50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Cranford

“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.“

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

“the food is fantastic and the staff is very friendly!“

“Had a great lunch here today! The staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming from the moment we walked in. Everything came out quickly, and the team was very accommodating and professional. The service really stood out and made for a great experience. We’ll definitely be back for both the food and the excellent customer service! 🍣😊“

“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.“

“Food was amazing will come again“

“First time here and I got the chicken and beef teriyaki with the noodles and veggies. It was delicious. In general I don't care for sushi, but the teriyaki was great and I would definitely get that again. Even though I liked it that much I'll need to try some of the other dishes on the menu first to know if it deserves a higher rating. Other than that it's a clean place with a friendly staff, not too loud and plenty of seating space and parking.“

“Nice ramen spot in New Jersey. The broth is rich and flavorful. Appetizers are good.

Would recommend the wings.
Pork buns are also pretty good.
Shrimp tempura are average.
Nice drink specials, and atmosphere“

“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!!!“

“Great food. Easily customizable to your individual tastes.“

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

“Food 3/5
Service 4.5/5
Ambience 3/5
Value 4/5

I really wanted to love Tiam Tiam because the presentation is pretty good, but the execution was a bit inconsistent. On the plus side, the hospitality is top-notch; we loved the complimentary Taiwanese kimchi and dessert, and the portion sizes are generous

Pork Belly over Rice (4.25/5): The standout! It was packed with flavor, though on the oily side

Soft Shell Crab (3.5/5): The crab was well-prepared, but the avocado pairing muted the flavor, making it a bit bland

Taiwanese Fried Chicken over Rice (3/5): This was surprisingly sweet for a savory entree, which others may like that

Century Old Egg Tofu (2/5): A miss for me, it was served cold and the sauce pairing didn’t really work

Great service and a lovely vibe overall“

“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.“

“The food is top notch. From the soup to the sushi. Even the ice cream is delicious. What really bothers me though is the service. There is a 90 minute time limit which I get but when you are rushed to get out by an hour that’s not right. Also when you’re hounding tables waiting to literally take a plate because you have nothing else to do that’s a problem. Finally when you’re coming up to tables and asking them for platters back because you don’t have enough supposedly that’s not good either. Last night I was hounded constantly. Twice I had people tell me to move my sushi to my paper plate because they needed the platter. May I suggest buying more platters. Love the food and yes I know I’ll be back but the service was ridiculous in your face. Don’t come here for date night because they don’t leave you alone“

“Great service , good attention and fresh food“

“Just a nice chill place with great food“

“I have been coming to Momotaro for almost two years and have never been disappointed. I don’t only show up on occasion. I come once a week. The food is never bad. The quality is always consistent, delicious, and fresh. But what I enjoy most is the service and attention they always give. The entire staff is attentive and considerate. Sherry has been my server for most of my outings and she’s always friendly. She pays attention to every detail of my order even when it’s annoyingly specific. I will continue coming here for all my sushi needs!“

“A friend and myself came across this gem by happenstance. The wait staff is incredibly kind and patient. The atmosphere was calming and the food is FANTABULOUS!!! I recommend this place for lunch and dinner. Whether it's just friends or a casual date.“

“I have been coming here for many years. I love the food, always fresh, prices are reasonable, staff are friendly, and they cater!!!🙌💪🫶 You have to pick it up 😜 Nice place to bring a first date on neutral territory 🤣“

“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.“

“Quality sushi spot with excellent specials rolls

We ordered takeout several times and also dined in at Yosuki Sushi in 2025. It's a typical small Japanese restaurant like the ones you often find on shopping plazas. It has a pretty, minimalistic decor, and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. Takeout orders were always ready exactly on time. Dine-in service was ok, though it could be more attentive.

The regular sushi rolls are very fresh, flavorful, with little rice, and taste great.
The special rolls are the real highlight - they are delicious. Our favorites were Tuna Lover Roll, Summer Roll, Twin Tower Roll, Fantastic Roll, and Holiday Roll, though all others we tried were also very good.
The teriyaki Chicken was juicy and flavorful, my daughter loved it and finished the entire plate.
Appetizers we tried
Pork Gyoza - excellent
Pork Shumai - unremarkable
Beef Negimaki - excellent! Warm, juicy, with tender, not chewy beef
Tuna Tartare - a bit disappointing. It was essentially large tuna chunks on a bed of avocado with a thin layer of sauce spread on the plate. Tuna Tartare should be more than just tuna cubes. Make the cuts finer, mix in some dressing, lime juice, sesame seeds, cucumber, etc. to make it a distinct and balanced dish.
For dessert, the Tempura Ice Cream and Green Tea Mochi were fine, nothing special. The tempura could be crunchier.

