50 Best Japanese Restaurants in Brooklyn

“Excellent!!! Food, service, atmosphere 👍👍“

“Lovely food lovely variety of japanees food“

“Walked into this place on a whim because the ratings were so good. I was not disappointed. Every piece of fish was super fresh and delicious. You could tell the chef was excited about his craft and very knowledgeable. The entire staff was very friendly and helpful as well. The chared otoro was a highlight as well as the engawa.

I was a little worried that it would be overpriced but I'd gladly pay again.“

“I brought my dad here when he was visiting from out of town to experience an Omakase restaurant. We had a blast! The service, food, and ambience were spectacular. I highly recommend coming here for a special occasion, or just a nicer dinner. The quality of the fish was also incredible, and well worth the price, especially for New York City - will definitely be coming back.“

“The duck shio soba was very tasty. The broth was rich yet not too thick. The buckwheat sprouts add a great texture. Duck was a bit chewy though.

The black truffle curry soba was moderately spicy. The truffle really enhances the curry flavor and the sprouts as a great texture. The broth is rich, thick, and oily. Duck was a bit chewy though.“

“Lingo was the perfect choice for a special celebration. I brought my daughter here and the night was great. It’s a beautiful space, genuinely warm and personable staff, and excellent Japanese-inflected food with a creative twist.

We did have one miss: the ribs were too fatty for our taste. But here's where Lingo service stepped in. Without any fuss, they took the dish off the bill and were so gracious about it. That kind of hospitality is rare and says a lot about how they run their restaurant.

Everything else was delicious and the vibe was just right for a celebratory dinner. I'll absolutely be back.“

“This place is very, very special. Having visited a lost count of Omakase counters in NYC, it’s often a real risk choosing a new one, even when you do the research and read a million reviews.

My wife and I took the risk on LUYA when taking a friend to dinner a couple weeks ago and it may have been our biggest surprise in NY dining in at least a few years. There are way too many things praise worthy at this place to list them all so I’ll highlight a few and let the rest speak for itself when you go try it…

- The staff is beyond top tier. Not only are they all friendly, kind, observant and attentive, but they’re also fun to be around! Never intrusive, never annoying, always the right amount of conversation.

- The fish is some of the best, and most outstandingly fresh I’ve ever had anywhere, not just in NY. The sourcing must be incredible because every single piece is truly punching WAY above its class in terms of price, taste, and presentation.

- The natural wine bar and perfectly curated selection of sake and Japanese spirits is such a welcome surprise. The cocktails are wonderful, and the bartender (somm??) is super knowledgeable about everything there.

Just come here, you won’t regret it. Best kept secret in the city.“

“Walked in here on a whim and was BLOWN away. Each dish was so unique— the “tuna sandwich” or “corn ribs” were a clever word play but more importantly a wildly delicious creation that you would never get anywhere. Matt took care of us and gave us great recommendations on what to order.
I don’t say this lightly- I CANT WAIT TO COME BACK.“

“Went to TORA NYC recently and decided to order takeout, but even from that short experience the hospitality stood out. While we were waiting, they offered us water and were really welcoming, which already left a good impression. The space itself looks beautiful modern, intimate, and definitely feels like the kind of place that would make a really nice date spot.

We ordered three dishes: the Yokan Roll, Negichutoro Don, and Gyudon.

The Yokan Roll was a really nice example of how modern sushi rolls balance texture and richness. Inside was spicy salmon and cucumber, and it was topped with lightly seared salmon, mentaiko sauce, tempura flakes, and tobiko. The seared salmon added a gentle smokiness while still keeping that soft buttery texture salmon naturally has. The mentaiko sauce, made from seasoned pollock roe that’s widely used in Japanese cuisine, brought a creamy, briny umami flavor that paired really well with the fish. Tobiko added those signature little bursts of saltiness, and the tempura flakes gave a light crunch that balanced the richness of the sauce and salmon. It was a well constructed roll where each topping actually had a purpose.

