Tanoshi Cow Lane
Skyline Arcade, Queenstown 9300
Rating: 4.6 ★ (1794 ratings)
Details
Tanoshi Cow Lane offers a vibrant slice of Japanese culture in the very heart of Queenstown. Nestled in a laneway reminiscent of Osaka's charming back streets, this award-winning establishment delivers a delightful and authentic experience. The setting exudes a tucked-away urban charm with a cozy, intimate atmosphere, featuring booths and a bar where guests can observe the captivating teppan grill at work.
The cuisine focuses on tapas-style Japanese dishes, presenting a range of options from donburi and ramen to okonomiyaki and teppan grill favourites. Notable dishes frequently praised include flavourful pork dumplings, succulent scallops with wasabi mayo, and the satisfying Okonomiyaki. The bar boasts an extensive selection of Japanese sake, whiskies, and lagers on tap, complementing the culinary offerings with a dedicated Japanese whisky wall.
This restaurant is particularly well-suited for late-night bites or for those seeking a fun, cosy gathering with friends. Its warm, welcoming and family-friendly environment, complete with high chairs, makes it ideal for casual meals with loved ones. Tanoshi Cow Lane also excels for group events, date nights, and celebrations, embodying an authentic Izakaya experience in a lively setting.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM | Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM | Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM | Thursday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM | Friday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM | Saturday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM | Sunday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM
Contact
+64 3 441 8397 | https://www.tanoshi.co.nz/
Comments
We are locals and had booked our table in advance, but we had not mentioned that it was a special occasion. At the last moment, I casually mentioned that it was my husband’s birthday, and the team surprised us with matcha ice cream while the staff sang a birthday song for him. It was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture that made the celebration even more special.
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff who went the extra mile to make my husband’s birthday memorable. Your kindness and effort were truly appreciated. Highly recommended!
We ordered the $59 NZD "Omakase", which included 7 courses of Japanese-style dishes, including fried vegetables with a delicious wasabi-mayonnaise dipping sauce, salmon and tuna sashimi, beef skewers, Gyu Tataki (lightly seared beef), pan-fried dumplings, Okonomiyaki, and garlic-butter prawns.
The Gyu Tataki was one of the highlights—tender, fresh, and a great way to try New Zealand beef in a Japanese-style preparation. The dumplings were also excellent, with plenty of flavorful soup inside. The wasabi-mayonnaise sauce served with the fried vegetables was surprisingly addictive.
There are three "Omakase" options:
$59 — meat, seafood & vegetables
$59 — seafood & vegetables
$49 — vegetarian
One thing to note: "Omakase" orders must be made for at least two people, and everyone in the group has to choose the same option.
For $59 NZD per person for seven courses, the quality, variety, and portion size make this a very good-value option in Queenstown. We would definitely come back.