Taka

Taka Japanese Restaurant is a long-time local gem in Asbury Park, known for reliably tasty cocktails, beef dishes, and fresh seafood. The Food: 🍤 Chili Shrimp: A delicious balance of heat and sweet. It was served piping hot, topped with jalapeño slices, red chili threads, and honey. Critique: The shrimp were slightly overdone/chewy on this visit. Tip: Mix the leftover spicy sauce with a side of white rice for a tasty side dish! 🍔 The Burger: The thick, medium-rare patty had a great beefy flavor. It was juicy and rich, served on an excellent bun. 🐚 Pan Seared Scallops: These were large and fresh, plated on cucumber slices in a moat of miso mustard sauce. Service: ⭐ Special thanks to Alex for the attentive and professional service. Her follow-ups and insider tips (such as combining the shrimp sauce with a bowl of rice) were spot on. Consistency Note: While the service was excellent, the kitchen had a rare off-night regarding execution (e.g., the overdone shrimp and shumai), likely due to the heavy dinner rush. Overall: A solid, high-end Japanese restaurant for business dinners or get-togethers.

Beautifully decorated for the season, service was top notch, decor was warm and cozy. Much larger of a space than it seems from the street. The service was excellent and the food, which can get a tad pricey, is worth every penny and was high quality and delicious. They have tons of specials, some not even on the specials menu just mentioned by the server. We got the hot saki which I highly recommend; 2 Maki tacos, 3 specialty rolls (one from the daily specials menu) and the pomegranate sorbet for dessert - all was superb. It was our first time there and we'll definitely be back.

Amazing food and experience. Our servers Alexander and Katrina were the best! The Spicy Rosa Rita is a must try. Also recommend the crispy spicy tuna and short ribs for appetizers. The sushi is so fresh and the portions are great. So many different options and everything is amazing. Can’t wait to come back soon.

Beyond delicious!!!! Not pictured was the best of all, chili shrimp appetizer. So so so good. Danielle was fabulous! We enjoyed everything and will be back. Such a fun vibe too. Great cocktails! For Asian food they were also super accommodating to GLUTEN FREE. They were able to make most soy dishes GF, that was an extra bonus!!!

Had a reservation at 5pm and was seated right away for a group of 4. We decided to eat outside. Restaurant is spacious, the outdoor seating area was a little more cramped and the chairs were a bit wobbly. The staff was friendly and attentive. Food arrived in a timely manner as well. The cocktails here are boozy and delicious. For apps we got the pork fried rice balls and the pork baby back ribs. The rice balls were excellent. Came out super hot and the texture was so crunchy. The fried rice filling was full of delicious flavor. The baby back ribs were on the sweeter side and fell off the bone. Really enjoyed the flavor. For entree I got the braised short rib. Also came out piping hot and was truly impressed by this dish. Portion size is generous as well. The short ribs were super tender and flavorful. The green beans weren't really seasoned but honestly was not needed with how flavorful the short ribs and sauce was. The wasabi mash was such a nice twist on the typical mash it really brought the whole dish together. The fried onions on top added a nice crunchy texture. For dessert I got the orange and creamsicle gelato. Super delicious and creamy way to end the meal.

My wife and I had a reservation at Taka, and from the moment we arrived, we were greeted by their warm and welcoming staff. Our table was ready right away, and the ambience was both stylish and inviting. We ordered sushi, shrimp tempura, and the Taka poke — all of which were fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every bite was a delight, especially the poke, which was packed with taste and perfectly balanced. We would definitely return next time we’re in the area. A quick tip: make a reservation ahead of time — this place gets busy!

Nice Japanese restaurant with attentive staff and decent food. We had dinner here. Felt the menu items were overpriced & unjustified. Enjoyable but wasn’t impressed. The other Japanese place on cookman has tastier food and more reasonably priced options if that’s what you care about.

I really liked this place! The vibes are great, and the outdoor seating area is super nice with good music. The food was delicious and hit all the umami notes I was craving. The tuna and the tuna poke were both really good.

Such fast service! The server was patient with us as well haha. He gave good drink recommendations. We just came to grab a drink and share some rolls and it was so yummy and came out crazy fast! I would definitely one back here when i'm in town.

