50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Colonia

“This food does not disappoint! Highly recommend the Bento Box dinners! It’s literally enough for 2-3 meals or if you can agree on the 2 choices definitely enough to share. Sashimi is fresh and delicious, sushi rolls are creative.“

“Hibachi Express in Colonia was a great find! The service was super friendly, and my food came out quickly without sacrificing flavor. Everything was tasty and cooked just right. Perfect spot if you want delicious hibachi without a long wait!“

“Food was great didn't take long for it to be prepared. Dumplings tasted amazing and the sushi was good aswell. Service was great cashier spoke both English and Chinese they were extremely helpful and polite. The place was clean and overall my experience was great.“

“Great dinner on a Saturday afternoon. Monty the waiter was pleasant and helpful. Food was great and fast 😊“

“Lovely dinner with the family got some sushi rolls and love their good portions of Robata-yaki !! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND . Server is always looking out for us which makes us happy and ready to be full!!!“

“I love coming to Wasai Bistro whenever I’m visiting the east coast. I’ve followed Chef Nelson since his days at Aozora and Wabi Sabi. His food quality, menu options, and value are unmatched in the area. Once you try his food you will understand why he has so many repeat diners. I highly recommend the Mes Reves Roll, Uni and bone marrow ramen, Miso glazed sea bass entree and salmon lover entree but it’s very hard to go wrong with anything Chef Nelson serves. Parking is street parking only but honestly I’ve always had a very easy time finding a spot. BYOB so you can drink what you love.“

“Great service , good attention and fresh food“

“very entertaining n food was very good“

“We used to come here very often over a decade ago. Read the reviews online and decided to give it a try since it said it’s under new management and things have improved. It is definitely brighter in here and better decorated than before. Fast service, very fresh fish, nice presentation, tasted good. Our server was very attentive.“

“We love Aoi! It’s the best sushi and Japanese cuisine around.“

“We used to come here on a weekly basis pre-Covid. Loved the food, but didn't like the service and felt the wait staff was rude.

Recently we had dinner here a few times and something has changed. The decor has been updated as has the menu and the wait staff is much, much better. In fact, they recognize us as former customers and are always happy to see us. We have now returned to coming here more regularly as the food is very good.

Sakura has a parking lot as well as options to park on the street. We never wait when we come here and it's BYOB, so we enjoy bringing our own selection of sake or wines.

Nice varied menu with lots of choices. Our favorites are chirashi sushi, age dashi tofu, all their special rolls are wonderful and my all-time favorite appetizer which is large enough to be an entree - Summer Garden.“

“Good Date night me the wifey!“

“Food was delicious and looked beautiful, service was excellent and the atmosphere was lovely. I had the hibachi steak and my husband had the shrimp and vegetable tempura. I was pleased with the size of the meal and the flavor. For dessert we had the banana tempura. A delicious treat and only $4. We hope to come back again!“

“What a great addition to Rahway! Super fresh sushi, extremely fast service, and their shumai are fried. Went in on a whim on a Wednesday night coming home from work and was helped immediately. Inside was also clean and inviting if you'd like to dine in. Was out of there in under 10 minutes. Wonderful addition to the lacking Rahway sushi scene, especially since Rahway sushi has been closed (with good reason). Nice to have another option near the downtown area.“

“I had the honor privilege and luck of being the very first customer to be served at Kanpachi Sushi during their grand opening on 4/29/2022. The very first think I noticed was how friendly and inviting the staff is, they make you feel welcome the second that you step into their establishment. The second thing I noticed was the how the new renovation which makes you want to come in and have a seat at a table or sit at the sushi bar to watch the sushi master construct your order before your eyes. I am impressed with the addition of this new business to Amboy Ave. The food is fresh, top-quality ingredients prepared by a world class chief and sushi master. I had lunch there yesterday and today. Oh, and did I mention that Kanpachi is a BYOB establishment? Sushi steak and Hibachi lovers, do yourself a favor and get over there. I am making this my go to spot for lunch or dinner, I give Kanpachi 5 stars. Thank you for picking Amboy Ave to open your sushi house.“

“I’m visiting and I’ve eaten here every day. They make the food in front of you and take pride in it. The lady I usually checkout with (I’m assuming she’s the manager) is amazing and so sweet. Food is good. Haven’t had a problem and they make your drink and have you taste it before in case you don’t like it. It also doesn’t take too long 10/10“

“Very good dinner. Good size portions for the price. Definitely will come back“

“This place was wonderful. The atmosphere was quiet and homely. The lady behind the counter was very friendly. The food was not only presented beautifully, but it tasted even better.The brined egg was super tasty. The prices are fair overall. I highly recommend and I will be going back.“

