19 Authentic Japanese Restaurants In KL With The Best Sushi, Omakase, Buffet, And More!

Eunis Ong

Last updated 12 Mar 2024

Photo Credits: @nipporicafe, @deanobi, @venny1011

Best Japanese Restaurants Around KL & PJ

Sophisticated, refreshing, and varied, there's just something about Japanese cuisine that really hooks us in. Perhaps it's the fact that there's always something for everyone (and for every occasion, whether it's a special dinner date or a casual meal) - from hearty bowls of ramen to fresh sashimi, artistic omakase meals, and laid-back yakitori skewers.

If you landed on this article, we're guessing you're probably craving for some Japanese fare. Check out our list that consists of some of our favourite Japanese restaurants around Klang Valley worth adding to your radar! Who's ready for a food hunt?

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Japanese Restaurants For Special Dates And Occasions

1. Hanare Japanese Restaurant

Hanare Japanese Restaurant is one of our favourite Japanese restaurants in town, and is the place to head to if you're looking to pamper yourself or your loved ones to some good food. Hanare offers omakase courses, ala carte dishes, and even Kaiseki sets and bento meals. You can enjoy an additional 10% off your bill when you book discounted cash vouchers available on Klook!

The sushi and dishes at Hanare are crafted with seafood that is handpicked and flown in from the famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo twice a week, then executed by professional chefs with years of experience under their belts. They also get plus points for their classy yet cosy interior and intimate vibe that's great for date nights or hangouts with friends.

Address: Vista Tower 182, Jln Tun Razak, Kampung Datuk Keramat, 50400, KL.

Enjoy 10% Off Your Bill At Hanare!

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2. Fukuya Authentic Japanese Restaurant

Also a great spot for special dates and celebrations, Fukuya is a lovely restaurant located in the heart of KL. The restaurant takes pride in their kaiseki meals. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that usually consists of many small, beautifully-plated, and elegantly-presented dishes.

Fukuya also offers traditional set meals with everything from tempura to sashimi, grilled eel, beef teriyaki, chicken katsu, and more. All sets are served with an appetizer, steamed egg custard, miso soup, rice, and even dessert to end your meal on a sweet note.

Address: 9, Jalan Delima, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

3. Iketeru, Hilton Hotel

If you're looking for a Japanese meal spot with a classy ambiance, Iketeru is a great choice to add to your list. Set on the 8th floor of Hilton Kuala Lumpur, this sophisticated space is perfect for intimate special celebrations, date nights, or even business dinners.

Patrons who've been here describe the ambiance of the restaurant to feel like a hidden Japanese village of some sorts, equipped with warm lighting, a zen garden, and the sounds of calm streams to accompany you as you dine in. Expect warm service paired with fine cuisine such as delicately plated fresh sashimi, omakase, sushi rolls, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, teppanyaki, and more.

Address: Level 8, 3, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470, KL.

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4. TAKA, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

Brought to you by Tokyo's 3-Michelin starred Sushi Saito, Taka claims to serve one of the best sushi in KL. In fact, all the chefs here have been trained personally by Takashi Saito, the youngest sushi chef to be awarded three Michelin stars. Get seated at an intimate 16-seater counter and be served handcrafted sushi and premium Ozaki beef prepared with only the freshest seasonal ingredients from Japan.

Many people come here for their omakase experience, and though the price for their omakase courses at Taka are on the higher end (starting from RM900 per pax), it comes inclusive of 6 appetizers, 1 grilled fish, 10 sushi, and a sushi roll. If you're willing to splurge a bit for a special occasion, sign yourself up for this one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Address: No. 6, Level 3A, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur.

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5. Koyaku Japanese Dining & Grill

Fuss-free and laid-back, Koyaku is a lovely neighbourhood Japanese restaurant located in Taman Desa. Koyaku means "little house" in Japanese, and the quaint and cosy space definitely lives up to the name - you'll feel right at home the moment you step in! Koyaku has an ala-carte menu as well as offers special omakase courses - your meal can even be tailored based on your personal preferences, dietary restrictions, and budget.

Get ready to indulge in innovative and sophisticated dishes from uni chawanmushi (topped with salmon roe! *gasps*) to wagyu beef topped with freshly-shaved winter black truffles and monkfish paired with caviar.

Address: G9, Jalan Desa Bahagia, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur.

6. Sushi Hibiki, Four Seasons Place

Be served by a warm, amicable chef at Sushi Hibiki, an elegant restaurant located at Four Seasons Place Kuala Lumpur. Chef Makoto Saito Sam of Sushi Hibiki loves making conversation with his customers while he carefully crafts fresh sushi in front of them - the chef believes 'who you eat with' is more important than 'what you eat', and thus is committed to providing warm hospitality alongside amazing food.

Chef Makoto has spent two decades honing his craft, starting from his home city of Tokyo to Sydney, Rome, Kyoto, before opening his very own restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Pop by for a special meal with your loved ones!