We also got the Negichutoro Don, which had minced medium fatty bluefin tuna over rice. In sushi terminology, tuna is categorized by fat content akami being lean, chutoro the medium fatty section, and otoro the richest cut from the belly. Chutoro tends to be the sweet spot because it has enough fat to be buttery while still keeping that clean ocean flavor. The texture here was incredibly soft and almost melt-in-your-mouth. Negitoro as a dish traditionally mixes minced tuna with scallions, since the word “negi” literally means scallion. The tuna quality here was great and the texture was amazing, but I do think it could be elevated slightly. If the scallions were minced and mixed into the toro instead of sitting on top it would distribute the flavor more evenly. A little shredded nori could add some aroma from the sea, and honestly avocado would pair really nicely with the richness of the tuna.

The Gyudon was probably the most comforting dish we ordered. Gyudon has a long history in Japan and became popular in the late 19th century as a quick, affordable rice bowl. Thinly sliced beef is simmered in a sweet savory broth that’s very similar to sukiyaki sauce, usually made with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sometimes dashi. The beef absorbs that slightly sweet umami flavor as it cooks. Here it was served over rice with scallions, sesame seeds, and an onsen egg. Once everything was mixed together, the egg yolk coated the rice and beef and brought everything together. The sauce, beef, and egg created that rich silky texture that makes gyudon such a comforting dish.

Even though we only ordered takeout, that level of service was noticeable.

Overall the food was really good and thoughtfully prepared. The fish quality was great, the bowls were comforting, and the hospitality stood out even in a quick takeout experience. The restaurant itself looks like a really nice place to sit down and enjoy a meal, so we’ll definitely be coming back to dine in next time.“

“A very interesting menu. Great food and service. A must for every local and tourist.“

“Excellent Sushi ! Would highly recommend. Only wished they had Saki.“

“อาหารอร่อย สะอาด การบริการดี รวดเร็ว“

“Enjoyed our meal.

I had several sushi options, some of the apps an a craft cocktail . All excellent. Server was extremely helpful. I cat rember the name of the app but it was a bakes rice item with sauceand it was amazing . It was on the happy hour list of Apps .

They do have “ plain “ rolls if you’d like they just are not listed on the menu.“

“Went to Nozomi for dinner last night and already plotting my return.

The omakase was excellent, super thoughtfully curated, beautifully executed, and paced perfectly (because nobody wants to leave either hungry or questioning their life choices after course 17). Every dish felt intentional and the portioning was spot on.

A special mention to Max, the culinary director, who made the whole experience even better. He was welcoming, funny, incredibly knowledgeable about literally everything, and he also managed to make everyone feel like regulars. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does and that energy carried through the entire night.

Also pleasantly surprised by the value for the quality of the food, attention to detail, and overall experience, the price felt more than fair and honestly exceeded expectations.

Amazing food, great vibes, zero pretentiousness. Come hungry, leave happy.“

“On our first visit, we had the Yakijake (grilled salmon). This time, we finally tried the Kinka Saba (mackerel), which had previously been unavailable. The fish is excellent—rich, fatty, and sourced from Ishinomaki Fish Market.

When I asked about sourcing, the staff mentioned they receive shipments from Japan roughly once a month.

The service is reserved. Staff were polite but not particularly engaging, and questions were answered without much enthusiasm. The overall experience feels very focused on the food rather than hospitality.

It’s a solid option if you’re craving a specific taste of Tokyo without getting on a plane. Overall, it leans a bit overpriced for what's presented.“

“Ikigai delivers an intimate, high-end experience without the usual NYC chaos. My partner & I went for Valentines Dinner and loved it.