“This sushi spot has been my go-to for anything sushi or asian cuisine related. Not only do they make fresh and tasty sushi, their Asian dishes are pretty delicious. Originally my girlfriend and I wanted a quick sushi fix so we tried this place out since it’s not too far from where we live. Turns out this place is a hidden gem. Staff is very nice and accommodating, atmosphere and environment is clean and aesthetic with great BGM or ambience. I highly recommend the teriyaki chicken or fish if you are looking for a nice rice dish. I am still on a mission to try out all the special rolls on the menu but so far all the rolls have been delicious.“

“I was craving good Japanese food close to home so I went to Teriyaki 1. I got the Chicken Bento box with a Shrimp roll, Angry Dragon roll and a Cucumber and Avocado roll. It was absolutely delicious that was my first time trying the Angry Dragon, and I enjoyed it. My food was fresh and full of flavor. The only room for improvement is that the spring rolls that came with my Bento box was too oily, I had to blot it with a towel to absorb the oil. Other than that the food was great and I highly recommend it to anyone, and would definitely go back. 👌🏾👍🏾“

“Wow a life changing experience! I had the honer and privilege of taking my family to the Greatest Japanese Restaurant in all
Of NYC and Staten Island. The service is legendary and the food tasted Amazing 🤩! The freshness and the quality of the Sushi. I'm still thinking about yesterday's dinner!! Truly of Epic proportions!! Our first time their of many visits to come! They gave my wife a box of Chocolates yesterday!! If you are looking to eat at the very best for Japanese Cuisine please come here $

Kid-friendliness: Extremely kind to our son!“

“Definitely one of our go to places to eat in Westfield but then again can’t fault any restaurant. Food is always amazingly fresh, service is friendly and welcoming and the drinks free flowing….“

“For those that know me, there has been a legend I’ve spoken of many times. Once upon a time, there was a place which provided me with some of my best culinary memories ever. This legendary place was called Mr. Pi’s Sushi Restaurant in Metuchen, NJ. Almost ten years of amazing experiences I had accumulated there. However, one day this place of legend had eventually relocated and, in the years that followed, I spoke of, and daydreamed of, this legendary place quite often. Then, over a decade later, I accidentally find out that they have relocated back to the area near me. My sheer joy, the smile from ear to ear, the absolute excitement, was so intense it was practically palpable. Speaking of palpable… in their journey before returning to Middlesex County, in Highland Park this time around, they have made their menu even BETTER, which seems almost impossible for a place so legendary, but it’s true. They are the best version of themselves they’ve EVER been! If sushi restaurants have a glow up era, they most definitely are at the summit of it, and will most certainly remain there, as legends do. Welcome to Mr. Pi’s 3.0! Placing a restaurant into legendary status is neither something I do easily, haphazardly nor willy nilly. For, you see, I have quite literally tried sushi all over the world. I’ve had sushi in Europe, the UK, the South Pacific, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and yes, Japan. I’ve had sushi in (almost) every one of the 50 states, except for those states in which I just didn’t feel like risking my health by trying the sushi. Of all these places I’ve been to, all over the world, NOWHERE compares to Mr. Pi’s! They are the truest of diamonds, valuable beyond imagination! In an area of NJ where you can barely walk a block without finding yet another sushi restaurant, Mr. Pi’s OUTSHINES every single one of them, by far! What makes a place so legendary? Their food, first and foremost, is TOP TIER, ALWAYS FRESH, HIGH QUALITY, and BEAUTIFULLY, quite STUNNINGLY, PLATED! Great food alone, although amazing, does not grant legendary status. This next part is where many restaurants sadly fall short these days. SERVICE and HOSPITALITY are an art form that not many have mastered the way owner Jeannette and Sushi Maestro Pi have perfected it. They welcome each and every guest with the warmest of greetings, most genuine of smiles, and truly heartfelt interests in giving their customers a PREMIUM experience. How they are able to remember so many people by name is a talent so challenging it’s practically pure magic in and of itself. After even just a second visit, you will already feel like you are home when you dine here. Our server, Cindy, made sure we always had hot tea in our pot, drinks in our glasses, and our every need anticipated and catered to. She truly excelled in her attention to all the details of our dining experience! The atmosphere is a delight, with so much space that they have multiple dining areas and a banquet room that could easily accommodate 50, possibly even 75, people. They also have (a new territory for Pi’s), a full bar with a variety live music certain nights of the week. In this massive space which was once occupied by a Charlie Brown’s of decent proportions, they have managed to retain all the charm embodied in the sushi restaurants of their prior incarnations. Plenty of space, comfy seating, delightful decor, and a bar as well, make this yet another amazing quality this legend has taken on! Of course, one can not dub a restaurant a legend without discussing the food. In the only three times I’ve been in since discovering it’s reemergence locally, I have been dazzled by the displays of sushi some plated with dazzling miniature ice sculptures, as they’ve floated by my table onwards to their destination where I am sure there were patrons in absolute delight. On the menu you can find many of the usual items found in sushi restaurants, but there is quite a list of items that you will find only at Pi’s. Their special rolls have taken creativity to a new level of transcendence. In additi“

