Address: | 357 37th St, Ogden, UT 84405, USA |
Phone: | +1 801-395-0329 |
Site: | thehanamaru.com |
Rating: | 4.8 |
Working: | Closed Closed 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM Closed |
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Wes Brown
Both my neighbor and my manager at work are Japanese. Both of them absolutely loved the old Temari location on 40th Street before they closed up shop. When my wife and I asked what local sushi place theyd prefer, they both answered without hesitation: Hanamaru. Weve eaten here twice so far and both times left us wishing we could do so more often. From the quaint, spartan, yet culturally-relevant atmosphere to their attention to detail on every dish they make to their humble and customer-oriented service, Hanamaru deserves all the accolades they get. Parking can be tight, especially with winter snow, but its ample for the size of the building. The dining area has seating for approximately 25 to 30 people, and the sushi bar is a great place for individual diners or couples. Artwork is not over-the-top like some Asian restaurants, and is rather practical, actually. But it fits the decor and style of the place. Bare pine wood, low lighting at night, and well-spaced seating makes for a cozy, authentic experience. Ive never been to Japan, but from photos and videos Ive seen, the atmosphere (including the size of the space) creates a genuine feel of a Japanese sushi house... for what its worth. The two times Ive been here, I couldnt resist the Nika Soba bowl. A customer I sat next to during our last visit went so far as saying the reviews of the Soba was the reason he wanted to try Hanamaru in the first place. The broth is full and robust, the meat tender and well-seasoned. The accompanying tempura vegetables are perfectly fried, never overly cooked like at some places. Their sushi menu is extensive enough for everyones tastes, but not overwhelming to the point of not knowing what to choose. Everyone should be able to find an item that fits what theyre looking for. Every roll Ive tried is neatly and tightly wrapped, never in danger of falling apart as you eat it, and the balance of ingredients are well-rounded; each able to be tasted, which I believe is how sushi should be. The first time we visited, we ended with the mochi ice cream. It was the first time Id had mochi. Its certainly an interesting item for the American palate, but a refreshing way to end a meal. Try this if you have the time to complete the experience. If you sit at the bar, youll be pleasantly surprised to watch the head chef as he prepares the various dishes, including the sushi items. And despite how busy he is, he never shies away from a conversation. Again, humble friendliness is the air here. The wait staff embodies this as well, quick to make sure your drinks are full, tables are cleared and cleaned, and if they can offer anything extra. Dont let the small space turn you away. Even if theres a wait, its typically not long, and its completely worth experiencing the atmosphere and food. Reservations are available, so if waiting isnt your thing, call ahead. Whatever you do, make sure you take some time to visit Hanamaru. It wont disappoint.
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Gabriel Marcotte
Experienced my first authentic Ramen here last Saturday. A friend of mine in LA says that Ramen houses are the new "hot thing" in cuisine there, and I understand why. Hanamaru is cozy, unassuming, and the food came to the table scalding hot! The ramen noodles were fresh, not the stuff you cooked in your dorm room. Mine came with tender slices of pork, nori, a paste of garlic and ginger, and half a soft boiled egg that had been marinated in shoyu. So very good! The seaweed salad is the best Ive had here or on the west coast, as were the Gyoza. Its acceptable to pick up your ramen bowl and finish off your broth, youll want to! I think the prices are very reasonable for such fresh, well prepared food. If you go for Ramen Saturday, get there right at 11:00 or youll have to wait. (Probably behind me.) Its a great sign that people are there at the door when they open, and the tables filled up quick! Im looking forward to going back and trying the dinner menu.
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Rocio Ramos
Ive been coming to this restaurant since it opened across the street from its current location. Roy and Miyako are the most humble and nicest people Ive ever met and are passionate about their food as you can tell by the quality and consistency. Ive also tried almost everything on the menu alongside my husband and I can say with confidence to whoever is reading this that you will not be disappointed. I would also highly recommend Ramen Noodle Saturdays. Go early as the Ramen Noodles sell quick and are limited. Also be patient with the seating, the resturant is small but well worth the wait.
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M Wat
Fantastic! A cozy little place that shouldnt be passed up! The other reviewers are right! My spouse and I are coming here every week now, the food is spectacular-we havent tried anything we didnt like. The udon is wonderful, the sukiyaki is delicious, the pork cutlet was perfect, and I think weve decided the pan fried buckwheat noodles is our favorite, so far. If you love Japanese, youve got to try this place! Thank you, Hanamaru, youve made date night even better! Though I probably shouldnt leave such a good review, I want to keep this place all to myself! :)
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marc kupau
Ive been here numerous times, the only bad experience I had was when I marked the wrong side of the order sheet so one of the guys with us sat there waiting for his food while we ate. When I approached them about his food we discovered I made the mistake not Hanmuras. Food has always been great and service top notch. The food is just as good as Home (Hawaii). I just wish they were open seven days a week. ;-)
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Bruce Boughton
With so many great reviews, what else can I say? Amazing food & excellent service! The restaurant itself makes you feel like youre visiting Japan as well. We are so fortunate to have them in Ogden! If you and your friends want a real treat, make reservations for a Kaiseki dinner, a traditional multicourse Japanese meal where the art and food meet together.
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Charlie Liu
Very authentic Japanese food, always the best quality. My friends and I arrived there 840 Which is late(last call 830). But after I told the owner we came from downtown SLC. They made exceptions for us. And prepare all the food for us, fast and well done. I love this place. You did it right ! Hanamaru
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Sonya Heddle
The best food and service from Ogden to Salt Lake. We have visited several japanese restaurants in both cities and this little place exceeds in all areas. The sushi is amazingly fresh and their ramen and udon are to die for. The service is exceptionally friendly and warm.
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Jeremy Heiner
Curry rice, tonkatsu, and bentos a bit of Japanese heaven. But thats just where it begins. Great place for either lunch or dinner with good variety of authentic food. Nice atmosphere, excellent service, hard to find ramen served on Saturdays.
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Dennis Yonetani
Food is good but service is poor. Waitress forgot about us before we ordered. Never refilled the water or check in on us during the whole time we were there. But delivered the check as soon as we got our meals. Very poor customer service.
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Christopher Medina
In a town like Ogden you could definitely be happy with a authentic Japanese restaurant like this one! Ramen on Saturdays are my favorite and the pork is so delicious! They do cooking classes as well, very good for date nights.
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Julio Perez
This is definitely a hidden gem. Went with two Co workers, mind you were all from different parts of the country with different pallets. We all loved it. Amazing quality of food and service. Will make this our weekly spot!