14 Best Japanese Restaurants in Birmingham

“Their food is amazing So are their employees Larry helped me so much !! Tonight was my first time“

“Johin’na is a dazzling new gem in Birmingham’s vibrant culinary scene! From the moment you step through the door, you’re immersed in an atmosphere that promises a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The decor is a breathtaking fusion of creativity and elegance, unlike anything else in the city—every detail is thoughtfully curated to spark wonder and delight. The staff’s warmth and hospitality take the evening to extraordinary heights. We were incredibly fortunate to have founder Chef Amber step out of the kitchen to serve as our guide for the night. Her deep knowledge of the menu and infectious passion for the dishes made our choices effortless and exhilarating. Her expertly recommended pairings perfectly complemented our tastes, transforming each course into a culinary adventure. Adding to the magic, we had the privilege of chatting with founders Executive Chef Ashley and Shun Love, whose vision and warmth made us feel like family. We’ve never felt more welcomed in a restaurant! Beyond their culinary genius and gracious hospitality, the sisters and their mother are absolutely stunning, radiating charm and grace that elevate the entire experience. Every dish we savored was a masterpiece, bursting with bold, innovative flavors that showcase the creative spirit of Johin’na’s kitchen. The meticulous attention to detail in both presentation and taste was impeccable, leaving us eager to return and explore more of the menu. Johin’na isn’t just a meal—it’s a soulful experience that lingers long after the last bite. Birmingham is beyond lucky to have this treasure, and I can’t recommend it highly enough!“

“I pulled a non-Karen today and asked for the manager. I explained to her how amazed I was at their food and how utterly fantastic it is. I ordered an unagi poke bowl and a salmon Maki roll via GrubHub, then I went there in person and ordered the unagidon and salmon roll, and today I ordered the steak teppanyaki, salad, seaweed salad (OMG - seriously? BEST I'VE EVER HAD), and got the tonkotsu ramen with menma. She remembered me from my order today and when I was there last week. Let's talk about the salmon roll - absolutely fresh and filled with thick pieces of salmon and perfectly cooked sushi rice. The rice was a compliment rather than the main to the roll. The steak? Chef's kiss. perfectly seasoned and tender with amazing veggies. Serving size? Goodness, well deserved of the price. The seaweed salad? OMG. usually, I'll get a teensy bit for the same price. Here, you get a good chunk of it but it's served over romaine lettuce with chopped cucumbers. It's definitely a true salad. Now, let's talk about the tonkotsu. The chasu pork is seared perfectly and absolutely delectable. It's also served with green onions, an excellent half of a shoyu egg, and I added menma (bamboo shoots). The broth is excellent and you can tell it has been carefully taken care of (a tad garlicky, but that's fine with me), silky, and says "I'm your comfort food" over and over again. Lastly, the service shows how much they care about their food and their customers. Like I said, I pulled a Non-Karen and spoke to the manager and sang praises for their food and service. I now have my favorite Japanese spot now that I'm back in Birmingham. PS. their unagidon is on fire! Yum!“

“excellent food and service. highly recommend! food is fresh and well prepared and they offer a nice variety of dishes.“

“wonderful sushi burrito, salsa and fresh chips“

“Awesome food and service! We had a large party and everyone loved their food, including the vegan!“

“Best restaurant in Birmingham! Excellent food, service and atmosphere. The owner, Abe, is a great guy and is usually there to welcome you at the door. He and his staff take pride in providing the best experience possible and serving the best sushi in town. Try the Kodoma Tuna, Bangkok roll, sliders, Brussels in eel sauce and any dessert they have that day! They are all amazing!“

“Super clean establishment! Fast friendly service and love the specials! 😍 Always something new here to catch my eye.“

“Always a great experience. The food is fantastic. The tiger roll is the best!“

“We love eating here because of the great food, great service, and good prices...“

“Super clean establishment! Fast friendly service and love the specials! 😍 Always something new here to catch my eye.“

“I really enjoyed my experience at Mizu. The aesthetics and decor are absolutely beautiful and set the tone as soon as you walk in. Everything feels intentional and stylish without trying too hard. On top of that, the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which always makes a big difference.
The food was delicious across the board. Everything we ordered was flavorful and clearly well prepared, making it worth the visit for the food alone.“

“Fabulous! My only complaint used to be and I mean used to be is the food came out slow! Not anymore!! They have stepped their game up tremendously! Always great food and friendly service!“

“Excellent service would definitely recommend“