50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Elmwood Park

“I always get sushi from this place, whether it's takeout or delivery. Everything is reasonably priced, and the portion sizes are generous. The food is always fresh, and I’ve been a loyal customer for over three years. Their quality has never dropped.

If you want to get Japanese food, I definitely recommend this place. The customer service is excellent – the staff are respectful, patient, and really friendly. This is the only place I buy sushi for takeout. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“

“Put this place on the map!!!! A tried a true, best of the best, MUST go to spot when visiting (or living in) NYC. No exaggeration, my boyfriend and I haven’t stopped talking about this place since we visited last year. We’ll finally be back in town next month and are beyond excited to be dining with them again. Did we book a trip just to eat here!? Maybe… probably… because seriously, this place is exceptional. The owner is the sweetest, most delightful human with an incredible story and the food/service is an unmatched experience. Plus, you simply can’t beat their affordable omakasi prices…but the bigger bonus??? BYOB. Bring your wine, bring your tequila, bring neither or bring both. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a party in the most intimate sense. I never write reviews, but Sushi YOLO is a 10/10, so please, do yourself a favor and go see them before they earn that Michelin Star!“

“Wonderful and friendly staff. Delish food.“

“This is a very pleasant restaurant. You can take your family and friends with you... My sister and I had a great time and ate everything we could... The food is very fresh... The place is very clean, and the staff is very enthusiastic and great. I got five stars... You must have a try.“

“Our 1st omakaze experience & def not the last! I love the smallness of the place, it makes it special! Everything melts in your mouth! The best Christmas gift ever!“

“I am a local from New Jersey now living in Germany, came back to visit and was in the mood for a Poke Bowl. I have to say I have been to many poke places and this is THE BEST ONE. Everything tastes fresh. I love that you have many options on creating your bowl. I also had a taro bubble tea and it was delicious! Employees are very friendly and welcoming. I will be stopping here a few more times before I head back to Germany!“

“Small restaurant but big flavor.

The chicken teriyaki box is a great deal served fresh with fantastic flavor and came with so many delicious sides. I also tried a couple of sushi rolls and seems like you can't go wrong with any options. I haven't had fresh cuts of fish like that anywhere else! Definitely recommend!“

“I wish I took before pictures of our food. We stopped in after a very long day out and about and the food was so good that we left feeling energized. We got the ocean roll, pork buns, tonkotsu ramen and a spicy tuna onigiri. Everything was delicious!!

The ocean roll was fresh and tasty, the pork buns were just delicious, the ramen was so so amazing- the pork was tender, the broth was so flavorful and all the add ins just did wonders for the the flavor and the spicy tuna onigiri was hands down one of the best we’ve had.

The service was also great! The staff was so friendly and the atmosphere of the restaurant was on par and so cute! We cannot wait to come back and are so happy we found our new go to spot 🤗

-Jay and Ed“

“Great service and really yummy food.“

“This place is a gem.
The best time to go is at around 3:00. The restaurant was virtually empty when we arrived and we were seated immediately.
As soon as we ordered our food, it was on our table within 7 minutes.
Our waiter was very kind!
I highly recommend the Rainbow roll and the Kinya Ramen bowl.
The serving sizes are large and more than enough for one person.
My boyfriend and I plan to return for the excellent food and upstanding service.

Gordon Ramsey would be silent at one bite of the delicious goodness on the Kinya menu. Incredibly tasty. -A Hell’s Kitchen Reference“

“So, let's start with the ramen, I ordered the duck based one. The flavor was just not there and it was under seasoned. Had to add soy sauce because I found a hair in the salt container . I also ordered the beef skewers . Very low quality meat very chewy but I would expect it for 8usd for 2 skewers. The shitske was an extra 3.5 to add on my ramen . With green tea my meal was 32 USD. I expect a lot more for that price.“

