Japanese restaurants in New Zealand

“Excellent Japanese restaurant set in a traditional ambiance. The restaurant has an A grade by Auckland Council. The food was very tasty and the staff very friendly. There’s also a bar in the Japanese style.”

“One of the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland! It has such a cozy atmosphere, and the staff are incredibly lovely and friendly. Everything on the menu is delicious, but I highly recommend the sushi rolls and bento boxes:)”

“Very tasty sushi whit lots of meat”

“It's like stepping into a little pocket of Japan. I really enjoy the slower pace of this place. And ordering a few things at a time. They have a top 5 recommended skewers list, and I'd have to second it. The only other thing I'd add is the beef tongue and the grilled rice balls. The latter has such an interesting texture when grilled. The karaage is also a classic must have, as well as the beef tataki. I've also tried the gingko nuts and it's quite the interesting flavour and texture - worth trying once. Though Google tells me I shouldn't eat more than 7 of these nuts in a day... Great sake and classic Japanese beer options. And a very cosy ambience. If you're not a big group, would recommend sitting by the kitchen. Always fun to watch them grill.”

“Great deals for sushi everyday. Taste and portion size was really good. Tried salmon and California roll one.”

“For a sushi chain, this place is excellent. Sushi chef is ready to make to order, he and the team provide a friendly service too. Lovely seating area. Plenty of parking. Lots of options to fit your tastebuds. Make sure to pickup chopsticks though, they don't assume you want them so you need to pack them in yourself.”

“The sushi was excellent! The salmon felt like it was melting in my mouth, it was so buttery and smooth. Also I definitely recommend trying the cream puffs, they are really light and it feels like they pop in your mouth. The staff are really friendly! The seating area is a bit tight tho.”

“Got dinner here with my wife our first night in Wellington, mostly because it was near the craft market we visited first. Food was good and well-worth the price, even had enough leftovers for another meal the following day since we had a fridge in our hotel. Not where I would go if I was looking for high-end authentic Japanese food but would absolutely go again and recommend for a quick bite, my wife liked the katsu enough that we've worked to find places with good katsu at home in Chicago. Seating was inside but open to a busy street, it wasn't problematic but is worth knowing depending on your mood.”

“Chicken Katsu, everything is so delicious, tidy , friendly environment and just overall love the quality of the food. Top tier ❤️”

“We love this place, food is always great, hot and fresh. They cook it in front of you and it’s very entertaining, kid friendly or fun for a few drinks as the start of a good night”

“Asked for combo to be made up of sushi and it was no problem. The service was friendly and fast. The sushi was excellent! And its a modern, very clean nice place to be inside. I will definitely be back.”

“Both the shoyu and miso ramen was very tasty. Similar to what we had in Japan. The gyoza was nice and juicy. It would be better is it was hot off the plate.”

Sushi Paradise keeps things Japanese‑leaning and focused on flavour. The team keeps things friendly and organised. Bento and small plates make for an easy spread. Serve sizes show solid value. A sensi...

On the plate at St Pierre's Sushi, the idea is Japanese‑leaning and well judged. Front‑of‑house runs with calm, helpful energy. Bento and small plates make for an easy spread. Serve sizes show solid value.

“I'm never disappointed when it's Sushi. St Pierre's is always particularly exceptional. Friendly staff, busy store, yet very clean! Efficient and fast service and yummy as always!”

The Chilli House Cambridge keeps things simple, bistro‑style and focused on flavour. Service stays present without fuss. Portions are generous yet well judged. Pricing lines up with the offer. Wait ti...

“So delicious. We had a udon stir fry with tofu, the vegetarian noodle soup and the pancake with tofu. We were travelling in Vietnam a few months ago and missed the food so much, so this was a perfect fix for us!!”

“Beautiful restaurant with delicious food, drinks and very nice and friendly staff members!!”

Satori Lounge is a modern Japanese restaurant on Maunganui Road. Menus include sashimi, nigiri, tempura and furai, house sushi rolls, gohan rice bowls, platters for two and a compact dessert list.

On the plate at Sushi Club, the idea is simple, bistro-style and well executed. Meat‑free options are woven into the menu. Service stays present without fuss. Value feels fair for the spread. Portions...

St Pierre's Sushi & Bento Bowl Napier keeps things simple, bistro-style and focused on flavour. A family‑friendly feel comes through naturally. Team members keep things friendly and on task. Meals land promptly at the pass.

On the plate at Origami Napier, the idea is simple, bistro-style and well executed. Views add a quiet lift to the visit. Value feels fair for the spread. Desserts close the meal with familiar comfort....

The kitchen at Dunedin Noodle House takes a Thai-inspired path and lets the food speak. Stir-fries keep good heat and snap. Meat‑free options are woven into the menu. A sensible spend for the quality.

The Jitsu delivers a Thai-inspired offering that’s straight to the point. Noodles arrive glossy and well seasoned. Sides like naan and rice tie the meal together. Portions are generous yet well judged.

On the plate at Hutong Dunedin, the idea is Thai-inspired and well executed. Sweets lean classic and not overly rich. Noodles arrive glossy and well seasoned. Service stays present without fuss. Curri...

Starfish Cafe & Bar runs with a classic fish-and-chips menu and a relaxed feel. Views add a quiet lift to the visit. Pricing lines up with the offer. Cakes and scoops finish things neatly. There’s roo...

The kitchen at Ombrellos Kitchen & Bar takes a classic fish-and-chips path and lets the food speak. A coastal backdrop rounds out the stop. Grill work shows a clean sear and rested meats. Portions are generous yet well judged.

“First time at Sushi-Ya and have to say this is the best sushi I have had in a long time! Incredibly fresh, and the pieces are huge and loaded with fillings! Great value for money.”

“We’ve been coming to this sushi shop for several weeks in a row. It’s tasty and good value, and the chicken comes in whole pieces, not shredded chicken.”

“Best sushi I have ever tasted. The freshest you will find anywhere. Lovely staff too. Very friendly and kind.”