Japan loving
Japan holds one of the most fascinating cultures in the world and it is reflected in every way of life of the Japanese, especially in culinary arts. When talking about Japanese food, even the most critical food connoisseur has to utter an exclamatory praise for its gastronomic sensations as he takes a full bite of the freshest sushi, gets kicked by the wasabi explosion in his mouth and then sips in a gulp of cold green tea.
If you cannot fend off the craving for Japanese food, then take note the following list of the best 18 Japanese restaurants in Klang Valley and satisfy your roaring stomach now.
1. Hanare Japanese restaurant
There are very little things that can spell Japanese as precisely as this extravagant restaurant. From its contemporary upper-class décor to the selections of food that seem to only exist in the royal Japanese lifestyle, Hanare is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any Japanese foody.
Kick off the gastronomic adventure with its sushi platter and complete the meal with grilled seafood and their signature Japanese teppanyaki that are prepared by the top professional seasoned chefs. You can even get to try out Hanare’s very own omakase (tasting menu selected by the chef) at RM180.
Address: The Intermark Mall, Ground Floor, 348 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 2:30pm & 6pm to 10:30pm
Website: Here
2. Fuku Den
Bringing the authentic culinary arts of Northern Japan to Malaysia on a pilgrimage towards a supreme eating lifestyle, Fuku Den is our choice of the finest robatayaki (slow-grilled meat and vegetables) and tempura in town. This restaurant offers not only the genuine Japanese palate but also a taste of a true lavish food paradise.
Have you ever tasted anything that is so fresh yet bursts out with exceptional flavours of sea salt and other signature Japanese seasoning? Try out Fuku Den’s sizzling lobster, beef or lamb (only served for dinner though). You can also opt for its appetizing tempura or teppanyaki in the homie décor of Fuku Den and drift away with the optimum taste of Japan. Well, there is more to Japanese food culture than just raw meat and sake.
Address: No.10, Jalan Delima, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon to Sat 12pm to 2:30pm & 6:30pm to 10:30pm | Sun 6pm to 10pm
Website: Here
3. Sakai’s Curry & Bar
People love Japanese food for its fresh sushi and succulent udon or ramen, just what else makes the land of the rising sun a haven for food lovers to land to? It’s the rice curry dish that is also known as karē raisu. Sakai’s Curry and Bar became popular among other players in the market for being the first of its kind – specializing in Japanese Curry cuisine.
The tangy curry poured on one side of the plate, flooding around the steaming hot rice and served with deep-fried pork cutlets (or prawn & vegetables) will give you the most delightful taste sensation. Order some side dishes to round up your foodventure at Sakai’s Curry & Bar with Caesar salad and Prawn Ahijo being the top recommendations.
Address: No.2 Ground Floor, Jalan Solaris 3, Solaris Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon to Thu 11am to 12am | Fri to Sat 11am to 1am | Sun 11am to 12am
Website: Here
4. Ipuddo Ramen
Experience the world-class Japanese full-fledge concept restaurant and bar right here with Ipuddo. You are about to embark on the most unforgettable sojourn to the home of the best of Japan – ramen. It is not exaggerating to say that this restaurant is your utmost gateway to the flavourful arts of Japanese cultural palate. Each bowl of ramen is carefully prepared with dedication which can be seen from the scrumptious presentation of al dente ramen noodles and tonkotsu (pork bone broth).
Ipuddo will also give you a hard self-conflicting time from deciding what to order with its heavenly menu selection of ramen soup. Our favourite has got to be Shiromaru Motoaji – the restaurant’s signature milky pork bone soup cooked to perfection without the overwhelming aroma of pork meat, harmonised with the taste of bean sprouts, kikurage and spring onions to create the explosion of rich flavours in every single slurp.
For the full list of the outlets, click here.
5. Kampachi
Fans of sashimi rejoice! This is where you can get to indulge in the pleasantly fresh, air-flown sashimi that are hand-picked from the world’s largest fish market Tsukiji in Tokyo, Japan. Enjoy every fresh cut of the sea’s creatures topped with wasabi and a slight drop of soy sauce at its finest in Kampachi. Be sure to order its assorted sashimi dish to indulge in an authentic dining experience just like the Japanese.