The room felt serene, the pacing was perfect, and each course was beautifully executed with clear intention. The not-for-profit mission adds real depth, and the service makes you feel genuinely cared for.
It's a Fort Greene date-night spot worth the splurge.“

“Great experience ! Food was good and service great . The food was so flavorful I had the oyster crunchy rice bowl and loved the crunch and flavor and my partner had the curry udon which was also flavorful . Food came out pretty fast the server was knowledgeable helpful and friendly. Definitely go!“

“Great Sushi, absolutely fantastic, well done guys.“

“Musha Sushi is such a great spot in Brooklyn! I came here recently and everything was super fresh and delicious. The sushi rolls were made perfectly — great texture, clean flavors, and the ingredients tasted high quality. The presentation was also beautiful and looked like something from a higher-end restaurant.

The staff was friendly and the place felt cozy and welcoming. Prices were very reasonable for the quality. If you’re in the area near Sterling Pl, this is definitely a sushi spot worth trying.

Highly recommend and I’ll be coming back again!

📍 Musha Sushi – 863 Sterling Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11216“

“Wow! What a great find and I wish the owner much success!

It’s a non-traditional Japanese inspired tasting course for a little over $100
The menu is seasonal and features everything from land to sea.
Each of the two seatings is around 75 mins but even 1.5hr was not enough to just enjoy; the pacing was a tad fast, especially towards the end.

Seating is also very different, in a U shape, so it does give a communal feeling and you can always watch the chefs in the open kitchen. Love the concept as it feels very intimate.

Highlights for May 2025 was the beef with sweet potato puree (perfection), and the shima aji course with a citrus jelly, crunchy kelp and I believe Thai basil!

I did think the huckleberry vanilla sumac coconut dessert was slightly underwhelming. I was hoping to end on a bang, something more roasty/toasty tea inspired or something super refreshing like strawberries. I also did find some dishes slightly salty but nonetheless flavorful.

Overall, amazing experience and will definitely be back for the next menu!!“

“I had a fantastic 5-star experience at Osaka Fusion BBQ & Sushi! The atmosphere was the absolute highlight, earning a full 5-star rating for its wonderful vibe. The service was also great at 4 stars, and the food was a solid 3-star quality. Overall, it's an excellent spot for a meal with a perfect environment!“

“I really enjoyed the tasting menu here and the amazing service really made it a wonderful experience. My favorites were the chawanmushi that had such a soft texture and was very comforting. Firefly squid had excellent texture and was a satisfying bite. Little neck clam soup with the meatball was subtle in flavor but the meatball was very interesting with perfectly cooked clams inside. I also really enjoyed the sashimi, fried fish, abalone and the stingray cheeks. The chef put in a lot of attention to detail and it really reflected that in how well balanced everything tasted and was presented. Service was excellent and the server explained everything and was attentive.

We were here for a Sunday dinner and I was surprised we were the only party here at 6pm. This place is so good and really needs to be discovered by more people! Their menu changes monthly so I'm looking forward to coming back again!“

“Williamsburg has recently gained a remarkable addition, offering an extensive array of dining options under one roof. The establishment boasts exceptional customer service, delectable cuisine, and a consistently high standard of food quality. From burgers and pizza to steak, their menu caters to diverse palates. I highly recommend this establishment for an unforgettable culinary experience.“

“Solid spot right by Barclays Center! I highly recommend their udon, since that's what they're known for. I DONT recommend the Salmon Don. It was very plain and it came with flavorless seaweed. It comes with a small dish of dipping soy sauce. While the portion size was plentiful, it was mostly tasteless.

On the other hand, I enjoyed the apps! The Yakitori Skewers, especially, were soft and melted in my mouth! The Salmon Tartare and Vegetable Tempura were also good.

Attentive + kind staff. Plenty of seating. Overall, great, convenient spot for a pre-Barclays meal.“

“The atmosphere was wonderful, the staff was very nice and tended to our table very well

The food was delicious, we ordered the Konoha Yakitori Mix as well as numerous other Yakitori skewers, as well as one of the ramens and Sushi deluxe, everything was prepared very well and came our in a reasonable time

I also highly recommend the Chu-Hi's, the fuji apple and peach drinks were both wonderful and I would definitely get them again“

“Visited Don Neo Fusion Restaurant and it was such a cute spot. All the food tasted delicious.
The staff were amazing—very friendly & attentive, which made the whole experience even better. I posted photos of what I ordered and everything was great. Definitely a place I’ll be coming back to.“

“Some of the best ramen we've ever had. Wish we could have tried them all!! Fantastic.“

“We had an absolutely wonderful experience at Kinjo Omakase. The location in DUMBO is perfect, and the space itself is stunning, modern, refined, and beautifully designed. The bar counter in particular is incredibly elegant and creates such an intimate dining atmosphere.

