Tokyo Café Back From the Ashes

by Trey Moran

While not a new restaurant by any means, Tokyo Café has undergone a rebirth since a fire wiped out much of the structure and forced a two year closure. Chef Kevin Martinez brings his take on traditional Asian fare with killer ramen and a full sushi bar along with beef, chicken and pork bowls, wok fried noodles and entrée’s such as bone in short ribs with Japanese risotto and Tokyo Fish & Chips (tempura red snapper with yuzu tarter sauce).  Locals rave about the ramen.  

The new design is easy on the eyes. Dark wood floors against bright white walls and Japanese lanterns adorn the ceiling in the main dining area. Wood top tables with black chairs spread about with plenty of room as to not feel crowded. Huge picture windows look out to Camp Bowie Blvd. It makes for a very relaxing atmosphere.

I dropped in for a nice solo Saturday lunch and tried a few different things.  First off was the BAO of the day, which was brisket and onion.  The steamed buns were soft and piping hot. The filling was bold and full of flavor. The brisket was very tender. The buns came 2 to an order with a side of house made chili sauce and were only $5.

Next was the Beef Bowl. Hand sliced beef in a house made teriyaki style sauce over perfectly steamed rice and topped with scallions ($9). I opted for the extra meat for a $3 up-charge. This could have easily fed 2 people if you were sharing several items.  The bowl was loaded with beef and the sauce was only slightly spicy. It certainly hit the spot.

Along with the beef bowl I ordered a Tokyo Roll, which is smoked salmon, crab, cream cheese and mango with plum vinaigrette.  The flavors on this were wonderful. Out of habit I dipped my first piece into soy sauce but that completely overtook the flavor of the plum sauce. The soy was definitely not needed.

A full sushi bar, affordable dishes to share and a full bar with craft cocktails make this a must try place if you are hankering for some really good Japanese food.  Open for lunch and dinner.

Tokyo Cafe | 5121 Pershing Ave, Fort Worth | 817.737.8568