memory you must visit them as soon as you can.
Best egg drop soup and spicy tuna i have had yet
We have been going to Nikis for years. Literally! Our boys were babies when we started and they are in their 20s now. The food is fantastic and Pat is a floor show by himself. Very witty! You can go elsewhere you kind find 'trendy' but you won't find better Japanese food. PS. Pats mom is alive and well! But Pat did get a laugh about hearing of her demise. "she's too mean to die!"
The Best. It is now simply known as the Tokyo Inn as Niki, the owner and mother of the current proprietor, Pat, has passed on.
This place is rooted in REAL Japanese cuisine and culture!. The place is aging, but quaint and resplendent in the patina of the years. I've been eating here since the early 70's based on recommendation by a young Japanese medical officer who later become the Japan Self Defense Force Surgeon General.
I regularly order the sashimi appetizer and the full baked fish for my entree with Sapporo and sake. I've spent almost 4 years living in Japan and can honestly say this place represents old Japan and all of its heritage.
The food is downright delicious and I can recommend highly. In fact, this is my favorite restaurant in San Antonio, bar none.
2 large thumbs up!!!!
THE REAL DEAL. Niki's is a great place to eat. It's a wreck on the outside! But, who really cares? Inside you'll find that the food rocks.
We're here for the food right? Sit at the bar if yer alone or with a few friends. You can sit Japanese style in comfortable little rooms for something more intimate...leave the shoes outside.
Start off with a cold Asahi or Sapporo beer maybe a carafe of sake. Pat will tell you a joke and take your order. I always get the Chirashi Bowl. For $15 bucks you can't beat it! My Sweet Cheeks always gets Yakatori Chicken and Tempura Veggies...which always please.
The sushi is great! If you like Zushi Sushi you'll find that the pieces here are larger and usually cheaper. And, if you like Uni. This is the place to have it. WOW
It's not unusual to find Niki's full of Japanese businessmen or families. I think that it's a testament to their commitment to providing a real Japanese experience. Check it out for yourself!
A classic. Wow, you can count on this place for fresh sushi. besides that the whole menu is terrific. the place is old but the food is great. good tempura as well.
Wow....Amazing food!. As real as it can get! The food is awesome. I have been wanting to visit for years now and I finally did. If you want to taste home cooked Japanese in San Antonio, this place beats any of those other "Japanese themed" places.
Servings are huge, but could not stop eating.
One of my favs. I live in the Monte Vista area and I love Nikkis. Pat- the waiter is awesome, entertainment and food ;)
I love the japanese style room. Authentic sushi, none of that fried/cream cheese fille crap with wayo smeared all over it.
Authentic experience.... At Niki's you take off your shoes and grab a seat on the floor. The sushi was really good and fresh. The only issue we had is that it took a very long time. Food and service was very slow. After a few hours of setting on a pillow on the floor, we were really ready for a chair. The sushi was worth it and it was really packed. -BA
One of the most authentic Japanese restaurants I know in the states, and absolutely the most reasonable and generous.
It was impressive how many sashimis there were on the plate and it was only 32!
Everything was incredibly Japanese and tasty.
It doesn't look like a restaurant outside so this place is really a hidden gem. Haha
You definitely want to make a reservation. We walked in there and although they squeezed us in but it was a long wait.
I can't say enough good things about this restaurant and staff. I was a little skeptical at first only because my diet and stomach doesn't allow for many eating adventures. However, this place was worth the dining experience alone. I was able to enjoy dining with my family in a relaxed, authentic dining atmosphere while having the best food at a more than reasonable price. Delicious food , excellent service at a more than reasonable price all make for the perfect dining experience. Don't hesitate to make a reservation and stop in and enjoy 😉. Thank you, Niki's Tokyo Inn ❤️
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You know, as a self-proclaimed Foodie, Quality of Food is pretty important for me; but even more important for me (to get that 5-Star Rating), it’s Great Service! That genuine, down-home Service that comes across as sincere Kindness and makes you feel Welcomed and Appreciated for visiting; Yep, that’s what this place does! Definitely one of the Best Customer Service experiences I’ve received in a while—and to top it off, the Food was Super-Delicious as well! Don’t let the small building fool you as it’s been around for 52 years already so it offers a homey, down to earth ambiance with a decor of days past but the Service and the Food are so Good, everything just falls into place! From Great Appetizers/ Soups 🍲; to Wraps/ Sushi 🍣; to Tempura Family Plates and even Curry🍛, this place is a MUST TRY if you Enjoy Japanese Cuisine! But bring a Great Attitude and this Family-Run Business will smother you with Great Genuine Kindness and Customer Service! Heck, we didn’t even have a reservation and they still accommodated us for Dinner! Totally Enjoyed my evening with the Daughter and definitely glad she suggested this new spot for dinner; oh, and don’t forget their Wonderful Desserts—definitely the cherry that tops off the Evening! 👍🏽
Just had a delicious dinner at Niki’s Tokyo Inn! This restaurant has been around since 1970. It’s San Antonio’s first family owned Japanese restaurant. It’s the place to go for authentic Japanese cuisine! I’m so glad they survived the pandemic. We enjoyed sitting at the bar though you can sit Japanese style at a table. To start they bring you a hot towel to clean your hands and a small cucumber salad with octopus. We then shared a Asahi Super Dry beer with hot sake. For my entree I ordered the Chirashi bowl which was excellent. My wife had the tempura vegetables and Yakitori Dinner both were fantastic.
