Temari Cafe

We recently dined at The Temari Cafe. Although we observed limited vegetarian options and the staff's reluctance to modify menu items, everything else was excellent. The service was warm and welcoming, and the genuine Japanese ambiance set it apart. Unlike many eateries that mix Japanese elements with other culinary traditions, this cafe exuded an authentically Japanese aura. From the attentive service to the curated menu, it was markedly more Japanese than many venues we've frequented outside of Japan. The dishes, rich in traditional Japanese nuances, were imaginatively prepared, flavorful, and visually captivating, culminating in a delightful dessert. We eagerly anticipate our return to explore more of their offerings and hope to see an expanded vegetarian selection.

I sought out Temari for numerous reasons. The fact that this non-descript restaurant sits right below a small Japanese market and various review pictures depict really vibrant sushi entrees gives me high hopes that I may have found my go-to sushi place. But I am both pleased and dissappointed as I think my expectations may be too high. What was pleasing is the sushi where I was surprised to see nice fatty yellowtail and what seems like chūtoro in the sashimi dinner portion that was ordered; the chirashi seemed small and lackluster though. What was dissappointing is the price which I felt was high and the seating really small tables. While I cannot be certain, it seemed like the kitchen is super small so I wonder at times if the food is prepped elsewhere - which is not an issue at all. Again, I believe my expectations are too high as I was hunting for my go-to sushi haunt with awesome Japanese small plates and client-impressing sushi so I think my hunt continues.

The most authentic Japanese food in the dmv area , in my humble opinion. Delicious and comforting, with large portions as well! Pictured is the kaki combo, and the karaage which was extra hot and freshly fried

Five Stars Great food and service. I tried the ramen I have also had the sashimi special, very good. and it was delicious. The sushi and other choices on the menu looked delicious too. It was s busy Saturday afternoon and everyone there was enjoying the food. This is definitely a local favorite. There is a Japanese grocery store just above the restaurant. Check that out after you eat. Great location on Rockville Pike and plenty of parking. Check the menu and the hours online before your arrival. Enjoy!

Friendly service, cozy environment, most importantly, excellent food. If you are a sushi/sashimi lover, you won’t find what they serve here at other places. Tremendous, family style curry, and you can see the care they put in their appetizers.Food: 5/5

The food here is pretty good for the price. I had a Curry Katsu Chicken meal which wasn't too bad, but could have used a bit more spice. Also, I didn't give it 5 stars since I've been to Japan and know what the real stuff tastes like. I do recommend going here, though, as you won't find anything closer to Japan unless you actually go there.

absolutely FANTASTIC japanese restaurant. Reminded me of eating at my grandmother's house back in the hilltops of japan. However, the only problem that i had was that the food was very expensive for the tekka-don. Back in my hometown of Sapporo, Japan, you will be absolutely LAUGHED at if you told your customer that you were charging them 18 dollars for something like that. Either A lower the prices B add more fish C improve the quality of the fish Other than that, tasted great. Will be coming back for sure !

We visited this location based on a recommendation and we were not disappointed. The staff is very friendly and the service is excellent. The restaurant is very small and constantly packed so the minimal wait staff may take longer than some may like at peak times, but we were fine with the pace of things. The appetizers we had were amazing, easily some of the best of each type we've had out Shrimp Shumai, Takoyaki. Every dish looks beautiful and well-crafted. We came here for the Ramen, which was good. Very delicious broth, well made, but not our favourite in terms of Ramen. The detractors for Ramen for me were the standard Hard-boiled egg instead of the more commonly used soft-boiled eggs that most are used to seeing in Ramen. The second is the pork - the pork was fine, but it tasted like the pork used to make the broth so a bit dried out and lacking in strong flavors. Again though, the broth was amazing. Would I go again? Sure - but I think I'd try other dishes instead of getting Ramen. Everything else I saw come out from the kitchen looked amazing, and if the apps were any indication, I'm willing to guess they taste amazing too.

I went in with high hopes considering that most of the places on Rockville Pike are great places to eat. From all of the reviews I thought that Temari would be a no brainer but I was sadly mistaken. I ordered the chashu ramen and a California roll with tobico. The pork in the ramen is chewy at best and the egg was fully boiled. The California roll had rice that was like porridge and had the consistency of mochi rice before being totally beaten. I will not be going back...

Kind busy Saturday afternoon, may need to wait a bit to be seated, appetizer was really delicious. Decent amount of rice and miso soup.Food: 5/5