We love Japanese food an awful lot here at Urban List. And who’s to blame us? From sushi to sashimi to sake, Japanese cuisine delivers deliciousness on all levels.
Lucky for us Aucklanders, we can find a slice of this culture on our doorstep at Auckland’s many fabulous Japanese joints. From authentic experiences to fusion fare, we’ve scoped out the very best Japanese restaurants in Auckland, so in no particular order, here are the best Japanese joints in town.
Danryu
Devonport
If you're a lover of all things seafood then add Danryu to the top of your must-eat list. Translating to warm current in Japanese, this Devonport-based eatery specialises in Japanese Seafood—think fresh sashimi, oysters, nigiri sushi and heaps more. Owner Satorua Sawaki is one of the best Japanese Chefs around, so it's fair to say he knows what he's doing when it comes to cooking Japanese fare. With a passion for delivering visual feasts, you can expect authentic Japanese fine dining at its best.
Cocoro
Ponsonby
Down a quiet side street off the not-so-quiet Ponsonby Road is the up-scale Cocoro, serving new-style Japanese cuisine in a cosy, yet contemporary setting. The restaurant places importance on providing an “Ichi-go Ichi-e” experience, in essence meaning “treasure every encounter, for it will never recur.” A range of menus are on offer—a degustation course, sushi sashimi course, signature course as well as an à la carte option. This is fine dining at its best.
The Don
Auckland CBD & Milford
Looking for great Japanese fare that won't break the bank? Head to The Don in the CBD or Milford—a wee eatery that serves cheap eats without sacrificing on quality and flavour. Catch up with a pal over lunch whilst tucking into the crispy spicy chicken don or enjoy a pre-theatre dinner in the city indulging in katsu curry, gyoza, and oodles of noodles. So if you're looking for a place that will capture your heart and your taste buds then this hidden gem is for you.
Yuzu Japanese Restaurant
Ponsonby
If it's a boatload of Japanese fare you're after then Yuzu delivers exactly that—literally, a little wooden boat filled with all the Japanese goods—think sashimi, sushi, karaage, teriyaki chicken and heaps more. If that doesn't float your boat then there are plenty of other dishes to choose from such as beef bibimbap, unagi, udon noodles, and a traditional yuzu bento box. Warm your cockles with miso soup or fill your face with sushi roll after sushi roll. Whatever your palate, there's something for every taste bud at Yuzu.
Sake Bar Icco
Morningside
Say hello to Icco, a friendly-neighbourhood restaurant dishing up all the Japanese goods. Sake Bar Icco, which means 'One House' in Japanese is not only home to a cosy atmosphere but also to some of the best Japanese fare around. We recommend grabbing some mates and a few plates—start with some tapas dishes such as the mashed potato with mayo and seared salmon and the deep-fried halloumi cheese with curry-flavoured salt, followed by an assorted sashimi platter. Don't mind if we do.
Maruten Ramen
Mount Eden
Nothing beats a nice warm bowl of ramen to warm your cockles. Maruten Ramen on Dominion Road—which was previously housed in Mercury Plaza RIP—makes authentic Japanese Ramen and even hand-makes its noodles. Start with a plate of dumplings before slurping on the Tanten Men, a sweet and spicy zingy broth that'll leave you pining for more, or if spicy is more your thing then the Red Dragon will certainly hit the spot.
Taiko
Kingsland & Ponsonby
One of Auckland’s best Japanese restaurants for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike is Taiko. With a menu heavy on fresh Japanese food, you can expect fresh flavours in light yet filling dishes. You’ll find a number of your fave Japanese dinner staples like sushi, sashimi, hotpots and goyoza gracing the menu—in both meaty and plant-based options. It's food that's good for the soul.