The cozy setting of Japan’s traditional décor is an utmost compliment to its excellent menu offers as well as an exceptional service. A big thumbs up for Kampachi!
For the full list of the outlets, click here.
6. Kurata Japanese fine dining
It has long been engrained in our minds that Japan is the land of extraordinary lifestyle and its food culture is no exception. It may look simple but to create an impeccable piece of sushi, the chef must put all his energy into it. At Kurata, serving the best dishes to customers is like the quest for perfection in the arts of cookery.
For first time patrons, we totally recommend its wonderful Shabu-shabu and Sukiyaki on top of their must-try sushi selections. Living up to its fine dining concept, the restaurant is spacious with enough privacy to give you an enjoyable time with your companions.
Address: Lower Lobby, Park Royal Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 2:30pm & 6pm to 11pm
Website: Here
7. Sushi Jiro
If your budget is limited yet you are dying for the taste of Japanese food, Sushi Jiro can definitely curb your craving with its menu of more than 100 varieties of sushi. Located in the busy Mid Valley Megamall, Sushi Jiro is a favourite place to dine out for most Kuala Lumpur dwellers for its jaw-dropping price at only RM2.90 per plate when you eat more than 5 plates.
Besides numerous types of sushi platter served on the conveyor belt, you should also try their udon dishes that are guaranteed authentic for as low as RM9.80.
Address: SK-16. Second floor, Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley city, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website: Here
8. Ri-Yakitori
As derived from its name, this restaurant is known for Japan’s special grilled chicken on a skewer – Yakitori. The blissful taste of tender chicken parts blends perfectly well with the rich tang of sauces and the smokiness of the meat to produce blossoms in your mouth. Don’t miss out on this cheerful dining experience while in search for the quintessence of Japanese cuisine.
Enrich the chicken flavour with an authentic cup of sake, served right from the special sake dispenser.
Address: Level 7, The Gardens Hotel & Residences, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 5pm to 1am | Sat 12pm to 1am | Sun 12pm to 8pm
9. Iketeru
This restaurant is one the most grandiose establishments of Japanese eateries in Kuala Lumpur. Located in the world-class Hilton Hotel KL, Iketeru gained its fame from 5-star meals which consist of sashimi, sushi, seafood treats in the style of traditional Japanese cuisine as well as the nouveau styles. The relaxing ambience in a splendid Zen garden of Iketeru is another lavishness you cannot find elsewhere.
Let the authenticity of Japanese cuisine freshen up your taste buds and imagine the serene sceneries of Japan flashing in front of you, what a life!
Address: Level 8, Hilton KL, 3 Jalan Stesen Sentral, KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 2:30pm & 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Website: Here
10. Daikanyama
If a fusion style restaurant is your kinda place, then you just cannot visit the pubs-street of Kuala Lumpur without a sojourn in Daikanyama. On the stretch of the bustling Changkat area, the restaurant stands out with a cheerful atmosphere. This is where you can try out an exceptional fusion of Western cuisines in Japanese flavourful dishes..
Savour the assorted sashimi slices in an appetizing mix of cheese and the chef’s special sauce like no other. Every dish holds a distinctive culinary art and it’s hard to pick the best one. However, there is a hidden gem that is not shown on the menu so make sure to re-visit Daikanyama until you get to taste its special Maggie Goreng cooked with octopus and scallops for a truly gastronomic journey.
Address: No.42, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 5:30pm till late
11. Tatsu
Outshining its luxurious ambience of contemporary décor is the list of incredibly rich in flavour Japanese dishes. With an appetizing sashimi of 5 types to choose from (butterfish, octopus, salmon, tuna and yellowtail) to teriyaki, teppanyaki and other Japanese signature selections, an a-la-carte buffet at Tatsu will make you forget about the flow of time to fully enjoy the authenticity of Japanese cuisine.
Furthermore, its oriental zen garden view with a cascading waterfall will add on the most pleasant time to your dining experience just like how the Japanese enjoy a fine day in their bonsai garden.
