The 30 Different Types of Japanese Restaurants and Cooking Styles

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated November 14, 2022

While there’s an endless catalog of Japanese delicacies, I’ve discovered that there seem to be only 30 different cooking styles around the country.

I’ve deduced this information based on the different specialties of restaurants across Japan.

These specialties are very convenient, as they give you the option to choose what kind of food you want to eat on a particular day.

Let’s say you want meaty foods on Mondays; then you’d go to a yakitori or a tonkatsu restaurant.

And if you want your Tuesdays to be filled with lots of fresh vegetables, then you’d go to a ramen or a shabu–shabu restaurant.

Now, discover all the 30 specialty restaurants that are common in Japan.

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1. Ramen (ラーメン) restaurants

If you ever dine in a ramen restaurant, you’ll be served wheat-based Chinese noodles served in meat, chicken, or fish broth.

Although ramen is 100% made in Japan, the noodle actually originated in China, which is why they’re Chinese-based.

At ramen restaurants, they serve a variety of different noodle soups and broths that are made with rich, flavorful ingredients.

But the ramen noodles are the most important part of the dish.

These dishes can be served in a bowl or with toppings on top of the noodles, such as thin slices of pork called ”chashu”, or sometimes nori (seaweed) or negi (Japanese long green onion), boiled egg, seaweed, narutomaki (fish cakes) and more.

Additional flavoring will also be served to your table, which includes miso, soy sauce, or some other type of sauce.

Ramen is a national delicacy, so you can find all sorts of unique ramen recipes served in restaurants all over Japan.

2. Yakitori (やきとり) restaurants

Yakitori is a type of Japanese grilled chicken dish.

It is made by skewering bite-sized pieces of meat and vegetable with bamboo skewers, then grilling the skewered ingredients over hot charcoal or coals.

At these restaurants, barbecue/grilled chicken skewers are served with popular soda, sake, beer, or wine.

But there are actually many types of yakitori (including chicken liver and heart), just to name a few!

Yakitori restaurants are some of the most common types on Japanese restaurants found in Japan, as well as around the world.

At these restaurants, customers can order an assortment of different types of yakitori, including chicken thigh or breast, pork belly, and vegetable skewers.

In addition to the variety of meat and vegetable options, yakitori restaurants often offer a wide selection of sauces that can be used to season the skewers as well.

The food is cooked on a charcoal grill, so the flavors are rich and smoky.

If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience, be sure to check out your local yakitori restaurant!

3. Soba (そば) restaurants

A soba restaurant is usually a smaller fast-food type of establishment that serves soba noodle soup and stir-fried noodles.

The soups and dishes contain buckwheat flour noodles (soba) to create a richness of flavor, and they are often served with fresh toppings such as scallions, tofu, or tempura.

Many soba restaurants also offer traditional Japanese side dishes such as sashimi, tsukemono pickles, and other small appetizers to go along with the noodles.

Some soba restaurants even offer regional specialties, making them a great option for travelers looking to sample some authentic Japanese cuisine.

There’s some unofficial etiquette to eating at a soba restaurant. You will often find long shared tables, with everyone sitting side-by-side in a communal setting.

The idea is that you eat your soba noodles pretty quickly and leave – it’s supposed to be a fast-food place for a quick lunch or dinner.

You can also try our soba noodle soup recipe and recreate the dining experience at home.

4. Izakaya (居酒屋)

Japanese izakaya is a type of pub that serves Japanese food and alcoholic drinks. In fact, this is the Japanese equivalent of a western pub.

You’ll find foods like sashimi, yakitori, fried chicken, and edamame here, plus a variety of popular drinks like sake.

There are many types of izakayas, including yatai, which are typically found at festivals and other outdoor events.

Over the years, izakayas have evolved to include a wide variety of food and drink options.

Some izakayas even offer different menus at different times of the day, like offering a breakfast menu in the morning and a dinner menu at night.

Overall, izakayas are great places for friends or families to gather for good food and drinks in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

If you’re visiting Japan, be sure to check out an izakaya and experience this unique part of the culture.

5. Tonkatsu (とんかつ) restaurants

Tonkatsu is a Japanese food dish that consists of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet.

The word tonkatsu is a shortened form of the dish’s name, tonkatsu-don. This refers to the popular way of eating this dish which is on top of a bowl of steamed rice.