“The rolls are fantastic but the wagyu beef steals the show here. Mango roll with tuna is something different and one of my favorites on the menu. The owner is a wonderful man and the place is extremely clean. You can tell how much pride is taken in this place for our community. I highly recommend it.“

“I’ve been over 5x in the past 5 months and they’ve never failed me. Staff and chefs are amazing. You must get the omakase (Lunch and dinner) or higher premium cuts because they source really really amazing stuff and you don’t want to miss out. The more basic common sushi is also great for more casual. And the omakase stuff that is truly the stand out ? high quality everything“

“just delicious!!“

“Spectacular experience, but the real star of our visit was Octavio, who took care of our table. Their attention and service were impeccable, with a kindness that made our dinner even more special. Octavio not only prepares the dishes, but turns them into a real spectacle. Every cut, every movement is that of a true artist. Highly recommended!“

“So delicious! The staff were so friendly and the place was very nice. Best Asian cuisine I’ve had in the area.“

“Love Curiosity! Delicious, fresh and well priced food. The garden provides a great atmosphere. The staff is so friendly and the owner treats you like an old friend as soon as you walk in. Highly recommend Curiosity for your dining experience.“

“We came here after a cold day out, and the ramen heated us up! Very good atmosphere, but you may not enjoy it as much if you are not a fan of Japanese arts.But also why come here if you don’t like Japanese arts.

Vegetarian options: Have vegitarian options like veggie miso ramen

Kid-friendliness: Have other options, and if they like anime they will have a blast

Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs, and places where you can put the wheelchair“

“I would say this is the best Hibachi I have ever had! All are cooked from the top notch fresh ingredients. The sea bass is juicy, the steak is just right, the fried rice and noodles have a pleasant garlic favor which I never had it before at other restaurants , homemade teriyaki sauce adds just right sweetness. We really enjoyed every portion of our plate! Highly recommended.“

“Owned by a married couple, they are both super welcoming when you get inside. They are very kind and make you feel like you're at home because the chef cooks right in front of you and it's pretty cozy in there.

Amazing sushi! It's seriously the best that I have had in my life. The food is fresh with very good quality and delicious flavor. I feel like no other restaurant/place does it like Ino Sushi. The place is also quiet and calm.

When we were leaving, my almost 2 year old brother hugged the owners and they are just soooo nice. Love it here!

Kid-friendliness: VERY kind to kids!“

“Absolutely delicious! I've dined in at Uncle Fatty's twice now and I will continue to come back to try more of their menu.

I went with the owner's recommendation of the Beef Udon and Ebi katsu. The ebi katsu was delicious- light spice with spicy mayo while the breading was so light and crispy. The udon broth was so clean and flavorful, not to mention plenty of beef to go with the udon.
My second time I went with the chicken curry, pork belly bowl, okonomiyaki fries, and more ebi katsu. I probably ordered way too much but who doesn't love leftovers?? The curry wasn't heavy or thick and had perfect flavor. Honestly never disappointed with anything I've had here.

I've also ordered the karaage which was flavorful but the star is the onigiri! They are PACKED with fillings and has double the standard rice portion. These are not your standard konbini onigiri!

There are two tables that can seat 2 people per table.“

“Great sushi! Always fresh! They always get my order right. Staff is friendly and orders are always ready within 20 minutes.I can't say enough about Oishi Sushi! I am never disappointed with my order! DELICIOUS.. Perfect neighborhood spot.“

“Shinbashi is hands down one of my favorite restaurants on the Upper West Side, and it’s one of those rare gems that you just can’t stop visiting once you’ve discovered it. Every time I go, I’m reminded of why I keep coming back—it’s not just the food. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff is incredibly friendly and kind. From the moment you walk in, they make you feel like family, always greeting you with a smile and ensuring you have everything you need. I am completely addicted to their pork katsu curry udon and bento boxes (that karaage and ginger pork are no joke!). The quality of the food is always top-notch, and you can tell that the kitchen takes great pride in preparing each dish.

