50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Watchung

“Very nice place, lots of choices and fresh food. Now they are open for dining in, will be coming back“

“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.“

“I very much enjoy this place!! Food is very good, quality doesn't waver. My favorite are the spicy yaki salmon roll (I get mine gluten free.) I absolutely love how staff always gives something on the house with my order. One time I got a mochi and usually I get a yummy salad. I have also tried the bubble tea from here, it's not my favorite but I would definitely say it's one of the best in the area. I definitely recommend this place!“

“Have been there so many times with friends, families and my kids. My kids love the traditional Taiwanese noodles, and I love their Japanese rolls. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff add to the overall dining experience, making it our favorite go-to restaurent! Love this place.“

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

“Our family has been going to Osaka since they opened and every time our experience has been amazing. The owners are always so nice and welcoming and the food is always so good. We enjoy every time we go there and really feel like this is the best Ramen restaurant we have been to in NJ.“

“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.“

“Great little story: more than 20 years ago I found myself inexplicably single (lol) and walked into Mitsuba (Chatham) just as it opened — I might have been their second-ever customer. I scanned the menu and wanted a lot of sushi, but not the Full “Love Boat.” I told them, “I’m not in love, and that’s too much food. Can I get something about half the size and half the price?”
They brought out what you see in the photo. I was satisfied and joked, “When I come back, can we call this the Lonely Boat?” And that’s how it stuck. It isn’t on the menu, but if you walk in and ask for “Mr. Howard’s Lonely Boat,” they’ll know what you mean.
I even suggested making it a Monday special — “Lonely Boat Mondays.” Imagine single folks showing up for a Lonely Boat, striking up conversations, and maybe two lonely diners eventually turning their Lonely Boats into Love Boats. Plus lets face it folks, hands down.....the best Sushi in NJ without any question!“

“My favorite Japanese restaurant! The food and service are exceptional!“

“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“

“Good Date night me the wifey!“

“As always, delicious food and great staff!“

“Great service , good attention and fresh food“

“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!“

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

“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“

“If you are on the hunt for a meal that is consistently delicious, served with a genuine smile, and makes you feel like a valued regular from your very first visit, then look no further than Teriyaki One . From the moment you walk in, the experience is a perfect 10 out of 10. The quality of the food is matched only by the quality of the people working there, who are not just polite but incredibly nice, always ensuring you have everything you need. It’s a rare gem in the food scene where every single element is executed flawlessly, creating a dining experience that you will find yourself craving again and again.

Let’s talk about the most important part: the food is absolutely phenomenal. My go-to order, and one I would recommend to anyone, is the teriyaki chicken. The chicken is always perfectly grilled, tender, and smothered in a teriyaki sauce that strikes the ideal balance between sweet and savory. But the real game-changer for me is adding a little bit of their hibachi hot sauce on the side. The combination of the savory teriyaki with that spicy, buttery kick is nothing short of magical. Every single time, my meal is served fresh and piping hot, proving their commitment to quality and care with every order they prepare.

Beyond the incredible food, what truly sets Teriyaki 1 apart is the wonderful staff. They have a way of making you feel right at home, often offering me more sauce or a drink refill before I even have to ask. The atmosphere is so warm and friendly that sometimes we even crack jokes while I’m ordering. This isn't a place where you feel like just another transaction; it feels like you're being served by people who truly enjoy what they do and who they serve. This level of personal, cheerful service is a breath of fresh air and makes every visit a bright spot in my day.

Another huge advantage is the convenience. Despite how amazing the food is, the line is never prohibitively long, meaning you can get your hands on this fantastic meal without a lengthy wait. This makes it a perfect spot for a quick lunch break or a easy, satisfying dinner after a long day. The efficiency of the service, combined with the inviting demeanor of the staff, ensures that your experience is smooth and enjoyable from the moment you step in to the moment you leave with your delicious, hot food in hand.

In a world of mediocre and impersonal takeout options, Teriyaki Won is a shining beacon of excellence. The food tastes so good it’s almost addictive, particularly that teriyaki chicken with a side of hibachi hot sauce. If you haven't tried it, you are truly missing out. So, tell me I'm wrong, but I doubt you will. From a scale of one to ten, I give them a solid, unwavering 10. I cannot recommend Teriyaki Won highly enough; it is, without a doubt, my favorite spot.“

“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.“

“I love noodles plus and noodles plus loves me. They are cheap and great quality, the atmosphere is very cute and cozy and is very cleanly. They have quick and accurate service and the staff even go as far to create personal connection with their customers. They have a great variety of foods on their menu that are all delicious. Its very easy to take out or eat in, and they accept all forms of payment. They don't usually mind if you bring outside drinks. It's usually a bit slow and quiet which makes it a great place to sit and study. I have loved noodles plus for years, they have been a stable part of my school life from highschool to my first few years in college, a cute quiet place with great food I can always rely on as a place to relax and escape worldy problems and stress. I will always be a loyal noodles plus supporter, they really are more than just noodles. I am noodles plus biggest fan!!!!!!!!!! 🍣🍣🍣“

