When you want fresh, flavour-packed fare, nothing hits the spot better than a feed of Japanese (disagree with me, and we might just have to go a round of karate or worse, sumo). Jokes aside, this is great news for those living in Ōtautahi, Christchurch—because you guys have some of the country's best Japanese eateries, sitting right on your doorstep.
From boozy izakayas to teppanyaki buffets and my personal fave—a ramen bar where you can sink cocktails served in keepsake Pikachu cups—here are Urban List's top picks for the best Japanese restaurants in Christchurch.
Bar Yoku
Inside Welder, 20 Welles Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Image credit: Bar Yoku / Instagram
My world has officially been rocked by the news that sushi tacos exist (how did I not know this?!). You'll find this game-changing hybrid at Bar Yoku, a moody, neon-lit izakaya with its own internal garden, set inside the Welder health and wellbeing precinct. Of course, these novelty eats—pumped full of goodies like tempura prawns, wagyu beef, and karaage chicken—aren't the only things on the menu here. You'll also want to sample this spot's banging yakitori and kushiyaki (there are almost 20 options between them!), raw fish dishes, and nigiri. And if, like me, you can never say no to a cocktail, be sure to check out their gorgeous line-up of tipples infused with housemade botanicals. This is definitely my kind of health and wellbeing.
Sakura Japanese Cuisine
Church Corner Mall, 4/380 Riccarton Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch
Image credit: Sakura Japanese Cuisine / Website
Any restaurant with a full gluten-free menu has our attention—the fact that Sakura's is Japanese, well, that only makes it more appealing. Of course, there's plenty of 'regular' grub on offer here too; all of it prepared in the wonderfully meticulous style synonymous with this cuisine. Pass by the sakura motif and into a world where the sights, smells and tastes of typical Japanese fare reign supreme; from crispy tempura delights and nigiri and maki sushi, to bowls of donburi and okonomiyaki four ways, to tempura banana and green tea ice cream for dessert. During cherry blossom season, you'll want to grab a bento box to-go, and picnic beneath the city's *actual* sakura.
Table Of Munchies (TOM)
189 Papanui Road, 38b Merivale Mall, Merivale, Christchurch
Image credit: Table of Munchies (TOM) / Instagram
If their name doesn't get you in the door, a quick squizz at the menu will. Table of Munchies (or TOM for short) serves a broad range of Asian cuisine with a modern tweak and naturally, that includes a number of Japanese dishes. Tempura prawns, edamame, and salmon sashimi sit comfortably alongside satay skewers, bao, and beef rendang which, though not exactly Japanese, are certainly worth a nibble if you like Asian cuisine in general. Special mention must go to their selection of doburi and ramen, the latter of which includes a beautifully brothy chicken paitan with shiitake mushrooms and truffle oil, and a spicy vegan number with black garlic. Word on the street is that they also do a high tea—I'm not sure what exactly this entails, but consider me intrigued.
Ramen Ria
3/112 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Image credit: Ramen Ria / Instagram
The folks from Table of Munchies (TOM) also run their very own ramen shop: Ramen Ria. Here is where you'll find bowls of housemade noodles swimming in a wholesome eight-hour bone broth, topped with soft-boiled eggs and whatever else your ramen-loving heart desires, along with Sailor Moon soda and cocktails served in a Pikachu cup that you can take home (honestly, you have no idea how happy this makes me). If that's not enough to convince you of this spot's worth, consider the edgy, Tokyo-style fit-out—don't be surprised if you see a Pokemon in the corner, slurping on something delish.
Sakimoto Japanese Bistro
119, Worcester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Image credit: Sakimoto Japanese Bistro / Facebook
For unbeatable value—including a $14 corkage fee for BYO—you can't beat Sakimoto. This authentic bistro is dishing up some of the city's most affordable Japanese eats, impeccably prepared by head chef Seiji Shimizu and his team. Grab something cheeky from the bottle shop next door, then settle in for a feed of King Salmon sashimi, deep-fried tofu and Angus beef tataki, followed by their famous Sakimoto crème brulee with a side of housemade yuzu gelato. Now's probably a good time to also mention their extensive list of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options (which extends right down to the GF soy sauce). They also do incredible sushi and sashimi boats that are sure to make an eye-catching centrepiece at your next special occasion, and in keeping with their wallet-friendly ethos, start from a very reasonable $95.