“sakae sushi has delicious foods.“

“It’s a takeout joint - small- but it is so worth the trip! Fresh and delish! Anything from sushi to ramen .. Hard working friendly staff. I give them 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Lara put on a great show and the food was very tasty for my moms birthday. Thank you Lara.“

“I get poke here after all my afternoon hikes and it’s definitely one of the best in NJ. Ingredients taste fresh and the portions are fair and filling. Theres so many different combinations. You get up to 2 protein, 5 topping, 3 crunchy toppings, and 2 sauce. Everying else is a bit extra. Really yummy and I’ll continue to eat here“

“Great food !! Amazing service!! Absolutely loved it !“

“5 Stars : Would Give More if I Could!
This sushi place is an absolute gem. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed with such warmth! it’s a sweet, cozy environment that makes you feel right at home. The staff are incredibly friendly and genuinely seem to care about your experience.

The menu is full of delicious options, and the quality is top-tier. The sashimi especially stands out—so fresh, perfectly cut, and just melts in your mouth. Every bite feels thoughtfully prepared. I’ve been to quite a few sushi spots, but this one truly stands out. If I could give more stars, I absolutely would. Highly recommend!“

“We were visiting Staten Island and discovered this new place. We were so thrilled to have not only a kosher place, but sooo many gluten free options of foods I haven’t eaten in years. Service was quick and food was super yummy. Would definitely go back. Hopefully next time we come to visit!“

“we go here often. the owners, Joyce and Brian are the nicest and always welcome us..the staff is wonderful. they know my son, and when he comes in, they bring him his drink and order without even asking..i highly recommend.“

“chicken bowl was so good and great sushi“

“Humble as the place may appear, the food and the service are one of its kind. God only knows why New Brunswick deserves such a spot. Why doesn’t Chef Ge have a Michelin star? It’s not open to the public and there’s no open sesame. Legend has it that chef Ge shall find you in your dream should you wish.“

“Amazing sushi! I would definitely recommend coming here to eat, especially the dinner for two.“

“Had a wonderful experience here! The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The staff were welcoming and attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere was cozy and perfect for a relaxed meal. Everything from the appetizers to the dessert exceeded my expectations. Definitely a place I’ll be recommending to friends and returning to myself“

“Food is good, I got the classic teriyaki chicken bento box. The Cali roll was good too. Edamame wasn’t very fresh, some of them had a moldy taste, but the salad and ginger dressing was good. This is definitely a pick up spot, it’s pretty dingy inside, not very clean and there’s no decor. The owners are very sweet and always have a smile on their face. I would recommend it if you want a very filling, pretty healthy, quick meal.“

“Wonderful Japanese restaurant in the heart of downtown Cranford! Staff are courteous, attentive, and very accommodating. I especially appreciate the options of separate checks and allowing external cakes to be brought in for special occasions. Other places charge or don’t offer them at all, which is why I will continue to give Mizu my business. The sushi is absolutely amazing. The calamari or tuna avocado rolls are delightful. Dinner entrees never disappoint. Tempura, Teriyaki, and Crispy Red Snapper are incredible, just to name a few. I highly recommend this place and can’t wait to go back. BYOB.“

“Best Chinese food in the area. I've tried others, but have been coming here consistently for about 10 years (they were closed for a bit due to a fire in the shopping mall). Call ahead for takeout and the wait time is never long. Great portions and the food is always hot and ready. Not really a place to dine-in; maybe one or two tables.“

“I had the chicken teriyaki, and it was delicious! The flavors were spot-on, and it was a satisfying meal. While I've occasionally encountered servers who seemed a bit grouchy, my recent visits have been more pleasant, which I appreciate. A friendly attitude really makes a difference—it’s good for business and makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Let’s all aim for a little extra kindness; it goes a long way!“

“TOMO – A Refreshing Return to Fine Dining in NYC 🍣✨

Thing have changed here over the years and what an improvement.
TOMO has evolved, improved, and is absolutely worth a revisit. In a time when many restaurants are cutting portions, raising prices, and compromising quality, TOMO defies the odds, maintaining its integrity in sourcing, portions, and pricing. It’s clear that their vendor relationships and smart business practices are giving them an edge in an increasingly unstable market.

