Sometimes, you just have to have a flavourful sushi dish, juicy Japanese steak, and hot miso soup. If you’re wondering which Japanese eatery to go to for these, we’ve outlined the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland here for you!

We carefully selected the restaurants that serve super-delicious and stunning food with caring and friendly staff. Also, we picked those that have rave reviews from customers.

But you’re probably dying to sink your teeth into some maki already. So, without any further ado, here’s our roundup of the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland!

1. Taiko Japanese Restaurant & Bar

BEST FOR	Amazingly Tasty Food That’s Nicely Presented
MENU	Their Menu Can Be Viewed Here
WEBSITE	https://www.taikojapaneserestaurant.co.nz/
ADDRESS	460A New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 9-815 0610
OPERATING HOURS	[ LUNCH ] Tuesday to Friday, Sunday: 12pm – 2pm Monday and Saturday: Closed [ DINNER ] Tuesday to Friday, Sunday: 530pm – 830pm Monday and Saturday: Closed

If you’re craving savoury side dishes and authentic Japanese dinners, then head down to Taiko Japanese Restaurant & Bar located in Kingsland, Auckland.

They have fantastic-tasting side dishes, salads, deep fried meals (Agemono) and mains. Try out their best-selling Karaage Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, Takoyaki (octopus balls with takoyaki sauce), Teriyaki and more.

Perhaps you’d like to have a hot and flavoursome Beef Steak, Agedashi Tofu & Vegetables for some mouthwatering silk tofu, or crispy and delectable Chicken Katsu. You can get all of those here!

And you can wash them all down with Asahi Zero Beer (which contains 0% alcohol), Apple Cider or a classic lemonade!

Highlights

• Savoury side dishes
• Well-presented meals
• Excellent customer service
• Takeaways and online buys are available

Customer Reviews

Francesca Everard posted a review on Google:

“Such yummy Japanese food in Kingsland! Beautiful presentation with dry ice and other things. We had the beef tataki, salmon, and Yum Yum Prawns which are a must! Plus cold sake which was so pretty.”

2. Ebisu

BEST FOR	Izakaya Dining and Caring Staff
MENU	Browse Their Dinner Set Menu Here and Lunch Menu Here
WEBSITE	http://www.ebisu.co.nz/
ADDRESS	116-118 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	64 9 300 5271
OPERATING HOURS	[ LUNCH ] Tuesday to Friday: 12pm – 2pm [ DINNER ] Tuesday to Saturday: 5pm – Late

Offering a range of modern and traditional Japanese cuisine, Ebisu is another of the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland because of their delicious seafood and sushi meals.

The staff here are very caring and considerate with the customers too. For instance, if you have food allergies, they can customise their cooking to make the food safe for you to eat.

They even have vegetarian and free-range dishes so you can dine on a gourmet meal while knowing it’s better for the environment.

Warm up with a bowl of Vegetarian Miso Soup, try their free range Teriyaki Chicken, or go for their beef platters! And order some Ebi Mayo Roll and feel the flavour explode deliciously inside your mouth.

Highlights

• Super delicious sushi and seafood
• Great customer service
• Offers traditional and modern Japanese meals

Customer Reviews

Danny J, one diner, said on Google Business:

“A beautiful Japanese restaurant, with gorgeous dishes.  The staff are well trained, helpful and polite..  wide range of Traditional and modern Japanese meals. With many tasting menus seafood options and large beef platters. Although a little expensive from my point of view worthwhile.”

3. Teppan Dining Bowz

BEST FOR	Teppan
MENU	https:/www./bowznz.co.nz/menu
WEBSITE	https://www.bowznz.co.nz/
ADDRESS	5 Pah Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 9-630 5413
OPERATING HOURS	[ LUNCH ] Tuesday to Sunday: 12.00pm – 2.00pm [DINNER ] Tuesday to Friday: 6.00pm – 9.00pm Saturday and Sunday: 5.30pm – 9.00pm

Teppan Dining Bowz promises a high-class dining experience with traditional Japanese cuisine and cooking practices. Their chefs are all internationally recognized, so you can be sure you’ll eat phenomenal dishes while witnessing excellent performances.

Most of Teppan Dining Bowz’s menu consists of teppan dishes such as lamb racks, grilled vegetables, and the signature Wagyu beef. They also have a five-course meal as part of their takeaway menu.

They source their ingredients internationally and locally to provide its customers with the best Teppan dishes.

Teppan Dining Bowz also has a Japanese-styled dining room. So, if you want to experience a full Japanese dining experience, you should try booking the special room.

