Bites Nearby: At Tani, Sophisticated Pan-Asian a Diner's Delight

, a Japanese restaurant with world-wise flair in neighboring Glen Rock, features a menu with a sampling of food inspired from across Asia and beyond

Pair that with reasonable prices you might not expect from a restaurant with such chic ambiance, and you've got the perfect weekend date destination.

Walking in with my dinner date, the contemporary sushi bar is the first thing we notice beyond the host's counter. Situated in front of a stone wall reminiscent of a Zen waterfall, an assortment of fresh fish is on display under amber hanging lights. The restaurant — divided into three seating sections — features a window seating alcove with two tables in prime location as well as a main dining area and booth seating towards the back.

This evening, the restaurant has a steady influx of customers on the market for a sampling of Tani’s menu; whether looking for sushi, Malaysian fried rice, Chinese lo mein or mei fun inspired by Singapore, Tani has you covered with an expansive 7-page menu.

Scanning the menu, I'm excited to find crystal shrimp dumplings on the appetizer menu. This was one of my favorites when frequenting a local dim sum place growing up in West Orange and I rarely have the chance to enjoy it. I’m not sure if my childhood choice was called the same name, but Tani proves to me that their crystal shrimp dumpling by any name is just as sweet.

In addition, I order the sashimi ceviche appetizer; the description alone — yellowtail, white tuna, salmon and tuna sashimi in a special Japanese sauce — has my interest immediately. Each fish had the perfect flavor, each bite topped with jalapeno is better than the last.

Tani's miso soup comes steaming in a stylish square bowl, which matches the square plates at each place setting. Though there could be a little more seaweed, the helping of tofu is sufficient and I enjoy the bowl overall.

Between appetizers and entree, other diners begin to trickle into Tani. Mothers and daughters chat about daily life; couples with bottles of wine pour into nearby tables; a louder clutch of old friends revel in a private, gently-lit booth in the back portion of this hip BYOB spot.

Not a second too soon, our entrees are on the table. The Dan roll, a spicy yellowtail and avocado-filled special roll topped with yellowtail, jalapeno and salmon roe — or ikura — provides a blast of spiciness in my mouth. My partner in crime is kind enough to offer a single piece of her delicious Spicy Girl Roll. The mango in this roll immediately arrests my tastebuds with a splash of sweetness. The crunch of the tempura flakes on top adds a complex texture combination to the flavorful roll.

As we both scan the dessert menu, the exotic bomba — white chocolate covered mango, passion fruit and raspberry sorbet drizzled with chocolate — almost woos us. But, it's impossible: We are beyond stuffed and skip it, though truthfully all the dessert options sound just as delicious.

If you've tried the desserts here, share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Tani: 206 Rock Rd, Glen Rock; 201-612-1188
Price level: $$
Reservations: Accepted
Number of tables: 14
Features: BYOB-only, Catering, Dinner, Lunch, Private Parties
Atmosphere: Quiet, Romantic
Payments accepted: American Express, Cash, Debit Card, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
General services: Catering, Delivery, Eat-in, Take-out