Overall, Yosuki Sushi is a solid neighborhood Japanese place with fresh sushi and excellent special rolls. We’ll definitely return, and we can easily recommend it for sushi staples.“

“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!“

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

“very tasty. great price. great staff.“

“Good Date night me the wifey!“

“The food was great; my wife had sushi, which was very fresh, as expected from a Japanese restaurant. I had some noodles with beef, which were also great! The prices are a bit more expensive, but any good sushi place is expensive, plus it's a restaurant. The staff was great and helpful!“

“This was my first visit to Blue Wazabi I Loved It!! Large menu selection and wonderful food and portion size. Definitely, will visit again.“

“Loved it !!! The stuff was really polite and nice. The little Japanese details on the decoration were amazing like the cats, lamps and chairs. I first ordered sushi and dumplings thought DoorDash and the taste was amazing, the dumplings were warm and crunchy and the sushi surprised me. Then I just went in person and I got a dinner box which I didn’t know it also had misu soup included!! A really good price for all of the food included. My dinner box had an entire meal. I didn’t know a salmon could have that much flavor!! Also everything was tasteful, fresh and delicious even tho I’m a picky eater.“

“The wait staff was very polite and patient. They gave us ample time to preview the menu. After we placed our orders, the food came to us pretty fast. Food was very good. And the presentation of the dishes were very pretty. I ordered the maki combo it was very good. Sorry, I ate some and I realized I forgot to take a Pic. So part of it was eaten. I would recommend trying out this place. It was a great experience. I want to go back again soon. They also offer take out. But I think sitting at the restaurant, the ambiance is real nice and having the meal there was a great experience.“

“Fantastic!!!!!! Absolutely fantastic!“

“Love the sushi never a dull moment and the owner is very friendly and Great service“

“It’s a pretty quiet place to grab food or a drink. I got strawberry green tea. It was pretty good! Overall lots of different options for anyone. There’s many menu items to try! My drink was so good. You can self order at the machine as well. Give this place a try!“

“One of the best things about Sakura is that the prices are very reasonable for the quality you get. The portions are generous, and even the more elaborate rolls don’t feel overpriced. One of the things I really appreciate about this place is that it’s perfect for both me and my girlfriend. We have different tastes. I’m a huge fan of raw sushi and she prefers cooked dishes. Thankfully, Sakura offers plenty of great options for her too. Her favorite is the Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box. This place strikes the perfect balance of quality, variety and value. Highly recommend!“

“Updated 9 years later. Still our favorite.

Been coming here for over 15 years and it’s still my local favorite Japanese style restaurant. Food is consistently good, both sushi and kitchen. Menu hasn’t changed much over the years but that’s fine, as they stay true to their strengths. A wholehearted nod to their traditional Japanese and Asian fusion flavors. My parents and I agree it’s the best and closest to authentic sushi and Japanese cuisine in the area, and we’ve been to 9 of them. Service is always attentive, warm, and accommodating. Space is polished and spacious. Great for families, with big or little ones. Takeout is always a breeze.

Solid local Japanese restaurant. Staff is extremely friendly and ambience I a respectable attempt at creating an authentic japanese dining experience. The food is consistently good and with the exception of sushi/sashimi purists, most Japanese food lovers should expect a positive dining experience. Sushi/sashimi fare is good. There are creative and tasty rolls if that is your fancy. The cooked dishes actually taste like my mom's old home cooking and my personal draw. In my opinion, they do a solid job with the hot plates and especially with their nabeyaki udon, perfect on those cold nights. Give it a try with an open mind and bring a generous serving of BYOB.“

“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….“

“I have been coming here almost monthly since March and I would come two or three times per year for the past five years. The quality of the food is fresh, the service is pleasant, and they make your food fast! Highly recommend the sushi. I would come more, but I live out of town!“

“sakae sushi has delicious foods.“

“We always enjoy Yuki Hana. Since pandemic we've only ordered take-out, but look forward to dining in-person soon. Favorite dish, besides sushi, is katsudon. Delicious!“

“Atmosphere- so it’s the mall… it is what it is… now for the good stuff- the. Service was awesome and the staff friendly- no pressure ordering and very helpful. The food was terrific as well. I ordered the Curry Ramen and it was very very good . I’ll be going back“

“Delicious! We always enjoy it there.“

“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“

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

“very entertaining n food was very good“

“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!“

“first time getting food from here and it was so good! I ordered the udon and the noodles were super tender and the vegetables were fresh. also their crab rangoons are insanely good. the crust on them is super thin and fried perfectly. 10/10 would recommend“

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

“Love this restaurant and it’s my new go to sushi place. Recently discovered it and I have ordered delivery from here very frequently. Their sushi is very fresh. I love their salmon roll and salmon don. Their hamachi kama and oyako don are additional favorites of my family.“

“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“