Highlights

• Teppanyaki, chef’s selection, seasonal menus
• Japanese fine dining
• Internationally-recognized chefs

Customer Reviews

Here’s a Google Business review from a satisfied customer named Elijah:

“Bowz has been my favourite teppanyaki for years, unlike the big franchises with lots of teppan stations they only have one teppan station in the centre of the restaurant, pretty much like a setting you would see in a bar but just replacing large section of the bar table with piping hot metal plate and their food I have to say is much better compared to other teppan restaurants. The main reason that makes Bowz my favourite teppanyaki is because of the taste of their food and how focus the chef is over the entire preparation process. Not just putting up a show to amuse the guests.”

4. Heizo Teppanyaki Restaurant

BEST FOR	Convivial Dining Experience
MENU	Kindly View Their Menu Here
WEBSITE	https://www.facebook.com/Heizo.teppanyaki/photos/?ref=page_internal
ADDRESS	3D, Short Street, New Market Auckland, New Zealand 1023
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 9 529 0808 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	[ LUNCH ] Monday to Friday: 12pm – 2pm [ DINNER ] Monday to Friday: 6pm – 9.30pm Saturday: 6pm – 10pm Sunday: Closed

On the lookout for a hot and filling Japanese meal? Come to Heizo Teppanyaki Restaurant! The place is praised for its enjoyable and pleasant ambiance for diners.

Their teppanyaki dishes are delectable too: you can order A La Carte or by set. They dub the sets Samurai, Sumo Experience, Ocean Treasures, and Taste of Both.

Their menu also includes all the Japanese staples: Chicken Thighs, Salmon Fillets, Fish Fillets, Scotch Fillet Steak, Eye Fillet Steak, 8-piece Prawns with Yumi Sauce, Steamed Rice, and Miso Soup.

And of course, they also have the traditional favourites of tempura and sashimi meals. Visit the Heizo Teppanyaki Restaurant and you’re in for a totally worth-it treat!

Highlights

• Convivial restaurant to dine in
• Provides hot and satisfying teppanyaki meals
• Offers a range of lunch and dinner sets

Customer Reviews

One customer, Ellana Ngau Chun commented on Facebook:

“The chef was a great showman. The staff were attentive, excellent service. The food was so delicious. Have been twice and will continue to go back. We sat at the grill both times (would recommend booking) and it’s a great experience.”

5. Azabu

BEST FOR	Japanese Fusion Food Selections
MENU	Kindly Browse Their Menu Here
WEBSITE	https://savor.co.nz/azabu-ponsonby/
ADDRESS	26 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 9 320 5292
OPERATING HOURS	Wednesday and Thursday: 5pm – 10pm Friday: 12 – 10.30pm Saturday: 5 – 10.30pm Monday, Tuesday and Sunday: Closed

Our list of the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland continues with Azabu. We picked this one because the menu is original, the setting is cosy, and the food presentable and mind blowing in taste.

You shouldn’t miss their tasty Grilled Octopus plate, Beef Tostada, Rainbow Sushi Roll, Crispy Pork Belly or Lamb Chuleta. They also offer a broad range of vegetarian dishes.

Get to know the Japanese culture by drinking a relishing sake. Or you can order Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, etc.

Their gourmet dishes are a fusion of Nikkei and modern Japanese cuisine too. We’re sure you’ll love them!

Highlights

• Nikkei and modern Japanese cuisine
• Serves presentable and delicious food
• Kids menu are also available

Customer Reviews

Vijay Prema wrote a reliable review on Google Business:

“Excellent Japanese fusion with great atmosphere.  Dishes were original, very very tasty and looked great.  Some good non-alcoholic drinks for non-alcoholics.  And great options for vegetarian and seafood.  Went here for an early Valentine’s and it was perfect.”

6. Bruce Lee Sushi & Roll

BEST FOR	Sushi
MENU	View Their Menu Here
WEBSITE	http://www.bruceleesushi.net.nz/
ADDRESS	Browse Their Locations Here
CONTACT DETAILS	[email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Saturday: 9.00am-6.00pm

Japanese restaurants can also be great for light meals and snacks, just as what Bruce Lee Sushi & Roll offers. 

Bruce Lee Sushi & Roll markets itself as the best restaurant with the healthiest and freshest sushi rolls. It has 13 locations all around Auckland and Hamilton to provide you with such products.

This Japanese restaurant also offers various party packs suitable for all guests and occasions. If you want something heavier, you can also buy udon and other noodle meals from the restaurant.

Highlights

• Fresh, creative, and healthy sushi rolls
• Party packs for all occasions
• 13 locations

Customer Reviews

Some customers have even found Bruce Lee Sushi & Roll as their own go-to Japanese restaurant. Here’s a review to tell you more:

“Great sushi and miso for reasonable price. Small but decent eat in facilities. Recommend based on the great quality and decent selection. I work near by so its my go to lunch as I love me some sushi and miso.”

