Best Japanese Restaurant in Queenstown (2026)

Queenstown's Japanese dining scene offers a delightful escape into the rich flavours of Japan, right in the heart of the Southern Alps. In 2026, explore a range of eateries that serve everything from sushi to ramen, all crafted with fresh, local ingredients for an unforgettable culinary journey.

20 places

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Tatsumi Modern Japanese Dining

4.8(1,607)

japanese restaurant · Queenstown 9300

Enjoy Authentic Japanese Cuisine with a Modern Twist in Queenstown. TATSUMI offers a fusion of traditional flavours and contemporary cuisine, crafted by head chef Koichi.

authentic japanese flavours european influenced japanese japanese fusion

894 reviews

$$ - $$$

Japanese Cuisine Kappa

4.5(678)

japanese restaurant · Queenstown 9300

Japanese Cuisine Kappa originally opened in 1998 on the same premises at the Queenstown Mall, and we Naoya and Miri Higuchi took over the restaurant in 2007. Since then, we have been focusing on using NZ’s freshest ingredients and showing authentic Japanese culinary culture.

authentic japanese cuisine fresh nz ingredients japanese cuisine

678 reviews

Tanoshi Cow Lane

4.7(3,139)

japanese restaurant · Queenstown 9300

Authentic Japanese restaurants in Queenstown, Wanaka & Christchurch offering Osaka inspired dishes!

authentic japanese japanese cuisine japanese, asian

2,649 reviews

GOKU Queenstown

4.4(754)

japanese restaurant · Queenstown 9300

Delicious Japanese meals from Queenstown’s original Shabu Shabu and sukiyaki restaurant. We choose fresh, high quality ingredients from Japan and from local markets.

edo-style sushi fresh seafood japanese dining

754 reviews

$$ - $$$

Tanoshi Five Mile

4.5(693)

japanese restaurant · Frankton

Authentic Japanese restaurants in Queenstown, Wanaka & Christchurch offering Osaka inspired dishes!

authentic japanese japanese cuisine osaka inspired dishes

590 reviews

$$ - $$$

Hikari Sushi Bar - Five Mile Queenstown

4.3(1,474)

japanese restaurant · Frankton

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

authentic japanese cuisine donburi japanese cuisine

1,474 reviews

Soki Sushi Train

4.1(274)

japanese restaurant · Queenstown 9300

Sōki Sushi Train Queenstown, established in 2022, is dedicated to providing our customers with a special dining experience complete with visual entertainment. We are the FIRST restaurant in New Zealand to combine a traditional conveyor belt sushi with a 'bullet train' running parallel to the conveyor belt that delivers customized orders directly to customer’s table.

fresh ingredients fresh seafood gluten-free options

274 reviews

Hikari Teppanyaki Queenstown

4.7(1,179)

japanese restaurant · Frankton

Hikari Teppanyaki offers a modern and authentic Japanese dining experience with skilled chefs entertaining guests while preparing delicious meals on a teppan grill.

fresh seafood grilled dishes interactive dining

1,179 reviews

$$ - $$$

Ramen Ramen by Tanoshi

4.6(1,217)

ramen restaurant · Queenstown 9300

Authentic Japanese restaurants in Queenstown, Wanaka & Christchurch offering Osaka inspired dishes!

authentic japanese broth japanese cuisine

1,217 reviews

$$ - $$$

Hikari Sushi Bar - Queenstown Airport

4.3(526)

japanese restaurant · Frankton

Reviewers consistently praise the quick service and comforting meals, making it a great stop before a flight.

526 reviews

JAPANZ KITCHEN

4.8(92)

japanese restaurant · Queenstown 9300

Reviewers consistently praise the delicious flavours and quality of the food, particularly the ramen and udon dishes.

92 reviews

Sushi Box

4.4(165)

meal takeaway · Queenstown 9300

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly service and the freshness of the food, particularly the sushi and ramen.

165 reviews

$$ - $$$

FINZ Seafood & Grill

4.6(6,769)

seafood restaurant · Queenstown 9300

Contemporary restaurant featuring an upscale menu of seafood & grilled meats, plus outdoor seating.

bar and grill exceptional steaks fine dining

6,769 reviews

Blue Kanu

4.7(4,755)

restaurant · Queenstown 9300

Discover Blue Kanu in Queenstown where Asian cuisine meets Pacific vibes. Enjoy cocktails, live music and tapa-style plates in a Hula-hut bar.

asian cuisine asian fusion asian, fusion

4,127 reviews

Yonder

4.5(3,997)

restaurant · Queenstown 9300

Trendy restaurant with a terrace serving homemade, international fare & brunch, plus cocktails.

artisan coffee brunch cafe, fusion

3,303 reviews

Madam Woo Queenstown

4.3(3,659)

restaurant · The Mall Ballarat Street

Taking inspiration from traditional Malaysian hawker food, Madam Woo serves up big, fresh flavours in a vibrant, fun and modern setting.

asian fusion big fresh flavours malaysian hawker food

3,242 reviews

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Rātā Restaurant

4.6(3,009)

restaurant · Queenstown 9300

At Rātā, every table tells a story — of the people, the place, and the season. Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, we've spent over a decade celebrating the flavours of the South Island through honest, produce-driven cuisine.

european, contemporary local ingredients produce-driven cuisine

2,761 reviews