13 Best Japanese Restaurants near Niceville

“The employees are all delightful and the food is delicious. The employees are always polite and friendly. I go there every time the pay check hits and I’ve yet to have a bad experience there. The coupons from the mail are great too, it really helps with knocking down the prices especially after grocery shopping.“

“We were traveling back home to Lakeland from a long holiday and we decided to stop in Niceville, we saw this place and decided to try it. We are so happy we did! From the sushi roll to the ramen bowl and the tempora shrimp, EVERYTHING was excellent, including the staff. We loved the atmosphere, relaxed and sport friendly, for those who like to watch football. When we make our way back to North Florida we will be stopping by again. I hope to see them in our beautiful City of Lakeland one day. GREAT JOB EVERYONE!“

“Great place with really good food and amazing staff. This place never gets old and is a favorite to eat at when in Destin. I can always find something new on the menu to try. Ali and Liezl are great too! They can always point you in the right direction if you don't know what to order. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting.“

“Best sushi and service in Destin! Great ambiance. Will recommend.“

“This is one of those reviews that you are reluctant to write because it will only mean you’ll have more competition to get a table.

But this business is hands-down the best sushi in the entire area. Not least because the fish is fresh, the restaurant itself is lovely and clean and spacious, but because they make you feel so welcome. The owner will come up to your table without fail, recognizing you if this is a return visit, and without any awkwardness make you feel welcome.

The restaurant is oversubscribed. They do not have online reservations and you need to arrive knowing that you might be on the waitlist. But with a little patience, you will be rewarded handsomely.

My favorite part however, is that when the tourists flock into Santa Rosa Beach, the owner and his wife shoot off on grand Summer adventures elsewhere and close that little shop for most of June and July. The reason being that they belong to an elite set of restaurants that are able to fill every cover throughout the week with locals for the rest of the year.

With that rare combination of great food, ambience and personal service, they don’t even need the summer rush.“

“Great food! Never disappointed! Wonderful service. Our favorite!“

“Always friendly and always delicious! Our whole family loves going to Sakura! ❤️😊“

“For the past six months, I've been ordering food from Rock n Roll Sushi once or twice a month. The food has been excellent every time. So, my compliments go to the chef. It's a bit more difficult with the waiters. There's a balance between professionalism and an open heart. Those with more experience don't try as hard to help or offer menu suggestions. And those with less experience are willing to learn everything and do their 100%. My special thanks to the two waitresses and the cook working the evening shift on September 16, 2025. That day, my order was slightly messed up by the system I used to order. The waiters figured out the situation and quickly began helping me. Even though it took a while, they tried their best to help with my online order. The young woman who initially put my order together was the first to respond, called management, and stayed there until the very end, helping with everything (I think she should get a bonus). The cook also quickly got his bearings and, despite the late hour and the mistake with the order, quickly recovered and did everything competently and accurately. I am very grateful to this team, as they went beyond their usual work and helped me. I am very grateful to them for this.“

“WOW. I am blown away. I used to be a regular before the remodel and when the old management owned the store, simply because I love sushi, and let me tell you…it was never a pleasant experience…between the workers, attitudes, waits, etc. Today was my first time back after the remodel and to my surprise, with new management. The staff was EXCEPTIONAL. Haley, my waitress, had the bubbliest personality and was SO happy to be there. The sushi chefs were phenomenal, friendly, and good at what they do. Tracey, the new manager of the location, took the time to speak with me and was extremely personable and kind. A complete 180 of the service I used to get. I will definitely be back, and 1000000% recommend. If you have ever had a bad experience in the past, for sure go back with the new management. You are in for a treat. Thanks Rock N Roll Sushi Destin!“

“I saw a quote on social media the other day that said "bring back $10 Chinese food plates and $600 rent"...well, we may never see the $600 rent BUT the $7.50 lunch combos at this place are PERFECT! so much food....enough for lunch and dinner. Tastes like higher quality Chinese food takeout and the chicken pieces were bigger and not dry like other places. If I were Keith Lee, id give them a 9.2 out of 10 and HIGHLY RECOMMEND.“

“The BEST noodle soup & fresh rolls I have ever had. Order the chicken noodle soup (pho) with medium heat; and the fresh rolls (summer rolls) and peanut sauce - it’s all perfect!“

“I was with a large group for dinner. I have been before, but the rest of our group had not, so I wanted them to sit right in front. The waitress I would rate a 1 star and didn’t answer their questions. But their cook was amazing and was very entertaining. Our side however, the cook only did the onion volcano. Not interactive at all.“

“Song Han and Jade run an incredible restaurant with fantastic food and a better experience! This is the best hibachi in my he area, hands down. 10/10 recommend!“