Oh Tanuki’s Cave how I have fallen in love with this yakitori smoke filled basement bar.
It is very rare for me to eat at the same place twice when away. I say rare, as I like to fit in as many places as possible. On the odd occasion there will be a restaurant that lures me back a second time.
Tanuki’s Cave was that rare establishment. Drawn back by the smell of cooking juices hitting hot charcoal and great sake, it was hard not to have a second helping when recently in Auckland.
I discovered Tanuki’s Cave when researching hidden bars in Auckland. Tanuki’s Cave isn’t really hidden, but you do need to know what you are looking for or you may end up in the wrong place.
The main establishment is Tanuki Sake Bar and Sushi Café, street level on Queen Street. Looks great, and I am sure worth eating at, but this is not where you want to go. Instead look for a door on the right hand side of the restaurant with stairs leading down.
Down those stairs you must go to enjoy the best yakitori in Auckland, plus sake and draught beer.
It’s a busy place, and they don’t take reservations unless you want to book the Cage Table for 12 or less. Perfect for groups, but there is somewhere better to enjoy Tanuki’s Cave. Grab a stool around the large wooden rectangular bar. Perfect for watching the bar action and is the prime position for ordering sticks, more sticks and never running out of sake.
The menu offers a vast selection of grilled yakitori skewers, which are served with sauce or salt. There is also a large selection of kushiage skewers, various meat and vegetable skewers coated in breadcrumbs, then fried. On top of this there are sides and salads.
Sake, oh yes there is sake. The menu is large enough to leave those not in the know about sake a little confused, but small enough you’ll survive. Plus draft Asahi and Orion as well as other Japanese beer offerings. You definitely wont go thirsty.
A couple of non yakitori items to start with. Half a dozen plump natural Pacific Oysters with spring onion and chili radish ponzu sauce ($18), plus Bean Bonbons, deep fried edamame wrapped in spring roll wrappers served with Japanese mayo ($5.50).
Then it was on to the yakitori.
Chicken Livers ($4.10)
Chicken Giblets ($4.10)
Mushrooms Stuffed with Chicken Mince ($6.20)
Chicken Skins ($4.10)
Tender Chicken & Leek ($5.20)
Pork Belly ($4.80)
Scotch fillet steak with Butter & Soy Sauce ($6.00)
On the website they state that Tanuki’s Cave is open from 5pm till late. Be warned that if you turn up at 9.30 on a weekday, they very well be closing. Seems that 9.30pm is late in Auckland.
Tanuki’s Cave is going to be a must every time I head back to Auckland. If you love your yakitori and happen to be in town, it is a must to visit.
Sara xxx
Must try dish: Scotch fillet steak with soy & butter yakitori + Chicken Skins
Who should dine here: Those missing yakitori like they had in Japan
Who shouldn’t dine here: Not for romantic dates or taking kids
What else you should know: Be aware that "late" may mean they close at 9.30pm
Price: $4.10-$8.80/2 skewers
BYO: No
Bookings: Only for the Cage Table, otherwise no
Opening hours: 5pm till late
Contact details: 319b Queen Street, Auckland Tel: + (09) 379 5151
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Helen | Grab Your Fork
I can see why you returned. Intrigued by the idea of edamame spring rolls too!
Leo Tat
The cave is well decorated and has a good Japanese atmosphere. I particularly like the large lanterns.
Kasia
Ohh no Sara please! Do not post so many "tasty looking" pictures now when I'm really hungry and looking forward to my dinner 🙂
I love japanese food, last month I was in a trip around Japan and took like 4kg extra cause I had to try eveyrthing 🙂
This Yakitori restaurant looks really good. If I ever have a chance to visiting beautiful Auckland I will definitely check this place 🙂
Best,
Kasia
Christopher Rudder
Haha awesome my type of place. A man cave or the bat cave. Beer, beer, and more beer. The only thing it's missing is a bookshelf with a secret lever. Awesome.
Trisha Velarmino
That's a good recommendation. How does the food taste like? Is it worth it? 9:30 is too early, but I guess not in Auckland. Your photos make me drool!
Lois Alter Mark
I love places like this that are hard to find but so worth it. The food looks amazing, and I'm going to be dreaming about it tonight! My mouth is watering!
Megan Jerrard
We've visited Auckland a couple of times but haven't taken in Tanuki’s Cave - thanks for the recommendation, and the heads up that 9.30 is getting too late - might have to adjust our dinner times just for this place (usually eat around 10, I'm a bit strange!!) but will do so as the Pacific Oysters look divine!
Karla
Yakitori is my type of cuisine. I Would love to try this when I visit.
Lydia Smith
I've never been here before but the pictures make my mouth water. Looks like its high time I visited Auckland.
Rhonda Albom
I live about 50 minutes from Auckland and head into the city often but somehow missed Tanukis Cave. I think we will try it soon. Thanks.
Kate
This looks so cool and very authentic! I went to a Yakitori restaurant in Tokyo that looked so similar to this. I miss authentic Japanese food a lot. I wish I could visit this place.
Juliette | Snorkels to Snow
Tanuki's Cave is definitely a favourite for us local Aucklanders too! It's always brilliant there - glad you were able to discover it! I remember the first time I went and I had the pork belly - my mouth still waters thinking about it, 6 years on!