If you like real Japanese food, this is the place to go!! It’s a hidden gem. Check out my photos:
Great atmosphere. Once you sat down, they give you a hot towel to clean your hands and a salad with cucumber and octopus slices. Employees are very friendly. Recommended their dinner Yakiniku, Family Dinner, and their Sushi Mix. The most authentic Japanese restaurant in town and the best one so far. Can't go wrong with any items on their menu.
I had the Tokio Dinner combo which had a little bit of everything. It was fresh and lots of food. I ordered the dessert and would skip it next time. Best to make reservations before you come. Also, only open for dinner and parking is limited. Loved the presentation and taste. Coming back with my honey. P.s. we both enjoyed the unfiltered sake and teriyaki beef and the suhsi
Absolutely one of my favorite places to go when I’m in SA. The owner is an amazing guy and I love his charm. The food is also great! I can’t recommend this place enough! 6 stars!
The food was absolutely amazing here and we had great service. We got seated without a reservation but we were only a party of 2. The sushi and udon were incredible. The inside is so cozy and we loved the ambience. We opted not to do Japanese style seating since I didn’t have socks on, but next time we will definitely do it!
This place was recommended to my by a Japanese friend. It is amazing! They have a sushi bar, tables with chairs, and traditional floor seating. The food was beautiful and expertly prepared. I had the Japanese dinner, a combination plate with yakatori, assorted tempura, and sashimi. Everything was delicious and looked like a work of art. The service was excellent. All the servers spoke both English and Japanese.
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This place is incredible!! From the outside it may appear to be a little abandoned, but once you get in, it feels like if you are transported to Japan. The place looks very romantic, and even on week days gets a bit crowded, so I highly recommend to do a reservation, specially if you want to eat in one of the rooms where you sit on the floor which makes it feel even more traditional. The dishes are delicious. I highly recommend the ramen and tempura noodles, and gyozas as appetizer. Also the sashimi mix it's extremely good. I loved that while you are waiting for your dish, they serve you some water and a delicious cucumber salad, sometimes they offer also a little of kale salad that comes with bonito fish flakes which is delicious. I also recommend the unfiltered sake, which tastes different than the traditional one. They have also Oolong tea which is very good and iced green tea (this has refill). Don't hesitate to ask for recommendation to the waiters, they can help you on decide what to order if it's your first time.
Argel Bernardo (Berarge)
+5
Great food and friendly staff. The best thing is the atmosphere. This is how I imagine it would be if I walk into a sushi place in a small alley in Japan.
This unassuming place serves up amazing authentic Japanese food. Reservations are highly recommended! They don’t do phone orders. My only gripe is that the place hasn’t been updated, possibly ever. I don’t think I would sit at one of the “traditional” tables where you have to take off your shoes.
Will forever love this restaurant 💕
One of the only places in SA with Japanese style seating and I ALWAYS order the Tempura Vegetables it's such a large portion for such a good price and this is such an enjoyable restaurant for me. I come at least 2x a month 🍱🍤🍣🍜✨️
*Pat is the best waiter and he's always telling funny jokes and takes the best care of us! Ask for him :)
I am very impressed. The staff was very nice and the atmosphere was so comfy. The food was remarkable and I am a very picky eater too. For $40 we (2 people) got full and had dinner in a private room at a traditional floor japanese table. 🥰We were asked to take our shoes off and get comfy. Best experience ever!
Make sure to make reservations prior! Atleast the day before.
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