Are you stuck with the conventional conveyor belt when you want to have some sushi because you’re not sure of an actual Japanese restaurant to eat? Your quest stops here as I bring you to the wonders of Japanese food right to you.
With best-reviewed and Michelin-awarded restaurants, these 10 best Japanese restaurants in KL have been endorsed by many Japanese expatriates.
From traditional to modern interior dining styles, these places take unwavering pride in serving the ultimate yet vibrant colours of Japanese platters to your table.
Get ready for another gustatory session to make you drool!
Top-Rated Japanese Restaurants For Authentic Japanese Cuisnes in KL:
- Tsukiji No. 8 – Renowned for its fresh, succulent seafood dishes served with the most authentic Japanese style.
- Sushi Hiro, Sri Petaling – Best Japanese restaurant in KL for a most affordable option
- Mitasu @ Bukit Bintang – The best place to indulge in Japanese buffet
- Sakana, KLCC – Sublime Japanese fine dining option that serves the best wagyu beef
- Fukiniku, Bangsar South – Pioneer in innovative Japanese-inspired cuisines
- Yakitori SYokudo Yae – Hot spot for mouth-watering Japanese skewers
- Tono Izakaya, TTDI – Every dish appeals to not only the taste buds but also the eyes
- Genki Sushi @ Sunway Pyramid – Affordable Japanese restaurant with delicious sushis
- Suki-ya @ IPC D’sara – Top Japanese buffet with heart-warming hot pot
- Ayame Ramen KL – Serving some of the most truly authentic ramen with rich, aromatic broth.
1. Tsukiji No. 8
Must-try dishes
- Ocean’s 8 – Fresh slices of prawn, crab, fish and scallops garnished with delicate shiny sea urchins and sweet uni are assembled in the crab to release fantastic flavours.
- Ebbi Teppan – These huge tiger prawns are fried till golden brown with a spicy batter that is simply delicious and juicy within your first bite.
- Chicken Ovarian – One of my favourites is this peculiarly named dish with unforgettable flavours when the ‘Ovarian’ bursts in your mouth. The tender and smokey-flavoured chicken gizzard is perfectly grilled for a robust meat.
- Sashimori 5 – The assorted Sashimi platter of sweet prawns, tuna, salmon and squid resting on a heap of ice is so fresh and even more zesty and immaculate taste with a squeeze of lemon slices.
Tsukiji No. 8 is a seafood medley for its various dishes that consist of fresh and imported seafood from Japan. This place is beyond your imagination of the best Japanese restaurant in KL as the variety of seafood comes every 3 days from the Tsukiji market in Japan.
The authenticity and succulent seafood tastes are exceptional, even more so with their cooked dishes. Be sure to come here and get the perfect resemblance of treasure in a crab shell with Ocean’s 8 dishes!
Operating Hours | Weekdays & Weekends: 11.30 am – 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
Contact Number | 016-761 1888 |
Website | http://www.facebook.com/TsukijiNo.8Official/menu/ |
2. Sushi Hiro, Sri Petaling
Must-try dishes
- Unagi Teriyaki Pasta – The best Japanese pasta I’ve ever had. The smokey and tender eel is flavourful and all the more to savour with this creamy bowl!
- Cheese Baked Salmon – The flavourful rice is baked with slices of cheese and fresh salmon that brings out the perfect aroma and satisfying pull of cheese with the salmon.
- Crispy Salmon Maki – One of the Chef’s favourites is this irresistible salmon maki sushi. I love how a thick slice of salmon is wrapped around the rice and the crunchy fritters, making it a scrumptious bite for me.
- Gyuniku Roll – Believe me when I say one plate of this is never enough. The mirin sauce glazed beef slice has a sweet and robust flavour and tastes wonderfully with strands of enoki mushrooms.
Sushi Hiro deserves not only the title of being the best Japanese restaurant in KL but also, indeed, the most affordable Sushi spot in KL!
Now, you don’t have to worry about spending too much time spotting for your favourite sushi here! The best teriyaki and salmon platters are the main reason for becoming a regular at this place, just like me!
Operating Hours | Weekdays & Weekends: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm |
Contact Number | 03-9547 4576 |
Website | https://sushihiro.my/ |
3. Mitasu @ Bukit Bintang
Must-try dishes
- Creamy Scallop – The scallops are grilled, placed into the shells, and finally garnished with cod roe mayonnaise. It is the best thing I have ever eaten here.
- Green Dragon Maki – These dragon rolls are filled with king prawn and shrimps, and unexpectedly the seaweed flakes have a mellow flavour, making it a delectable platter!
- Sake Hasaru – You know that this skewered salmon belly is grilled to perfection when the meat has a smokey flavour on the outside and is remarkably fresh on the inside.
- Chawanmushi – Nothing completes your Japanese feast without this warm steamed egg full of flavour and the perfect consistency.
Craving for a Japanese buffet of wholesome dishes? Mitasu is just the right place for unlimited orders of anything on the menu!
The sashimi bowls at Mitasu are works of art in this gem. Beautifully sliced meat on the bed of ice is savoury, making the whole dish look and taste even more exciting.