This food was soooo good. I wore sweats. Made me feel a little out of place because everything was so nice inside. The server was nice, decor was nice, the outside area Is a little tight but it's still so nice. I had a bento box which was great. The dressed for that salad was phenomenal. Potato salad felt out of place but it was still very good. Calamari was sooo crispy. Cooked to literal perfection. That roll was great also.

Whenever I make the drive to Asbury Park from NYC - I haveeee to stop here. I've never ordered anything bad. This is a huge space, cute outdoor seating and a very large bar. All the bartenders I've encountered have been friendly and love giving recommendations. The blackberry and the spicy margaritas are so good. I love the shishito peppers and every sushi roll I've had has been delicious. My recent visit yesterday, I tried the short ribs with wasabi mash and green beans. 10/10, no notes.

Totally enjoy my meal here. Unlike a lot of places that are downsizing portions, the sushi here was full size and well made. Service was very good. No complaints Totally will be coming back for some more.

We came here on a Sunday evening and were seated outside as the weather was beautiful. A lot of spacious indoor seating as well. Restaurant was very clean and staff very attentive. My vegetable tempura came out very hot and fresh. A nice variety of vegetables as well. My daughter ordered sushi and said it was very fresh and full of flavor.

This place was pretty disappointing considering the price. The sushi rolls were okay, not what you'd expect from your typical sushi spot, but the flavors still went well together. However, we ordered two pieces of toro nigiri on the side and it was very fishy and clearly not fresh. You could tell just by looking at it that it would not end well. Disappointing that they'd offer premium pieces but not even serve them fresh.

Came here after reading the reviews and yes the five stars are spot on. We had a warm greeting at the door, then shown to a great table near the bar. Service was prompt and friendly. We shared a cold sake, then started out with edamame and toro sashimi. Follow that with a cucumber roll, avocado and spicy tuna roll and the Jun shin roll. All the sushi was so fresh and the portions quite generous. I second the reviewers that recommend reservations. We got there early and by 6 the bar and restaurant were filling up. Ask about the specials! There was a Toronado roll I would have ordered if I knew about it sooner! Will definitely be back on our next trip to the Jersey shore.

Cool place located in the heart of downtown Asbury Park. We went with another couple. We had a reservation and were seated promptly. For appetizers table shared an order of edamame and a salad. Both very good. For mains our friends shared an order of Udon and a Chicken Katsu and said both were excellent. My wife had the grilled salmon and said it was very good. I had the Sushi dinner and it was also very good. Our waitress was great as well. Definitely worth a visit.

Recommended: Absolutely, a top choice in the area! Overall: A consistently excellent sushi spot with a swanky vibe and a surprisingly great tap list. Snapshot: Food: 5/5 Drink: 5/5 Vibe: 5/5 Service: 5/5 ‍‍ Family-Friendly: 4/5 Highlights: -Perfect For: A special occasion or a sushi lover's night out -Don't Miss: The fresh and flavorful sushi selection -Bonus Tip: Check out their lunch specials if sushi isn't your thing - there's something for everyone. All The Details: Taka in Asbury Park is an absolute gem and has become my go-to sushi destination in the Northeast. Having visited several times over the years, the consistency in quality is remarkable. The fish, whether it's sashimi, nigiri, or maki, is always fresh with clean, elevated flavors. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but the quality and experience make it entirely worthwhile. The upscale, swanky atmosphere pairs wonderfully with their amazing tap list - a rarity in sushi restaurants and a delightful surprise. This place holds a special place in my heart, being the restaurant of choice for my birthday dinner this year. Its family-friendliness was another pleasant surprise. The back room is a bit tight, but they were more than accommodating, storing our stroller and providing a clean highchair for our baby. While there's no specific kids' menu, side options like avocado and rice were perfect for my little one. My parents, who aren't big on sushi, were fans of the lunch specials, while my husband and I reveled in the fresh beer on tap and fresh raw fish. From the outstanding service to the exceptional sushi and vibrant atmosphere, Taka is not just a favorite in Asbury Park but in the whole Northeast. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone visiting the area, which says a lot given the plethora of excellent dining options available here.

The service is amazing they can be so busy and still get you a drink and treat you like royalty. Food is so good and ambiance is perfection. Highly recommend. The bartenders last night were all amazing even on a busy night like New Year's Eve. Will be back again!

