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10 Best Japanese Restaurants in America

Japanese Lanterns At Restaurant At Kyoto Japan

As we set out on a culinary adventure across America’s finest Japanese restaurants, we will celebrate the art of Japanese cuisine. Japan is embodied in our country’s diverse dining experiences, which range from the crisp precision of sushi to the hearty tastes of ramen. Come explore a carefully chosen range of venues that combine real cultural elements with culinary expertise. These eateries, which can be found in both charming neighborhoods and busy metropolises, have won praise for their outstanding food and engaging eating experiences. Meet the chefs that are taking Japanese cuisine to new heights here in America by deftly fusing tradition and innovation. A symphony of tastes showcasing the Best Japanese Restaurants in America will soon tempt you.


1. Uchi Austin

Uchi Austin
Source: Instagram

801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: 512-916-4808
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When you think of an award-winning sushi master, you probably wouldn’t think they would be located in Austin, Texas, and go by the name Tyson Cole. Sure, there aren’t many American sushi masters, but Chef Tyson Cole is one of the best there are. With over 10 years of training under sushi masters, Tyson Cole opened Uchi. Once you walk into Uchi, you can expect an authentic Japanese experience along with the highest quality Japanese cuisine in the country. In this old bungalow of sorts, you can enjoy everything from edamame and toyosu to makimono and nigiri. So, don’t wait up and experience one of the best Japanese restaurants in the US.


2. Nobu

Nobu Los Angeles
Source: Instagram

903 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Phone: 310-657-5711
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At this point, who hasn’t heard of Nobu? Named after celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, it is one of the most popular in the world. There are over 50 Nobu restaurants worldwide, with 19 in the United States alone. With Nobu, you can enjoy the rooftops of Chicago while eating grilled salmon or devour a dessert bento box in a luxurious hotel. The original location is in Los Angeles, however. This spot takes authentic Japanese flavor and rolls it up in luxury. If you like a fiery appetizer you can try the spicy edamame. How about some Wagyu Foie Gras Dumplings to round out your meal? In any case, you can count on delectable dishes prepared by world-class chefs when you visit any Nobu location. 

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3. Arami

Arami Chicago
Source: Instagram

1829 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 312-243-1535
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You wouldn’t expect the chefs at Arami to deliver such a high-quality and traditional Japanese dining experience when you walk in. The interior is warm and inviting, with a skylight that allows you to enjoy the view any time of day or night. Arami has been named one of Chicago’s best restaurants and one of America’s top sushi restaurants. At the sushi bar, you can expect only the freshest seafood, from uni to unagi. I loved the Maguro Akami’s texture and clean flavor. You can order their sushi either as sashimi or nigir.


4. Imanas Tei

Imanas Tei Honolulu
Source: Instagram

2626 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone: 808-941-2626
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Imanas Tei provides yet another authentic Japanese experience to enjoy. This restaurant is located in Honolulu, near the University of Hawaii, and offers a variety of Japanese foods to satisfy that craving. The ambiance of the interior is cozy and relaxing. Fresh seafood taken from the ocean provides a flavorful and refreshing culinary experience that’s hard to forget. There is an excellent selection of food to delve into. This includes the flavorful unagi bowl, a jam-packed barachirashi, marbled beef, a Japanese hot pot, and much more. Additionally, for those looking to have a good time, there are fantastic sake options to explore. So, don’t miss out and give Imanas Tei a visit when you get the chance.


5. Sushi Nakazawa

Sushi Nakazawa New York
Source: Instagram

23 Commerce St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: 212-924-2212
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Mitsuru Tamura, a longtime kitchen lieutenant, stepped in after Naomichi Yasuda announced that he would be returning to Japan. Like his old master, Tamura avoids an overblown showcase to display his superior knife skills. Since 1999, this restaurant has been serving high-end sushi of the finest quality. Chef Nakazawa ensured that only the freshest seafood was served, all of which was caught in the waters nearby. You can dig into all the top-notch dishes on the menu, from nigiri to rosanjin. So, visit Sushi Nakazawa to dine on sushi in a tranquil setting. This is one of the best sushi restaurants in NYC and beyond!


