From beautifully crafted sushi to izakaya comfort food, these Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong will transport you to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Hong Kong is a culinary heaven with all sorts of international cuisine, from Italian restaurants to halal eateries to feel-good burgers. It’s no surprise that one of Hong Kongers’ favourites is Japanese cuisine – even some of the signature Hong Kong snacks are imported from Japan! If you’re on the lookout for a hearty bowl of ramen or splendid sashimi platters, these Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong are where you need to go for a taste of Nippon.
Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong that we love
1. To Autumn
If you’re in Tuen Mun, you need to head over to To Autumn and enjoy some really authentic Japanese izakaya fare. Run by a Japanese owner, the interiors will have you dazzled before you even begin to tuck in. From the delightful eel pot rice, to skewers and oysters delivered daily from Hiroshima – so good! Between the banging food and the clever design references to Hong Kong movie Flirting Scholar, it’s easy to understand why this is one of our favourite Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong.
Learn more about To Autumn and why we love it.
To Autumn, Shop 26-27, G/F, Hong King Garden, 38 Tsing Sin Street, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, p. 2362 6883
2. Poach
We’re cheating a little with this one, as Poach is technically a cafe instead of a Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong. However, we just have to recommend it to you, as its Poach Bento has us hooked! The set comes with bonito tea soup, daily side dish, a sous vide egg, wolfberry soy sauce rice, and a choice of mains. We were blown away by the Sake-marinated Grilled Eel, White Miso Mackerel, and Okonomiyaki-style Grilled Chicken. And if the whole table gets a bento, you get unlimited soup and rice refills (trust us when we say you’ll want seconds). Oh, and don’t forget to give Poach’s sweets items a try! The Osmanthus Pancake will round off your meal perfectly.
Check out other cafes in Mong Kok worth adding to your bucket list.
Poach, Rooftop, 618 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 9220 9785
3. Rakuen
Here’s a Japanese restaurant you don’t see every day. Specialising in Okinawan cuisine, Rakuen is known for its delectable, tropical dishes. We bet you won’t be able to pick a favourite between the iconic Okinawa Sea Grapes, Taco Rice, or its Daily Sashimi Rice!
Check out where to eat when you’re actually in the region with our guide to Okinawa.
Rakuen, 12/F, Circle Tower, 28 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 3580 8858
4. Fukuro
The izakaya concept from Black Sheep is one of the hardest tables to get in Hong Kong. We cannot stress this enough: the Yaki Udon with Snow Crab & Crab Miso is a must-have. The cool vibes and cocktails put Fukuro on the coveted list of restaurants to dine for hours amongst good company.
Read our full review on all the good food on Fukuro.
Fukuro, 1-5 Elgin Street, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong
5. Kyukyoku Do
If you consider yourself an expert in Japanese cuisine, check out Kyukyoku Do for something different. Putting innovative twists on traditional recipes, this Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong keeps things interesting without losing sight of the cuisine’s essence. Popular items include the Hiroshima Oysters with Mashed Potatoes and Kyukyoku Golden Dragon Roll. For something more filling, the Omurice with Mapo Tofu and Fried Chicken will do the trick.
Kyukyoku Do has locations in Causeway Bay and Fortress Hill.
6. Tonkichi
When it comes to Japanese fried cutlets, Tonikichi never disappoints. From fried oysters to Kobe beef and prawns, Tonkichi makes delectable cutlets with the finest ingredients. The set comes with Japanese rice, sides, miso soup, as well as unlimited cabbage for an extra healthy touch. Enjoy some fresh sashimi to switch up the flavour and you will surely walk away satisfied.
Tonkichi (とん吉) has several locations in Hong Kong.
7. Towada Sushi
Craving quality sushi and sashimi? Head over to Towada Sushi. On the menu are a diverse array of offerings crafted with jet-fresh ingredients from Japan. We’ve heard good things about its Roasted Hirame Bowl and Grilled Eel Rice, but you can’t go wrong with any sushi item, either.
Towada Sushi has locations in Tsim Sha Tsui and Science Park.
