We have dined inside here several times. Occasionally, we encounter something impressive, but generally the food is average. The service is good. The atmosphere and decor is charming. The downtown location is convenient. The value is just OK.

However, there is a problem with flies inside this location, likely because the servers are constantly opening doors to deliver items to the outside deck.

Although the prices are high it is so worth it. The food is great. I have been to many of these places where they cook in front of you. This one is by far the best. I could eat here everyday. So So Good!

I love Takaoka! Great staff, beautiful restaurant, food is awesome, and I love the saki bombs. =)

We ordered appetizers and meals that came with the salad bar. We each (3 of us) has a tiny plate of salad after we first ordered. Then the watress (who was a good server) brought us bread and our appetizers. The flys just kept multiplying after the appetizers came until we had 8-10 flying around and in our food. We were just disgusted by that point and told the waitress that we were not going to eat or pay for our meals but would pay for the appetizers and drinks. (Oh, by the way the appetizers were terrible too - how do you mess up chips and salsa??). Anyway, the waitress said she would send the manager over and took the food away. She then brought us the bill. They charged us for 3 full salad bars ($8 each person). When the manager came over not only did she give us excuse after excuse about the flys and why they could not correct the problem - but at the same time was trying to act like there were not any flys because she didn't see any. But, once the food was taken away the flys left. When we asked about the salad bar charges - she was argumentative and said she was already loosing money on our dinners. She finally took off ONLY ONE of the salad bars off the bill. For drinks, small plate of salad, and a couple of bites of appetizers we paid over $40. Just terrible!!!

We the 2-hr roundtrip drive for a number of annual special occasions because Takaoka was so worth it! The food is ALWAYS the best and the chefs are very entertaining. You can't go wrong here!

An outing you will never forget. Splurge on this one, you won't regret it. From the delicious food, to the talented chefs who prepare it at your table, to the culturally rich experience, to the little bridge (my favorite), and attentive staff. Takaoka is a wonderful experience.