50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Milwaukie

“if you want to eat fish, they have fish and definitely don't skimp on the portions. If all you care about is the food tasting good and its reasonably priced and good portions, this is the sushi spot. If you want your food to look fancy and be expensive then i would recommend eating elsewhere. I'm not saying the sushi looks bad, sometimes the rolls are a little sloppy and fall apart. I love unagi and i love dragon rolls. Do NOT order the dragon roll here it makes me sad. Their salmon is really good though. Would recommend the spider roll.

Side note:
4.7 stars on google with over 900 reviews! that would make this one of the best sushi shops in the Portland area. There are some restaurants that have 4.8-5 stars but significantly less reviews.“

“I love me some teriyaki bowl, and because I am on the road all day with my job, I get the opportunity to try several different restaurants on a monthly basis. This is one of the best, and Jonathan and his team make fantastic food and have created a very friendly environment. I will definitely be returning.“

“Best � around hands down. Keep returning, the wait is well worth it�� very popular, come early. Their sushi � burritos are A-MAZ-ING.“

“This is the best teriyaki place that you'll find in Portland. The food is great and fresh vegetables never had a bad meal been going here for over 10 years I would recommend hot rice to anybody that wants to enjoy a nice meal inside it's very clean the air conditioning works well and your server is the best she knows everything about the menu“

“Excellent! Fast, friendly service and absolutely delicious food. We had the tempura udon and curry plate. We also enjoyed the sake flight. Cannot wait to go back.“

“This is one of my favorite places to each lunch, a great place to meet a friend, and the friendliest service you can imagine. I wish more restaurants focused on doing one thing well and being deeply authentic in vibe and presentation. After today's visit I felt compelled to write a review because it sparked true joy. This is a meal that you end up thinking about - sometimes DIRECTLY after eating it. You should probably go - there's bike parking directly outside, and it will be something you enjoy.“

“The husband and I were on a ramen rampage, and the weather was our perfect excuse. Then, out of nowhere, we stumbled upon this restaurant. The service was spot-on, the food arrived in record time, and that ramen? Sheer perfection. The broth was a flavor bomb, the chashu was tender and divine, and those noodles? Freshly made and sublime. We left feeling like we just discovered ramen nirvana.“

“This place is one of a kind. The food was deliciously balanced and nuanced. Every dish we indulged in was so wonderful. It is a charming intimate spot and will be a go to whenever we visit Portland. The staff was also wonderful and so accommodating. Thank you again for the wonderful experience“

“Anyone can seemingly make sushi seem better by making it more complex, but the real test is whether they can take the simple and make it excellent. Sushi-Ki-ichi does just that. They stick to the simple offerings, leading to an experience that feels less Americanized than other Japanese restaurants. That's not to say I don't love some level of creativity, but you don't need it here. That's because the family that owns Sushi Ki-ichi wants to create an authentic meal - a notion that was confirmed for sure when we had a conversation with the owner. In fact, they take quality to the next level with their equipment and efforts they take to make sure that what they serve is the highest quality, including specific freezers for the fish. We didn't try Sushi Ki-ichi for the first couple of years because we figured that the previous restaurant, a Chinese buffet that had gone downhill and fallen off the cliff, had rebranded and reopened as something new. Now I feel that for those first couple of years, we missed out. This has quickly become my favorite place in Portland. I look forward to any trips I take across town from Vancouver to Tigard, and make a point to stop in and grab a bite.“

“Food was yum, friendly environment and great hospitality.“

“Great Sushi and Phenomenal Service❣️“

“Really delicious, and so happy to have a Japanese sandwich cart in Portland. I loved the Pork katsu!“

“I love musubi and this place does not disappoint! They have a variety but we always walk by in the morning so I get the one with egg. Today, we also got the taiyaki - one with cheese and one with Nutella. They were both soooooo good! I had the one with Nutella and it was so good, nice and warm with a crispy exterior. Aaaaaaand we had a slice of banana bread. Again, delicious and I am a banana bread snob. Highly recommend visiting!“

“Great service, friendly staff and very delicious, fresh fish at a fair price. Plus they are celiac friendly! We will definitely be back.“

“Lilia is an absolute gem and my new favorite Portland restaurant. The menu changes weekly based on the freshest ingredients, and every dish bursts with bold flavors and inspiration from across Mexico. The vibe is chill and the staff are sweet and knowledgeable. Music was great (rock en español) and not too loud, so you could have a conversation at your table without yelling (yay!)