We came here years ago and remembered that we liked it so we decided to return when we were down the shore. The place is beautiful inside and always busy. You must make a reservation any day of the week! It was a last minute decision for us to go so we didn't have a reservation. We could have eaten outside but it was a little buggy out. We waited a little and got a seat at the bar. The hostess was helpful with telling us who they thought would be getting up soon. Bartender was extremely attentive and great service. I had the yuzu martini which wasn't my favorite but I think it's because I don't love the yuzu flavor. After I have a spicy margarita and that was great. Husband had a Hendricks and tonic and he said the ratio was on point. For apps we spilt the crispy spicy tuna and Kani salad. The kani salad was like what you'd get at any sushi place. I enjoyed the crispy spicy tuna bites but my husband said that was his least favorite. Then we had two rolls and they were some of the best we've ever had. The flavors were so unique and taste was outstanding. They were large and we were stuffed after. We had the coconut shrimp roll and jun-San roll. I couldn't decide which one I liked better. We will definitely be back for more sushi and drinks! Great spot for a dinner out or to hang out at the bar, it gets crowded either way.

Taka is the go to Japanese place in Bradley Beach/Asbury Park. We got there when it was just opened and not long after, it got busier. The servers are super nice and friendly. I asked them which cocktail was good and they told me the Green Tea Martini was good so that's what I got. And it is very good. I finished it before my food arrived. It's that good. Food wise, A got the ramen and I got the California roll (I think). It was delicious. Everything is super fresh and they can substitute brown rice for white rice which is not something that a lot of places offer. It definitely changes the taste to get the roll with brown rice. Taste healthier lol. The place gets busy so I recommend a reservation. But it's not so bad where you can't hear the person you're with. I highly recommend trying this place if you're in Asbury Park. And get the green tea martini.

Taka in Asbury Park, NJ, stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, especially for seafood enthusiasts. Nestled by the sea, this restaurant offers an extraordinary dining experience. From the moment you step in, the elegant yet inviting ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. The menu at Taka is a masterpiece of fresh, high-quality seafood. Their sushi and sashimi are expertly prepared, showcasing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each dish is a work of art, a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to the craft. The creative fusion of traditional Japanese techniques with innovative twists results in culinary creations that are both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. One of the standout features of Taka is their commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients, ensuring that every bite bursts with freshness. The menu is not only diverse but also well-curated, offering a range of options to cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you're a sushi connoisseur or a fan of Japanese-inspired dishes, Taka has something to delight your palate. The attentive and knowledgeable staff at Taka enhance the overall dining experience. Their recommendations and friendly service contribute to the warm and welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel right at home. The restaurant's dedication to providing exceptional service further elevates the overall impression of Taka. In addition to the exquisite seafood, Taka also offers a thoughtfully curated selection of wines and beverages, perfectly complementing the flavors of the dishes. The attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience reflects the restaurant's commitment to delivering a truly exceptional culinary journey.

Great modern Japanese spot in AP, definitely a highlight of the food scene here. Fresh ingredients and friendly staff makes take stand out. The drinks were well crafted and great for after a day on the beach.

The vibes, food and service were awesome. If you want some good sushi while in asbury this is your place.

Post- beach sushi absolutely hits here at Taka! My bestie and I came here for the first time and decided to try the sushi extravaganza with sashimi, nigiri & one specialty roll. The fish was quality & fresh. The service was just ok but the restaurant is really pretty. I can see it being a vibe in the evening with some cocktails.

Very pleased with Taka. We came at 6:30 on a Thursday night and It was busy! But we didn't have to wait but a minute before being sat. Service was prompt, even though It was busy It wasn't so loud that you couldn't hear each other. It's a cute spot. The food was also delicious and very reasonably priced. Will definitely be coming back.

It's always popular here and it opens both Monday and Tuesday unlike many other restaurants that might close one of these days. A good selections of appetizers and those were what we had - chicken meatballs, crispy spicy tuna, yellowtail with jalapeños, and shrimps and vegetable tempura. All seafood was fresh and all dishes were tasty. We also had frozen sangria and green tea martini. The service was fast and friendly.

