Japanese Restaurant: Five Great Hot Spots Worldwide!
Thuy Fang
Are you a massive fan of Japanese food, but you can’t make it to Japan? You don’t have to hop continents to taste this magic; there’s probably a Japanese restaurant in your neck of the woods! Grab your chopsticks and join us as we explore these global hotspots!
Raku (USA)
Raku in Las Vegas’s Chinatown looks small but bursts with big flavors and exciting surprises! This cozy Japanese restaurant was started by a chef named Mitsuo Endo. He wanted to bring the taste and heart of real Japanese robata (a special charcoal grilling) to America. Everything from the sauces to the charcoal is brought straight from Japan.
Raku’s space is warm, simple, and clean, with two small dining rooms that feel like a hidden secret. One room is near the sushi bar, so you can peek at the chefs carefully preparing your food! Even though it’s not on the busy Las Vegas Strip, people come from all over to eat here because the food is that good.
The menu is a big adventure with various dishes: cold, hot, grilled, steamed, and deep-fried. There’s juicy fried chicken, melt-in-your-mouth tofu, crispy shrimp, and buttery scallops. For brave eaters, there are things like beef tongue and pork cheek too! And don’t forget the tasty sashimi, like soft bluefin tuna and zesty yellowtail with a kick of wasabi (Japanese horseradish). You can try classic Japanese teas or over 75 kinds of sake.
Kyoto Garden (South Africa)
Kyoto Garden is a peaceful little Japanese restaurant in the lively city of Cape Town. This calm and cozy place was dreamed up by Scott Wood, who wanted to bring Japan’s authentic taste and beauty to the town. The restaurant resembles a Zen garden with soft lighting, pale wood, bamboo screens, and gentle music. The space is small with a sushi counter, open kitchen, and comfy tables close enough to feel friendly, yet still private.
The food here is fantastic and full of surprises! You can try rare seafood like sea urchin, abalone, and Alaskan king crab. Fresh sushi, sashimi, and feather-light tempura are crispy and tasty! There’s even miso soup with mushrooms and seaweed that warms your tummy. They also have fun vegetarian choices, like seaweed salad and veggie tempura. Everything is cooked with care and Japanese flavors like soy, miso, ginger, and ponzu.
And the desserts? There’s green tea ice cream, ginger whisky scoops, and cherry blossom sweets! Additionally, this Japanese restaurant has all kinds of drinks. You can sip Japanese green tea, try a fizzy plum cocktail, or taste smooth Japanese whisky. You can also choose soft drinks or tasty local Cape wines.
Are you looking for great snacks from Japan? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, snacks, drinks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest treats directly from Japan!
Minato (Germany)
Minato is a lovely Japanese restaurant in the Das James Hotel in Flensburg, a pretty city by the sea in northern Germany. It shines with its quiet, stylish look and a gentle Japanese vibe. The restaurant was created with care by talented chefs, and it’s led by Hiro Suzuki, who brings traditional Japanese flavors to life in a fresh way.
Here, you can choose a menu with sushi made just for you or try the omakase (chef’s choice) menu. That means Chef Hiro picks the best dishes for you, such as sushi and sashimi made right in front of you! There are also fancy Japanese drinks like sake and light cocktails to accompany your meal.
Izakaya Mew (USA)
Izakaya Mew, opened in 2013, is a cool izakaya (Japanese pub) hiding underground in the middle of busy Manhattan, New York City. Mew’s design is funky and warm. It looks like an old factory mixed with a cozy hangout.
The food at Izakaya Mew is yummy and full of variety. You can eat warm bowls of ramen, crispy fried chicken, soft dumplings, sushi rolls, and yakitori (skewered chicken). The Japanese chefs work hard to make every plate look and taste amazing. You can also try tasty drinks like frozen beer slushies, sake, and big pitchers of beer.
Tora Tora Tora (Singapore)
Tora Tora Tora is nestled on the rooftop of Oxley Bizhub 2 in Singapore. It feels like stepping right into a colorful izakaya in Japan! This rooftop gem is about delicious seafood, tasty grilled dishes, and excellent drinks. The founder wanted to bring the heart of Japan’s izakaya culture to Singapore.
The place has a modern look with a buzzing vibe that makes everyone happy. There’s even a private room where friends can sing karaoke while enjoying yummy food. You can try sushi, sashimi, and special grilled treats made over charcoal. Some highlights are the Salmon Ikura Mentaiko roll, the Unagi Tamago roll, or a fancy sushi cake like the Tuna Heart! And don’t forget the drinks! There’s a huge collection of sake and whisky to explore.
Why should I enjoy a meal at these international Japanese restaurants?
Eating at an international Japanese restaurant is like taking a little trip to Japan without getting on a plane. These places aren’t just about food but stories, feelings, and sharing traditions from faraway places. Each chef brings their background, care, and creativity into every dish. You get to taste something real, made with love, in a space designed to make you feel welcome and curious.
Whether it’s a quiet spot by the sea, a rooftop hideaway, or a cozy underground pub, these restaurants invite you to slow down, look around, and enjoy the moment. You’ll find things you’ve never tasted before, and maybe even discover a new favorite. So, which Japanese restaurant would you love to try? Or have you ever eaten at one of these? Let us know in the comments!
Related articles
Convenience Stores in Japan: Their Amazing History!
From their early beginnings to their current high-tech form, Japanese convenience stores have grown alongside society, changing how people shop, eat, and manage daily tasks. They also support communities, offer jobs, and provide help during emergencies.
Let’s Try Cooking Chicken Karaage Like Aaron and Claire!
If you’re a fan of cozy, food-filled YouTube content, you’ve likely come across Aaron and Claire, the fun-loving couple whose cooking videos have won over fans worldwide. In one of their most satisfying uploads yet, the duo dives into the world of chicken karaage, Japan’s beloved version of fried chicken.
Cold Noodles and More: Japan’s Konbini Delights
In Japan, konbini (convenience stores) are places where you can enjoy many helpful services. But the most popular thing everyone does at a konbini is buying delicious and ready-to-eat food. Let’s look at everyday meals you can’t miss, starting with cold noodles!
Famichiki and More Amazing Konbini Specialties!
Japan’s convenience stores, called konbini, are famous for offering quick, delicious food, like Famichiki. Each of these specialties comes from a different brand and has its flavor and fan base. These aren’t boring gas station snacks—they’re loved for a reason!
The Japanese Bakery: A Look Inside The Country’s Flour Power!
The Japanese bakery, or pan-ya, sells everything from crispy baguettes to fluffy milk bread, sweet buns, and curry-filled pastries. Let’s explore how bakeries became so popular in Japan!