We tried the chef’s tasting menu, which included two appetizers (PNW oysters and tomato/melon salad, two large plates (mushroom barbacoa & cheese-filled corn dish and king salmon which was caught that morning) and two desserts (fig pastie and a creamy Asian pear). We also got the carnitas chilaquiles separately—highly recommend. Each dish was beautifully prepared, incredibly tasty, and unforgettable. The wine pairing ($68 per person) was thoughtfully curated and well worth it, and the cocktails were just as impressive.

Can’t wait to go back!!!!“

“Amazing food, gorgeous location, great atmosphere. Have never had anything we didn’t love here. Our favorite sushi around and we’ve tried them all 💖.“

“Me and my family have been coming here for the past 18 years! This family owned restaurant has the most kind owners who work everyday they are open, generous portions, amazing flavors and best prices in all of Portland metro area! Our families drive from Salem and Vancouver to come here whenever we’re craving teriyaki!“

“Superb higher end sushi!!! I’ve literally been hearing good things about this place for decades, and finally made it in. So good! They do ama ebi ( raw sweet shrimp with fried heads) which can be hard to find. Definitely have the plum & mint roll!“

“Amazing sushi and good flavor“

“I love stopping by this spot for a quick cucumber roll because it’s so affordable and the service is so amazing at the cart! I’ve ordered the cucumber roll and cucumber/avocado roll many times and they’re huge servings for a very low price. Once when I came to the cart and it was cold and rainy, they gave me a complimentary miso soup which was sooooo nice and I still remember the gesture!

Today I just asked for a cucumber roll and I was given a cucumber roll and a cucumber/avocado roll extra for no charge. Not sure if it was a mistake or not but I’m a happy customer and will continue to return and tell others :-)“

“My experience at Kokiyo Teriyaki in Central Eastside, Portland, was an absolute treat, and I can’t recommend this hidden gem at 1234 SE 7th Ave enough for anyone craving authentic, flavorful Japanese comfort food! Nestled in the vibrant Industrial District near OMSI, this family owned spot delivers a cozy, welcoming vibe paired with mouthwatering dishes that keep you coming back.

I ordered the Chicken Teriyaki with Gyoza combo, and it was a revelation. The chicken was perfectly charbroiled, tender, and coated in their signature homemade teriyaki sauce that strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory: truly some of the best teriyaki I’ve had in Portland! The gyoza were crispy yet juicy, and the steamed rice and fresh veggies rounded out a generous, satisfying plate.

I also tried the Honey Chicken, recommended by a loyal patron, and its subtle sweetness was addictive. The menu offers variety, from yakisoba to spicy pork bulgogi and even a unique burger special, all at wallet friendly prices.

The service is a standout: warm, genuine, and attentive. The staff, led by new ownership that has elevated the quality while preserving beloved recipes, greeted me with smiles and made me feel like a regular, even on my first visit. The restaurant is impeccably clean, with a charming, no frills atmosphere that feels like a true neighborhood spot. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or takeout, and they even offer delivery for those cozy nights in.

Located in the heart of Central Eastside, Kokiyo Teriyaki is a must visit for its delicious food, stellar service, and unbeatable value. Whether you’re a teriyaki purist or just exploring the area, this spot will leave you full and happy. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to try the Hot and Spicy Chicken plate!“

“Skip Bamboo and come here.

The takoyaki is insanely good. Never had a roll I didn't like, and every other item I have tried here was good-to-great. Prices can't be beat, and you always get service with a smile. A real gem that shouldn't be overlooked.“

“One of the best Teriyaki places in the area.

The young gentleman working the front was just amazing. He was managing a VERY fast flow of customers and kept very pleasant and professional demeanor.

Like everyone has said, portions for the price are pre-pandemic quantities and the quality of the chicken was excellent. It was cooked with prefect char.

Salad was fresh and plentiful (iceberg--but at least fresh--unlike my last teriyaki experience.)

