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, then these Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong are where you need to visit to get a taste of Nippon.
Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong that we love
1. 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 course. Comprising seven servings of sashimi, six pieces of sushi, and two optional hot dishes, the omakase menu is 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.
While we enjoyed the summer offerings like castle stone clam and Hokkaido oyster at Sushi Rin, we think you should also look forward to the limited-time Saury Feast, available only until the end of October 2022. Using different methods to treat and cook saury, the menu includes a salad, tataki (tatare sashimi), tempura, clay pot rice, and more.
Sushi Rin (鮨燐) has locations in Sheung Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui.
2. Fumi
This modern Japanese eatery, located in the buzzy district of Lan Kwai Fong, offers an array of classic favourites at a reasonable price. We definitely think Fumi’s week dinner menu is a steal, with a satisfying five-course meal starting with steamed duck breast and ending with Hokkaido milk pudding. For weekend visitors, don’t miss their Hokkaido King Crab Brunch to taste the signature dishes at Fumi – worth every buck!
Fumi, 6/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2328 3302, 中環德己立街30-32號加州大廈6樓
3. 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 twist on yakitori classics, to friendly vibes and flowing sake, Yardbird is a solid place to drink and relax with friends over dinner.
We’re not surprised that Yardbird managed to nab the Silver Award for Best Dining Experience in Hong Kong in our Love Local Awards 2022!
Yardbird, 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2547 9273, 上環永樂街154-158號
4. 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
5. 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, 中環蘇豪伊利近街1-5號
6. Crown Super Deluxe
Combining the luxury of Kobe teppanyaki with a dash of Rocky Aoki’s American dream is Crown Super Deluxe. The best way to experience this lavish affair is to choose from the three curated menus – each named Crown, Super, and Deluxe (and that’s where the restaurant gets its name!). From USDA Prime to Australian Wagyu, the restaurant uses only grain-fed steaks of the utmost quality. You’ll also find A5 Kagoshima Wagyu, as well as many other vegetables and seafood on the menu. Oh, and don’t miss out on the selection of Japanese and American whisky here!
Crown Super Deluxe, M/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2111 8434
7. 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.
8. Wagyumafia
Wagyumafia presents arguably the best yakiniku experience in Hong Kong. While a lot of people are used to the gentle staff at Japanese restaurants, Wagyumafia channels mafia-boss attitude with their wild customer service. As they serve you your Wagyu-sando or Wagyu Gyoza, expect your server to yell at you with a scary look. Of course, the staff are just acting wild, but they will surely entertain all your requests to give you the best experience.
Wagyumafia, Shop 1B, G/F, Guardian House, 32 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2608 0677, 灣仔愛群道32號愛群商業大廈地下1B號舖
9. 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.
Zuma, Level 5 & 6, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 3657 6388, 中環皇后大道中15號置地廣場5 & 6樓
10. Ronin
There are some Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong that come at a higher price. In our findings, this is one of the only ones worth the extra expense. For years, Ronin has maintained its cool status while serving up some amazing plates. We trust the team with whatever is on the daily menu and whichever of their many alcohols they recommend to pair. Basically, we believe them to be one of the very best.
Ronin, 8 On Wo Lane, G/F, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2547 5263, 上環安和里8號
11. 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.
12. Uogashi Sushi
A hidden gem off Tai Ping Shan, Uogashi Sushi gives you a good sushi/sashimi set with a range of price points. The sushi chef is the mama-san you want serving up your dinner. This place compares to the level of sushi seen at the aforementioned high-cost joints, but comes at a surprisingly affordable price.
Uogashi Sushi, 32 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2896 6336, 上環太平山街32號地下A號舖魚珈旨
13. Shiro
Located in Pacific Place, Shiro makes picture-perfect sushi with an array of fusion ingredients. Serving contemporary Japanese cuisine like the crystal collection, Shiro utilises caviar, yuzu, and other quality ingredients to create unique flavours and sensations.
Shiro, Shop 132, 1/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, p. 2117 9481, 金鐘金鐘道88號太古廣場1樓132號舖白鮨
14. Rakuen
When it comes to the best Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong, Rakuen has some insanely delicious Okinawa snacks alongside a varied menu of Japanese fare. Think Jewel Leaves with the perfect layers of water, the always-loved sea grapes, and taco rice (which made us return to the restaurant many times)! The daily sashimi set is always a good option to pair with other snacks on the menu.
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, 銅鑼灣登龍街28號永光中心12樓樂宴
15. 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 interior design will have you dazzled before you even begin to tuck in. From 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 has two branches in Tuen Mun.
16. Zagin Soba
【拉麵 － 湯切り 】日本拉麵店開放式的廚房總會讓人目不暇給特別是師傅甩麵的技術！為了不讓煮麵的開水混雜到湯裡所以將多餘的水份瀝乾以免將開水煮混到湯裡也是一門學問！來品嚐一下你會知道座銀Soba的師傅對每一個步驟都非常執著！跑馬地座銀Soba店地址： 跑馬地景光街13A地鋪電話：2818 0322
Posted by Zagin Soba 座銀 on Saturday, May 26, 2018
Zagin officially has cult status in Hong Kong. Starting years ago in Happy Valley and now with a Gough Street location, the unique and wonderful chicken base soup ramen is love at first bite and comes back to your mind even weeks after. This restaurant might be pricier than most ramen spots but, once you try it, you’ll understand why.
Zagin Soba has locations in Happy Valley and Central.
17. Coco Ichibanya
If you love Japanese-style curry, Coco Ichibanya is the place to be. Established in 1978 in Japan, Coco Ichibanya has always been loved for their heart-warming dishes like Pork Cutlet Curry Rice, beef stew omelet rice, baked prawn curry rice, and assorted vegetables curry rice. We love the fact that you can adjust the spiciness as well as the amount of rice. If you’re looking for a quick and affordable Japanese lunch in Hong Kong, drop by one of their branches during your break.
Coco Ichibanya has several locations in Hong Kong.
Tiger Room (permanently closed)
Buzz Concepts has unleashed the newest project from the Tiger Curry group – a hip izakaya on Gough Street. The menu has all the solid selections there, from the skewer options of land, and the fresh-from-the-sea situations, to the hefty plates of curry, udon, and more. Eyes on the lunch sets here for those working in the area. Cheers to another chill spot on Gough!
Read exactly why we love Tiger Room.
Tiger Room, 24 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2110 1163
Ozawa (permanently closed)
We aren’t supposed to tell you about this one, but it’s one of the best lunch deals in SoHo. Right on Graham behind G.O.D., this old mainstay offers a set lunch – three choices for just $115. Quality options, good fish… You can’t do wrong with Ozawa for lunch.
Ozawa, Shop C, G/F, 49 Graham Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2526 4828