Visited Taka for the first time last weekend and was quite excited about it. While initially we were impressed with the food and decor, unfortunately the meal took a quick turn on the second course when my husband bit down on an apparent chunk of sharp frosted plastic that was disguised inside his wasabi coleslaw. After discharging the plastic and showing it to our waitress who immediately apologized she called for the manager. Upon his arrival he offered little condolence and more confusion and awkwardness. We sat bewildered as he seemed unable to address what had happened or provide much consolation or even consideration which was more unfortunate than anything else. Prior to his departure he offered a "discounted check" which to our surprise equated to $23.50 from a $100 bill. This is ridiculous and unheard of in the industry especially with a potential injury. Additionally not even checking in again to see if we were alright and satisfied. Very shameful. Now my husband after checking with his dentist has daily pain, and bruised ligaments in his mouth while waiting for results on tests for any fractures. Needless to say we will not be returning but wanted others to proceed with caution due to the lack of professionalism by a food service manager especially when dealing with cuisine that needs to be made correctly to protect its patrons.

we sat quickly and service was good. we did however sit next to a door that leads to an outside sitting area that was closed. they allowed a smoker to go outside at least 5 times in 1.5 hours. Every time he opened the door we had an attic blast of cold air and cigarette smell. The food was just fair and the portions were small. I had sashimi and has fresh but not very flavorful. my wife had one of the specials. and we both had 1 drink each. the bill was over 140 including tip. Expensive meal that was just fair.

Hello Darlings! Have I missed all of you here in YelpLand! It's been years since last write. But be that as it may, Your Host is ready to get back in the saddle and get into the deets and eats (and the drinks...hiccup) about this place in Asbury Park called Taka. ATMOSPHERE: Allow me at the outset to mention that Your Host LOVES this place! It's right smack dab on Cookman Avenue, one block east of Main Street. On the corner. The vibe here is energetic and is a great spot for dinner, drinks, etc. This is not by any means a quiet, intimate dinner for two place; it's geared for casual get-togethers to eat, drink and be merry. FARE: The fare is primarily Japanese-inspired as there is sushi-a-plenty here. If sushi isn't your thang, there are plenty of cooked entrees for the slightly less adventurous (like Your Host). It goes without saying that a plethora of appetizers are available as well. Food quality is fantastic and but Your Host tends to be stuck to the Chicken Katsu but does sample from others when offered. Portions tend to be generous, so bring your appetite (and submit to the likelihood that Stairmaster sessions will be the Order of the Next Several Days). DRINKS: This place is renowned for some very delicious beverages. Darlings, they are pretty generous with the booze, so take heed. The Blackberry Margherita is sublime (hiccup!) and two (or more) will get you wasted...don't ask me how I know this... Overall this is a great place to drink and chow down. Reservations are necessary particularly on Friday and Saturdays but if you don't mind sitting at the main bar (which IS fun BTW), you can play the Stake Out and Wait game and grab a spot when one becomes available. Go forth and conquer! Your Host

A great Sushi bar in a great town. Don't miss the lychee martini! You won't be disappointed

We went for lunch yesterday, wasn't a wait time. the place is big inside too. Our waiter was great, I got two lunch specials. Each of them were $13 and it was a steal, big portions and very full after. Everything was delicious, I got the half curry with chicken for the first time and it was awesome, and I got a bowl of ramen with chicken, delicious as well. I'd definitely be back for more dishes and the sushi.