Once you’re done with the savoury and exquisite meals, don’t forget to request ice cream! I’ve tasted all the flavours, but the best and most classic ones are matcha and black sesame.
Operating Hours | Weekdays & Weekends: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
Contact Number | 03-2110 2833 |
Website | https://mitasujapaneserestaurant.beepit.com/ordering/?type=delivery |
4. Sakana, KLCC
Must-try dishes
- Omega Roll – The best of omega-3 nutrients is abundant in each of these rolls. This healthy and delectable platter has fresh salmon slices with avocado, ikura and quinoa for a splendid taste.
- Wagyu BBQ – The wagyu beef has been marinated long enough for the braised flavour and juicy meat after being grilled and slightly charred.
- Mozart Pudding – This immaculate soft pudding is something worth trying at this place. The shiny surface on top of the caramel is nectareous and simply addictive with the creamy pudding inside.
This secret corner in KLCC is an oasis for magnificent fine-dining Japanese restaurants in KL. Their top-tier culinary styles prove their expertise in making authentic Japanese dishes with freshly imported meat from Japan!
Besides the food, I must mention the perfect ambience with a minimalistic interior and a panoramic view of KL city near the window. I’d love this perfect sushi date with my partner, so don’t forget to bring your better half here next!
Operating Hours | Weekdays – Weekends: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm |
Contact Number | 03-2181 0211 |
Website | https://sakana.my/ |
5. Fukuniku, Bangsar South
Must-try dishes
- Signature Donburi – What a gastronomical pleasure when juicy patties of pork and beef on rice are topped with a poached egg. Don’t forget the oozing yoke that flows for the best flavour combination.
- Hambagu Durian – It’s never wrong to challenge yourself with an unusual taste of durian with this juicy and succulent meat. The salty taste from the patty and the sweet flavours of the durian are aromatic and savoury. However, the taste is not for everyone.
- Hambagu Kimchi – I love indulging in this Kimchi hamburger with rice. The spicy kick from the kimchi is mouthwatering, and be sure to choose the pork patty for a sweeter flavour combination.
Fukuniku serves the simplest yet most unique dish of meat patties, ranging from pork, seafood, and beef, on Japanese rice.
The rich and full-bodied flavour of the meat is exceptional, and it’s a testament to the remarkable grilling styles that keep people coming back for more. Make sure to pour the Miso soup on the rice for a flavourful and complete Japanese meal.
For an adventurous Japanese-inspired burger journey, this might just be your best Japanese restaurant in KL.
Operating Hours | Weekdays – Weekends: 10:30 am – 10:00 pm |
Contact Number | 011-5423 2219 |
Website | https://www.instagram.com/fukuniku.my?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D |
6. Yakitori Syokudo Yae
Must-try dishes
- Tsukune – The shiny glaze of grease and sweet sauces brushed on these two skewers is the ultimate chicken meatball I have ever had. The juicy and tender chicken skewers are served with egg yolk for a savoury dip sauce.
- Kamo – My personal favourite and the best one here is this grilled duck wings, for the smokey and robust flavour is created by the perfect charred grilling method.
- Shiro Magoru – A fresh white tuna yakitori is nowhere to be found in KL except at Yakitori Syokuda Yae. The fresh tuna is soft inside and full of flavour with crispy edges.
- Yaki Soba – Pair the perfect Japanese skewers with soba noodles for a remarkable feast here. This stir-fried noodle is mouthwatering with soft cabbage and soy sauce for a heavenly delight.
Yakitori Syokudo Yae is my best Japanese restaurant in KL for delicious skewers and authentic Japanese-style dining! With barrel tables and smokey flavours of skewers in the restaurant, I could spend all day sinking my teeth into their juicy Yakitoris!
Most of my Japanese friends also praised the quality of the white tuna dishes at this restaurant.
Don’t forget seafood and especially sake (Japanese alcohol), which pairs perfectly with all those full-bodied meat!
Operating Hours | Monday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm |
Contact Number | 03-7660 9486 |
Website | https://www.facebook.com/syokudoyae/ |
7. Tono Izakaya, TTDI
Must-try dishes
- Wagyu Don – Donburi bowl topped with robust teriyaki beef slices, mushrooms, seaweed, sesame seeds, and, best of all, round slurry egg yolk, is just divine.
- Crab & Corn – I love how this dish comes as an appetiser as it prepares your tastebuds with juicy pieces of fresh crab and crunchy corn for the next umami dishes.
- Egg Mentaiko Sando – I could enjoy this classic sando on every visit. The savoury egg and generous portion of ham in each slice are luscious with a slightly sweet taste.
- Monk Fish Liver – This huge chuck of shredded meat is simply delicious and flavoursome even more sublime when dipped with Wasabi!
Tono Izakaya at TTDI has the Omakase menu prepared by skilled sushi makers and exquisite food presentation styles, constantly capturing their regulars on a Friday night. It’s also the time when you will spot many Japanese expats dining here.
It amazes me how their meat is so fresh and irresistible with tenderness in every bite.
