Japanese Restaurants near East Haven

“Listen, the food is excellent. The sushi special rolls are delicious and I enjoyed my stay there except for the fact that there were children there (non-customer) being disruptive. Totally understand that they are kids, but we left our toddler babysat and expect a restaurant in the evening to have a better atmosphere. Again, I get it, people have kids and have to work too but unfortunately business is business.“

“The food service was quite fast. The food flavors and quality was amazing! The ambience is also really nice for a date night or celebrating a special occasion. They have an extensive drink selection be it sake, wine or whiskey so one can always go back to try more. We had the premium sake flight, American Wagyu curry, anchovy fries (10/10 recommend), uni and braised short rib“

“This was my first time trying a Poké bowl and it did not disappoint. It was very refreshing, especially on this warmer than normal March afternoon. Since it was my first time, I decided to create a build your own bowl and incorporate ingredients that I'm used to. The topper was their special sauces. I added shrimp, which were deveined, corn, fresh jalapeño, and a mix of rice and greens. For a surcharge you can also add avocado and kimchi, which I did. Everything blended together so well. The bowl was nice and satisfying. I definitely see myself returning throughout the summer, especially when I want a salad experience but a tad elevated. Parking is a bit tricky over there. But I went on a Thursday afternoon. The establishment was nice and clean. Bright and open. They had a few stool seats at a countertop. I believe they have Boba tea, but I'll try one the next time. There will most certainly be a next time!“

“This is one of the best omikase places in New Haven. The management is thoughtful and truly cares about its customers. I can't rave enough about what a gem Rockfish is. Every person who works here is kind and caring. They really will take their time to answer any questions. The fish is fresh, flavorful, and delicious. The packaging is clean and informative, great for Omikase newbies like myself and seasoned Omikase friends!“

“I chose Soga because they had Toro on their menu. It was only available in a roll. That roll, while still delicious, did not satisfy my craving for toro or really deliver the same experience. They lost one star for the tempura. I prefer mine thinner sliced with a lighter coating. This was thick and heavily battered. Overall, the sashimi collection was decent and fresh.Will go again“

“Everyone kept telling me to visit this restaurant, and now I can see why! From the moment you walk in, you can tell that there are a lot of regulars, and everyone loves coming back repeatedly. it also feels like a very cozy family restaurant. We ordered so many dishes for our table to try and were not disappointed by any of them. We tried everything from the sake cocktails to the spicy mussels and of course a few different sushi rolls. All I can say is that the hype is absolutely warranted and I will be back for more!“

“SO GOOD! THIS PLACE NEEDS MORE HYPE!! I don't usually leave reviews, but I knew i had to after I came here. Service was amazing, food came very quickly, and it was all delicious!! Was not expensive either. Green tea ice cream, pork gyoza, and pad thai are a MUST TRY!! For those who have allergies, the waitress made sure to inform me that my pad thai had peanuts before I ordered it. Super considerate- definitely recommend.“

“My friends wanted to meet up and had picked out this ramen spot. I ordered the spicy beef ramen with marinated egg, and a bowl of edamame... both were superb.I didn't take a picture of the edamame, but it was prepared very well and had a wonderful taste. Seemed like it was pan cooked with soy sauce and garlic maybe. Either way, it was very good, and I enjoyed my ramen as well.Nice little spot that was a pleasant surprise. The edamame alone would have me return and try a different entree and maybe some sake in a beaker, in the future.“

“Went with another couple and sat at table in front window, where it was quiet and provided a view of the entire restaurant. Appetizers and sushi were outstanding. The lava cake was amazing. Service was superb. We used to regulars but hadn't been since the pandemic. One of the finest dining experiences in New Haven!“

“A beautiful restaurant with nice interior. Delicious food with various Japanese food selections. I love their special roll selections and how they serve it with beautiful presentatio. Ramen was great too. Octopus ball is good, but little bit creamy for me.“

“Cute small comfortable atmosphere. Clean . Service was prompt and smooth. Server was knowledgeable of menu items and helpful. Food was delicious. I got the spicy girl sushi roll and Sumai dumplings. The garlic broccoli absolutely roasted perfectly.“

“If you are looking for authentic, delicious, and affordable Japanese food in southwestern Connecticut, Mecha-Uma is the real deal! Mr. and Mrs. Hirata are exceptionally kind, personable hosts, and they are all too happy to welcome you and recommend a dish from their daily menu based on your tastes and preferences. My go-to favorite is the beef curry with chicken katsu (cutlet), which is served over a generous portion of perfectly cooked rice, a large scoop of mashed potatoes, and just enough mixed green salad with light dressing to fulfill your veggie quota. All this home-cooked food for the price of a fast food 'value' meal and the decision is truly a no-brainer. If you like Japanese food, or are simply curious to try it, head straight to Mecha-Uma. It is very easy to get to right off exit 43 on I95, and there is a small table outside with a couple chairs if you want to eat your meal hot and fresh on the spot, which is my recommendation to experience the friendly service and a little bit of Japan on Campbell Avenue!“