I was damp and mildly shivering throughout this meal, and yet it was pretty much the perfect experience otherwise. My Millennial Chum and I came here for a post-hike meal on Saturday, after spending approximately three hours walking around in light rain. Expectations were low, and the goal was to find a dry place to eat for an hour or so. We were both a little concerned that any legit establishment in Asbury would turn us away at the entrance looking like drowned rats, but the host at Taka was very nice and escorted us to a table immediately. The interior reminded me of an upscale Ikea - the ceiling especially by the island bar area is covered in bubble-like lamps - with a lot of modern furnishings and a dash of exposed brick. It's a shame the building itself from the outside is so poochy; it looks like a nondescript municipal office, so hopefully Taka gets the opportunity to put their personal touch on the exterior as well. My number one goal was to get a rosy hue on my cheeks again after tromping around on the metaphorical set of the X-Files all day, so I ordered the Smoked Old Fashioned ($12). Literally the best Old Fashioned I've ever had, and that's saying something. Just scrumptious - I tend to really like Old Fashioneds that enhance the bourbon sweet by including something like brown sugar, but I think I'm team smoky now. It came with a coaster covering the top of the glass to keep the smoke in, but that had a very cool chimney-like effect when I uncovered the beverage. Huge recommend. If they didn't have the alcohol content of a tank of gasoline, I would have gotten more than one. I was in a special roll state of mind, so I went with the Firecracker ($15) and the Jun-San ($17). The waiter did warn me that the Firecracker was "the spiciest roll in Asbury," which I have no doubt is accurate based on what I encountered. This bad boy had both spicy mayo (one of my sushi faves) as well as sriracha. If your sinuses are clogged, this should clear them up pretty quickly. It was very good, but I think in hindsight I would have gotten something that didn't overwhelm the palate as much, especially when I was so intent on maximizing the taste of the Old Fashioned. Very fresh fish and quite a zip. The Jun-San was my favorite though - lots of different types of fish involved, and the caramelized soy sauce was a nice touch. Neither lasted long. This was already pretty astounding, but the dessert was really mind-blowing as well. With very little discussion, we both zeroed in on the Triple Chocolate Cake with Toasted Marshmallow The Millennial Chum is far more disciplined than me, so I ended up eating about 70% of it, but no matter. Heavenly. You can kind of see it in the accompanying picture, but there's literally the vestiges of a toasted marshmallow under the cake. What a concept. What an idea. A perfect way to end the meal. Service-wise, we both loved the waiter. He clearly knew his way around the fairly lengthy menu, and everything came out promptly. I was equally impressed with the price point; in Asbury, a lot of this stuff could have been at least $5 more, particularly the smoky cocktail, but this was very affordable for a pretty nice restaurant in a very trendy area. Huge recommend. I can't wait to come by when I'm dry.

The serious was so quick. Very impressed with the wait staff! So so delicious! I recommend this cool lil spot for sure

Been a while since eating here. The service was excellent, but the food was less than expected. For a sushi restaurant, the menu lacked variety and the sushi lacked flare...very different from last time. We did love the edamame though...fresh and chunky beans.

Taka in downtown Asbury is a fantastic Japanese fusion restaurant, perfect for a date night. The sushi is some of the best I've had, and the drinks are top-notch. I always sit at the bar, where I receive attentive service. On my last visit, I ordered the yellowtail, an Old Fashioned, and fried tofu, all of which were delicious. Taka is a great spot for a memorable dining experience.

Food is delicious, the ambience is nice. Dog friendly patio. The blackberry Margarita is my favorite and the sushi is always on point. The staff is always great and att

I hate writing disappointing reviews, but this was definitely a below average sushi place. It's absolutely spacious and beautiful inside of this restaurant and I am kind of convinced that is what brings their costumers in. Our sushi was ok, however there was so much rice inside our rolls that it took away from the fish and toppings. The ribs were tender but it was served almost room temperature, I have a feeling they were frozen beforehand. My favorite thing we got was probably my blackberry cocktail, which was delicious and had enough liquor. Too bad Taka isn't just a cocktail bar. Our waiter was nice and quick, even though it was a little busy. Overall, will definitely not be returning back here. The bill was way too high for the lack of quality in our dishes.

Where do I even start with this place. Bubble lights on the way in are so welcoming, I wish I sat at the bar. Despite not having a reservation, they were very flexible and accommodating to our party that grew last minute from 6 to 7. The sushi in Jersey is better than sushi I have elsewhere on the East Coast (specifically New England) but this blew other places out the water. The tuna was perfectly prepared and the servings was super generous. Green tea martini was very good, kind of like a Lipton green tea, and I have heard good things about the other cocktails. Can't wait to come back!!

Get the rib appetizer it's delish... make sure to make a reservation on the weekends the place gets packed

Great food at reasonable prices. Fresh sushi, friendly knowledgeable staff. Only problem is parking.

This place never seizes to be on point with their food options and experience!! (Aside from one time where we had a bad experience with a waitress, but I honestly feel it was on the waitress and her day than the restaurant itself, based on our experiences here like 10 other times in around 2 years...) we love this sushi, always fresh and delicious! Their drink and appetizers (ie. Dumplings, khani salad, edamame) have also been a pleasant experience! They are ALWAYS busy, therefore definitely recommend a reservation, but if you're lucky you may be seated right away or within 15min with no reservation, just depends (worth the try if you don't, maybe call and check ahead of time, since parking kinda sucks)

It's always packed for a reason. Delicious sushi at a generous portion size. Stylish decor makes it a cool environment. An Asbury Park gem.