MASU
Auckland City
One of the best restaurants in Auckland to treat yourself to top-notch Japanese fare is Nic Watt’s MASU. Located in the Federal Street dining precinct, this Japanese Robata restaurant and bar offers a bold and distinctive style of Japanese dining. Dishes are prepared in three separate areas of the restaurant—the sushi bar, the kitchen and the robata grill, with the robata grill being the cornerstone of MASU. The restaurant’s menu includes smaller dishes made for sharing, as well as those more hearty dishes that you wouldn’t mind digging into on your own.
Gurume
Ponsonby
Ponsonby’s Gurume is the go-to place if you’re wanting a good feed made from premium ingredients. Gurume means gourmet in Japanese, so you can expect the crème de la crème of sushi. Owner Chul Han Lee uses high-quality ingredients to make his picture-perfect rolls and Donburi. Not only good for your tum but good for your eyes too, these tasty little morsels are certainly gram-worthy, so make sure your phone is at the ready.
&Sushi
Newmarket, City Works Depot, Smales Farm, Britomart
No list of Auckland’s best Japanese joints would be complete without a special mention of &Sushi. Fresh, tasty, and ridiculously pretty, their sushi is a literal work of art. If you can bring yourself to deconstruct these perfect pieces, then expect big flavours and incredible textures that’ll hook you so good you’ll make &Sushi your go-to lunch spot. For those wanting something a bit heartier, donburi, yakisoba and udon are on the menu.
WakuWaku
Remuera
If you’re a true foodie then WakuWaku should be at the top of your ‘must-visit’ list. Bringing a unique dining experience to Remuera, WakuWaku’s menu is jam-packed with colourful cuisine that will leave you pining for more with every bite. Wakuwaku, which means ‘Heart Beat’ was created by Chef Makoto Tokyama and Jason Lee who have infused together traditional Japanese fare with some tantalIzing twists. Devour kara-age duck with tapioca and red pepper yuzu mayo and market fish with yuzukosho dashi, choy sum and daikon puree. You’re truly spoilt for choice but we suggest opting for the chef’s choice where the chef will handpick a combination of six small plates to share.
Tanto Japanese Dining
Epsom
Friendly neighbourhood restaurant Tanto is absolutely deserving of a place on any self-respecting list of Auckland's best Japanese restaurants. Tanto in Japanese means 'a lot of food' and we can confirm you'll want to revisit this place time and time again just to sample everything on their extensive menu. Helmed by the ever-accommodating and charismatic Mitsukuni Shibuya (Kuni), this place is about as authentic as it gets and every dish that comes out of the sushi bar and the kitchen is simply stunning. We can't go past their super fresh and beautifully presented sashimi and sushi, moreish takoyaki and karaage not to mention the soft shell crab (or spider roll if you want a little rice accompaniment). The crispy tempura in all its guises is the stuff of dreams. Wash it all down with a little sake and a plum wine to finish while you tuck into green tea ice cream. You'll definitely be loosening that waistband by the time you leave.
Heizo Teppanyaki
Newmarket
Don’t let the size of this cosy little restaurant fool you, because you’re about to go on a journey of exhilarating performances and equally exciting meals. Whether it's lunch or dinner you're after Heizo has got you covered with its teppanyaki sets, choose from the perfectly cooked scotch fillet, salmon, chicken thigh and prawns with their secret yum yum sauce. If you’re wanting to dine like a king, then opt for the sumo menu or if you simply can't decide the 'try it all' menu allows you to sink your teeth into all of the main dishes. Winning.
The Gyoza Bar
Ponsonby
Look no further than The Gyoza Bar for the ultimate dynamic duo—dumplings and cocktails. Found on Ponsonby Road, this foodie haven specialises in the famed crunchy yet fluffy gyoza dumpling. Add some sake, cocktails, and fine wine to the mix and you've got yourself one heck of a night out. The menu is jam-packed with tasty little morsels, boiled or fried you’ll certainly be left satisfied. Our top pick is the pan-fried pork and veg paired with the karaage chicken bites and you’ve got a meal fit for a king.