💎 What Makes TOMO Stand Out?
• Fresh, Never Frozen Ingredients – Every bite reflects a commitment to premium seafood selection.
• Immaculate Cleanliness – From spotless tables to polished surfaces, the attention to hygiene and atmosphere is evident.
• Proper Tableware – No disposable wooden chopsticks here—a small but meaningful touch that reflects their commitment to the dining experience.
• Balanced, Intentional Dishes – Flavors and textures are designed to enhance, not overpower, ensuring that every element shines.

🥢 My Dining Highlights:
• Kani Salad – Unlike many places that drown it in sauce, TOMO keeps it clean and simple, letting the seafood shine.
• King Crab Pizza – An unexpectedly brilliant dish topped with a semi-sweet, tangy raisin that perfectly complements the crab.
• Volcano Salad – A dish that lets you appreciate every ingredient without one overpowering the other.
• Sashimi & Sushi – Generous portions, perfectly seasoned rice, and fish so fresh it felt like it was caught today.

The most refreshing aspect? TOMO hasn’t shrunk its portions or inflated prices like so many others have. They respect the diner, their ingredients, and the experience they provide.

A Few Areas for Improvement:
• Music Selection & Atmosphere: The restaurant’s identity would benefit from a carefully curated soundtrack rather than a shuffled mix of house and classical music.
• Service Precision: Attentive service is a highlight here, but small refinements—like ensuring used napkins and forks are replaced immediately—would elevate the experience further.
• Sake Preparation: When served warm, sake should be gently heated rather than boiled. Maintaining temperature control and proper vessel heating could perfect this offering.

That being said, these are minor details that do not overshadow the incredible quality of food and service TOMO delivers. This is a restaurant that respects its diners, their time, and their expectations—something rare in today’s dining landscape.

⭐ A truly worthwhile dining experience that I highly recommend. TOMO is an example of what restaurants should be—consistent, honest, and dedicated to quality“

“The food was quite delightful. When we came in we were seated immediately. Our orders were taken within 2 minutes and the food came out just 5 minutes later. The atmosphere was warm and cozy. The authenticity was also quite marvelous. Definitely coming back!

Dietary restrictions: Not sure I don’t have any.

Kid-friendliness: Pretty kid friendly. I saw that there were high seats for children and small kids enjoying everything.

Wheelchair accessibility: You have to get up stairs to go here so it might not be the best option but if you manage to get up, there is quite a lot of space for a wheelchair“

“The best sushi place in NJ! We have been eating sushi for a long time in different places across NJ but none of them can beat Sushi O. The food is absolutely delicious and fresh. The atmosphere and the people working there are also the best! LOVE THIS PLACE!“

“Had a nice time celebrating my birthday. The food was great & so we’re the drinks. 😁🍹🧉“

“We love coming to Fujiyama Mama for our sushi Family day! Food is delicious and service is great as well.“

“Got take out here. Eel cucumber roll and California roll were super yummy. They offer combos for two and three rolls at a discounted price which was really awesome. Interior looks nice for dining in, so I definitely plan on coming back again.

Outside area around is walkable and has many tables and benches as well to eat outside, which is what I opted to do after picking up my food. Overall nice sushi spot in a nice area worth checking out.“

“Great casual spot for basic sushi. Consistent. Wide selection of rolls if that’s what you like, which is really their focus. Regular sushi, nigiri, sashimi is good for the location, not high end and limited varieties but always fresh. Generous portions. Great friendly staff.“

“Everything they sell is an absolute highlight and would highly recommend it!!“

“Nothing beats enjoying the sushi at the restaurant but due to the covid pandemic and with an abundance of caution for safety the restaurant is takeout only. Regardless, Mr. Bin's is our "go-to" sushi place. We routinely travel from Union to Cranford because it's that good! The freshness is evident with every bite. The presentation of the sushi is perfect. I miss hanging with Mr. Bin at the restaurant and looking forward that once again. Especially his "special" selections that he surprises me with.“

“I’ve been going to Rahway Sushi for years and can say the food is great. Check out the menu. Lots of great options.“

“Tried eating here for the first time. If you love good Japanese food...you MUST eat here. Out to go order included tempura green bean appetizer that was perfection on a plate. Next we got the shrimp and vegetables tempura that had 5 large delicious shrimp and pieces of sweet potato, broccoli, and onion. Crispy and tasty. We also tired the teriyaki chicken and the teriyaki salmon, both with salad, soup, and veggies. The salad come with a citrus ginger dressing (really good). The portions of chicken and salmon were just right and the flavor was one of the better teriyaki we have had in a long time. Overall, 5 out of 5. This may have been out first time, but it will not be the last! Eat here... you can thank me later.“