Address: Lot B1-04(A), Basement 1 Shoppes at Four Seasons Place KL No, 145, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.

Casual Dining Japanese Restaurants

7. Cureé, Changkat

Curee is an adorable cafe tucked away in a row of shophouses along Jalan Imbi. It may be hard to spot it, which adds an element of quaintness to this hidden gem specializing in Hokkaido-style soup curry, Japanese curry rice, and chicken katsu. Their signature Hokkaido Curry Soup is fully customizable, and available in three soup bases - you can also indicate your preferred spiciness level, portion size of rice, and your choice of mains to pair your curry with (vegetables, fried chicken, prawn tempura, or even avocado).

Food-aside, the cafe exudes a charming and homey vibe with its spacious seating, minimalist decor, white theme, and wooden furnishing. The next time you're craving some comforting Japanese curry rice, you know where to head to. Enjoy 50% OFF your bill at Curee with discounted Klook vouchers! P/s: Curee is a Muslim-friendly cafe that doesn't serve pork or alcohol.

Address: No. 38, Jalan 1/77 a, Changkat Thambi Dollah, Off Jalan Imbi.

Enjoy 50% OFF Your Bill At Curee!

8. Nippori Cafe, Empire Damansara

Tucked away on the first floor of Empire Damansara, Nippori Cafe is one of the last few establishments standing strong in this otherwise pretty empty mall. This quaint gem is run by a Japanese family and is where you can enjoy delicious Japanese home-style food in a cosy ambiance (on tatami seats!).

Nippori Cafe offers a pretty extensive menu or ala carte items and set meals that look and taste delicious. For those who appreciate freshly-prepared food made with only quality ingredients (minus MSG and artificial flavouring), you'll love this place.

Address: 102 (First Floor), Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

9. Shin Nihon, Desa Sri Hartamas

Founded in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Shin Nihon is a yakiniku restaurant that has travelled a long way from Japan to Desa Sri Hartamas. The folks at Shin Nihon wished to allow Malaysians to enjoy the traditional style of charcoal-grilled beef that they offer in Japan, and they have definitely lived up to their promise.

Make your selection from their menu consisting of different cuts of meat and meat platters, from Australian beef to premium wagyu cuts. Most items on their menu are beef (they also have beef sushi, beef bone broth ramen, and roast beef rice bowl), so if you don't take beef, you might wanna skip this one!

Address: No:26-G, Jalan 24/70A, Desa Sri Haratamas, 50480, KL.

10. Toridoki, Desa Sri Hartamas

Located just a few shops down from Shin Nihon, Toridoki is Shin Nihon's laid-back sister restaurant that specializes in yakitori (Japanese BBQ skewers). The quaint restaurant is almost always packed with hungry patrons!

Catch up with your friends or family over juicy skewered meat, gyoza and chicken wings - we heard they also serve really delicious oden (some claim it to be one of the best in KL!). Pair your meal with a cold glass of beer or sake for the authentic izakaya experience.

Address: No40, Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Wilayah Persekutuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

11. Makoto Japanese Restaurant, Desa Sri Hartamas

For fans of unagi (freshwater eel), you have to give Makoto a try. Also tucked away in Desa Sri Hartamas, Makoto Japanese Restaurant is pretty much the only restaurant in KL that specializes in unagi. Head over for some of the freshest and most delicious unagi in town, most of which are flown in all the way from Shizuoka prefecture, the birthplace of unagi breeding in Japan.

Indulge in unagi cooked to perfection whatever way you like it - from a good old bowl of unagi don to eel liver soup, deep-fried unagi bones, grilled unagi skewers, and even Japanese omelette layered with unagi! If you simply can't get enough of unagi, here's the best place to be.

Address: 54, Jalan 27/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

12. Shin Zushi

Shin Zushi is likely one of our favourite sushi bars in town! The restaurant serves up delicious, high-quality sushi with an affordable price tag - it's no wonder there's almost always a queue outside the restaurant, especially during lunch and dinner time. Pop by during off-peak meal hours if you're reluctant to wait, do note though that their restaurants have a break between lunch and dinner hours on weekdays.

Get spoilt for choice by their extensive menu with pretty much all the typical Japanese dishes you should be familiar with - sushi, sashimi, tempura, hand rolls, salads, ramen, rice dishes, set meals, and more. If you're looking for a satisfying Japanese meal without breaking the bank, Shin Zushi is definitely one of our top recommendations. They currently have branches in USJ, Bukit Jalil, and Puchong!

Address: Ground Floor, No.11, Jalan Jalil Jaya 7 Jalil Link, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur | No .12G , Jalan, Persiaran Puteri 1, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor | 19-G, Jalan USJ 10/1, Taipan USJ, 47620 Subang Jaya, Selangor.