I'll definitely be back.“

“This place was adorable!! And the food was amazing quality and priced so well for the experience! It may take a bit for things to come out but we got a ton of fried things which take longer! The appetizers come out right away!! Especially because the fried stuff is a type of katsu style. Honestly the best deep fried rolls I’ve ever had!! We got the st. John’s Bridge roll and the fish was so yummy!! I’m a real stickler about fish quality but this fish was so good!! I really hope as they get popular they won’t ever change the quality of their rolls because this will keep me coming back for more!!“

“Great Japanese grill and sushi, friendly staff, nice decor. This was our first time here and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. We had their tuna salad, special, seaweed salad, mackerel, and salmon colors, and a salmon avo hand roll. This is the best Japanese food we’ve found in Portland so far. We’re coming back!“

“best salmon and squid salad ever!“

“🌟 A Return Worth Celebrating! 🌟

This was my second visit—and honestly, it was just as unforgettable as the first. I originally came here to celebrate my birthday, and the food blew me away so much that I had to come back for more.

Every dish I ordered was a masterpiece. The house tonkatsu ramen was rich and comforting, with a broth that could warm your soul. The dynamite salmon roll, hello kitty roll, and kazien roll each brought their own unique flavor profiles and textures—playful, bold, and beautifully balanced.

But the real showstopper? The chef’s choice sashimi. Each slice of fish was paired with toppings that elevated the flavor to a whole new level. It was clear that every detail was thoughtfully curated, and the result was nothing short of spectacular.

If you're looking for a place that delivers not just amazing food but a memorable experience, this is it. I’ll definitely be back again.“

“Everything. This is not just going to dinner. This is a dining experience. It’s a small reserved venue. Yes it’s spendy, but worth every penny. You’ll try food you never thought you try. The mostly seafood menu it so well prepared. Plus you can watch the prepared each course. A fun night.“

“I used to eat here alot over a decade ago while attending PSU and the food and service was always amazing. A very kind lady used to run it. I was in the area handling some permitting and stopped by once again. I was surprised to see her son still running it and decided to get a plate. I absolutely recommend you try this place 100%! Great friendly service, plenty of parking, great food at a great price...the prices are almost the same as 15 years ago! The food is delicious, comes quick, big portions, and overall an absolute must eat when near the area. You won't regret it!“

“Sho is our favorite restaurant in the neighborhood. Katsu and his team are awesome.“

“This is one of the absolute best. Portions very much shareable!! Prices are great. It's just funny we always went there to dine in and one time we take out they charged 22 for a seafood tom yum and and substituted some things lol but anywho I paid an extra $6 for some spawns and literally got none lol asked and payed extra for teriyaki chicken got no extra lol just any substitutes or extra u gotta double check.. was not cool lmfaoo“

“Chicken Teriyaki 8/10.
This spot is one of those hidden gems that people call a "hole in the wall," but trust me, the food is really tasty. It's pretty tiny, but if you swing by during your lunch break and get it to go, it's manageable. The chicken teriyaki gets an 8 out of 10, and the veggies that come with it are tasty and not overcooked. However, the steak teriyaki isn't as impressive because they use a lower-quality cut of beef, and it's chopped up too small. The older Caucasian guy at the counter is always super friendly, while the younger Mexican staff are just okay. They’re not rude, but you can tell they’re just there to take your order and move on. Overall, I'm really happy I discovered this place, and I would definitely recommend it.“

“The service was super and every food we ordered tasted fantastic. We loved the authentic atmosphere and how clean the restroom was in the restaurant! It was our first time visiting today but we would love to go back! Definitely recommend for anyone who never been to Sushi Ave👌 Thank you for the delicious food!!“

“Oh! Teriyaki is one of our favorite places. They have excellent food at a great price. The staff is always friendly and inviting. We usually call our order in and it is ready in about 10 minutes. I also highly recommend buying a bottle of their famous Teriyaki Sauce!“

“Tobiko Bowl is a hidden gem! I tried both the Chicken Spicy Trick and the Salmon Spicy Trick, and they blew me away. The chicken was tender, juicy, and had the perfect level of heat — just enough to make it exciting without overpowering the flavor. The sauce had a delicious kick and paired beautifully with the rice and veggies.