Ebisu
Britomart
Britomart is home to many restaurants serving up delicious fare, and Ebisu is no exception. Bringing together the best of Japanese and European cuisine techniques in one fiercely chic dining experience, Ebisu serves up modern spins on traditional Japanese fare. The team here understands that it’s no easy feat to choose between their delicious dishes, so they’ve created a seven-course tasting menu alongside their a-la-carte menu, showcasing their signature dishes and seasonal favourites. There’s even an entirely vegan version of this degustation for our plant-based friends to get in on. One of Auckland’s best Japanese restaurants, Ebisu is a must.
Japanese Bistro Zen
Auckland CBD
The CBD is home to what can only be described as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland. Seriously, Japanese Bistro Zen (formerly Industry Zen) is that good. Their succulent and sauce-covered teriyaki chicken is the perfect example of this. Paired with some edamame, takoyaki, and some insanely good gyoza, eating out doesn't get much tastier than this. To make things even better, you can indulge in oysters for just $2, shucks! Each dish is nothing short of a colourful masterpiece, so trust us when we say it’s practically impossible not to document them in a cheeky ‘gram. So whether you want to spruce up your lunch or treat yourself to a Japanese banquet, Japanese Bistro Zen has got you covered.
Tanuki’s Cave
Auckland CBD
You’d be forgiven for thinking you were downtown in a Japanese metropolitan city while dining in Tanuki’s Cave. Tucked down a dark flight of stairs off Queen Street, this dimly lit Yakitori den is reminiscent of hole-in-the-wall restaurants you’d find wandering somewhere in Tokyo or Kyoto. With Yakitori skewers taking centre stage here, expect to see all kinds of vegetables and succulent cuts of meat grilled to perfection then popped onto a kebab, ready to dip in delicious sauces. Situated right around the corner from Q Theatre, The Civic, The Town Hall, and Aotea Centre, Tanuki’s is easily one of the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland CBD for a pre or post-theatre feed.
The Yakitori House
Auckland CBD
Another jewel in Auckland’s casual Japanese restaurant crown is The Yakitori House. Tucked away downstairs beneath Shortland Street, this yakitori bar is easily the CBD’s best-kept secret. High ceilings, gorgeous paper lanterns and lines of decorative sake bottles give this dimly lit joint an extra touch of charm, as does the incredibly friendly and attentive service. If you’re on the hunt for Auckland’s best express Japanese lunches in Auckland’s CBD, you’ll also find them here in the form of delicious donburi bowls and lunchbox sets. There’s also succulent yakitori (i.e. skewers grilled to perfection), delicious side dishes, Japanese beer and happy-hour sake. Get in.
Kazuya
Eden Terrace
If you fancy treating yourself to fine dining at one of Auckland’s best Japanese and European fusion restaurants, then Kazuya is where you want to be. You’ll find dishes created using a unique process of low and slow-roasting for meat, as well as deploying traditional Japanese methods for preparing fish, all plated to perfection. While their cuisine techniques may be wonderfully elaborate, their philosophy is simple—to make their guests smile.
Sake Bar Nippon
Epsom & Takapuna
Loud, rambunctious and a damn good time, that's how we'd describe Sake Bar Nippon. Fresh sashimi, sushi, tempura, and other Japanese favourites are all a-go at the Izakaya-style restaurant. If you fancy learning a thing or two about Japanese cooking, grab a seat where you can, and watch the talented chefs, chop, fry, stir, and perfectly plate your dishes before savouring the fresh flavours. Alongside the fare, there’s a tantalising menu of the best Japanese brews in Auckland, featuring hot and cold sakes, wines and spirits.
Ramen Takara
Ponsonby & Browns Bay
If it’s a comforting bowl of ramen your heart desires, look no further than Ramen Takara. Get your slurp on with 11 ramen offerings as well as heaps more tantalizing Japanese dishes. Owner and executive chef, Yuki, grew up watching her father run a small but successful ramen shop at the foot of Mount Fuji, so it doesn't get much more legit than that. Sink your teeth into the Tom Yum ramen filled with prawns, tofu, egg, and vegetables swimming in a hot sour, and spicy broth. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy then the Tonkotsu Ramen, filled with Chāshū pork, egg, bok choy, spring onion, bamboo, and kikurage mushroom will certainly hit the spot. Don’t forget to order some gyoza, they tasty little morsels will have you longing for more after just one bite.