Always delicious! I celebrated my grandchildren! One for her promotion and one for her birthday. Our server made these celebrations quite special! I appreciate her! The food was excellent, as always! We had a variety of rolls, appetizers and miso soup. Plus, dessert. I don't want to single one item out, because each was outstanding!! My complements to the server, the chef and the bartender!

Love Taka! Japanese fusion beautiful bar, friendly knowledgeable staff. Comfortable seating inside and out. Sushi rolls are beautifully presented and wonderfully fresh! Love it!

I went with my boyfriend for our Valentine's Day dinner and we loved it!! The drinks were good and so was the food. He got the Umai Tai and I got the Green Tea Martini and Blackberry Margarita. I really liked both of my drinks but liked the blackberry margarita more. I plan to get it next time. As for food, we got the gyoza and crispy spicy tuna as appetizers. The gyoza was great as usual. As for the crispy spicy tuna, we didn't realize until our last roll that dipping it in soy sauce absorbs the crispness and easier to eat so heads up. We were going to sushi rolls and entrees but opted for sushi. We ended up getting the Ebi Salmon, which the sriracha gave a good blend to and the lobster salad was so good. We got the salmon kimono since we wanted sweet potato with a bit more, it was good too. Then we got Jun-San which looked great on Instagram and tasted good in person. Lastly we got the eel dragon; I thought the sesame seeds made it even better. We had a great time and want to go back for more food!

This place is HUGE. And very upbeat, great cocktails, comfortable chairs (I'm a little on the bigger side). Great service, exceptional menu. It can be a bit on the louder side, which is tricky for us older folk or maybe a date night but it's a very cosmopolitan dining experience and I plan to return.

Whoaa... What happened Taka. You've always been a go to, and highlight spot in AP with great food, great vibe, and beautiful atmosphere. A recent visit was an unmitigated and total disaster. Only appetizers of Shumai, BB Ribs and Pistachio Salad hit the mark Two full Sushi entrees and several rolls were a huge miss- tasteless and insipid. My Fish n' Chips were a level below Gorton's with a stringy texture that I cant even describe. Another order of Chicken Teriyaki (supposed to be boneless chicken thighs) were flattened slices of chicken with a sprinkle of brown sauce that had no flavor. An unforgettable Friday night - and not in a good way. No response from management when we expressed our dissatisfaction.

Ordered: Lychee Lover (~$11): Skyy Citrus vodka, lychee sake, cranberry Endless Summer (~$14): Grey Goose vodka, coconut water, pineapple Blackberry Margarita (~$12): Tres Agaves tequila, cointreau, blackberries, lime, agave Crispy Spicy Tuna (~$12): fried rice cake, spicy tuna, jalapeños, scallions Calamari (~$15): tempura fried with spicy mayo and tempura sauce Hiyashi Wakame (~$10): seaweed salad with a sesame vinaigrette Firecracker Roll (~$15): tuna & crunch roll topped with spicy mayo, habanero, sriracha, togarashi Jun-San Roll (~$16): tuna & avocado roll topped with salmon, yellowtail, scallion, caramelized soy sauce, spicy mayo, tempura crunch Aburi Salmon (~$16): avocado, cucumber, jalapeño roll topped with torched salmon, Japanese mayo, caramelized soy sauce, togarashi Tataki Shrimp (~$16): shrimp tempura, mango, cucumber roll topped with tuna tataki, chipotle mayo, scallions Aya's take: Wow, this is THE spot in Asbury Park. The ambiance and decor is stunning. The cocktails are pretty, the appetizers are tasty, and the sushi is fresh and delicious. You can't go wrong. I can't pick a favorite dish because everything was actually so good! Perfect spot for a date, to catch up with friends, or just satisfy your sushi craving. Can't recommend enough!

I was in the mood for cocktails and sushi so I can here with my friends last Friday. Our reservation was for 8pm and the place was packed. I highly recommend making reservations. The restaurant is really nicely decorated inside and has a very trendy vibe. We ordered way too much food. Everything was delicious! We started off with calamari and taka poke. It was my first time trying poke and I loved it! Everything in the dish tasted great. We really enjoyed the calamari as well. For my entree I order the shrimp and eel dragon rolls. It was a generous portion and really delicious. I was not able to finish everything, next time I'll only order one roll. I had the blackberry margarita, it was well made. Our server was very attentive throughout our meal. I'll definitely be returning!

