Most Japanese restaurants in India are on the expensive side of things. But what if you're feeling a sushi craving and don't want to forgo an entire EMI just so you can have some sushi with your family? (Of course, we're kidding. It takes only half the EMI.) So, if you're eyeing some Japanese food at a not-so-fancy price, head to these popular yet affordable hotspots. We're talking about scrumptious Japanese food that will leave you satiated but not broke. Try the teppanyaki, yakitori, donburi, and more to indulge in some terrific Japanese delicacies.
Take a look at the 15 best Japanese restaurants in India
1. Dahlia, Chennai
This place is known for its authentic Japanese cuisine and is owned by an Indian-Japanese couple who have taken great pains to ensure the food and the ambience have a Tokyo feel to them. The staff here is very humble and hospitable, and all the dishes served here have the trademark Japanese flavors. Enjoy their sushi, maki, tempura, tofu teriyaki, and Japanese pizza, along with complimentary green tea and a ton of Japanese books placed in a seating area that isn’t swanky but certainly feels homely and welcoming.
Chef’s recommendation: Vegetable maki, Miso Soup, YakiUdon
Address: Thousand Lights, 37 Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai
Time: 12pm-2:30pm; 6pm-9:30pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 1400
2. Aajisai, Kolkata
If you’ve been itching to have some authentic Japanese food in Kolkata, then head to Aajisai, located on the 5th floor of Quest Mall in Ballygunge. Here, you will be served on the conveyor belt or at the live teppanyaki counter.
Some must-have items are teppanyaki, nigiri, sushi, maki, temaki, gunkan, and ramen. Have some yummy appetizers like Pork Katsu, Suzuki Karaage, Chicken Karaage, etc., tempura, gyoza, and yakitori. They have a number of yakitori (Japanese skewers) options that are going to leave you wanting more.
All seafood lovers must go for sashimi, nigiri, temaki, and sushi, with options in octopus, mackerel, squid, sea bass, and salmon. Head here for local Japanese food.
Chef’s recommendation: Unagi Nigiri, Temaki, Maguro, Shake.
Address: 33, 5th Floor, Quest Mall, Syed Ali Amir Avenue, Park Circus Area, Kolkata
Time: 12pm-10pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 1700
3. Fuji Japanese Restaurant, New Delhi
If you are a lover of authentic Japanese food and you’re in New Delhi, then head to Fuji in Connaught Place. What’s different about it is that it has a Japanese style seating arrangement with decor inspired by the culture of Japan. It also has a branch in Chennai. You must try the tempura here, and if you like eating raw fish Japanese style, then sushi is a must-try for you. It is known to serve all the courses here.
Chef's recommendation: Nigiri Sushi Platter, Ramen noodles with pork and chicken (soy, shiyu, miso)
Address: M-41/2, Speedbird House, Middle Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Time: 12pm-9:45pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 1900
4. Harima, Bangalore
Harima was jointly started by two Indian friends and their Japanese friend in a quiet part of Bangalore. Today, it is famous for its authentic Japanese food and an ambiance and decor that make you feel as if you’re eating in Tokyo. It is known for its reasonable prices and serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian Japanese dishes. Try their appetizers like Hiyayakko, Yasai no Ohitashi, Edamame, Shiitake no Teriyaki, Daikon Salad, Salmon Sashimi, etc.
Chef’s recommendation: Tofu Teriyaki, DashimakiTamago, Torimomo, Okonomiyaki, Tempura NabeyakiUdon.
Address: 131, 4th Floor, Devatha Plaza, Residency Road, Bangalore
Time: 12pm-11pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 1500
5. Kofuku, Mumbai
Located in the hip area of Bandra West, Kofuku will pleasantly surprise you with its wooden tables, separate Japanese-style low seating with tatami mats, and Sake bar. Its food is also 100% Japanese, with its Tempura, served with wasabi, scallions, and soy. Their nigiri platter is also a showstopper, and their pickled ginger is a riot of flavors in the mouth. The salmon carpaccio is also worth a try, with jalapenos for extra flavor. Try their soups, especially the spicy and sour kimchi jjigae.
If you’ve gone in a large group, make sure you get yourself the sushi platter (18 pieces), and if you’re into salads, try their tuna sashimi.
Chef’s recommendation: Hambagu steak, Bento Box, Ramen bowls, Sake, Mochi Icecream
Address: 6th floor, Suburbia Mall, Above Shoppers Stop, Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai
Time: 12pm-2:45pm &6pm-11:45pm. Sundays: 12pm-11:45pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 2000
6. Shiro, Bangalore
This is one of the most well-known Japanese restaurants in Bangalore, with a good ambiance and pleasant decor. As soon as you enter the restaurant, you will see a large Buddha statue in the center. The lighting adds to the attraction of the restaurant. Coming to the food, it has an amazing menu of sushi, Chicken Yakitori, sake, Bento box and more.
Chef’s recommendation: Crispy prawn Makimono, Scottish Salmon Sushi, Maki.
Address: 2nd Floor, UB City Mall, Vittal Mallya Road, Near Lavelle Road, Bangalore
Time: 12pm-12am
Price for 2 people: Rs 3000
7. AKI BAY, Chennai
Aki Bay is a small restaurant serving Japanese food in Chennai that will not put a burden on your pocket. The interiors are filled with Japanese artwork, and you can read Japanese comics in English there as well. This restaurant’s ramen is famous and highly recommended by diners. Their Aki Bay steamed rice and baby doll mocktail are very popular.
