17 Best Japanese Restaurants in Kansas City

“This place hands down. has the best of the best and the freshest food. #1 in kcmo kata nori for me is a number 1 pick..“

“I’ve been here twice now, each time I was seeking more than a meal.

My first experience was when I was just coming off of a feverish illness and back into my daily work schedule during the heart of winter. Looking for a satiating and warm meal, I stopped in here for Ramen. Not only satiating but excellent value in an extraordinarily welcoming environment.

The second experience came months later, in the throws of severe thunderstorms and high winds like we know here in the Midwest. Not only did they allow me to enter into their dining area before their official opening time, but they served me to the same high standard of quality and etiquette in a less than ideal weather environment. I took full advantage of their happy hour pricing, which was an incredible value, for the quality and serving size of the dishes.

I will always come to the Kokoro Maki house with a hearty appetite and enough funds to add a significant tip.“

“I have been going here for lunch for some months now and I absolutely love it. The food always has good flavor and to contradict the other comment of price; if you want cheap ramen go to the dollar tree because this is good quality ramen and food and I do not mind paying for that. The person who takes my order now remembers me and my order i appreciate her friendly greeting each time. I recommend this place to everyone.“

“Excellent food and service“

“Maybe KC's first Michelin star? Probably too soon to say, but this is a dining experience like nothing else local. Every single item was perfection, and purposeful, and delicious. Beautiful atmosphere, and excellent service too. The owner makes a point to visit every table and he seems like a really great guy (and certainly a stellar chef and restauranteur). My favorite thing was probably the chicken wings. Nothing pedestrian about them. I also loved the yuzu sake.“

“Amazing!! A lot of sushi restaurants have gone down hill in the past couple years and while I get why, rising prices making it hard for restaurants to stay afloat, it doesn’t make for good sushi. The quality of the fish is often not great and the amount served compared to the rice makes it seem like a total waste of money. I hadn’t been to Friends in a couple years, moved further a way and kind of forgot about it but this is my second time in the past couple weeks and it’s sooo good. Fish quality a 5, fish quantity a 5 and service a 5. Definitely my go to sushi place now ❤️“

“Thoroughly enjoyed our sushi/hibachi dinner!“

“The sushi rolls are too notch and the crab Rangoon and edamame apps are tasty! Great service and atmosphere! Dulce’ is a great and attentive server!!“

“I can’t say I have ever had a bad experience at Mr. Le’s. I honestly never liked any other sushi or pho from another place. Love the atmosphere and always feel so welcome walking in But ever since they have had new ownership I’ve been disappointed. Hours have been cut and now they stop orders 30min before close?“

“We were glad to find Koji and his family again in this wonderful little restaurant! The food was exceptional . Koji and Miguel picked what we were served and we were not disappointed. Was like being at Nara only better . It's a great family owned restaurant. We felt like we were in our own kitchen being served by these wonderful people!“

“Honestly, not even a bad thing I could say. The food is always in point. The staff and service provided is beyond great. Even the very few times I've had to wait, cannot express how much the value of both outweigh the time spent waiting! Try the cocktails, bc they're super tasty!!!“

“Great food and service! Delicious every time!“

“Love this place BUT hate the televisions! Can you PLEASE update your TV’s, watching sports is impossible! Would love to have great food and enjoy a game.“

“This restaurant was always good with food or sushi. It was sitting around the chef so best to go with others and not alone at this establishment. The food is good, as is the service. Is a traditional Japanese menu which they grill at your table. It is pricey so plan accordingly.“

“I wish they would thank their customers and not just our nice corporations But i do enjoy eating all the great food“

“The hibachi was very very good. I went with the chicken with fried rice and was not disappointed at all. It was a lot of food too, easily had a meal the next day. I also had the volcano roll which was equally excellent. I will be back!!

Vegetarian options: There were several options

Dietary restrictions: Several gluten free and vegan options

Parking: It's directly next door to Happy Rock so you can go eat and then buy a bong“

“They make the best Kung Pao Chicken. It is always good with just the right amount of spice.“