Top 5 Japanese Restaurants
Sushi, Miso Soup, Sake and more!
These are our favourite Japanese Restaurants in Auckland who provide a fantastic meal out. Be sure to try something new and recommend any places or dishes to us.....
Nishiki
Nishiki comes highly recommended so it’s wise to try it for yourself! It’s suggested you should order a few dishes to share with friends – thus giving you a sampling of different flavours and creating a social vibe over dinner. Be sure to try the Miso Soup, Chicken Teriyaki, a side of Rice, Sushi Rolls and Yaki Onigiri – delicious!
Sharaku
Sharaku is easy to find, based at 75 Queen St in Auckland. Their food is authentic – prepared by traditionally trained Japanese chefs who specialise in sushi Itamae, Tempura, Sashimi and Vegetable Bento. On arrival you are greeted by wait staff dressed in colourful kimono who will lead you to a table. Menu items are also on show in a glass cabinet to give you a glimpse of the menu options on offer. Popular with business people for lunch and groups of friends for dinner so it’s worth getting a taste when you’re next in town.
Gion
Gion have different menus for lunch, dinner and takeaway, and boy are they extensive. You might want to set aside 30 mins on arrival simply to choose what to eat. Tempting options include the Tsukemono Platter, Edamame Beans (green soybeans), Kaisen (fresh seafood salad), Karaage Deep Fried Chicken with Lemon Pepper and Curry Salt, Sushi Combos, Salmon Teriyaki and many more. The décor is nicely lit and decorated with bright red walls and furnishings to complement wooden furniture and floors. You’ll find Gion easily on Parnell Rd, open from 5.45pm to late.
Soto Japanese Restaurant
Soto won the Metro award for Best Asian Restaurant 2010 and, with rave reviews, it’s a place you’ll have to try once (at least). All served dishes are fresh and modern, with gourmet sauces and dressings adding a distinctive flavour. The staff recommend choosing the Prawn, Scallop and Oyster Filo Tempura – a signature dish. Soto can be found on St Marys Rd in Ponsonby.
Daikoku
Watch as Teppan-yaki chefs cook your meal in front of you, complete with flames and flourishes! The Grand Menu food options include the chicken and prawn Daikoku Delight, Oceans with entrée set (prawns, salmon and scallops) and a selection of Combination Meal Sets complete with entrée, main and dessert of fresh fruit or ice cream. Plus, all main meals are served with Miso Soup, Salad with Daikoku Dressing, Prawn Appetiser, Teppan Veges and Steamed Rice. You even have a choice of branches with Quay St, Takapuna and Botany branches.
Also worth a solid mention is the fabulous Sakebar Nippon Restaurant in Epsom. Sat beside the Lido Theatre, it's an incredibly authentic Japanese restaurant, with a great buzzy atmosphere and really good food. Bookings recommended. Genji in Ponsonby Road is also another great sport with checking out.
Editorial by Holly Roberts