Went to dinner at Taka on a Saturday night at 5:30pm. When we arrived it was pretty quiet and they initially sat us at a booth. We asked to move to a round table and we're told they had a reservation for that table at 7 pm, but we could sit there if we thought we'd be done before then. There were 6 in our party and we started with the Crispy Spicy Tuna, Crab Cakes, Edamame and the span Seared Sea Scallops. All were good but my favorite was the Crispy Spicy Tuna. The combination of the fresh tuna with the little rice cake and ponzu sauce was heavenly. I don't like jalapeños so I took that slice off of mine, but the taste was phenomenal with the scallions on top. My partner and I also split the Caesar Salad, which was also prepared wonderfully with a light coat of dressing Edamame and a delicious lotus chip on top. Another couple split the house salad and said it was good, but then took a bite of our Caesar and wish they got that salad instead. For entrees, my partner and I split the EbibSalmon, and it also was delicious and a combination that I had never had before. It had a shrimp tempura and avocado on the inside, and was topped with salmon that was lightly cooked with a crème brûlée torch, and then topped with a bit of lobster salad. It also had carmelized soy sauce and sriracha. So so yummy! The others in our party had the Braised Short Ribs (which I tasted and melted in my mouth), the Jun-San roll, the Sliced Yellowtail & Jalepeno, and 3 other rolls. I'm glad we went early as the place was packed when we left. The restaurant is very spacious though and very nicely decorated, so we never had a problem with the mouse level and didn't even realize how full it was until we left. Not a cheap meal, but you get what you pay for and it was very good!

Food was absolutely unreal here. Everything we had was absolutely delicious. The service was also great. Our waiter was so kind and attentive. Would definitely recommend this restaurant!

Nice place. The veggie sushi and miso soup are amazing. The wine selection was good. The bartender was friendly. Good place to get Japanese food in Asbury Park.

Taka has a wonderful staff and their vodka/sake martini is ultra-phenomenal, but the sushi is the same as one would expect just about anywhere. With the exorbitant sushi prices, I thought the maki, nigiri, and sashimi would be a step above but that didn't happen. Yes, the rolls were large but the flavors were weak. The worst part: The nigiri is roughly have the size as one would expect. In fact, they seemed to have been crafted for kids in lieu of adults. At most restaurants I've ventured into, sashimi comes in 3 pieces. Ata Taka, you only get two pieces and they are quite small. Even so, the mackerel was memorable. I would only recommend a roll or two from here, but if you're going for drinks, the bartenders really know what they are doing. Unfortunately, the atmosphere is lackluster.

All day every day solid five star! Super friendly super helpful courteous hosts and our server Labby was terrific. We had a blast and the food was incredible. We start off with an order of the pork spareribs a must have the meat melts off the bone you can pull it off with your chopsticks it was that good and a secret sauce that they make it's got a nice tang. And for our beverage choice, we melted over our lychee lover martini it was fabulous. Due to the 90+ degree weather we opted for two rolls to share and after going over the menu with labbby we landed on the Jun-San roll, tuna avocado roll topped with salmon, yellowtail, scallion crunch finished with a caramelized soy sauce and spicy mayoand the lobster roll, Avocado, cucumber roll topped with fresh lobster tail salad. We had each wrapped in soy paper. Both rolls with mouth watering, so fresh, so much flavor, yet delicate. overall they were incredible. We will absolutely be back to explore a more wonderful menu options. You should've seen my food photos

If you like sushi and find yourself down the jersey shore, you HAVE to go to Taka. The food is fresh, the service is quick and the ambiance is awesome for a casual lunch/ dinner or a night out. Can't recommend this spot enough, always a go to when I am in this area

Amazing sushi, drinks and service! Place always has a great vibe! Parking can be tricky, but so worth the effort!

Awesome sushi. I feel that central Jersey is lacking when it comes to sushi. It's the freshness of the fish, presentation, and awesome special occasion or date night ambiance of the restaurant that delights. We had a really good time and people watching was good too. Service was excellent - I never felt like I was wanting of anything.