If you’re in the Upper West Side and haven’t been to Shinbashi yet, do yourself a favor and go!“

“My wife and I wanted to try a different sushi place locally and Sushi Koshi did not disappoint. Our waitress was attentive and took care of us well. The sushi rolls didn’t disappoint and the restaurant was clean and well maintained. We will definitely be returning.“

“I own a business in the same strip next to Sushi Nigiri. I have been ordering Sushi from there since it's opening. I have never written a review until now, but I must say, this place is AWESOME. I'm used to New York City sushi (I live in Manhattan) and this is just as good as most places. I highly recommend this place and I wish this place does more business!“

“I went to Canadian Academy in Rokko Island which is located in Kobe, Japan. So I know a thing or two about authentic Japanese food from Kansai. This place is our go-to place for lunch in Hell’s Kitchen. Their lunch special comes with a salad, soup, and the entree. It will definitely fill you up. Fantastic food, ambiance, and staff! They also have the nicest outdoor seating in all of Mid-town. Highly recommended for anyone that wants to experience real Japanese food and not just sushi. Now that I’ve had everything on their lunch menu, can’t wait to take my family back for dinner!“

“The people are the best! We have been coming here for years and enjoy the food and amazing service.“

“I had an incredible dining experience at this sushi place!
The food was fresh and absolutely delicious, with the fish tasting as if it was just caught.
The service was excellent attentive and friendly, making sure everything was perfect throughout the meal.
The highlight of the evening, though, was the mango panna cotta. It was the perfect way to end a delightful dinner—refreshing, smooth, and bursting with flavor. I cannot wait to return! Highly recommended!“

“I can't rave enough about this place!
We came for lunch to celebrate our 20 year anniversary and were blown away! The food of course was the best sushi I have ever eaten, but what was even better was our experience. Chef Masa's team led by our man Geno was ridiculously amazing. They took care of us like family and it really felt like a celebration. Thank you for making it such a memorable experience! By the way, we didn't forget about the cigars!“

“If you think you’ve had great sushi before, think again. Sushi Ishikawa, led by the extraordinary Chef Don, takes sushi to a whole new level. The precision of the technique, the freshness of every ingredient, and the unique flavor combinations make every visit an unparalleled journey for the senses. The atmosphere is intimate and inviting, adding to the feeling of a truly personal experience. Once you’ve tasted Chef Don’s creations, there’s no going back – you’ll crave this experience over and over again. Sushi Ishikawa is not just dining; it’s falling in love with sushi all over again, every time.“

“Teriyaki One offers a satisfying dining experience with its well-executed menu of classic Japanese dishes. The teriyaki chicken is a standout, featuring perfectly grilled meat with a flavorful, savory glaze. The restaurant's ambiance is casual and inviting, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal. Service is prompt and friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. Whether you're a fan of Japanese cuisine or new to it, Teriyaki One delivers with consistency and quality.

Vegetarian options: e

Kid-friendliness: no obscene music

Wheelchair accessibility: has a ramp“

“We love Ninja Sushi! It’s our go-to sushi spot in the area. The food is always so fresh, professionally prepared and the staff is super friendly. Try the OMG roll, because…. OMG, the presentation says it all! It’s where sushi meets comfort food. Delicious.“

“Woman who takes orders is absolutely the worst. It’s my birthday she won’t even give a single smile or have any sense of being personable. You need to replace her or your reputation is gonna go down the drain. Ruined my birthday lunch. I had a feeling she might be awful every day cause this has happened before so we called ahead to warn it was my birthday and they assured we should come. Regret it! Seriously get rid of her!!!!!!“

“We had some yakitori and most of the skewers are very nice. I especially like the chicken thighs and the pepper stuffed with meatballs.

However some of the skewers are not very flavorful, such as the chicken wings. Also didn't enjoy the chicken skin - I was expecting it to be more crispy and less oily.