8. Tokio Joe
Running for over two decades in Hong Kong, Tokio Joe has been our all-time favourite for fresh bites of sushi, sashimi, and more. The laid-back ambience of the restaurant matches the comfort food they bring to the table. Joe’s signature lunch set features some of the resto’s most popular items, including tuna salad, shrimp tempura, kelp-grilled sea bass, and A5 saga beef inaniwa udon. Don’t forget to try their Insta-worthy cocktails and sake, too!
Tokio Joe, G/F, 16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2525 1889
9. Sushi Rin
Led by Marcus Wong and Chef Lap, Sushi Rin is a Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong that aims to deliver the traditional flavours of Edomae-style sushi. In addition to sushi, sashimi, and other set menus, the highlight at Sushi Rin is the omakase menu, which features a curation of delicacies that showcase fresh and seasonal ingredients. As you sit by the counter, watch as the chef crafts each course in front of you; their meticulousness and artisanship (sometimes even involving fancy performances – with fire, for instance) makes the culinary process not only a feast for the eyes, it also makes you appreciate what’s being put on your plate.
Sushi Rin (鮨燐) has locations in Sheung Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui.
10. Yardbird
One of the shining stars of Hong Kong, no Japanese restaurant list is complete without this famed yakitori spot. For years, Yardbird has been on everybody’s go-to list – and for good reason. From the signature dishes to new twists on yakitori classics, to friendly vibes and flowing sake, Yardbird is a solid place to drink and relax with friends over dinner.
Check out our fave yakitori restaurants in Hong Kong.
Yardbird, 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2547 9273
11. Wagyumafia
If you’re looking for a near-authentic yakiniku experience in Hong Kong, Wagyumafia is your best choice. While you might be used to the gentle hospitality of Japanese restaurants around the city, Wagyumafia channels a Yakuza attitude that adds thrill and fun to your dining experience. Don’t be surprised if your server shouts before presenting a mouth-watering Wagyu sando or a plate of Wagyu Gyoza – it’s all part of the show!
Wagyumafia, Shop 1B, G/F, Guardian House, 32 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2608 0677
12. Ronin
Seek your way to Ronin for a dynamic and lively dining experience. This Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong has been serving up quality dishes and plenty of chill vibes for years. We trust the team with whatever is on the daily menu, and we’re almost always satisfied with their choice of tipples. Whether you’re in for a bite or a feast, Ronin is here to deliver.
While you’re in the area, explore the locale with our Sheung Wan neighbourhood guide.
Ronin, 8 On Wo Lane, G/F, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2547 5263
13. Senryo
A chain sushi restaurant in Hong Kong, Senryo serves premium sushi at a relatively affordable price. Hokkaido Bafun uni, premium fatty tuna, jumbo scallop… Dig into all the luxurious seafood served with delicious Japanese sushi rice. Other than standard sushi, we also love Senryo’s grilled yuzu-kosho sushi and sashimi platter. Creative dishes like seared wagyu with sakura shrimp roll and foie gras wagyu sushi are available, too!
Senryo (千兩) has several branches in Hong Kong.
14. Fumi
Located in the buzzy district of Lan Kwai Fong, Fumi is a modern Japanese eatery offering an array of classic favourites. Be it a refreshing Hokkaido Snow Crab as the appetiser, a Sashimi Platter, or the indulgent Miyazaki Beef Sukiyaki for sharing, there’s bound to be something for everyone. For weekend visitors, don’t miss Fumi’s semi-buffet brunch!
Fumi, 6/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2328 3302
15. Zuma
World-famous contemporary izakaya, Zuma, cannot be excluded from our list. From the finest Japanese sake to the freshest sashimi and juiciest skewers, you can always expect a luxurious spread of dishes at Zuma. Located in the heart of central, this restaurant has a beautiful terrace where you can indulge in post-work tipples with your friends and colleagues.
Check out other outdoor restaurants in Hong Kong perfect for al-fresco dining.
Zuma, Level 5 & 6, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 3657 6388
16. Zagin Soba
Zagin officially has cult status in Hong Kong. Having started years ago in Happy Valley, this restaurant now has several stores across Central and Quarry Bay. Zagin Soba’s unique and wonderful Chicken Base Soup Ramen is a must-try. And although the prices at this ramen joint are pricier than most others in the city, we think it’s worth it.
Check out other ramen restaurants in Hong Kong we love visiting.
Zagin Soba has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