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Koji Table Buffet
257 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch
Image credit: Koji Table Buffet / Instagram
All-you-can-eat teppanyaki is not something you hear every day. Unless you're living in the 03 of course, where Koji's glorious Japanese buffet is popular amongst those in-the-know. Indeed, this spot is perpetually humming thanks to its endless supply of Japanese tapas, which are served right to your table (sit at the izakaya bar if you want a front-row seat to the cooking action). Choose from 30 options for under $40, right on through to a premium $75 package, with almost as many dishes to match. Regardless, you'll wanna take a leaf out of No Face's book (you know, that lovely black ghoul from Spirited Away) and consume everything in sight, like the hangry little monster that you are.
Super
5 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, Christchurch
Image credit: Super / Website
The name for Super couldn't be more apt, 'cos pairing Japanese and Māori cuisine—which is what this spot does, and damn well—is indeed a (super)power move. Sahni Bennett (Ngāti Mako, Wairewa) came up with this unique fusion after travelling around Japan with her daughter, and says it works “because the dishes of both cultures are traditionally simple and not overwhelmed by competing flavours.” The result? Edamame with kawakawa miso butter, ika mata with yuzu, fry breads with black garlic and kārengo butter, and venison koji—and that's just the beginning. Don't forget to treat yourself to their miso caramel espresso martini, which is about to become your new favourite drink. The fit-out is also a total vibe, but I'll let the photo above speak for itself.
Hibachi
106 Riccarton Road, Christchurch
Image credit: Hibachi / Instagram
Hibachi ('fire bowl' in Japanese) is the only restaurant in New Zealand to offer modern Japanese yakiniku. Yakiniku was originally used to refer to western-style barbecue food and here takes the form of grub cooked over traditional Binchotan charcoal, known in Japan for its purifying properties. You'll enjoy the mouthwatering results as part of Hibachi's signature charcoal BBQ course, available in four options and each comprising a salad, snacks, premium cut of meat (including the best wagyu beef around) sides, and ice cream. Should you want to press pause on the whole barbecue thang, there's also a wide range of other Japanese goodies up for grabs, including a sweet mochi selection (didn't I tell you I was obsessed with desserts?). The zen-like atmosphere, though perhaps at odds with the firey nature of the food, is an added bonus.
Kinji Japanese Restaurant
279B Greers Road, Bryndwr, Christchurch
Image credit: Kinji Japanese Restaurant / Website
Green tea tiramisu might be the first thing I spotted on Kinji's menu (not weird at all that I go straight to the dessert section, no matter what the cuisine), but I promise there's plenty of mouthwatering grub to work your way through before you get anywhere near that. Entrees of fried chicken and pan-fried pork dumplings, sushi and sashimi platters (including an omakase/chef's choice option), hot pots, and a slew of other dishes are here to give your tastebuds a karate-chop of fresh, clean flavour. I also love their dedication to using only locally grown, organic vegetables, free-range eggs, and the best quality beef and seafood Aotearoa has to offer.
Tanoshi Christchurch
93/95 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Image credit: Tanoshi / Instagram
As far as Japanese eateries in the South go, you could say Tanoshi has the monopoly. The brand has four restaurants across Queenstown and Christchurch, including a build-your-own ramen bar (sadly, not in CHCH), all of which are worth a visit if you're keen on this kind of cuisine. Me, well I'm keen as an edamame bean, which is obvs one of the dishes I'll be adding to my order here. That, and Tanoshi's famous hand-rolled pork gyoza, plus their silky, sake-infused cheesecake—or perhaps I'll just place my palate in the hands of the experts, with their popular Trust The Chef menu. One thing that's not in question: the Osaka sour cocktails I'll be sipping between bites.
Looking for more Christchurch goodness? Check out:
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Main image credit: Tanoshi / Instagram
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