It’s paired with Japanese pickles, miso soup, rice, and chopped cabbage.

The breaded deep-fried pork cutlet is the star but it always has to be accompanied by the famous tonkatsu sauce.

There are many variations of Tonkatsu served, which can be pork or chicken with different cooking styles and ingredients.

These restaurants can be found all over Japan, as well as in many other countries around the world, and they mostly serve fried foods.

6. Sushi (すし) restaurants

In Japan, sushi isn’t that popular compared to Western countries like the US and Canada. Plus, locally-made sushi is vastly different from those made in the West as well.

There are plenty of great sushi restaurants that serve authentic Japanese sushi. In Japan, there are two types of sushi restaurants.

They are sushi-ya and kaiten-zushi (conveyor-belt sushi), which are both equally popular there.

If you’re looking for a great sushi restaurant in Japan, I would definitely recommend checking out a kaiten-zushi restaurant.

These establishments have an endless conveyor belt of sushi plates that move around the restaurant.

You simply grab a plate as it passes by and enjoy your sushi!

These restaurants are typically more casual and affordable, making them perfect for families or groups.

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale and traditional, a sushi-ya may be the right choice for you.

These restaurants typically only serve sushi and offer a more upscale atmosphere with white tablecloths and fine china.

The menu at a sushi-ya is typically more extensive, offering a wide range of delicious sushi options to choose from.

But you’ll have to be familiar with proper sushi etiquette if you don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb!

7. Tempura (天ぷら) restaurants

Tempura restaurants are plentiful in Japan. Their offerings range from street food (like these dishes) to world-class restaurants.

Japanese tempura is a dish made of shrimp, vegetables, and other ingredients that are deep-fried in oil.

With its delicious taste and crunchy texture, tempura is one of the most popular dishes in Japan.

There are many different types of tempura restaurants in Japan.

Some specialize in traditional tempura that is made using a recipe that has been passed down through generations, while others feature more modern or fusion-style tempura that uses different ingredients or cooking techniques.

8. Shabu-shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ) restaurants

Shabu-shabu is actually a type of restaurant that allows customers to cook their own food in a large hot pot that’s placed right in front of their table.

It’s commonly known as a hot pot restaurant.

At a shabu shabu restaurant, the fun part is that customers are able to cook the food themselves. This type of restaurant is perfect for meat lovers and big eaters.

Many people enjoy this experience because it’s relaxing and a lot of fun!

If you’re familiar with the Japanese hot pot dish, then shabu shabu is similar but more interactive.

At most shabu shabu restaurants, customers are given a large pot of broth along with small plates of beef and vegetables, which they can cook themselves at the table.

Customers typically use a special long, flat metal spoon to rotate and move the food around in the broth as they cook it.

It’s also common to add sauces and other flavorings, such as a special dipping sauce or sesame oil, to the finished dish.

Shabu shabu is a great way to get a large amount of food for a reasonable price, especially in comparison to other popular types of restaurants like steak houses or sushi bars.

Additionally, it’s a fun and social dining experience.

One hot pot is not the other hot pot: learn what makes shabu-shabu and sukiyaki different

9. Takoyaki (たこ焼き) restaurants

Here, you’ll get spherical pancakes baked with octopus inside. They’re topped with pickled ginger and sweet sauce.

Takoyaki restaurants are actually more like small street-side stalls or food carts. However, they are not small street-side stalls that only sell takoyaki.

In fact, these mobile stalls can be found selling various other Japanese street food and snacks.

This is because of how versatile takoyaki has been in Japan, and how it has become a staple in almost every Japanese household.

Takoyaki is a popular snack food made by frying batter balls with pieces of octopus, tempura, green onions, and other savory ingredients.

It is typically eaten as a street food or small snack but can also be found as part of a full meal at many restaurants.

The octopus balls are served with a special takoyaki sauce drizzled on them.

There are countless takoyaki restaurants in Japan, both large and small.

Most of these restaurants are located on the streets, where they serve takoyaki to customers who walk by or stop to order a snack.

The balls are made in a special pan with many round molds called a takoyaki pan.

Many of these takoyaki street carts are operated by families or small groups, who take great pride in creating and serving the perfect takoyaki!

10. Kare raisu (カレーライス) restaurants

The Japanese people absolutely love their chicken (or any other meat) curry-style served with rice. You can actually find restaurants that specialize in this dish.

