Japanese all-u-can-eat restaurants are many and usually you can eat just fine. But Tatsu raises the bar. Fine is not good enough, it has to be perfect. And after an evening of test-dining, we can conclude one thing: it is... except for one small point.
UPGRADE
TATSU is Japanese for dragon, but it mainly has a symbolic meaning, something to do with standing up and getting stronger. So that was exactly what the owners had in mind when they decided to close the former Sumo Haarlem 1 and 2 restaurants and reopen them as TATSU: the same concept, but with a major upgrade. So everything better, tastier, prettier and more room for attention; for quality, service, food styling, the interior and the guest. "Sumo has been a household name in Haarlem since 2010. Together, we had the ambition to take the 'all you can eat' concept of Sumo Haarlem 1 and 2 to the next level with the help of a contemporary and attractive design interior, more exclusive dishes on the menu and beautifully prepared plates. All this together creates the optimal experience we would like to offer our guests," says co-owner Ming Hua Huang.
MENU
This naturally resulted in a new menu. Sushi success formulas - such as the nigiris and makis - of course make their return and all the other Asian classics of 'Gyoza' to the 'Veggie Udon Soup' and the 'Sesame balls' can be found on the menu. But in addition, a number of dishes are eager to be declared new favourites. How about a panna cotta prepared with matcha and the 'Alaska roll', a maki filled with deep-fried shrimp, crab, seaweed salad and Japanese mayonnaise. Also new is the 'Deluxe menu', a menu with dishes that are just a bit more exclusive such as the 'Truffle Salmon Lover', 'Supreme Spring Rolls' and 'Oshizushi'. As all these Japanese dishes go perfectly with a good cocktail, there is also a cocktail station, where the bartender will be shaking your cocktail live. In doing so, you can choose from over 15 cocktails and G&Ts. A unique service for a Japanese all you can eat restaurant.
CONCLUSION
After enjoying an evening at this extraordinary restaurant, we can highly recommend it. The food is tastier and better prepared than we have ever experienced before at such a restaurant, the cocktails are delicious and the hospitality heartwarming. Any areas for improvement to be found? Yep: the espresso. In our opinion, even in a Japanese restaurant, it should be full-blooded Italian, i.e. nice and strong and with a nice crema layer. They need to practice on that...
PRACTICAL
Both TATSUs are open seven days a week and - for the time being due to corona measures - open from 12.00 to 22.00/22.30. TATSU works with two-hour shifts, the first of which starts at noon. Lunch prices are €21.50 for adults and €13.50 for kids. In the evening, kids enjoy the all you can eat experience for as little as €15.95 and the cost for adults is €29.50 on Monday to Wednesday and €31.50 from Thursday to Sunday. tatsu.co.uk
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