21 Best Japanese Restaurants near Pacific Grove

“One of the few Sushi joints that can accommodate our dog. Nigiri was fresh with large pieces. Rolls are delicious and crafted well. Miso soup and salad also very nice.

Can get a bit busy but the servers are attentive and super nice.“

“Friendly staff, excellent food.“

“Very happy to have Maido Sushi here in Marina. Staff is friendly, food is tasty, and it feels like an actual cafe you would find in Kyoto or some parts of Tokyo having visited. Thank you :3!“

“I have been eating at this establishment for years and no matter if it’s really busy or I’m going in for a takeout. their service is always awesome. They are so friendly. The food is awesome and I can’t say enough about this restaurant.“

“Delicioso 🤤 cuando lo disfrutes con las personas adecuadas para ti 🥰🥰🥰“

“I love this place... simply the best!“

“We had a pretty good experience. The steak and shrimp entree was very yummy and cooked well with the rice and vegetables! Edamame was also really good.

The sushi was not prepared well, too big and the rice was falling apart. The salad was okay but the dressing was too sweet. And all the food was served to us within 5 minutes. It should have been spaced out better.“

“Great place! Food, service, and atmosphere is excellent. Water doesn't taste like from the tap. I walked in with a friend and got a booth. Staff is super friendly and attentive. My go-to is the unagi donburi. I highly recommend this place!“

“We tried the lunch specials—the BBQ Ribs ($23) and Bulgogi ($23)—which stand out as some of the most affordable Korean options in the area. Both dishes delivered solid, well-balanced flavors and were straightforward, easy to enjoy, making them well-suited for lunch. Each order includes three personal side dishes that rotate seasonally. Small place so seating is limited.“

“Picked up the Sushi Special and Zaru to go from New Tokyo Restaurant in Marina, and it hit the spot.
The service was incredibly fast and friendly right from the start. Both items were excellent—the sushi was fresh and well-prepared, and the Zaru was refreshing and perfect for a takeout meal.
It’s a solid, reliable spot when you want great Japanese food without the wait. Highly recommended!“

“Excellent sushi restaurant in downtown Monterey. Fresh, great service and fun atmosphere.“

“Fun sitting at the Sushi Bar! Great team, great service, and of course great food!“

“Akaoni is one of my favorite restaurants and serves the best sushi that I've had in California. We personally make trips to Carmel-by-the-sea just to eat here, so if you are a sushi aficionado, I genuinely think you should try squeezing in a visit. One time, I ate here prior to a big interview, and my stress just melted away.

Yes, you need a reservation to eat here because they have a limited amount of space and work to make the atmosphere peaceful and calming. I think that some folks misinterpret their directness as rudeness, but I personally feel that they are polite and provide excellent service. Our experiences here have been positive and memorable.“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Crystal Fish was an outstanding dining experience! The sushi was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and packed with amazing flavor. Every dish was prepared with care and attention to detail, making each bite a delight. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, while the staff was friendly, attentive, and provided excellent service throughout the meal. From the quality of the food to the overall experience, everything exceeded expectations. I highly recommend Crystal Fish and can't wait to return for another fantastic meal!“

“We loved our experience at the Flying Fish. The owner and the staff were so welcoming and friendly. Our meals were delicious and the banana sundae dessert was amazing! I think it will be hard to come back to Carmel without having a meal there. Highly recommend it.“

“today an amazing couple paid for our tab. We are a family of 6 trust when I say our bill was not cheap. Thank you so much and may God bless. The service is always great, the food is always on point.“

“We came in expecting a simple sushi spot, but this place completely surprised us.

The presentation is absolutely beautiful — every dish is decorated with so much care, and all the little details make the food feel even more special and delicious.

The courtyard is also cozy and has such a unique atmosphere — it honestly feels like you’ve stepped somewhere far away from the city for a while. We truly loved this place and left impressed. Definitely worth visiting.“

“exelent service and the food it's grate.“

“Excellent food!!! It beats what we had in Maui recently.“

“5/17-26: Today I had lunch at teriyaki madness. I ordered the Salmon Teriyaki bowl which came with white rice, mixed vegetables, and salmon which I made a Combo and ordered Edamame and a Large Fountain Soda all for $19.42😋. After receiving my order I put additional Teriyaki Sauce over all my food and used Siracha sauce and Kikoman Lite soysauce for a great tasting bowl. Thr Edamame comes in a little box full of flavor. The Edamame is lite salted and definitely give you plenty of them. Definitely great place for your protein and to get your Madness on!😋👍🤑“

“My wife and I will be paying a visit to the Presidio in a few weeks. We have many fond memories there from 1986/1987 when I was a Polish student and she was a Czech student, both of us U.S. Army. We met there and were married in Pacific Grove on our lunch hour. In our minds it's a magical place (and a superb language school) that expanded our horizons. We're returning to the U.S. after many years overseas.“