In fact, kareraisu are restaurants that specialize in curry dishes. Different regions of Japan have different styles and variations of their own.

Kare raisu can be cooked in many different ways.

Some restaurants use recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, while others experiment with new and exciting flavors.

Many of these restaurants serve their kare raisu with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, potatoes, or naan bread.

Some also offer vegetarian options, including variations that use tofu, lentils, and other plant-based ingredients.

There are a variety of restaurants in Tokyo that offer kare raisu dishes. Some of the most popular and well-known are located in Shinjuku, a neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife.

11. Udon (うどん) restaurants

Udon restaurants are Japanese-style noodle restaurants that specialize in serving udon, the thick and chewy noodles made from wheat flour and eggs.

They are usually casual and inexpensive eateries, making them popular spots for quick meals.

Many udon restaurants also serve other dishes like tempura, steamed vegetables, and rice bowls.

Udon noodles are served in soup or in a broth, and they are often topped with chopped scallions or seaweed.

Many customers also add toppings like tempura or sliced meat to their noodles.

If you’re looking for a delicious Japanese meal packed with flavor and texture, be sure to check out an udon restaurant near you!

12. Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) restaurants

Okonomiyaki was an age-old practice in Japan where people cooked their leftovers so they wouldn’t have to throw them away.

Seafood, pork, noodles, vegetables, mochi, and cheese are the most common ingredients to choose from.

An okonomiyaki restaurant is a Japanese restaurant that serves a popular Japanese dish called okonomiyaki.

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made from flour, eggs, cabbage, and other ingredients that are mixed together and cooked on the hot plate in the middle of your table.

Some okonomiyaki restaurants also have an open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs prepare your meal right in front of you.

But usually, you can buy okonomiyaki from street-food stalls or food carts as well, since it is a very popular dish all over Japan.

There are many different varieties of okonomiyaki, and each restaurant has its own specialty dish.

So if you’re looking for a delicious, authentic Japanese meal with family or friends, head to an okonomiyaki restaurant near you!​

Did you know there are actually many types of Japanese pancakes, from sweet to savory?

13. Monjayaki (もんじゃ焼き) restaurants

This is Tokyo’s version of okonomiyaki, which gives customers the flexibility of a shabu-shabu restaurant, but the ingredients are finely chopped and are more liquid.

You’ll get a crunchier pancake as a result.

Monjayaki restaurants are known for their unique pan-fried batters that are made from different ingredients.

You can find many of these restaurants in the central areas of Tokyo, such as Shinjuku or Shibuya, as well as other big cities in Japan.

Typically, monjayaki is made with a flour or pancake-like batter and is then pan-fried in a special griddle. However, you can also find monjayaki that’s made with rice or noodles instead of flour. Toppings are then added to the hot batter, which can include anything from meat and cheese to vegetables and seafood.

To serve, the monjayaki is first cut into squares, and it’s then put on a small plate. You can then season the dish with your choice of sauce, such as vinegar or Worcestershire sauce. You can also add Kewpie mayonnaise if you prefer.

14. Gyudon (牛丼) restaurants

Gyudon restaurants are restaurants that specialize in serving gyudon, a type of beef bowl dish with rice.

Gyudon is typically made with thinly sliced beef and onions cooked together in a sweet, savory sauce with some soy sauce or miso added for flavor.

The dish is then served over a bowl of steamed rice.

There are many gyudon restaurants throughout Japan, and it is one of the most popular fast food dishes in the country.

Some of the most famous gyudon restaurants are Yoshinoya and Matsuya, which both offer a variety of gyudon dishes for customers to choose from.

This food is known for being affordable and delicious, making it one of the most popular meals among Japanese people.

Beef misono is cooked gyudon style, which is stir-fried and served with rice and vegetables.

15. Kushiage restaurants

Kushiage or Kushikatsu is a type of food that features deep-fried meat or vegetables on a skewer.

Meat cuts, cheese, or vegetables are deep-fried in a panko batter, then served with a dipping sauce.

This style of cooking originated in Japan, but has become popular all over the world. If you are looking for a unique dining experience, then kushiage may be just what you are looking for.

There are many types of kushiage restaurants, and each offers its own unique selection of dishes.