The service was warm and attentive from start to finish. My husband Ben and I especially loved Chef Raiden. He is not only highly skilled, but also incredibly humorous and engaging, which made the entire experience even more memorable.

What truly stood out was the rice in the nigiri. The texture and balance were exceptional, perfectly shaped with just the right level of firmness and airiness, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the fish and create a delicate, lingering umami finish.

The spring menu was outstanding overall. Every course was thoughtfully crafted, with beautiful presentation and layers of flavor. Both the warm dishes and the nigiri had their own unique highlights, making the progression of the meal exciting and dynamic.

This was truly an exceptional omakase experience. We will definitely be back!“

“Lezzetli 👍 Güler yüzlü servis“

“Place is cozy food is great healthy choices🥙🥗🥘🍣“

“Esta delicioso la comida ramen“

“We came to ACRE on a Saturday late afternoon. It was around 3 pm, and the restaurant was still bustling with a hefty lunch crowd. Upon entering the storefront, you are greeted by a bunch of home good offerings, like bowls and chopstick holders. There’s a cashier at the front taking orders. After placing an order, we grabbed our hojicha latte and yuzu poundcake from the front and then waited at the back for a table to open up. It took less than 10 minutes for a two-top to be available, but if you have a bigger party, it will probably take you longer than 10 minutes to grab a table. We ordered the pork katsu bento box and egg salad sandwich to share between two of us. The pork katsu was juicy and the sauce on top had just the right amount of tang! The purple rice was cooked perfectly, and the brussel sprouts were well-seasoned. The bun of the egg salad sandwich was super fluffy and buttery, and the egg salad was creamy and tasted amazing! The atmosphere is bustling and the staff are super kind. I would love to return sometime and try all the offerings on the menu.“

“We recently celebrated one of dearest friends birthday here and it was amazing. The ambiance is very nice, calm, private which allow us to catch up with our friends. The food is very authentic, and the drinks are very well crafted. Food and drinks tastes as good as it looks!. The staff's service were beyond expectations... Yangi, she was so attentive! I dropped my chopsticks, didn't expect anyone to notice but, she rush to give me a new set within a second. If you're looking for a good atmosphere, authentic vietnamese fresh food, and great service, definitely check this place out. You won't be disappointed.“

“Cozy izakaya vibes with solid small plates, juicy karaage, and strong cocktails, perfect low-key spot when you want good food without the chaos. Their grilled unagi rice steals the show… smoky, sweet, and so good I’d go back just for that.“

“FOOD FOR THE PEOPLE
(Read in voice of @japaneats)
This is no fancy restaurant. It’s your run of the mill local shop that resembles home-style cooking. And it’s great. [insert jokes]. Jokes aside, it’s a place you can eat often. The food isn’t too decadent and the bill certainly won’t break the bank either“

“I really enjoyed the design of the menu, the flatware, plates and bowls. The food was also excellent too. I went during brunch hours with a friend . I had a Cesar salmon salad miso soup and fried katsu chicken which i ordered to go. We sat in the garden. Someone had a dog which turned me off a little but at least it was far from our table. The service was good too. I had my first espresso martini.“

“This is a great restaurant and I highly recommend eating here“

“This Cambodian-Japanese place is well crafted with very unique and classic dishes as someone who grew up in Japan. The vegetarian curry with katsu tofu was incredible and the Peri Peri tofu lunch set is delicious. Great service and well kept and run. Will go again because I have tried the vegetarian ramen before and it was amazing, diverse toppings and great umami flavor.

