You must try this place.

Came here last week for a business lunch and could not fault any aspect of it. Elegant and professional service, lovely surroundings and exceptional food.

You just feel totally at home here and want to linger for a while. They’ve absolutely nailed it in every respect.

Don’t be put off by the fact that you can’t see inside – behind the door is an absolute gem of a restaurant.

What a lucky find TATSUMI is! I love Japanese food and this restaurant won’t disappoint you. From first arriving you get an overall feel of the cosy ambience the multi layers of mixed earthy elements, soft lighting and gentle background music provides. The front of house person is immediately welcoming and quietly ushers guests to their table. The food is presented in a clean, creative and appealing manner. Portion sizes are great and allows the diner to easily enjoy three courses and finish feeling satisfied. The food itself is delicious! An array of flavours to stimulate and pleasure your tastebuds. Waiting staff are discreet and know the menu very well. I love the Zodiac cocktails. An unique way of complimenting their restaurant name. TATSUMI means Dragon and Snake – two creatures from the zodiac. A delightful dining experience that is reasonably priced and easy to get to. Don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. You’ll be pleased you did!

I was recently invited (as Founder of JapanNewZealand facebook community) to attend a memorial “Pray for Christchurch” event at Tatsumi.

Tatsumi used to be located in Christchurch, but after the February 22 earthquake in 2011, it was unfortunately red zoned. So, owners Yoko & Koichi Kigami plucked up enough courage and relocated their restaurant to Auckland late last year.

On Feb 22, to mark the 1 year anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake, they opened their hearts and Tatsumi’s doors and welcomed other Cantabrians that, like them, made the extremely difficult decision to move to Auckland.

After watching highlights of the memorial event on the big screen and a couple of heart-warming speeches, Yoko and Koichi treated everyone to an amazing (and complimentary!) buffet of delicious European-inspired Japanese fusion style cuisine and fine wines.

While Yoko & Koichi will never forget Christchurch, they hope to rebuild their business and lives here in Auckland and I encourage you all to dine at Tatsumi if you haven’t yet – the food is amazing; the setting and atmosphere takes you right back to Japan, as does the service…

10 out of 10 from us – and a very warm welcome to Auckland!