Washoku Guide
Cities/San Francisco/Izakaya/Tanto Japanese Restaurant
San Francisco · Izakaya · a la carte

Tanto Japanese Restaurant

JapaneseIzakayaSmall PlatesSashimiYakitori

A beloved Japanese izakaya in Sunnyvale, Tanto has served the Bay Area for over 25 years with an authentic menu of 80+ small plates, sashimi, and grilled items drawn from a concept passed down from Japan.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
Sunnyvale
Since
2000
Owner
Tanto Family (Japanese owner-chef)
Tanto Japanese Restaurant — authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco, Sunnyvale
Plate № 31
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About
Tanto Japanese Restaurant carries a legacy that stretches back to a namesake restaurant in Japan run by the owner-chef's brother — the name and culinary philosophy were inherited and brought to California, first at Saratoga Avenue in Santa Clara around 2000 and later at the current Sunnyvale location. The restaurant delivers a genuine izakaya atmosphere with dishes that regulars and Japanese diners describe as the closest thing to Japan in the South Bay: yaki onigiri, ankimo, beef tongue, mentaiko pasta, uni fried rice, and seasonal sashimi. The kitchen keeps things simple and focused, letting fresh, high-quality ingredients speak for themselves. Long lines form before opening and reservations are recommended for evening service.
Neighborhood & visiting

Tanto Japanese Restaurant sits in Sunnyvale, one of San Francisco's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • One of the few Bay Area izakayas consistently praised by Japanese-born diners as authentically reminiscent of dining in Japan.
  • An 80+ item menu of traditional small plates — from uni meshi to grilled squid to freshly made rice balls — ensures something for every palate.
  • The intimate, neighborhood atmosphere replicates the convivial spirit of a Japanese izakaya, complete with booths and communal seating.
  • Over 25 years of consistent quality and a loyal cult following make this one of the South Bay's most dependable Japanese dining destinations.

Reservations strongly recommended; call during business hours. Lines form 30-45 minutes before opening. — Format: Izakaya. Authenticity: Owner-chef's concept is passed down from his brother's restaurant in Japan under the same name TANTO; Japanese-owned and operated for 25+ years in the South Bay.

Links
Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →Instagram →

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Frequently asked

About Tanto Japanese Restaurant

Is Tanto Japanese Restaurant an authentic japanese restaurant in San Francisco?
Yes — Tanto Japanese Restaurant is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in San Francisco: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Tanto Japanese Restaurant located?
Tanto Japanese Restaurant is located at 1063 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, San Francisco, USA in the Sunnyvale neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Tanto Japanese Restaurant?
Tanto Japanese Restaurant does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in San Francisco we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Tanto Japanese Restaurant?
Tanto Japanese Restaurant sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in San Francisco.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in San Francisco →Izakaya in San Francisco →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →