Best Japanese Food in Christchurch (2026)

Christchurch's Japanese food scene is compact but decent — a few spots doing sushi and ramen properly. These are the best.

20 places

Sakura Japanese Cuisine

4.7(373)

japanese restaurant · Upper Riccarton

Sakura Kitchen aims to provide wholesome Japanese food crafted with passion, for utmost authenticity and originality. Since the first day we opened our doors in 2011, we have been a traditional Japanese cuisine restaurant.

authentic japanese food traditional japanese cuisine wholesome japanese food

373 reviews

Tomi Japanese Restaurant

4.5(475)

japanese restaurant · 76 Edgeware Road

At Tomi Japanese Restaurant, situated in the Edgeware Village we have a menu to suit every group and appetite, both big and small. Tomi offers our diners and customers a Japanese fusion experience made from seasonal and fresh ingredients that reflect traditional Japanese cuisine.

japanese cuisine japanese fusion sake tasting

475 reviews

Kinji Japanese Restaurant

4.7(1,341)

japanese restaurant · Bryndwr

Japanese favorites from sushi to teriyaki offered in a casual, traditionally decorated space.

japanese cuisine omakase sake

1,073 reviews

Koji Japanese Buffet Christchurch

4.6(1,223)

japanese restaurant · Addington

Immerse yourself in the art of Japanese cuisine with our made-to-order dishes served directly to your table. Experience the freedom to indulge, ordering as much as you desire, as many times as you want.

buffet freshly cooked japanese cuisine

1,223 reviews

Sakimoto Japanese Bistro

4.6(980)

japanese restaurant · Christchurch Central City

At Sakimoto Japanese Bistro, the menu and the daily specials use only the freshest, most delicious ingredients of the season. Each dish is skillfully prepared by our Japanese chefs to bring the signature flavours of Japan straight to your plate.

japanese cuisine ramen sashimi

980 reviews

Cameron Japanese Family Restaurant

4.6(640)

japanese restaurant · Hornby

We are trying and trying every day to introduce meat-based Japanese food that Japanese people are eating nowadays rather than traditional Japanese food mainly using fish.

family-style dining japanese cuisine meat-based dishes

604 reviews

Kenzo Japanese Restaurant

4.6(330)

japanese restaurant · Ferrymead

High-end, creative Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist & inventive sushi rolls.

japanese cuisine oysters sashimi

312 reviews

Hikari Sushi Train

4.6(1,876)

japanese restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Hikari Sushi Train offers high-quality ingredients and excellent customer service to serve the best sushi in New Zealand.

authentic japanese cuisine sushi teppanyaki

1,809 reviews

Ramen Ria

4.3(1,288)

japanese restaurant · CBD

Ramen Ria is an absolute stalwart of the ramen scene in Christchurch, serving up soul warming bowls of ramen as well as other popular Japanese street eats. We take great pride in crafting authentic, tasty dishes using locally sourced fresh ingredients.

authentic ramen bone broth fresh noodles

1,063 reviews

$$ - $$$

Bar Yoku

4.8(1,088)

japanese restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Tucked into the escape of the Welder, we’ll help you sink into the darkness of the den or relax in the garden with a table full of tasty Japanese inspired dishes and flowing drinks.

izakaya japanese sake

1,088 reviews

Zen Sushi & Dumplings

4.4(750)

japanese restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Welcome to Zen Sushi, where we offer a delightful selection of fresh sushi, flavorful Donburi, and comforting Ramen. Our mission is to provide an authentic Japanese culinary experience that satisfies your cravings.

comforting ramen flavourful donburi fresh sushi

549 reviews

$$ - $$$

Tanoshi Christchurch

4.7(1,584)

japanese restaurant · Christchurch Central City

Reviewers consistently praise the exquisite food and exceptional service, highlighting the warm hospitality and artistic presentation of dishes.

japanese cuisine ramen sashimi

892 reviews

Amaterrace Teppanyaki

4.5(742)

japanese restaurant · Level 1/134 Oxford Terrace

Reviewers consistently praise the incredible food and attentive, friendly staff, making it a memorable dining experience.

grilled seafood japanese cuisine steak house

742 reviews

NORI TABLE - The Tannery

4.8(236)

japanese restaurant · Woolston

Reviewers consistently praise the quality and freshness of the sushi, noting it as the best they've had.

donburi japanese cuisine ramen

236 reviews

$$ - $$$

NORI TABLE - City

4.9(54)

japanese restaurant · Addington

Reviewers consistently praise the fresh, high-quality food and the warm, inviting atmosphere. Many express a strong desire to return.

japanese cuisine ramen sushi

54 reviews

MoriMori

4.7(437)

japanese restaurant · Sydenham

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly service and delicious, authentic Japanese food, particularly the eel rice bowl.

437 reviews

Chim Don Don

4.8(162)

japanese restaurant · Somerfield

Reviewers consistently praise the authentic Japanese food and generous portions, along with excellent service.

162 reviews

HIBACHI Restaurant

4.7(668)

japanese restaurant · Riccarton

Reviewers consistently praise the amazing food quality, particularly the wagyu and seafood, along with a fun dining experience.

323 reviews

Ekiben-Ya

4.9(76)

japanese restaurant · 1025 Ferry Road

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious and beautifully presented food, particularly the bento boxes and pork dishes, along with the friendly service.

76 reviews

Miso Sushi and Donburi

5.0(26)

japanese restaurant · Addington

Reviewers consistently praise the freshness and quality of the food, along with the friendly and quick service.

26 reviews