Going classic as always, sip their free flow of hot Sencha to enjoy your gustatory feast at this best Japanese restaurant in KL!
Operating Hours | Sunday – Wednesday: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm |
Contact Number | 019-694 2377 |
Website | https://www.instagram.com/tonoizakaya/ |
8. Genki Sushi @ Sunway Pyramid
Must-try dishes
- Takoyaki – The perfect round Takoyaki served at Genki Sushi is imbued with generous and cheesy flow salmon slices. Eat it when it’s warm for the crunchy texture on the outside and the savoury taste of the filling. Don’t burn your tongue!
- Kaki Fry – My favourite is these oysters coated with batter and breadcrumbs and fried till perfect golden brown. I love how it’s not very oily and soft even when it’s cooled off to give you endless crunchy bites!
- Salmon Head Miso Soup – Indeed different from your ordinary miso soup. It has an astringent umami flavour and seafood flavour from the salmon, making it a hearty and warm soup for your soul.
Genki Sushi serves the finest and best of fresh meat on its sushi platters. This affordable Japanese restaurant has franchised its delicious delicacies to Malaysia as well.
Their service makes you feel like you are transported to the future by 40 years. With train-like conveyor belts, your order comes immediately to your table.
Indeed, it is an extraordinary experience and worth the frequent visits!
Operating Hours | Weekdays – Weekends: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm |
Contact Number | 03-5612 6738 |
Website | https://www.genkisushi.com.my/ |
9. Suki-ya @ IPC D’sara
Must-try dishes
- Shabu Shabu – Don’t forget to indulge in this flavoursome Konbu broth base that perfectly maximises the taste of your meats and fish balls.
- Beef Slices – I can’t stress enough the tender and freshness of every slice of this beef. This unlimited flow of meat is the highlight on everyone’s table.
- Tori Karage – This Japanese fried chicken is the best I’ve ever tried for the juicy meat and soy-marinated light batter that releases a sublime bite.
- Sakura Ice Cream – Nothing beats a smooth and velvety Sakura ice cream that is not too sweet and the ideal dessert after a scrumptious meal here.
The best Japanese restaurant in KL with an unlimited deal of ‘All-You-Can-Eat’ buffet can only be found in Suki-Ya. It is the right place to play the game with your friends when you do that ‘chopstick-wrap’ trick with the meat slices.
Just don’t splash the boiling soup on anyone.
With fresh meat and vegetables sinking in the hot pot and the compulsory dip of the sesame dipping sauce, you will not regret the best 2 hours of feasting in this halal buffet paradise.
Check them out right now at your nearest Suki-Ya outlets!
Operating Hours | Weekdays – Weekends: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm |
Contact Number | 016-367 7475 |
Website | http://www.suki-ya.com/ |
10. Ayame Ramen KL
Must-try dishes
- Ayame Deluxe – This generous bowl of Australian beef wonders is beautifully presented and savoury with their famous chicken broth garnished with fresh scallions.
- Light Syoyou – I personally love this for the light taste of umami Chicken soup and chewy noodles. Served with an Onsen egg for a complete ramen feast.
- Tsukemen Rich – One of the top-notch dishes is this ramen bowl for the rich and foamy soup prepared for over 10 hours. Every slurp of the ramen noodles and soup is just divine.
- Match Cheesecake – I must say this matcha-infused dish is irresistible for the soft and delightful taste that melts easily in your mouth. The perfectly baked and cold cheesecake is so comforting after a wholesome dine here.
Ayame Ramen is the one and only Japanese restaurant to serve rich and foamy broth with side poultries, just like the authentic Japanese ramen bowls in KL today!
Their chewy noodles are made from scratch, while the savoury broths are prepared for almost 16 hours, explaining the perfect taste and soup consistency to suit your local tastebuds.
Operating Hours | Weekdays – Weekends:11:30 am – 9:00 pm |
Contact Number | 03-6206 4964 |
Website | https://www.facebook.com/p/Ayame-Ramen-100087015571936/ |
Conclusion
Arigato Gozaimas! Your drooling journey over mouthwatering Japanese delicacies shouldn’t end here. Head to these places with your favourite bunch and dwell in the epitome of the Anime series as you feast on these Omakase menus!
Still can’t make your choice? Let me give you a teaser.
If you’re craving robust and juicy meat. Yakitori Syokodu Yae and Fukuniku can ‘meat’ your desires with a hearty meal of fresh and succulent poultry that fills you instantly.
However, for fun outings of laughter and good food, check out the best Japanese buffet in KL, Suki-Ya and Mitasu. The inviting atmosphere and endless steamboat sides are a must to enjoy with your foodie gang!
So check them out today!
Other Must-Try Dishes in KL
Enjoyed the Japanese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur? Now, let’s switch it up with some of the city’s best steaks. Kuala Lumpur is not just about great sushi and ramen; it also offers fantastic steakhouses with juicy and delicious steaks.
If you’re keen to explore the best steaks in Kuala Lumpur, we have a list of top places that steak lovers shouldn’t miss.
Ready to discover some of the best steaks in town? Click here: “Top 10 Restaurants With Best Steak in KL.”