6. Raku

Raku Las Vegas
Source: Instagram

5030 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89146
Phone: 702-367-3511
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Raku’s owner-chef, Mitsuo Endo, moved to the United States and began a seven-year journey that culminated in the opening of his own restaurant, Aburiya Raku. This restaurant would eventually be nominated for a James Beard Award and become a local favorite. Home-made tofu, Kobe beef liver sashimi, udon noodle soup, and more are among the Japanese favorites you can expect from Raku. There is also a Raku Sweets restaurant across the parking lot that will allow you to enjoy the pure bliss of desserts such as sponge cake, raspberry tart, souffle, and more.

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7. Sushi Ran

Sushi Ran Sausalito
Source: Instagram

107 Caledonia St, Sausalito, CA 94965
Phone: 415-332-3620
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Sushi Ran, led by chef Seiji Wakabayashi, has been regarded as the best sushi restaurant in the Bay Area for over 35 years. This restaurant serves a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, including maki, nigiri, sashimi, and more. Sushi Ran is also well-known for serving sushi from local and Tokyo markets. Sushi Ran has received accolades from Michelin, the Wall Street Journal, and USA Today and is considered one of the best Japanese restaurants in the United States. Enjoy authentic foods from masterful chefs that are passionate about their work.


8. UNI

UNI Boston
Source: Instagram

370A Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-536-7200
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Since 2002, Chef Ken Oringer has operated UNI Sashimi Bar in the Clio lounge, serving only the freshest seafood from the local and Tokyo markets. Over the years, The UNI Sashimi Bar has received numerous awards, including earning four stars from The Boston Herald and being named “Best Sashimi” by Boston magazine. After two decades with Clio, Ken decided to close up shop and reopen UNI in 2016, transitioning it from a lounge into an all-out restaurant. UNI serves inventive Japanese cuisine with fresh seafood. The new UNI maintains its sashimi roots while introducing nigiri and maki-style sushi and plates. This restaurant aims to provide innovative and creative sashimi and Japanese fusion cuisine. 


9. Tomo

Tomo Atlanta
Source: Instagram

3630 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404-835-2708
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Compared to the others listed, Tomo is a lesser-known restaurant, but the food quality is comparable in many ways. You can look forward to delectable, authentic Japanese cuisine that will leave you wanting seconds and even thirds. Chef Tomohiro Naito, Tomo’s head chef, and owner, was born in Osaka, Japan. Initially, he worked as a seafood buyer but eventually became an omakase chef at Nobu. At Nobu, Tomohiro made a name for himself by dazzling diners with his imaginative tasting menus. Tomohiro decided to relocate from Las Vegas to Atlanta to establish his own restaurant, Tomo. Tomo is a sophisticated restaurant dedicated to serving only the finest ingredients. This restaurant has one of the more unusual menus on the list, serving live scallops, squid ink rolls, and a variety of other lavish dishes. However, you can still expect delicacies such as yellowtail collar, monkfish liver, edamame, and all your favorites.


10. Masa

Masa New York
Source: Instagram

10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-823-9800
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Chef Masa Takayama learned the ropes at Tokyo’s prestigious Ginza Sushi-ko under the tutelage of sushi master Sugiyama Toshiaki. This experience is what inspired Masa to explore food, which eventually led to the creation of his very own restaurant. This restaurant would later become a three-Michelin-starred restaurant with only the finest Japanese cuisine. This Japanese restaurant offers high-end pricing with an elegant interior design. Masa is truly an experience. Even Travel + Leisure Magazine gave the spot a rave review. It is also the most expensive sushi restaurant in New York City, costing at least $600 per person. If you’re looking for a place to splurge, this might be the Japanese place for you.

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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