Jazz standards and big band tunes play softly in the background. A pressed tin ceiling, an antique mantelpiece, and understated oriental décor all make for a comfortable dining experience. However, it is the friendly service and well-prepared, straightforward Japanese and Thai cuisine that has made Tokyo Alley a local institution. Tucked away in a historic building on Mulberry Street Lane, the restaurant is one of downtown Macon’s favorite dining spots.

Their consistency is the key. Over the years that I have dined at Tokyo Alley, I’ve never had a bad meal or service. Regardless of how busy they might be, you are greeted at the door with a warm smile by one of their gracious staff members before being shown to your table. The wait staff is always friendly and quietly attentive without being overbearing or intrusive. This visit was no exception. After taking our drink orders, our wait person gave us time to contemplate the appetizer selections. As tempting as it was to stick to the tried-and-true—the cheese roll, a tender pastry cylinder filled with delicate crabmeat and cheese being my all-time Tokyo Alley favorite—for the sake of this review, it was time to try something different. Among the remainder of Tokyo Alley’s appetizers, my husband and I decided to try the shumai instead. These tiny crab Japanese dumplings were soon brought to our table, piping hot with a crunchy exterior covering a smooth, yummy crab-flecked filling. Although they were quite delicious, I would still recommend the cheese roll as it’s my top appetizer pick. Another outstanding appetizer is Tokyo’s famous noodle salad, a delicious, slightly sweet, simple concoction served cold and garnished simply with bits of celery and a slice of tomato. Luckily, this tasty treat is served alongside most of the restaurant’s entrees. However, if you do happen to select an entrée that does not include the noodle salad, by all means, order it as an additional appetizer. You won’t be disappointed. Also included among the appetizers are the requisite spring rolls, a seafood pasta, their most substantial offering, and gyoza, an appetizer of ground beef and garlic surrounded by a pastry shell.

Beverages offered include a limited number of wine and beer selections along with soft drinks, coffee, green tea (ocha), jasmine tea and—we are in the South, after all—sweet tea, which my husband, David, gave two thumbs up.

For their main courses, Tokyo’s patrons can select from either the restaurant’s Japanese or Thai entrées. For his entrée, David chose the sweet and hot chicken listed under the Japanese selections. These pan-fried chicken tenderloins are sautéed in a slightly sweet sauce and won raves from David, who finished every bite. A cup of perfectly steamed rice and Tokyo’s noodle salad rounded out his meal. For my selection, I chose the spicy catfish from the Thai offerings and was very happy with my choice. The two fillets were crisply fried, but not greasy, and garnished with mild peppers and thinly sliced onions. However, the real star of the dish is the slightly spicy sauce tinged with a hint of coconut. Not only was the sauce a delightful accompaniment for the catfish, but also was perfect for the side of steamed rice.

Other favorite dinner selections are the red and green curries, lemon chicken and shrimp, tempura shrimp, and teriyaki offerings ranging from salmon to steak and pad Thai, another personal favorite. Although David and I were much too full to contemplate dessert, the restaurant does offer key lime pie and cheesecake for those who want to end their meal on a sweet note.

In addition to being an excellent location to enjoy dinner, Tokyo Alley has long been a downtown lunchtime favorite. They regularly offer stir-fried vegetables, my long-time favorite lunch choice. Additionally, as their daily lunch special, there is a rotating list of other favorites such as teriyaki chicken. The lunch includes a large entrée serving along with steamed rice and noodle salad.

Although Tokyo Alley does not offer a child’s menu, the staff is very accommodating, and I therefore would not hesitate to bring small children. On our most recent visit two families were seated near us, with one pint-sized diner gleefully devouring her noodle salad with great gusto. Another party’s requests for substitutions to the listed side dishes were also graciously met. With consistently good cuisine delivered by a friendly and attentive staff, it is easy to see why Tokyo Alley is a favorite with locals and visitors alike and why I will definitely be going back soon.