Some restaurants specialize in a specific type of meat or vegetable, while others offer a more general selection.

Many restaurants also offer a wide variety of sauces, so you can mix and match different types of food to create your ideal meal.

16. Champon (ちゃんぽん) restaurants

Champon is a unique Japanese-Chinese dish that originated from Nagasaki. It’s a mix of ramen cooked in a viscous soup with vegetables, seafood, and pork.

Champon restaurants are known for serving a flavorful, hearty meal that is perfect for warming you up on a cold day.

The soups are made with pork bone broth, so they are flavorful and rich.

The noodles used in the dish are also thicker than regular ramen noodles, giving them a heartier texture that complements the soup.

In addition to the pork and seafood that go into the soup, champon restaurants also have a wide variety of vegetable options available.

It’s a popular meal eaten in Japan, and there are many restaurants that serve this dish.

So if you’re looking for a unique Japanese-Chinese dish to try, be sure to check out a champon restaurant the next time you’re in Japan!

Learn everything about the wonderful worlds of Japanese soups here

17. Teishoku (ていしょく) restaurants

Teishoku is a restaurant that specializes in set menus that are cheap and have a variety of food selections.

They are popular among people who have a busy schedule and don’t want to waste time ordering and deciding what to eat.

The most common types of food offered at a teishoku restaurant are traditional Japanese dishes like sushi, tempura, and ramen.

However, many restaurants also offer Western-inspired dishes like steak and pasta, which are becoming increasingly popular among customers.

Teishoku restaurants are typically casual and affordable, with most meals costing less than $10.

They are often located in busy areas, such as downtown or near transportation hubs, in order to cater to people on the go.

18. Hambagu restaurants

Hambagu restaurants serve hamburger steaks, or chicken served with rice.

These restaurants offer specialized hamburger steak recipes that are popular with customers.

The restaurant offers other dishes, such as grilled chicken, salads, and fried shrimp on the side.

One of the most popular hambagu restaurants in Japan is Matsuya. This restaurant has been serving delicious, high-quality hamburger steaks for more than 50 years.

They offer a wide variety of homemade sauces and toppings that you can choose to customize your burger, so it’s always fresh and delicious.

Hambagu is popular because it’s a great option for those looking for a filling, savory meal.

It’s also fairly affordable, which makes it an ideal choice for people on a budget or those looking to save money.

19. Kaiseki (懐石) restaurants

This type of restaurant serves at least 8 courses of traditional Japanese dishes that are small but very pleasing to the eyes and taste buds.

Kaiseki restaurants are prized for their meticulous presentation and exquisite flavors, making them a favorite among food enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

They typically serve a set menu of 8 to 10 small courses, featuring traditional Japanese dishes such as sashimi, tempura, and miso soup.

Many kaiseki restaurants also use seasonal ingredients in their dishes, allowing diners to experience the change of seasons through the flavors and textures of their food.

This makes each meal at a kaiseki restaurant unique and special, and some have even been awarded prestigious Michelin stars for their outstanding culinary creations.

Want to have the best experience at a kaiseki restaurant? Give the chef complete free reign by choosing the omakase menu

20. Yakiniku (焼き肉) restaurants

Again, Japanese restaurants like to give their customers the flexibility to cook their own food.

And in a yakiniku restaurant, you can barbecue on a coal grill right on your table!

Yakiniku is derived from the Korean barbecue style of cooking, but has evolved to be an original Japanese barbecue cooking style, also called yaki.

Yakiniku is a Japanese-style barbecue where beef, pork and vegetables are grilled on a tabletop charcoal grill.

Although Yakiniku means “grilled meat,” it’s not a type of meat; rather, it’s the style itself. It is a popular dish among locals as well as tourists.

The best Yakiniku restaurants are found in the busiest districts, where you can find authentic Japanese flavors and a lively atmosphere.

However, some restaurants offer more comfortable and relaxing settings.

Diners sit around a grill and cook their own food by choosing from the menu. You can order different types of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and seafood and choose cuts of varying sizes.

Depending on the restaurant, you can also select your own vegetables to grill.

The meat and vegetables are cooked over a charcoal grill and dipped in sauces before being eaten.

21. Kaisendon restaurants

Kaisendon restaurants serve raw and fresh seafood (kaisen) which is also known as sashimi on a bowl of rice.

