Tansen Izakaya Edmonton

11044 Whyte Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 0W9, Canada
$$$ Japanese restaurant
(383 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're looking for a culinary experience that transports you straight to Japan without leaving Edmonton, look no further than Tansen Izakaya. Nestled on the bustling Whyte Ave, this Japanese restaurant is more than just a meal; it's a delightful journey through flavors and culture.

The ambiance at Tansen Izakaya is an inviting blend of warmth and authenticity. With an interior that reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics, the restaurant creates a cozy environment perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. Whether you're a local or a visitor, stepping inside feels like a comforting embrace, with a vibrant atmosphere that consistently draws in a diverse crowd.

As for the menu, Tansen Izakaya excels in offering a range of dishes that cater to every palate. For those craving something hearty, the $5 ramen special is a crowd pleaser; it's a steal considering the rich flavors you'll experience. Many rave about the Black Ramen, which combines a deep, savory broth with perfectly cooked noodles, while the Red Ramen adds a delightful kick. One customer even noted the ramen was so delicious that they found themselves ordering double!

Venturing beyond ramen, the yakitori selection is a highlight that should not be missed. Indulge in the Bacon Wrapped Scallop Yakitori, where juicy scallops are enveloped in crispy bacon and drizzled with BBQ sauce—a dish so flavorful, it’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. And if you're in the mood for something traditional yet exciting, the Shoyu Chicken skewers serve up juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection.

Don’t forget to explore the tantalizing sashimi options, where freshness shines through every slice. The Chef's Choice Sashimi provides a delightful assortment, displaying the chef's expertise in selecting the best fish, with customers frequently praising its freshness and vivid presentation.

Tansen Izakaya is not just known for its incredible food but also for its impeccable service. Guests often highlight the staff's friendliness and knowledge—there’s always someone ready to guide you through the menu and recommend favorites. Whether you're dining solo or with a group, you can expect attentive service that enhances your overall experience.

This hidden gem is especially popular with university students and late-night diners, as they stay open until midnight to cater to nocturnal cravings. Customers frequently note the affordability of dishes, making it an ideal spot for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. From savory yakitori to mouthwatering ramen, every dish comes with a promise of quality that visitors can rely on.

So when you find yourself in Edmonton, make your way to Tansen Izakaya and let your taste buds indulge in a slice of Japan. As one returning customer put it, "Every dish we tried was fresh, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully presented." Join the many who have made this restaurant one of their favorites, and prepare for a dining experience that captures the essence of izakaya culture, right in the heart of the city.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

383 Reviews
Nick R

17 Sep 2025

Amazing food and great atmosphere. Can’t go wrong with the ramen at $10, and the sushi is delicious. Drinks are delicious as well, I had the Osaka. Hal is a great waiter that gives great insight on the menu. I did not catch the name of my other waitresses in the past, but always excellent service and an inviting atmosphere. One of my favourite restaurants in the city

S C

16 Sep 2025

Seriously, $5 Ramen lunch specials. You order and eat and they boot you out. It’s awesome. I went there with my kids and we each ordered a ramen (2 for me) and it was super delicious. The Black, the Red, and the Goma. I liked the Red the best as it had a nice twang to it. 4 bowls of Ramen for $20. Okay I felt bad and ordered Chicken karaage. Totally fell for their marketing genius. Still, for a ramen lunch for 3 and includes chicken karaage and tips for $36. Damn good deal. And I don’t like loitering and appreciate that they need to feed the next customers. I’ll definitely be back. Forget that, I’ll see you next week.

Sofina

07 Sep 2025

This is a hidden gem by the Univeristy area just close to Whyte Ave. They are open until midnight to serve all the late-night cravings or up for a snack while cramming for school. The inside of the restaurant is inspired by its culture and can be seen in the arrangement of the bar and the seated sections as it's different from other sushi places and serves an authentic vibe. It's quite a busy spot for the night as there was some walk in traffic upon on our first visit here too. We tried a variety of items from the menu including the Miso soup, Tuna Sashimi, Veggie Gyoza, Beef Tataki and Chicken thigh skewers all included in the pictures below. The food was inexpensive compared to other restaurants and the service was quick and efficient. The servers are polite and work alongside others to take care of the all guests at each table. The soup was so comforting and flavorful and a must try if you haven't had it before. The sashimi was fresh n smooth like butter melting in your mouth with each bite. The Tataki was also very flavorful and the crispy onions on top lent another layer to the dish. I loved the vegetable gyoza as the dumplings themselves were perfectly made with some great stuffing on the inside and were so yummy. All in all, we enjoyed a great bite of food and would definitely visit again!!

Angel Verecio

22 Aug 2025

Can someone talk about how affordable and yummy this Japanese spot is?! They seriously deserve a shoutout. Prices are super student-friendly, and the serving sizes are fair. The black ramen hits the spot, and the skewers (especially the chicken thighs!) are fireeee. The chicken karaage was just okay, but overall, I really love it here. Perfect for uni students like me.. It is cozy, satisfying, and won’t hurt your wallet. I’ll definitely keep coming back!

Viktor Haiduk

07 Aug 2025

Tansen is an absolute gem! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a beautiful interior design that makes you feel instantly comfortable. The food is bursting with flavor — every dish we tried was fresh, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully presented. The staff is incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, making the whole dining experience even more enjoyable. Definitely a place I would recommend to anyone looking for delicious food and great service. Can’t wait to come back!

Kevin Jones

23 Jul 2025

We were in town to visit our sons and they recommended Tansen Izakaya in Edmonton and it was amazing! We ordered a lot of food for the five of us and our server was excellent, knowledgeable, funny and very helpful. The food came fast and hot and we loved it all. Everything was delicious and we had an excellent night out. We sampled various sushi, including the torched and pressed oshi sushi, chicken and pork belly teppanyaki, gyoza, and karage chicken. A great spot!

Natasha Hanna

09 Jul 2025

My gurls brought me for some $5 ramen. OMG!!!! With double egg. So delicious. Atmosphere is a 10 but the service was my favorite. Highly recommended!!

s W

29 May 2025

I was honestly amazed! This is the best salmon roll called Aburi on the menu and ramen I’ve ever tasted. The ramen was also the most affordable I’ve had, and I can’t wait to try their Miso Ramen next. Everything was perfect. My only suggestion would be to add just a little salt and pepper to the Chicken Karaage, but overall it was soft, crispy on the outside, and so delicious. The customer service was also excellent, especially to the guy Filipino staff member. My partner and I will definitely be visiting again!

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