I went again and got the tofu katsu sando which was amazing.“

“The food is amazingly delicious. The staff is so friendly. I am totally going back“

“One of the best ramen around imo! Quality is definitely top notch. Not only is the food amazing, but the service is too. I almost always get Hayley as my server and she really is the best. She’s amazing at describing menu items and gladly answers any questions you may have. Not to mention her recommendations never disappoint! 10/10!!“

“i had just discovered this local pokebowl place last month, and it is my absolute favorite spot to order/get takeout from! their bowls are always fresh, the proportions are so generous, and the variety of drinks are tasty. the staff are always kind and ready to help you immediately. although i’ve never dined in, it is very pleasant and nice inside the store every time i walk in for takeout.

i always get a sushi rice bowl with salmon, cucumber, corn, tamago, lettuce, shredded seaweed, cilantro, spicy mayo, and teriyaki sauce, with a lemon iced tea or watermeon lemon tea. ᵕ̈“

“Service is also very good, very patient attitude is also very good, we eat after also sent us ice cream really very nice“

“SORA is one of the most original and fantastic omakase experiences my wife and I have ever had. We had high expectations from the reviews we’ve read — like the one I’m writing right now! — and thought it’s “probably just pretty good.” How much could a place down the block from fast food spots be?

Well, the second you walk in, you’re instantly transported to a tranquil, inspired, artful, timeless, rarefied omakase den.

Calvin, who greeted us when we walked in, was a perfect guide throughout. We felt like we’d known him for years in just a few minutes. We also appreciated his clear, unpretentious direction through the sake list.

The sushi itself was exceptional. Beyond fresh, we had items we never had before and were completely won over. The boldness of serving shirako (look it up… or maybe don’t! If they have it, just eat this sweet, custardy delight.

Each item we were served was remarkably better than the last. Though if we had to choose a favorite, the barracuda and the mackerel were a tie. Also, the salmon was like any we ever had; silky, flavorful, and like everything at SORA, ineffably delicious.

One last thing: we thought the bill would have been at least double what we were actually charged.

But forget how relatively affordable SORA is, forget that it’s not surrounded by high-end boutiques and luxury apartment buildings. Just know that it is simply one of the best omakase experiences anywhere. (And yes, if you think it can’t live up to this hype, if you go, I’m sure you won’t believe how much you loved it either.). Thank you Calvin and everyone at SORA who gave us such a spectacular night!“

“Expensive but it’s new York us cali people one order two pieces in NY one order one piece totally sucks“

“Very nice! It’s quiet, not expensive, the food is delicious, the interior was nice and clean and the people working there were also friendly. I bought the fried chicken dumplings just for about 6 dollars and they were delicious! Thank you.“

“everything was fresh and so good. the prices are absolutely amazing. me and my family of 4 got 6 appetizers to share, our own entrees, and 2 drinks each plus a glass of wine all for $154. our waiter was also very friendly and accommodating, he made jokes with us and was super patient. we are definitely going back. this place is the perfect size for solo dinning and small groups.“

“The best ☝️☝️☝️“

“Had a wonderful meal last night at Soboku! Comfortable seating, great waitress, amazing food. Looking forward to returning soon!“

“Visited here on several occasion. Minimalist decor, dimly lit providing a cozy and intimate ambiance , cute for a date night without feeling over the top. We've had Dawa as our waitress couple times and she is very attentive and personable. Gave us great tips on what to order

The spicy yuzu margarita is my go to drink .Well balanced, strong, not too spicy which i liked. For food, I have really enjoyed their eel roll and salmon teriyaki. Recently tried their Omakase and it was very tasty . The sushi was so fresh, the salmon sashimi was melts in your mouth. The dragon roll was also a great addition. The portion was plentiful, felt very full by the last bite. Overall, really impressed by the quality of their sushi. I look forward to sampling the ramen on the menu since so many people have raved about it.“

“Food is amazing every time“