“This was very good, fresh, made to order. We prefer it much more than buffet food that has been sitting out. Loved their sushi, egg drop soup, crab Rangoon different from buffet style but very good. I got shrimp tempura roll. Shrimp and Vegetables in white sauce was very good, good service. We will be back before we leave Connecticut.“

“This place is completely goated. I have been going here since literal babyhood. The sushi is so yummy. I love the spicy salmon avocado roll and the sweet potato rolls. I also love the eel and yellowtail fish and salmon too. The sushimi is great! The waiters are always cleaning the tables they are excellent. The walls have cute Chinese ladies in dresses on them and the restaurant is baby-friendly. I love the calamari shrimp udon soup for an appetizer. Make sure to come in hungry, you won't regret it!“

“Sonobana is a standout among the myriad of sushi restaurants in the greater New Haven area. Not everyone can make it to New York or Boston for decent sushi restaurants. This is where Sonobana comes to the rescue. The interior is very tastefully decorated without the garish photos of sushi dishes or the marker board advertising specials. The dishes are of very high quality and taste. The staff are very friendly and helpful. If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine then definitely take the time to visit!“

“If I could give more than 5-stars I would! Not just for the food, but the best service ever and the reason we will be going back there is all because of Kimmy, she does everything by herself there and was outstanding and just a very special person. We will ABSOLUTELY be back and this is now our go-to date night spot without a doubt!“

“The food speaks here - especially the Ramens. This is the one Ramen spot I actually travel to eat at. Then the sushi and hand rolls back it up. The cold soba noodles, scallop carpaccio, sake selection. Great place to come solo and get some work done too. The Karrage could have slightly smaller chunks :)“

“I have never had an issue with Tokyo II. Even though I have never eaten inside the restaurant, I can't recommend this place enough. I usually get a dinner bento box, and they have had no problem substituting out the food with pork in it for other options. I love their miso soup and teriyaki salmon as well. The food is always prepared quickly, packaged securely, pretty warm even after being delivered to my home or driven back as takeout. Definitely give them a shot if you enjoy Japanese cuisine and sushi!“

“Love Penny! He’s so funny! Music was bumping at the end of the night near closing. Food was awesome. My fav is the “X” roll. Enjoyed the green tea ice cream for dessert. Love the atmosphere. Service was fantastic. Definitely would recommend!“

“We went Easter night Chow was our server and Tom was the chef it was phenomenal. There was not one thing I could say negative. Tom was one of the best chefs we have head. Entertaining would be putting it mildly. Thank you all for the ???night.“

“The food is very good, which is why I go back. But we ordered all you can eat one night and it seemed a few people weren't getting the correct orders. It also took an hour to get a couple sushi rolls while the dinners ordered off the regular menu came quickly. It kind of squashes the "all you can eat" deal if you have to wait an hour for what you ordered. I recommend ordering take out or from the regular menu!Parking: It's in a plaza with a lot of safe parking“

“Wow. This place is amazing ever since the new ownership. Food is delicious, drinks are top shelf, love what they’re doing with the bar. The owner and his staff are super friendly and really up the dining experience!!!!!! I recommend this place to anyone and everyone!! Will be eating/drinking here on the regular.“

“I ate here dining in a few years ago for a friend’s birthday. The food was delicious then and delicious now. I had the steak and shrimp combo on the hibachi side and a shrimp tempura. No complaints here. Juicy steak and flavorful shrimp, I had both noodles and rice that were both equally good. Plus I always love a good ginger salad! Will most definitely plan to eat here again❤️?“

“I discovered this place because I was new to the area looking for somewhere to order Japanese food from. I found two places, but went with Yamasaki Teriyaki because they were much less expensive - not to mention the catchy name! I ended up ordering the tempura shrimp bento with an eel & avocado roll. The taste, quality, and the portion sizes greatly exceeded my expectations. Since then, I've been ordering from here regularly and recommending them to all my friends.“

“Great place to eat Asian cuisine. ?I'm updating this review. Back in 2018-2019 the food were great.Lately, 2024, the food quality has gone down so low. I ordered shrimp fried rice which was lacking in taste, ingredients and the lack of care in its preparation is evident. Same goes for subsequent orders of 4 other dishes on 2 other occasions.So disappointing ?“

“Had an enjoyable time having dinner with friends. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. The chef was engaging and funny. His preparation was a highlight of the dining experience. The atmosphere was nice and I noticed other patrons seemed to enjoy themselves as well. I would recommend Sakura Garden for a pleasant dining experience.“