13. Ozeki Tokyo Cuisine, Menara TA One

Located in Menara TA One in the heart of KL, Ozeki Tokyo Cuisine is quite a hidden gem (though it's been established for more than 15 years!) and is known for serving fresh, consistently delicious contemporary Japanese cuisine. The restaurant has garnered a stream of loyal patrons over the years, from Japanese expatriates to locals and foreigners.

Ozeki excels in their range of fresh sashimi (with fish air-flown from Japan twice a week) and also offers a selection of refreshing fusion dishes that will catch you by surprise - from lobster gratin to smoke oysters, oven-baked French escargot paired with fresh baguette, avocado ebi tempura, and Japanese sashimi with an Italian twist. The next time you're in KL, consider popping by for a satisfying meal! The restaurant is conveniently located within walking distance from KLCC.

Address: Menara Ta One, 22, Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.

14. Menya Shi Shi Do, Jaya One

Menya Shi Shi Do almost always dominates the list when it comes to recommendations of good ramen in Klang Valley. Don't be fooled by this humble-looking restaurant in Jaya One, the bowls of hearty noodles here are packed with flavour and punch.

The rich broth here is cooked for more than 48 hours to achieve its delicious taste, and you can choose your preference of single, double, or triple flavour depending on how flavourful you'd like your soup to be. Due to its affordable price and consistently delicious ramen, expect a long queue if you head over during lunch or dinner time.

Address: Lot 100 P2.039, The School Jaya One, No 72A, Jln Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

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15. Tonkatsu by Ma Maison

Founded in Tokyo, Japan back in 1976, Tonkatsu by Ma Maison is where you can enjoy a delicious variety of tonkatsu (pork cutlet) dishes that are breaded and deep-fried to perfection. With multiple outlets in 1 Utama, Publika, Main Place in Subang and more, it's a convenient spot to pop by whenever your cravings kick in.

The tonkatsu at the restaurant are prepared with high-quality meat and authentic preparation methods, resulting in juicy and tender meat well-loved by locals and the Japanese community in Klang Valley. The set menus here come with refillable rice (with white and multigrain rice options!), cabbage, and tonjiru (miso soup with pork), so make sure you come by with an empty stomach and you'll be sure to leave satisfied.

16. Menya Yamato

Menya Yamato is a ramen restaurant built up by a Japanese who wished to serve delicious tonkotsu ramen to Malaysians. For those who crave a fuss-free, hearty bowl of ramen, this casual restaurant is where you can slurp one down happily.

They even have kid's sets (mini bowls of ramen!) that are perfect for the little ones. Enjoy 10% off your bill at Menya Yamato when you book your discounted dining vouchers on Klook!

Address: 21, Jalan 3/62a, Bandar Menjalara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur.

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17. Zakuro Japanese Restaurant, Bukit Jalil

Zakuro Japanese Restaurant is known as one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur - it opened its doors back in 1997 when sushi, ramen, and Japanese fare wasn't as readily available to Malaysians. Dig into authentic and innovative Japanese cuisine that cannot be found at common Japanese restaurants such as whisky ebi tempura, kimuchi oysters, and gindara mentaiko.

They also have private rooms available for private gatherings with friends or family. As Zakuro Japanese Restaurant is a pork-free establishment, it's also popular amongst Muslim patrons in Klang Valey.

Address: C-5-1, The Link, 2, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur.

Enjoy 10% Off Your Bill At Zakuro!

Japanese Buffet Restaurants

18. Mo-Mo Paradise, Lot 10

Lovers of Japanese hotpot, Mo-Mo Paradise is your perfect paradise on earth! This hotpot chain was founded in Tokyo back in 1993 and specializes in both shabu-shabu and sukiyaki (basically different flavours of hotpot soup - one tasting more savoury while the other leaning towards the sweeter spectrum). There's also a third soup option available (Karamiso broth) - a spicy miso-based soup for those who want a bit of spice.

You can choose to have a pot with two flavours or with just one type of broth, if you'd like. Dip fresh slices of meat (beef and pork), vegetables, and udon into your soup and fill your tummy up within a 100 minutes buffet time frame, which is just nice for a relaxing meal and good conversations in between.

Address: Lot P1 Unit P1-10 P1-11 Level 4 Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50, Bukit Bintang St, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

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19. Mitasu Japanese Restaurant

Mitasu is another notable Japanese buffet in KL, known for its ala-carte Japanese buffet available at an affordable price tag. With the recent opening of their second outlet in Old Klang Road, you can now enjoy their buffet at two of their outlets, including their first outlet in Bukit Bintang. We especially like how you can order off their menu and get the dishes served directly to your table instead of walking around with a plate like in usual buffets - this is perfect especially during times like now where #socialdistancing is much needed.

Patrons usually flock here for all-you-can-eat fresh seafood and assorted sashimi, but besides their sashimi, don't forget to also get some oysters, tiger prawns, and grilled octopus to satisfy your seafood cravings! P/S: Call up to make a reservation to avoid disappointment as the restaurant is almost always packed.