7. Sake Bar Nippon

BEST FOR	Authentic experience
MENU	View Their Sit-Down Menu Here
WEBSITE	https://www.sakebar.co.nz/
ADDRESS	415 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 9-630 2511
OPERATING HOURS	Sunday – Thursday: 5.30pm – 9.00pm Friday – Saturday: 5.30pm – 10.00pm

If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience, Sake Bar Nippon could be the best Japanese for you. The Izakaya-style restaurant offers dishes made only from the finest ingredients and by the most experienced of chefs.

It even offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Sake Bar Nippon has also opened a Takapuna branch to offer authentic sushi to customers in the area.

You can even book special functions in this restaurant where you can also choose your own menu. Additionally, Sake Bar Nippon also has a free karaoke bar, which you can use for your night out with your friends.

Highlights

• Available vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu choices
• Karaoke bar for private functions
• Authentic Izakaya-style restaurant
• Use of finest Japanese ingredients

Customer Reviews

Richa Thapa wrote this on Google Business to share why she, like other customers, would like to go back to Sake Bar Nippon:

“It was my niece’s birthday, and the staff was super welcoming and we received an amazing service. The food was excellent as always. Special thank you to that one guy, who was looking after the top floor between 7.30-till late today. Very attentive and such a nice atmosphere him and the team created. Love one of your chefs, always has a warm smile and welcomes you as soon as you enter.”

8. The Yakitori House

BEST FOR	Traditional Izakaya and Yakitori Style Food
MENU	Dinner Menu Lunch Menu
WEBSITE	https://www.theyakitorihouse.com
ADDRESS	2B/18 Shortland Street Auckland New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	09-215 6970 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	LUNCH Mon – Fri: 11:30 – 14:30 DINNER Mon – Sat: 17:00 till late Closed on Sundays

The Yakitori House offers a wide range of delicious Japanese food, particularly izakaya and yakitori dishes. Numerous Japanese beers, such as sake, are also in stock.

Diners who visit their restaurant will find an atmospheric interior that features traditional Japanese fixtures. They have separate menus for lunch and dinner, with the latter featuring liquor and side dishes for drinking.

Some of their dishes include donburi, meal sets and various starters such as edamame, miso, karaage, and more. For dessert, ice cream, yukimi daifuku, and fresh fruits are available.

Highlights

• Authentic taste of Japan
• Mouthwatering dishes
• Wide range of Japanese beers and New Zealand wine
• Traditional Japanese interior

9. The Sushi

BEST FOR	Fresh Sushi
MENU	Traditional Japanese Cuisine
WEBSITE	https://the-sushi-sushi-restaurant.business.site/
ADDRESS	86 Parnell Road Parnell Auckland 1052
CONTACT DETAILS	09-365 2685
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 9AM – 4PM

If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, then why not consider The Sushi?

The Sushi is a restaurant that offers a wide array of traditional Japanese cuisine, with the restaurant’s speciality being, as you guessed it, sushi. To be more specific, sushi platters that are made with the freshest and finest ingredients.

Aside from the scrumptious meal, The Sushi also comes highly recommended because of its cosy ambience, which allows diners to eat comfortably. Moreover, the service is second to none, with the kitchen working efficiently and the front of house providing quality customer service.

The Sushi is open Mondays to Fridays from nine in the morning to four in the afternoon. For bookings and enquiries, the restaurant can be contacted via phone.

Highlights

• Casual and cosy interior
• Ala carte and platter options
• Specialises in fresh sushi dishes
• Excellent customer service

10. Sashimi of Japan

BEST FOR	Sashimi Donburi
MENU	Donburi, Side Dishes, and Drinks Visit their website for a more specific menu
WEBSITE	https://sashimiofjapan.company.site/
ADDRESS	613 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
CONTACT DETAILS	096231777 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday: 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 9pm Friday: 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 9pm Saturday: 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 9pm Sunday: 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 9pm

Sashimi of Japan only sells 101 portions a day. So if you want to get a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine, you may want to book a reservation immediately.

You may wonder why they only sell limited portions. This is for them to ensure all their customers that they are providing them with fresh dishes.

Plus, it also makes them avoid having waste.

Given their extensive range of products, you will not, not find what you are craving for.

Also, you can easily check out from their website and pick up your order from their physical store.

Numerous customers have expressed their love for the restaurant, so we want you to give them a try and imagine what it feels like to be in Japan.

Highlights

• Affordable products
• Can message their Instagram when it is not business hours

And that completes our list of the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland! If you decide to dine at a Japanese restaurant, we are confident that you’d love to be in those we suggested.

So far, do you have any questions about the topic? If you have one, just send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

You should also check out our other restaurant roundups. For instance, you may want to go for brunch in one of Auckland’s famous cafes, and for that, you can read our list of the best cafes in Auckland.