Temari Cafe

Temari Cafe

1043 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852, United States

+1 301-340-7720

Japanese restaurant, Restaurant, Sushi restaurant
(610)
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About This Place

Temari Cafe, nestled along bustling Rockville Pike in Maryland, is a charming Japanese restaurant that masterfully brings the rich flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine to the local community. Specializing in authentic dishes that range from hearty Tonkotsu Ramen to delicately crafted sushi, this cozy spot is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in genuine Japanese tastes and ambiance.

The menu at Temari Cafe boasts an impressive variety, catering both to sushi enthusiasts and lovers of classic cooked dishes. Signature offerings such as the Chicken Katsu Curry Rice deliver a perfect balance of tender, crispy chicken drenched in a flavorful curry sauce, paired with steaming white rice that soaks up every bite. Fans of seafood will delight in the Sashimi Combo and the enticingly fresh California Sea Urchin Sushi, while the comforting Tonkotsu Ramen serves up a rich, creamy broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

For an even more satisfying experience, dishes like Unagi Don – grilled eel over fluffy rice – and the Salmon Teriyaki highlight Temari Cafe’s ability to balance deep umami flavors with perfectly cooked proteins. Not to be overlooked, the Takoyaki and Karaage Chicken offer crispy bites that pair wonderfully with the cozy atmosphere. On the sweeter side, the Strawberry Parfait and traditional Ichigo Daifuku provide delightful, light finishes to the meal.

Atmospherically, Temari Cafe captures the essence of a classic Japanese family restaurant, featuring quaint décor that invites relaxation and makes it an excellent spot for casual hangouts or intimate dinners. While the space can experience busy periods—leading to slightly slower service—the warmth from staff and the inviting setting make the wait worthwhile. This is a place where genuine Japanese hospitality and culinary craft come together to create a welcoming, authentic dining experience.

Customer voices echo the charm and strengths of Temari Cafe vividly. Claire Tseng praises the great cooked dishes and the perfectly seasoned grilled fish, appreciating the cozy vibe that makes the restaurant a nice place to unwind with friends. Vanellope’s first visit highlighted the delicious Unagi Don and refreshing green tea milk with sweet red bean shaved ice—a unique treat not to be missed. Meanwhile, Tamara Thompson’s longstanding friends’ recommendation came through with flying colors as she raved about the perfectly cooked salmon paired with comforting rice and miso soup. Rosa Perez sums it up best by noting the fresh, well-portioned, and satisfying meals that leave diners eager to explore more of the extensive menu. Even as Cultured Wanderer points out limited vegetarian choices, they emphasize the warm service and authentic Japanese atmosphere that elevate the experience beyond ordinary Japanese eateries.

Whether you’re craving the fresh allure of sushi or the deep comfort of classic Japanese comfort food like Oyako Donburi and Tonkatsu Combo, Temari Cafe offers a well-rounded taste journey. Every dish here tells a story of tradition and careful preparation, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking thoughtful, delicious Japanese cuisine in a casual, inviting environment.

Call ahead to +1 301-340-7720 or visit at 1043 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, and explore the authentic tastes and friendly ambiance that make Temari Cafe a beloved destination in the area.

Service options
On-site services Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee Comfort food Small plates Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Locals
Planning
Usually a wait
Payments
Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:30 AM - 02:30 PM 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    11:30 AM - 02:30 PM 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Thursday
    11:30 AM - 02:30 PM 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
  • Friday
    11:30 AM - 02:30 PM 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 04:00 PM - 08:30 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Claire Tseng
    3 week ago

    It's a classic Japanese family restaurant. Their food was ok it was slightly crowded and busy so the service was a little slow, the vibe is a typical small Japanese restaurant with some cute decorations so the atmosphere is good to relax and hangout with friends. I think their cooked food is great the grilled fish was just the right amount of salt and taste. The chirashi was ok, not the best quality of fish I had

  • Vanellope
    3 week ago

    First visit here with local friends and I’m impressed! I had the Unagi don (eel rice bowl) and it was so delicious. Don’t miss their shaved ice! The green tea milk with sweet red bean is so refreshing! The steak is just fine.

  • Cultured Wanderer
    1 month ago

    We recently dined at The Temari Cafe. Although we observed limited vegetarian options and the staff's reluctance to modify menu items, everything else was excellent. The service was warm and welcoming, and the genuine Japanese ambiance set it apart. Unlike many eateries that mix Japanese elements with other culinary traditions, this cafe exuded an authentically Japanese aura. From the attentive service to the curated menu, it was markedly more Japanese than many venues we've frequented outside of Japan. The dishes, rich in traditional Japanese nuances, were imaginatively prepared, flavorful, and visually captivating, culminating in a delightful dessert. We eagerly anticipate our return to explore more of their offerings and hope to see an expanded vegetarian selection.

  • Tamara Thompson
    1 month ago

    My friends took me to their fav spot. They've been coming here for years. It was a lot more casual than I realized but still very cozy. The service was friendly. My food was excellent. My friends recommended the dish and I wasn't disappointed. The salmon was prefect and the rice and miso soup were great. Definately recommend.

  • Rosa Perez
    1 month ago

    I enjoyed my meal very much! The food was delicious and comforting, and it was very filling as well. I highly recommend this restaurant. The portions are reasonable and all the food was fresh!! The dishes were well-paired, and I can’t wait to try more of their menu. 100% recommend trying the Hokke

  • rockie cornett cruz
    2 month ago

    We visited for the first time this evening, on the recommendation of a friend who’s been dining at Temari for years. Just as she told us it would be, the atmosphere was warm and cozy. Business was steady. When we left, there were two parties waiting to be seated, which for a small establishment speaks volumes. Despite being busy, the servers were engaging and attentive (always offering to clear debris and empty dishes from the table, too). The food presentation was timely and appealing. When seated, we ordered tea, which was lovely, and served in the most beautiful - possibly handmade? - mugs. I look forward to returning.

  • Alexis Dominique MacFarlane
    2 month ago

    We used to go here every week when we lived closer, now that we moved and almost an hour drive away, we still dine here once or twice a month! We LOVE the food , the cozy vibe , and the waitresses are very warm and nice esp the lady that speaks Japanese, she elevates the vibe! Our go to comfort food is their katsu curry, i get the chicken Katsu on top of it instead of the default pork Katsu (both are good though) their vegetable salad and miso soup are perfect starters! My husband lived and loved Japan and he sez this is the closest thing to the real deal in the area, reminded him of cocos!

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