Sushi is also included in some kaisen restaurants. Their menu also includes tempura, grilled skewers, and noodle dishes.

Some specialized restaurants offer a variety of crab dishes, such as crab sashimi and dumplings filled with crab meat.

There are many different types of kaisen restaurants to choose from depending on your preferences.

At the restaurant, diners typically start with a soup or salad and then move on to their raw seafood dishes.

Most kaisen restaurants will also offer cooked seafood options, such as grilled fish or tempura.

If you are looking for an exciting seafood dining experience, then a kaisen restaurant is the perfect choice.

22. Tendon Restaurants

Tendon is the shortened form for tempura donburi. It is one of the popular dishes in Japan.

The dish consists of a bowl of rice topped with tempura, which can be made from shrimp, fish, squid, or vegetables.

The dish is often served with soy sauce and a side of soup.

Tendon restaurants can be found throughout Japan. Some of the most popular chains include Tenya and Tempura Tendon Sukiya.

The tendon is the cheaper version of tempura recipes in a decent restaurant. Therefore, many students and office workers like to eat at tendon restaurants for lunchtime.

The dish is also popular for tourists visiting Japan as the ingredients are easy to digest and enjoy.

Curious how it tastes? Learn to make this TenDon “tempura donburi” recipe

23. Motsunabe (もつ鍋) restaurants

This uniquely Fukuoka cuisine serves up a hot pot of mixed beef or pork organs. It’s become so famous in Japan that there are a few motsunabe restaurants across Tokyo.

Motsunabe became popular in Fukuoka’s Hakata ward, which is also famous for its ramen.

This hot pot dish consists of beef or pork innards such as liver, tripe, and cow’s intestine cooked in a rich broth flavored with soy sauce.

Many motsunabe restaurants offer a variety of different broths, including spicy tomato or miso flavors.

While each restaurant has its own unique recipes and style, most motsunabe served in Fukuoka features small pieces of beef and pork grilled on the side or cooked in the hot pot.

24. Teppanyaki (鉄板焼き) restaurants

Teppanyaki restaurants originated as a theatrical cooking show for foreign tourists.

But teppanyaki’s evolved into a serious culinary art that people see as an exemplary cooking technique.

Teppanyaki restaurants are Japanese restaurants that specialize in cooking food on a large iron griddle, called a teppan or hot plate.

The food is cooked in front of you and it can be a very entertaining experience to watch your meal being prepared.

Such restaurants are often found in larger cities, with the best ones typically specializing in one type of food.

For example, you might find a teppanyaki restaurant that specializes in steak or seafood.

These restaurants are typically popular with both tourists and locals, as the food is delicious and the atmosphere can be quite entertaining.

Chefs often perform tricks or jokes while preparing your meal, and there is often a large selection of different sauces and seasonings for you to choose from.

Diners sit around the teppan and watch as the chef uses a combination of skill and teppanyaki tools to prepare your meal.

The food is usually quite fast and hot so you can prepare your own plate of food and enjoy it immediately.

How to cook teppanyaki at home: These are the key ingredients

25. Shojin (精進) restaurants

Shojin restaurants are traditional Japanese restaurants that focus on healthy and vegetarian cuisine.

They typically offer various different types of vegan or vegetarian dishes, and serve meals that are prepared according to Buddhist principles.

These restaurants typically do not use any meat, fish, or other animal products in their dishes.

Instead, they rely on plant-based ingredients like vegetables, grains, and legumes to provide the bulk of their meals.

This diet is referred to as shojin ryori, which translates to “devotion cuisine.”

Shojin restaurants are typically found in Japan, but they are also gaining popularity in other parts of the world.

Many people are attracted to these restaurants because they offer healthy, nutritious meals as well as an alternative to the traditional Western diet.

Additionally, as shojin ryori is based on Buddhist principles, it can also provide a spiritual or meditative experience.

26. Yoshoku restaurants

Yoshoku restaurants are ones that cook Western food in a Japanese style. They’re also referred to as “Western-style restaurants” or sometimes “European food” restaurants.

They actually date back to the mid-19th century, when Japan started establishing diplomatic relations with the West.

These restaurants often use ingredients that are popular in Western countries, such as beef and potatoes.

However, they also incorporate some Japanese flavors and techniques into the dishes, making them unique and delicious.