Address: Hotel Intercontinental KL, 165 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 2:30pm & 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Website: Here
12. Wasabi Bistro
Offering the best of Japanese cuisine twists with Californian style, Wasabi Bistro is one of the top destinations for true Japanese foodies. Known for its delicate and incomparable menu from its unique tuna carpaccio to its crispy yet succulent deep fried chicken and to its tangy curry. Kobe beef and Mango salad are among the most ordered dishes on the menu.
Wonderfully armed with a contemporary bistro setting, this restaurant is also an inspiring eatery for the “wanderful” soul.
Address: Level 1, Mandarin Oriental, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 2:30pm | 6pm to 19:30pm
Website: Here
13. Coco Tei
Herald as the next generation of the once a Japanese gem – Hajime Restaurant, Coco Tei does live up to its “ancestor” with spectacular food and heart-warming sake. Release your stress at this nature oriented design and its immaculate aesthetic sushi platter and rolls. Some of the chef’s recommendations include: Chirashi sushi, Ebi Miso Mayonese, Erinci Butteryaki among others.
Address: No.5, GF-B, Jalan Delima, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 2:30pm & 6pm to 10:30pm
Website: Here
14. Manmaru Homemade Udon
Manmaru is agreeably one of the top udon restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. With a variety of udon as well as appetizing side dishes that complement the flavour of its soft udon noodles in a heart-warming soup so beautifully, the essence of Japanese udon culture is presented in this vibrant Japanese restaurant.
Address: S-045, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website: Here
15. Ten Japanese Fine Dining
Here’s another one of Japan’s lavish world of food culture. Ten restaurant offers an ultimate fine dining experience with luxurious marble tables along with stone garden décor that prompt an excellent venue for black tie occasions. Be prepared for the offers of omakase and kaiseki – the most indulgent selections by the chefs.
Besides the focus on authentic ingredients of Japanese culinary arts, Ten also experiments the scrumptious touch of contemporary cookery to create the supreme cultural plate. While its full course meal may cost you a fortune, there is another option in the a-la-carte menu with the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu teppanyaki being the hallmark of the restaurant.
Address: A-G-1, Marc Residence, Ground Floor, 3 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 2:30pm & 6pm to 12am
Website: Here
16. Ozeki Tokyo Cuisine
With the reputation of Chef Hitoshi Kimijima, who has immersed himself in the arts of Japanese, French, Italian and German cuisines, Ozeki soon gained its fame among fans of Japanese fusion dishes. From prosperous sashimi plates to an incredibly harmonised taste of raw fish rolls in Californian style, your ultimate foodgasm experience starts right here.
Also, we recommend you to pay Ozeki a visit with a group of friends to get to sample a variety of dishes at once.
Address: S-045, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 2:30m & 6:30pm to 11pm
Website: Here
17. Tomoe
Tomoe to us is the soul of Japanese sashimi for its excellent Mikatsuki platter. It has various sushi types with sashimi slice toppings that melt rightfully in one full bite. Be sure to order these stellar dishes from Tomoe – Dashimaki tamago (rolled omelette) which is amazingly soft and tasteful together with Salmon teriyaki for a complete Japanese meal.
The restaurant also boasts an elegant interior design that reflects the Japanese culture precisely.
Address: No.1, Jalan SS15/5A, Subang Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 2:15pm & 6pm to 10:30pm
Website: Here
18. Tokyo Teppan & Tokyo Don
Enjoy the best of both worlds with the sister restaurants Tokyo Teppan and Tokyo Don right in one place.
You can get to enjoy a dining experience like never before with the ability to cross order from the 2 restaurants that specialize in Teppanyaki and Udon – two of the most signature Japanese cuisines.
Address: Level 6, Pavilion, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon to Thu & Sun 10am to 9pm | Fri to Sat 10am to 9:45pm
Website: Here
Irrashaimase!
A warm greeting that is heard every time we step inside a Japanese restaurant is a prominent part of Japan’s food culture. More than just the aesthetic way of serving, Japanese cuisine is truly an irresistible gastronomic exploration to the land of the rising sun.
To be able to find an authentic Japanese restaurant to some is like a serendipitous find with an abundance of them around the city, so let’s make use of our list of the top Japanese eateries and head on down there today.
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