26 Best Japanese Restaurants near Branford

“My friends have been recommending this place for a long time. Tonight, I finally got here. Salmon Avocado roll, Maguro & Hamachi. The white rice wasn't hard & sticky like some sushi restaurants. This rice was soft but didn't fall apart. I like that. Just because I knew I'd be too full if I ordered a dinner, I got some appetizers to try: spring rolls & fried pork dumplings - both light & crunchy. Dipping sauces had a nice subtle taste; not vinegary. Very good. You wouldn't know it from the outside but the inside is attractive, the sushi bar is great, and it's busy with regulars. I think I'll become a regular, too.“

“Food was delicious & staff was friendly, prompt. They went above and beyond.“

“it was very delicious people are very nice“

“This place is amazing our weekly dinner spot. Awesome staff the girls are the best and always friendly“

“My favorite restaurant in New Haven. It's pricey but worth it. The Braised Pork Belly is AMAZING and literally falls apart with your chop sticks, that's how soft it is. I've literally had friends drink the sauce after eating that pork belly. It's so good

The curry with wagyu beef is also super tasty. Highly recommend. And their sake flights are really good too.“

“Incredible sushi, the food is so good and the staff is so kind. This is the best all you can eat sushi I’ve experienced. We can’t wait to come back for more!“

“Went in for the first time hesitant but I’m so glad I did. Sushi was so fresh and delicious. So many options to choose from and the price is justified by the quality. There’s so many all you can easy buffets in CT by this one is by far the best I’ve experienced. Service was great, the staff were so friendly. The place is beautiful and well decorated. The place was packed busy but service was fast and efficient. No complaints at all“

“Rating is based solely on the grocery store as we did not try the wine bar yet. The grocery store is a little gem. Unique with a coffee bar, great selection of authentic japanese grocery items at fair prices. Very clean and well organized. Friendly staff. We plan to go back soon and try out the rest of the place!“

“We ordered takeout for the 1st time. Delicious all around! Very impressed. Can’t wait to visit and eat in the restaurant soon!“

“The food is super tasty and the service is very nice.“

“Exceptional food. Great service“

“This was the BEST noodle bar i've been to in sooo long!! Firstly the crab rangoon dip is to die for!!! A delicious twist in your classic crab Rangoon. I reccomend all the apps.

Next- our server Matt aka Freddy Faz Bear was a delight!! He was talking bout in it when we ordered the ramen and we dived right in
10/10
reccomend this place :)“

“SonoBana is by far the best Sushi here in CT. The absolute freshness ingredients at all times. The friendly staff goes over and beyond to make you feel welcome. We’ve been coming to SonoBana for years. High Recommend!!“

“I recommend everything! My first time there and my experience was out of this world! Incredible food amazing atmosphere and very friendly service. I wasn’t sure what I wanted so they recommended something based on what I told them I liked and they were correct about it! I highly recommend this might be the only sushi place I will go to from now on!! Thank you for such a great experience!“

“Fantastic food, friendly staff and cute dining area. Five stars!“

“Love, love, LOVE this place! They are always so fresh, fast and efficient. Whether I am ordering through DoorDash or any other app or directly within the store, they follow instructions and always make sure things are to your liking. The bento box portions are humongous too! You won’t regret ordering from here.“

“Sit at the sushi bar for the best experience ever from amazing sushi masters! Kevin and his team are incredible!!!“

“Pork fried rice and orange 🍊 chicken ,beef teryaki and its price right, excellent fresh hot The people that waited on me where so courteous with me and my Walker they bring it out to the car they held the door this place is really nice and atmosphere too So if you are disabled with a Walker or wheelchair it is a must go to Asian cuisine check it out“

“Great fresh food, relaxed atmosphere and good value.“

“First time. Great service. Food was excellent. Wide variety of Japanese food. Hibachi steak annd shrimp withbv$white dipping sauce excellent. Companion had sushi and rolls. Fresh. Tasty. Price reasonable. Can be too noisy for q I iet conversation. . Kids love Hibachij chefs performance“

“great food good drinks friendly staff“

“Great fresh food, relaxed atmosphere and good value.“

“i was placed a takeout order lunch specials,the price was inexpensive and the service was very nice ,i was so happy about that.will keep ordering with them.“

“Always great, very good sushi and atmosphere is always good for any family of children.“

“Normally the service and food is phenomenal! I’ve been coming to Kumo for about 20 years now I’ve never had anything less than A plus service and meals before today. The drinks were forgotten and had to be asked for we didn’t receive them until we were finished with our appetizers. We were missing a place setting that also had to be requested a second time. The chef mistakenly started to cook seafood before the beef and poultry and we had a seafood allergy at our table. The food was poorly seasoned and poorly cooked. My shrimp were not clean they still had poop in them. Tonight was very disappointing!“

“Koi Sushi offers a satisfying all-you-can-eat experience, with an expansive menu full of delicious and well-executed dishes. The chefs demonstrate a high level of skill in preparing the sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese fare, ensuring each dish is fresh, flavorful, and meticulously crafted. The variety on the menu is impressive, allowing guests to explore a broad range of dishes, all prepared with care and precision.

However, the ambiance at Koi Sushi is simple and functional, with little to distinguish it beyond its practical design. The temperature in the winter months can also fall just below comfort level, which may leave some diners feeling less than fully at ease. The music played is Chinese in origin, which is an unexpected touch for a Japanese restaurant and might not align with the traditional atmosphere one might anticipate.

The service, while efficient, falls short in terms of warmth. The staff, while professional, often appear serious and somewhat disengaged, which affects the overall atmosphere. A more personable and welcoming approach would elevate the service and contribute to a more pleasant dining experience.

Despite these elements, the food at Koi Sushi remains the standout. It is clear that the kitchen prioritizes quality and consistency, making this an ideal choice for those seeking a diverse range of well-prepared dishes.“