There are many types of Western-style Japanese foods (yoshoku) available at these restaurants, from simple dishes like hamburger steak to more complex pasta and pizzas.

Try to make this Wafu pasta recipe with spaghetti and prawns (PERFECT umami mix)

27. Tofu/Yuba restaurants

If you’re a vegetarian, then this is the kind of restaurant you should go dine in.

A Tofu or Yuba restaurant is a type of vegetarian restaurant that specializes in serving dishes made with tofu and yuba, which are both types of protein-rich foods made from soybeans.

These restaurants typically offer a wide range of dishes, such as stir-fries, salads, soups, pasta dishes, and curries.

They may also serve vegetarian versions of popular dishes containing meat or seafood, such as sushi rolls, dumplings, and fried rice.

Many tofu or yuba restaurants also offer takeout and delivery options, making them an ideal choice for busy individuals looking for a quick and convenient meal.

Whether you are a vegetarian or simply enjoy the taste and health benefits of tofu and yuba, a Tofu or Yuba restaurant is sure to have something that will appeal to your tastes and dietary needs.

28. Okinawa Ryouri restaurants

These kinds of restaurants exclusively serve Okinawan recipes that are unique from all other Japanese restaurants.

Okinawa ryouri restaurants are the local cuisine of Okinawa, a beautiful island in southern Japan.

Traditional dishes use locally grown and caught ingredients, and are often fried with a light batter.

One popular dish is goya chanpuruu (bitter melon stir-fry), which consists of goya (bitter melon), eggs, tofu, and pork.

Other dishes include Okinawa soba noodles served with traditional condiments, miso soup flavored with Okinawa’s famous bonito flakes, and traditionally fermented awamori rice liquor.

For dessert, order some traditional andagi, or Okinawan doughnuts.

If you’re looking to try authentic Okinawa cuisine, be sure to visit one of the many Okinawa ryouri restaurants in Japan.

You’ll find different recipes compared to other types of Japanese food, and you’ll be sure to enjoy these unique dishes!

29. Houtou restaurants

Houtou restaurants serve a rare regional recipe from the Yamanashi prefecture that includes boiled vegetables in miso soup and flat udon noodles.

It’s the flat noodles that make the dish so unique and give it a satisfying chewiness.

There are many different varieties of houtou noodles, and some restaurants serve them in a stew with meat or seafood, while others pair the noodles and soup with fried tofu.

No matter what style of houtou you prefer, you’ll find that the restaurant’s passion and expertise shine through in this delicious dish.

If you’re ever in the Yamanashi prefecture, be sure to visit a houtou restaurant and taste this unique regional recipe for yourself.

30. Sukiyaki (すき焼き) restaurants

Sukiyaki restaurants are a type of Japanese restaurant that specializes in serving sukiyaki.

This type of restaurant is also known as hot pot restaurant, and they are popular in many countries throughout the world.

Beef hot pot recipes are also a favorite among Japanese restaurants and sukiyaki restaurants offer just that!

You’ll get a huge hot pot with a special soup that has noodles, vegetables, and thinly sliced beef in it.

At a sukiyaki restaurant, you will typically be cooking some beef by frying it first and then adding stock to it.

Along with the broth, you will also receive a variety of thinly sliced meat and vegetables, which will be cooked in the broth.

You’ll be given raw eggs as a dipping sauce for your beef hot pot sukiyaki dish too.

One thing that makes sukiyaki restaurants so popular is the fact that they are usually reasonably priced and very accessible.

Even if you are on a tight budget, you can often still afford to enjoy a meal at a sukiyaki restaurant.

Conclusion

In my opinion, Japanese restaurants are some of the best places to eat in the world. They offer a wide variety of foods that range from sushi to tempura and everything in between.

Additionally, the service at these establishments is usually top notch, and the atmosphere very inviting.

If you are looking for a good meal and don’t mind spending some extra money, then I would definitely recommend checking out a Japanese restaurant.

Many restaurants offer an interactive “cook your own meal” option such as hot pot, which allows customers to customize their own flavors and create something truly unique.

This is a great way for people of all ages to enjoy the cuisine and socialize.

Whether you’re looking for traditional fare or something a little more modern, I’m sure there is something for everyone at these incredible establishments.

Read next: Japanese cuisine beginner’s guide | 28 most used cooking ingredients

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

Read for free

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.