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Tokyo Wako
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tokyo Wako
7.8
Established in 1988, this teppanyaki specialist offers tableside theater alongside a full sushi bar featuring innovative rolls and traditional nigiri. The elevated location provides views over El Paseo while skilled chefs perform the signature 'volcano' fried rice show.
Must-Try Dishes:
Filet Mignon Teppanyaki, Beef Sashimi with Yuzu, Pocky Ball
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Teppanyaki tables with chef performances and El Paseo views
Who should go: Large groups and celebration parties
When to visit: Weekend dinner for the full teppanyaki show
What to order: Filet mignon teppanyaki, specialty rolls, beef sashimi
Insider tip: Request the 'volcano' performance at your teppanyaki table
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage under building $8 flat rate evenings, street meters until 8pm, valet available Friday-Saturday $15
Dress code: Business casual to dressy, avoid shorts and flip-flops, many diners in date-night attire
Noise level: Lively but manageable - teppanyaki tables are energetic, sushi bar quieter for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially for teppanyaki tables
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10 minutes, business crowd clears by 1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable teppanyaki, veggie rolls, tempura options, tofu teriyaki
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable rolls without mayo, edamame, seaweed salad, specify no egg in fried rice
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - tamari available, but cross-contamination risk at teppanyaki tables
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the teppanyaki show creates fun shared experience but limits intimate conversation. Sushi bar offers more privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sushi bar usually has openings, but teppanyaki tables book solid Thursday-Saturday. Call ahead or expect significant wait for hibachi seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 5+ who enjoy the fire show. High chairs available, kids menu with teriyaki options. Earlier seating (5:30-6:30pm) more family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: More polished teppanyaki experience than Benihana with better quality beef, plus full sushi program unlike pure hibachi spots
Skip if: You want authentic omakase or quiet atmosphere - try Sushi Kimagure for serious sushi or Nobu for upscale Japanese without the show
Tokyo Wako
8.3
Upscale teppanyaki restaurant combining theatrical tableside cooking with fresh sushi in the Paseo Colorado mall. The experienced chefs deliver both entertainment and precision-grilled steaks, seafood, and Japanese specialties.
Must-Try Dishes:
Teppanyaki Lunch Special, Beef Sashimi with Wasabi Yuzu, Pocky Ball
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Teppanyaki showmanship meets business-appropriate atmosphere
Who should go: Corporate groups seeking impressive lunch entertainment
When to visit: Weekday lunch for best teppan availability
What to order: Teppanyaki lunch combos, truffle edamame, specialty rolls
Insider tip: Validated parking available underneath Paseo Colorado
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking in Paseo Colorado garage - 2 hours free with purchase, $2/hour after. Plenty of spots even at peak lunch
Dress code: Business casual standard - collared shirts common at lunch, jeans acceptable if paired with nice top
Noise level: Moderate-loud at teppan tables due to sizzling/chef interaction, quieter sushi bar area available
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for teppanyaki tables without reservation, sushi bar usually immediate
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 15-20 min during 12:30-1:30pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable teppanyaki option, multiple veggie rolls, tofu teriyaki available
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable teppanyaki can be made vegan, 2-3 roll options, edamame
Gluten-free options: Moderate - tamari available, sashimi safe, but cross-contamination risk at teppan tables
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the communal teppan seating means sitting with strangers, though sushi bar offers more intimacy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sushi bar usually yes, teppanyaki tables risky during lunch rush (12-2pm) or weekend dinners - call 30 min ahead to check
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for kids 6+ who enjoy the fire show - high chairs available, kids menu with chicken teriyaki and tempura, but not ideal for toddlers
Best For
Better for: Corporate entertainment where you need conversation + show - more polished than Benihana, better lunch deals than Katsuya
Skip if: You want intimate dining or authentic Japanese kaiseki - choose Totoraku or Matsuhisa instead for serious Japanese cuisine
Tokyo Wako
7.8
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Date Night Magic
Established in 1988, this teppanyaki specialist offers theatrical tableside cooking with skilled chefs performing knife tricks and flame displays. The dual-concept space includes both a full sushi bar and traditional teppanyaki grills where diners enjoy USDA steaks and fresh seafood prepared before their eyes. A reliable choice for celebrations and group gatherings seeking entertainment with their meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Teppanyaki Combination, Pocky Ball, Firecracker Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Classic teppanyaki show with skilled chefs and entertaining volcano presentations
Who should go: Families and celebration groups seeking interactive dining
When to visit: Weekend dinners book fast; weekday lunches offer better value
What to order: Teppanyaki steak and lobster combo, request the volcano show
Insider tip: Non-teppan sushi bar area offers quality sushi without the premium teppan pricing
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validation available - $5 with purchase at One Colorado parking structure. Street parking challenging evenings/weekends. Arrive 10 min early.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans fine, but most diners dress up for celebrations. Skip athleisure.
Noise level: Lively and theatrical - teppanyaki grills create constant sizzle and chef banter. Not ideal for intimate conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins face 60-90 min waits Friday/Saturday after 6pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 10-15 minutes without reservation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable teppanyaki plates with tofu, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables. Sushi bar has veggie rolls.
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable teppanyaki can be made vegan (confirm no butter). Avocado/cucumber rolls at sushi bar. Call ahead.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce cross-contamination at teppan grills. Sashimi safest option. Request gluten-free soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates. The shared teppanyaki table seats you with strangers, and chef entertainment can overshadow conversation. Sushi bar offers more intimate seating if you want the venue.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch - yes. Weekday dinner before 6pm - maybe. Weekend anytime or Friday/Saturday dinner - don't risk it. They book out 1-2 weeks for prime slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids love the fire tricks and flying shrimp catches. Ages 5+ ideal (younger may get antsy during 60-75 min teppan experience). High chairs available.
How long does a teppanyaki meal take? Plan 75-90 minutes from seating to check. Chef cooks in waves for the whole table, so you can't rush it. Perfect for leisurely celebrations, not quick meals.
Do I have to sit at the teppanyaki grill? No - the sushi bar section operates independently with faster service and lower prices. Same kitchen quality, different experience. Good for repeat visitors.
What if someone in my group doesn't eat meat or seafood? They'll be fine but won't get the full experience. Vegetable teppanyaki exists but you're paying premium for theater around tofu and zucchini. Consider if the show matters more than the food.
Best For
Better for: Old Town's most reliable teppanyaki theater with veteran chefs who nail the tricks. Beats Benihana for food quality and atmosphere without the chain feel. Best bet for multi-generational celebrations where entertainment trumps culinary innovation.
Skip if: You want modern Japanese cuisine, quiet conversation, or fast service. If the teppanyaki novelty doesn't excite you, you'll find better food-per-dollar at Sushi Roku or Koji nearby. Also skip if your party is picky - the communal table timing means everyone's stuck with similar cook times.