Japanese restaurants in New Zealand

“Exceptional. I had the teriyaki and tempura bento. So nice and fresh. Super quick too!”

“1st visit today. Yummy takeaway lunch. Will recommend to our friends that might be interested. BEEN BACK A COUPLE OF TIMES! food is fresh and yummy. Ideal stop when not rushing onwards to Hamilton.”

“Absolutely loved this place! A cozy, family-run Japanese restaurant with amazing food and a welcoming atmosphere. The food was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The staff were kind and attentive, making us feel right at home. Perfect spot for anyone who appreciates Japanese cuisine and warm hospitality!”

“Nice food! They open only once a month for dinner! Want to come back to try other dishes.”

“Nice, simple but delicious food. Possibly the best value Japanese meal in Auckland. The service was excellent, and the owner was friendly and welcoming. This will be our regular Japanese restaurant. The food was so good I forgot to take pics of the rest of the meal.”

“Why bother going to Japan when you have Kenzo! The food is absolutely the best and the ingredients were top quality. Presentation of the food is incredible and the staffs are very welcoming and considerate, they offered us spicy oil separately to the ramen to put them according to our preference. Can’t wait to visit again !”

“Have had the lunch deal a couple of times and find it unbeatable for value”

“Delicious food! Must try Spicy Garlic Udon stir try!!”

Tokyo Garden Restaurant keeps things simple, bistro-style and focused on flavour. Views add a quiet lift to the visit. Portions are generous yet well judged. Front‑of‑house runs with calm, helpful energy.

“I had the pleasure of dining at this exceptional Japanese restaurant in Auckland, and I can confidently say it was one of the most authentic and memorable Japanese meals I’ve had outside of Japan. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the quiet elegance of the space, which set the tone for an outstanding dining experience. The quality of the food was truly top-notch – every dish was beautifully presented, expertly prepared, and rich in flavour. You could taste the care and precision in each bite, from the freshness of the sashimi to the perfectly balanced broths and delicately seasoned vegetables. It’s clear that the chefs are deeply committed to traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients. What stood out just as much as the cuisine was the service. The staff were courteous, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind – attentive without being intrusive, and always ready to explain a dish or recommend a pairing. Their hospitality added a personal, thoughtful touch to the meal, making it feel not just like a dinner, but an experience. If you’re looking for authentic Japanese cuisine in Auckland, this place is a hidden gem.”

“$7.5（M) Beef curry How can I say? Good quality, affordable price, friendly staff. Definitely come back again!”

Japanese Sushi Aozora runs with a simple, bistro-style menu and a relaxed feel. Service stays present without fuss. Portions are generous yet well judged. Pricing lines up with the offer. Meals land p...

“When I first seen the size of the dishes I said: where do we go to have a pizza or else after as I'm famished. But was I disappointed....?! Yes in a good way. The last bites from the last dish I couldn't even eat it anymore.Each bite from each and every dish was not what it seemed to be....all was bursting of flavour. Your tongue gets super excited and buzzes....it is like a culinary orgasm...so you better wait at least half a minute before you take another bite. And prepare for surprises everything will taste differently than you expect to.And every little detail from plate to arrangement is very expertly chosen.And really you have to allow 2.5hrs for the full 7 dish menu....you can't rush it or you spoil it. So even if outside looks very simple and you would not expect for such a restaurant in that place prepare for Michelin macromolecular type of cuisine to delight you. Well done to Kazuya and the whole team.”

“We had an incredible experience at HEIZO Teppanyaki. Starting with the friendly service of the owner, chef, and his wife, they provided quality products and great conversation. We were privileged to be the only ones in the restaurant, so we received personalized attention and were able to chat and learn more about the chef and the history of the restaurant. Excellent food and experience, very traditional. Recommended!”

“The spicy chicken was nice and smokey. Owners were friendly, and lots of quick sushi and Japanese cabinet snacks readily available.”

“We visited today as a family and ordered the Wagyu lunch set. The salad, kimchi, pickles, rice, and the tender, flavorful beef were absolutely delicious and melted in our mouths!!! The girls had so much fun grilling the meat themselves. We also tried the chicken karaage. it was big, crispy, and really tasty. We were so impressed by the kindness of the staff, especially the kind lady who served our table. Her attentive and friendly service made our meal even more memorable. Thank you!!!”

“The food was exceptionally prepared and presented. It was full of flavour and melted in your mouth. Loved the extra details and the friendly service. We had the set menu and it is well balanced and just exquisite. This restaurant never disappoints.”

“My wife and I had a great dinner at Okome. The food was delicious with an authentic taste that reminded us of our holiday in Japan. The owners were very friendly and made us feel welcome. In summary it was a very pleasant experience.”

“The sushi was pretty good pretty average like other sushi places, but their staff members were so friendly! They had a smile on their face full time, and I was the first one in the store and when they saw me coming in they all greeted me and because I was the first one not all the sushi were on the shelf. Once I started choosing they immediately started to make more sushi to put on the shelf!”

Yoku Japanese Cafe is a long‑running CBD spot for sushi and modern Japanese lunches. The menu extends to poke bowls, bao buns and donburi alongside cabinet sushi, with takeaway, delivery and catering...

“We really enjoyed the new lunch menu offered with obento boxes! My brother was in happy land with his lamb meal as well.”

“The service is really good and I enjoy the hot tea. Hope to visit there with friends next time”

“Such a good experience. The dishes were fresh and full of flavour, and everything came out fast. The staff were super friendly and really on to it. The atmosphere was relaxed and felt genuinely welcoming. The food was so good I caught myself saying美味しいwithout even thinking. Easy five stars ありがとうございます。”

“Tasty comfy in big portion fresh sashimi. Also surprised with their sizzling lamb. It was perfectly cook soooo juicy and tanky and don't forget to order their desert!”

Koharu Japanese Sushi Bar favours a coffee‑and‑cabinet mix with clear, clean flavours. Pricing lines up with the offer. Desserts close the meal with familiar comfort. Service stays present without fuss.

The kitchen at RAMEN CHIDORI Japanese Noodle Restaurant takes a Japanese‑leaning path and lets the food speak. A riverside backdrop rounds out the stop. Front‑of‑house runs with calm, helpful energy. Sushi and hot dishes come out clean‑flavoured and precise.

“Sakura is a real “cherry” treasure well hidden inside Asian Mall. When we first found it, we couldn’t believe our luck. Small , family run Japanese restaurant with amazing options of both vegan and not vegan food. Our favourites are Agedashi Tofu, veggie tempura and seaweed salad which is must try ! There are some choices of sushi including vegetarian but if you ask they make it vegan. Plenty of choice of Sake as well for connoisseur of that drink. Staff is always nice and friendly and very polite. Since tables are limited booking is recommended especially on weekends as place is always packed. Sakura is No. 1 Japanese restaurant in town without doubt!”

“This place was delicious. Very quick and convenient and great service. They have a separate vegan menu and I got the tofu bulgogi which was so good.”

“Had dinner here and the steak was absolutely divine. The lovely staff guided us with how to prepare it and the saké pairing was just perfect. Would definitely go back again”