The atmosphere was very cozy and the service was friendly.“

“This is such a cozy cute place to grab some sushi! We did the all you can eat sushi, every single one we tried was amazing. Everything tasted fresh especially the raw fish! I would definitely recommend coming here! I wish I had taken more photos since the sushi also was presented so beautifully too!“

“Kyoto is the reason why I started loving sushi!!! They have lots of dishes with cooked fish for sushi (as my stomach cannot tolerate raw fish) and they absolutely nailed it. I keep on forgetting the name of the dishes I ordered but every time me and my husband go there we show them the pic below and they gave us the same order ? thanks guys ❤️“

“This is our go-to spot for fresh, high-quality sushi. The lunch specials are a great deal, served with miso soup or salad.

Last Saturday we went for lunch. My boyfriend got his usual Chirashi bowl with a great variety of fish. I usually go for the Ladies’ Lunch Special, but this time, I was in the mood for just rolls and I ordered their signature roll and a roll combo (salmon avo, yellowtail scallion cucumber avo, eel cucumber). Everything was delicious.

The restaurant is clean, the atmosphere inviting, and the service always friendly. We’ll definitely be back!“

“The food was incredibly good and authentic, capturing the true essence of Japanese cuisine.
The prices were quite reasonable, offering excellent value for the quality of food served. It’s a fantastic place for dinner or lunch.
For lunch, the izakaya offers set meals only, but they were equally impressive. The lunch sets were well-balanced and satisfying.
Overall, Donburiya is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Japanese flavors. Highly recommended!“

“I love this "in the wall" sushi restaurant so much. It's delicious, the salmon is probably the best I've ever had, and the staff was friendly! They also had gluten free soy sauce which was great. I will say that the California roll is made with fake "krab" which has gluten, so if you have an issue with gluten beware. Overall amazing experience!“

“We love Tempura Place! We go probably weekly and often order platters for parties. They know us by name and are very friendly with us. We have friends of friends who rave about the party platters we bring. The food is fresh & delicious!“

“Sushi lovers heaven! IYKYK. This not so secret spot dishes out the freshest cut ups and inventive sushi combinations and prime sashimi at HALF THE PRICE! You heard me! NO CAP! Be it dinner for two or a larger party, this is the place to go that won’t break the bank. As for quality and presentation: top scores all around! Service is super friendly, courteous and fast. And guess what? It’s BYOB! #winning However, it’s first come first serve and really fills up on the weekends, so plan accordingly. Decor is no great shakes but not what you are here for. So sit back and enjoy the food of the gods served at Masago. You will certainly return time and again! Guaranteed!

Parking: Best thing to do is park across the street in the open multi level parking garage

Kid-friendliness: They truly take care of the kids here.“

“Returning to Izakaya Kumade after a long time away was like rediscovering a hidden gem, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. The food brought back memories but also surprised with new levels of flavor and quality.

I started with the Nagasaki, which was perfectly balanced—rich and comforting, with a depth of umami that only authentic Japanese flavors can deliver. Next, the salted pollock roe cream udon was a delightful highlight. The creamy sauce, infused with the subtle, savory essence of pollock roe, coated each udon noodle beautifully. It was a unique dish that really set Kumade apart, embodying the best of traditional flavors with a modern twist.

To complement the meal, I enjoyed a classic Suntory Highball, which was refreshingly crisp and balanced, enhancing the flavors of the dishes without overpowering them. But what truly stood out was the Suntory Premium Draft beer. This was, without exaggeration, one of the creamiest drafts I've ever had—the texture was silky smooth, with a subtle malt sweetness and a perfectly frothy head.