“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!“

“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!“

“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….“

“Outstanding food and very friendly staff ~ highly recommend!“

“Great experience at KURA!“

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

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

“Love the North Riverside location they’re always delicious and the customer service is friendly and welcoming to say the least.“

“I love sushi, and the food at this restaurant is very good. The ingredients are also very fresh. The most important thing to eat Japanese food is the freshness of the ingredients. Especially raw food. The sushi at this restaurant is quite delicious. The combination of soy sauce and rice, in addition to fresh ingredients. It is simply delicious. Highly recommended to everyone.“

“chicken bowl was so good and great sushi“

“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.“

“As an Army veteran on Veterans Day, I waited 40 min just to be seated and another 45 minutes with 6 others at the table and still no food on the hot grill in front of us. Several other tables were empty and only two other tables of 8 had chefs cooking up some food, so the place was not crowded. I got up and left. Super disappointing.“

“This is a brand new, recently opened restaurant and wow did they deliver for first impressions. Food was absolutely incredible. The sushi was fresh and made quickly. I had the volcano roll and the Naruto rainbow row, it was beautiful and delicious. Very good quality cuts and tasted fresh Really impressed by their milk tea as well. We got the original and Taro milk tea and it was fantastic. Staff was also very friendly and helpful in deciding what to order. Would definitely be coming back the next time I’m in town!“

“Cute place with convenient parking in the back — we had no trouble finding a spot even on a Friday night. The sushi rolls were large and packed with fish. We were pleasantly surprised with free strawberry mochi and two pieces of tempura at the end. Great experience overall!“

“This is a small Japanese restaurant. There is a good selection on the menu and the food is very good I like the bento box since there's a selection of different items on it and it was amazing. It has some sushi some appetizers tempura Etc all on one plate“

“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“

“Amazing restaurant, Chef Jun locks it ⬇️, can't wait to come back. "FAT CUP", for the win, check out his awesome menu.“

“I recently visited Sultan Wok for a quick meal and was amazed. Their half chicken fried rice and boneless spare ribs were not only delicious but also served remarkably fast. The perfect balance of flavor in every bite and the swift service made my dining experience outstanding. Sultan Wok is definitely the go-to spot for anyone seeking great Chinese food without the hassle of waiting!“

“Perfect Sunday night take out!“

“This was our first time going and were skeptical at first but it smelled so good. This might have been the BEST food choice we’ve made in a while, a we eat out often. It is absolutely delicious, savory and honestly, you start to feel bad every bite because you dont want the plate to end.

We also ordered the crab rangoons and were absolutely PERFECT. The lady at the front counter is the sweetest and we decided to eat in, she took the food to our table.

We are now permanently customers. 10/10 recommend“

“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!“

“delicious..great lunch specials!!“

“Always love Go Sushi, it's our Sushi Place of choice, no matter if you eat in or take out the food / service is outta this world!!!!

We ate in today, it was our daughter's birthday yesterday and as always we were gifted an Ice-Cream Tempura with a candle on top as a Birthday Dessert - Thanx Again for a Yummy Dinner 😃“

“I came in today for a meal and ended up really enjoying everything about this place. The ramen was delicious, the broth had great flavor, and the sushi was excellent. Everything was cooked perfectly, and the portion was just right. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the decor gives it a calm, authentic feel.

I’m grateful for how thoughtfully the food was made and how welcoming the environment felt. I’ll definitely come back again with my family.“

“It was a special day for my son and he loved it. We had a little of everything and he truly ❤️ 'ed it! From the Wonton Eggdrop soup to the Stir Fried dishes, everything cooked to perfection...and our main menu at the register...very patient to go over every one of his 20 questions in detail - it was bliss!“

“Amazing fresh sushi and wonderful staff. Was amazed by the freshness and value. Will be back soon for sure.“

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

“First time being in millburn ramen with my family, and honestly I couldn’t recommend a better family friendly atmosphere.. food is superb the prices are in fair range.. 10/10 would recommend this place to anyone (the juicy pork buns are to die for!!)“

“Food is good and reasonably priced. NOTE: Their website was hacked and they have not been able to get control of it back. If you order on their website it is a 3rd party that delivers and charges add’l delivery fees. It happened to me a few weeks ago and when I called the restaurant they explained what’s been happening. Call to order instead of online“

“First time. New to town. Got a no-rice roll, a spicy tuna roll and seaweed salad. A strong 4 stars. Very good, but different from what I'm used to...Somerville, NJ. Staff was 100% on point. Friendly and service was fast. I will definitely go back and try more.“