Teppan Dining Bowz
Epsom
Oozing with authentic charm Teppan Dining Bowz brings a Japanese fine-dining experience to the heart of Epsom. You can expect premium Teppanyaki that's out of this world and dishes that are Insta-worthy. If you're after dinner and a show then you're in the right place—watch as the Chefs work their magic preparing and cooking your food in front of you. Whether you go for the Bowz deluxe or the five-course set menu you'll start with eight types of appetiser. If you’re feeling like treating yourself, go for the latter ‘cause you’ve got options of 100 grams of melt-in-your-mouth A5 grade wagyu beef or the king of the sea, crayfish. They all come with premium seafood miso soup AND a dessert for an ultimate teppanyaki adventure.
Katsura
Auckland CBD
Sometimes the best restaurants can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Katsura Japanese Restaurant is one of those gems. Tucked away in Auckland CBD’s Grand Millennium Hotel, Katsura serves some of the city’s finest Japanese fare. Whether you’re after sashimi or sake, sushi or shabu-shabu, Katsura does it all. You don’t need to stay at the hotel to get amongst Katsura’s deliciousness. The inner-city restaurant will welcome you and your hungry belly with open arms.
Azabu
Ponsonby & Mission Bay
One of Auckland’s best Japanese restaurants comes with an extra international flare—Peruvian flavours. Enter Azabu: built from the love of Nikkei cuisine—a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines, that have grown out of Peru’s huge Japanese community. Azabu has been stealing our hearts and our palates since it first opened in Ponsonby in 2016 so we were delighted when the much-loved eatery set up shop in Mission Bay in 2020. Known for its fabulous flavours and mouth-watering dishes—Think raw cuts of fish, sushi, tostadas, dumplings, buns, tempura, and heaps more. There’s a lot to love about this place, from its covetable decor right through to the plethora of small and large sharing plates bursting with colour and punchy tastes.
Yume
Freemans Bay
If you’re looking for the best Japanese grub in Auckland, then look no further than Yume, an inner city spot that caters for all. Executive Chef Jake prides himself on sourcing the freshest local ingredients and transforming them into delicious Japanese cuisine. If sushi is your dish of choice, then you’re in luck as the cabinet is packed to the brim with freshly made rolls but if you’re looking for something a little bigger then there are plenty of other dishes to choose from—think katsu curry bowls, sashimi bento boxes, oodles of noodles and pork and vege gyoza. The restaurant comes to life at night as the izakaya menu takes centre stage, dishing out Tokyo chicken wings, wagyu steak, soft shell crab and heaps more.
Zool Zool
Mt Eden
What happens when two award-winning Japanese chefs join forces and open up a joint? You get one of Auckland’s best Japanese restaurants and most magical noodle houses, that’s what. To see it for yourself, head to Mt Eden’s Zool Zool, and be prepared to experience some of Auckland’s best, and most authentic, Japanese ramen and sake. There are oodles of noodle-filled ramen bowls to choose from, as well as the lesser known—but equally delicious—Zool Men reduced broth dishes. Make sure you save room for dessert here, there’s Yuzu sorbet, matcha ice cream and even wasabi ice cream to get in on.
Brush up on your sake-drinking skills with our guide on how to drink sake like a pro, Kanpai!
Image credit: Sake Bar Icco, Cocoro, Yuzu Japanese Restaurant, Sake Bar Icco, MASU, &Sushi, Tanto Japanese Dining, Ebisu, Japanese Bistro Zen, Tanuki's Cave, Kazuya, Teppan Dining Bowz, Sake Bar Nippon, Katsura, Yume.