At Tony's, the chefs cook on a hot iron griddle in front of you, so dinner is part meal and part show. Teppanyaki is the house staple at 85 Riccarton Road, where the chefs prepare each dish at the table. There is also a full Japanese menu beyond the griddle, with sushi, sashimi platters, tempura and classic dishes, and signature items such as the Lava Roll, which is sushi cooked on the teppan. The restaurant has been in Riccarton for more than 25 years, and it is set up to suit families, friends and work groups alike. Lunch on the menu comes with rice and miso soup, and there is an all-you-can-eat teppanyaki option at lunch and dinner.
Diners with coeliac disease report that the kitchen handles dietary needs well, with plenty of choice. Open Locally lists three other Japanese restaurants within a kilometre. The nearest are SUMO'S Restaurant and Cafe, 200 metres away and rated 4.2 from 223 reviews, HIBACHI Restaurant, 300 metres away, and Okonomi juju, 500 metres away and rated 4.3 from 5 reviews. Evening hours run from 5.30pm, closing at 9pm on Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, and at 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Book ahead for teppanyaki seats.