The Salmon Spicy Trick was equally amazing — super fresh salmon with a spicy glaze that made every bite melt in your mouth. You can really tell they use high-quality ingredients. The bowls are well-balanced, satisfying, and beautifully presented. The staff was friendly and quick, and the whole vibe of the food cart is chill and welcoming.

Definitely one of my new favorite spots for a flavorful, healthy meal. Highly recommend both bowls!“

“While we did pick-up, we were in and out in the time they had said it would take. Where we live we don’t have a lot of teriyaki joints to eat at. This is one I said to my wife we need to come back to next time we’re visiting. The chicken and sauce are 🤌🏻. My leftovers were as good the next day as the day I had them. It’s worth going to.“

“A good place to eat and in downtown Portland on me 21“

“Call ahead and get your grind on at home. Please support your favorite Mama 😉“

“I love ordering from this place! My favorites are the katsu and the lunch special combo! I moved away from nearby this place and I specifically make the drive! A true hidden gem, don't skip on this place. Delicious food and great service!“

“Dinner was amazing. Staff was amazing. just AMAZING. My son took me as a surprise while visiting him from FL. Thank you for making this moment for us. 5 star!“

“Probably the best sushi EVER!!!! Rolls are massive.“

“This place is amazing. I just got back from London, Mayfair. And I can say for sure that our of the few restaurants I visited there, none would surpass Jenkins in terms of sensation of taste. Breakfast menus out there are top knotch for sure, but Jenkins is definitely better overall than even Hide. And Hide has 1 Michelin star.

Sidenote, the blueberry creme brulee is simply the best I've had. In my entire life.“

“It has been a long time since I’ve gone to a teriyaki restaurant because my wife has resisted it. Our friends wanted to go here and, I was excited, and my wife agreed. We both had the chicken teriyaki lunch special, which come with chicken teriyaki on a bed of white rice, a side of either sweet and sour chicken or three pot stickers, and a small side salad with a house dressing. I just assumed the sweet and sour chicken was what I receive in a Chinese restaurant. Boy was I wrong! It was like way over cooked fried chicken. It was so hard that it was difficult to eat and there was absolutely no sweet or sour flavor. My wife said the pot stickers were soft but did not taste very good. Fortunately, the teriyaki chicken was very good and adding the sauce to the rice made the rice very good. The house sauce on the salad was very good. The lunch special came with a soft drink and the entire lunch was $13.50. The lady behind the counter was very nice but speaks Japanese and very little English. I tried to tell her the chicken was almost inedible but she had no idea what I was saying. We do not live in Portland so there is almost no chance we will eat there again but I would recommend the chicken teriyaki with fried rice, which our friends had and they said it was very good.“

“Loved it! Had a really good night out on the town!“

“First time here ! Sushi was amazing ! Tried sake for the first time and it was yummy !“

“I've been eating here since 2015 and ABSOLUTELY LOVE this place. Top notch sushi with a wonderful staff. This is my 1st choice place for sushi in Portland Oregon“

“I had a nice, relaxed experience here the other evening. It was somewhat busy but the server got my order quickly. I enjoyed some quality sake while waiting for my sushi. The wait, not so long, was worth it. I loved the Playboy roll, with seared tuna, and the Mango Tango roll even more. The miso soup was good; the decor and atmosphere was pretty cool. But the sushi was delicious. I'd highly recommend this restaurant. I'll be back for sure.“

“This hands down is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland OR. It the same quality of other top spots in the US like Nobu , O-Ya , and Morimoto . The location is perfect located in the Pearl district. The chefs are high quality and the fish is extremely fresh. They have a great but simple flavor approach. The service is warm, helpful, and appreciative. I always ask for Joy as she is a true professional and loves providing an exceptional experience on every visit.“

“Following peach picking at TK Orchards, we found this cozy restaurant. We ordered lunch specials of yakisoba with veggies and chicken, and the other was mixed tempura and teriyaki chicken. Prepared fresh and flavorful within a few minutes following our order. Very friendly owner operator and accomplished chef made for a relaxed, nutritious meal in a comfortable, clean diner setting.“

“can't get much better for the money.“