Izakaya Kumade has managed to retain its authenticity while continuing to surprise and impress. For anyone craving Japanese izakaya-style dishes, paired with impeccable drinks, this place remains a top-tier choice in NJ. Highly recommended!“

“So good . When you order takeout fried food, they wait to the last minute of your delivery time to put the food in the fryer. Don't complain if you have to wait a few extra minutes . To get hot crisp food instead of soggy cold stuff that steamed it self cold in the togo containers. LOVE THEM.“

“It is with a full stomach and heart that I am able to publicly share how wonderful Blu Sushi is. Not only is the fish the freshest, but it run by welcoming and friendly staff, chefs and owners. It is not often that you find a restaurant without any criticisms, but then I found Blu. The dining and take-out experiences are how all food establishments should be run. The staff are clearly happy and supported which makes it, without question, a smaller establishment that I am happy to patronize. If you are reading this and considering ordering or not, just do it. You will not be disappointed with the high quality for a great price . Thank you Blu, for the amazing food and homey feel :)“

“Delish Japanese Food. Sushi rolls are done fresh and on the spot.“

“Sushi was amazing. My daughter is allergic to soy and our waiter was very helpful! Service was very good.“

“Authentic taste. The hot tea is excellent, and, the vegetarian options are plentiful.

Vegetarian options: The menu offers a lot of options for vegetarians in rolls with avocado, cucumber, mango, and others. Also, the noodles soup with veggies is of very generous quantity. The broth in the bowl is very flavorful.
The bottomless hot tea is great!“

“Absolutely amazing! Mr. Nam makes the freshest, most tasteful sushi I've ever had. He's got a kind heart and is always so sweet to my kids. What a great place!“

“This place was a nice little surprise. It's kind of like a blend of many kinds of small Japanese restaurants into one, almost like a restaurant sampler and a great bar in one. What this meant to us is that while I am not sure that any single food dish we had was a 10/10, the vast amount of unique foods we could try alone made the place a good spot. The vast selection of sake and other Japanese beverages that pair well with those dishes made it a great spot. There were grilled meats, ramen, sushi, onigiri, okonomiyaki, and more.

If you are an adventurous eater, you would likely be satisfied with many of the options. From the grilled meat side we tried beef tongue which we both agreed was good and chicken gizzards which split our group texturally. We had gotten the pickles with this (oshinko) and I would highly recommend pairing any grilled meats with those and a drink. I would comment that the kimchi didn't really fit with the pickles, but we loved the pickled daikon and the spicier green pickles. The monk liver and salmon roe (ankimo) was another adventurous dish that we thought was okay. The spaghetti with creamy spicy cod roe (mentai pasta) was another very unique one, we could have taken or left.

Overall though, I would suggest trying maybe fried and grilled meats with the pickles and booze. We also tried two types of onigiri which were both very good, plum filling the non grilled one and spicy cod roe filling the grilled one. Both of the onigiri were excellent, but I really think the grilled onigiri stands out as perhaps the best dish of the night.

We did try the miso soup, which was very good, however there is a lot of salt in all the food so I would tell anyone to consider if they really need that much salt before ordering. We tried a sushi roll, which was good, but it was hard not to find the sushi selection just a little bit disappointing. There were maki rolls and sashimi, but no nigiri or temaki which just seems like such an easy miss. There's a big difference between a quality slice of yellowtail nigiri and a maki roll.

I wish we would have gotten to try more, but we left very stuffed and also a bit tipsy. We were very free flowing in our orders, ordering just a few items at a time and the staff seemed very prepared and acquainted with that. We also ordered a nigori bottle of sake to start (this was a great deal and kicked us off properly) before we later finished with a higher proof shochu and mixed drink. I do think I would have appreciated the option to get flights here to lean more heavily into the trying everything vibe. I have never had shochu before and while my selection was fine, it would have been nice to know if I just picked the wrong one or if I'm just not a huge shochu fan without having to order several entire drinks. Same for the sake honestly, need flights.

The restaurant itself seemed fairly clean, was popular but not overcrowded, and was very well themed. There were anime posters, manga, a vertical standing record player, the bar looked cool. Overall a good vibe.“

“Kitaro is such a nice sushi place, with good staff! I am coming back“