Chef’s recommendation: Wasabi, sushi, maki
Address: 57, 2nd Main Road, Govindaswamy Nagar, RA Puram, Chennai
Time: 12pm – 3pm, 6:30pm – 11pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 1000
8. Shibuya Food & Bar, New Delhi
The interiors of Shibuya depict the culture and traditions of Japanese culture. The name of the restaurant is inspired by the hustle and bustle of the Shibuya crossing in Japan. It features authentic recipes of contemporary food from the streets of Japan. The food ingredients are sourced from the finest of farms and suppliers.
Chef’s recommendation: Shibuya braised pork ramen, miso chicken ramen
Address: First Floor, M-63, Greater Kailash Part II, New Delhi
Time: 12:30pm-11pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 2500
9. Takashi Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki Grill, Gurugram
This Japanese restaurant is located on Apu Ghar Road in Gurugram. The interiors are classy and nicely done, and the staff is very welcoming, and the food is great. You must try the sushi, salads, starters, and mains served here. The highly rated dishes include the Spicy Maguro sushi, Black Rice California sushi and Pork Ramen Tonkotsu.
Chef’s recommendation: Charcoal Grill Salted Salmon, Mochi Ice cream.
Address: A1/B, First Floor, Trillium, Avenue Mall, Appu Ghar Marg, Sector 29, Gurugram
Time: 12pm-3:30pm &6pm-11pm
Price for 2 people: Rs 2000
10. Foo: Asian Tapas, Mumbai
Are you visiting Mumbai and wishing for some delicious Japanese food? Fret not, because Fooin Lower Parel serves top-notch Japanese fare. The flavor and ambiance of this place are a celebration of Asian and Japanese cultures. It has a spread-out hall with a well-stocked bar at the entrance. Make yourself comfortable and dig in to the Charcoal Sushi. Try the Butter Japanese Blue fried rice served with a delicious stir fry of Asparagus, Snow Peas and French Beans, Salmon sake, or the Nikkei Taco with Thai Lotus Root.
Chef’s recommendation: Mushroom Gyoza Nikkei Style, Sushi, Sake
Address: F1, First Floor, Festival Square, Phoenix Mill Compound, Phoenix Mall, 462 SB Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Time: 12pm-12am
Price for 2 people: Rs 1800
11. Wasabi By Morimoto, Mumbai
This place provides authentic Japanese cuisine, which is divided into BW (Before Wasabi) and AW (Before Wasabi). The interior is accented with purple and lime hues with an illuminated cherry blossom installation. Besides, the place offers stellar views of the waterfront Gateway to India monument. The place serves popular dishes like Tuna Sashimi, Rock Shrimp Tempura, and others.
Chef’s recommendation: Tuna Sashimi, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Ramen Soup, Miso Soup, Sushi Platter, Tempura
Address: The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai
Time: 12:30 PM to 2:45 PM; 7:00 PM to 11:45 PM
Cost for 2 people: Rs 12,000
12. Megu – The Leela Palace, New Delhi
It is a luxurious dining outlet located in the heart of the city. The place offers an exquisite menu and elegant ambiance. The place serves a variety of cuisines from across the world namely Chinese, Indian, Italian, and especially Japanese. The place offers a warm and inviting ambiance with a modern interior. Some of the popular dishes include seasonal vegetable tempura, chicken Tsukune, crispy asparagus, and others.
Chef’s recommendation: Sashimi, Scallops, Miso Soup, Sushi Platter, Sushi Bar, Calamari
Address: The Leela Palace, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Time: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM; 7:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight
Cost for 2 people: Rs 6,500
13. Edo Restaurant & Bar – ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru
This is a luxurious dining experience located in the heart of Bengaluru. The place offers exquisite Japanese cuisine. The ambiance is modern and chic, having beautiful outdoor seating. The place offers live music and DJ nights. Besides, the restaurant provides a variety of authentic dishes namely sushi, sashimi, tempura, and teppanyaki to ramen, udon, and soba.
Chef’s recommendation: Sashimi, Set Menu, Salmon, Fish, Rice
Address: ITC Gardenia, 1, Residency Road, Bangalore
Time: Mon-Fri: 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM; Sat-Sun: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM; 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Cost for 2 people: Rs 5,000
14. Zen – The Park, Kolkata
The place exudes a luxurious vibe with a unique dining experience. The ambiance provides a modern and stylish ambiance. The place provides a variety of cuisines across the world namely Asian, Thai, Malaysian, and Thai. The place also provides Japanese cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of popular dishes Sushi, Yasai California roll, thai curries and others.
Chef’s recommendation: Thai curries, Bhutanese Datshi curry, Thab thim crob, darshan
Address: The Park, 17, Park Street Area, Kolkata
Cost for 2 people: Rs 3,500
15. Matsuri – The Chancery Hotel, Bangalore
This place has a unique dining experience located in the heart of the city. The ambiance is warm and inviting and resonates with an elite vibe. The place is renowned for Japanese cuisine at a very reasonable price. The place offers popular dishes like Sashimi Platter, Miso Soup, and Squid Rings.
Chef’s recommendation: Sashimi Platter, Miso Soup, Squid Rings, Tempura Prawns, Sushi, Salmon
Address: The Chancery Hotel, Lavelle Road, Bangalore
Cost for 2 people: Rs 2,000
All of the restaurants covered here offer mouthwatering Japanese food and also give us insight into their culture, lifestyle, and traditions.
