Looking for the best Japanese restaurants in Berlin? You’ve come to the right place! We've tested over 40 Japanese restaurants and can testify that both in terms of diversity and quality, Berlin's Japanese food scene has over the last years rapidly evolved and can today hold itself against most European cities.
In this guide, you will find the full range of Japanese cuisine in Berlin - from casual and humble izakayas to top sushi spots and high-end dining experiences rooted in kaiseki and omakase traditions. We'll also tell you the best ramen joints, yakitori specialists, and even a few fusion restaurants that pay enough respect to Japanese flavors and technique to be counted as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Berlin
Putting this list together wasn’t easy. Berlin’s Japanese dining scene has grown significantly in recent years, both in quality and variety, and we found no other guide that provides a full picture of the offering. That's why we did it ourselves. Drawing the line between what made the cut and what didn’t meant a lot of serious eating, researching, and arguing. But what we’ve ended up with is arguably the most thorough list of the top Japanese restaurants in Berlin, covering every style, price point, and neighborhood.
What ties these places together is a deep respect for Japanese craftsmanship, from knife skills and dashi-making to sourcing impeccable ingredients and nailing the small details. These are restaurants run by people who truly care about Japanese restaurant culture, and it shows. The two places that really stood out in the quest where the Izakaya Machiko in Prenzlauer Berg and the fine dinning, Kaiseki Omakase restaurant Shiori in Mittte - two projects that truly bring a piece of Japan to the capital.
So whether you’re on the hunt for the freshest sushi in Berlin, the best ramen bowls, or a refined Japanese dinner worth dressing up for, this guide will take you there.
Guten Hunger and Itadakimasu いただきます!
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Japan Plaza
Japan Plaza is a Japanese supermarket located beneath the S-Bahn tracks between Hackescher Markt and Alexanderplatz, with a small adjacent lunch canteen. Operated by a Japanese importer that previously supplied restaurants, its selection reflects a supply chain typically reserved for professional kitchens. The standout is the in-store sashimi counter, offering restaurant-grade fish and seafood rarely found in retail settings. While there are ready-to-eat options like onigiri and sandwiches, the focus here is clearly on the sashimi, which defines the shop’s appeal as a source for high-end seafood and cooking ingredients.
Get some raw seafood, some Koshikaru rice, some nori and throw your own high end hand roll sushi party at home
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OKA Onigiri
OKA Onigiri is a fast-casual onigiri concept founded by Kaoru Iriyama, which opened in 2025 in Mitte on Oranienburger Strasse. The format centers on onigiri made fresh to order, with a broad selection of around 20 savory and sweet varieties. Fillings range from tuna mayo and salmon to ume, mustard greens, sukiyaki beef, shrimp, and wasabi. Designed for quick visits, the space offers counter seating and small tables, with most orders suited for takeaway.
Our favorite is the tuna mayo and ume Onigiri
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Sasaya
Sasaya is smack in the middle of a trendy, residential neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg filled with great restaurants. Serving up some lovely Japanese food, they have been a local favorite for decades. The menu features a variety of dishes such as sushi, tempura and rice bowls, expertely and delicately presented. The atmosphere is great with low Japanese tables, busy but quiet, a prime spot for a date night. The pro move here is to order from the daily specials menu for ultimate freshness and creativity. The lines are long and rarely pick up the phone for reservations, but persevere. It's worth it.
One of the best places in Berlin for Monday lunch - you need to be there at 12:00 the latest or be one of the lucky few who gets them on the phone.
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Niko Izakaya
Looking for proper, Japanese Izakaya vibes in Berlin? Then head to Niko Izakaya in Wedding where you get to sit around the counter watching your bites get prepared by very capable hands while sipping on some delicious drinks (the drinks menu is quite extensive). Niko is fun, simple and honest and while we wish that the food delivered on a slightly higher level, just the vibe of the restaurant alone makes this one of the best Japanese restaurants in Berlin. The menu varies a lot, but the small sharing plates can include bar food like Japanese Croquettes, Grilled Mackerel, Pork Belly and simmered fish dishes.
Come for a night of serious, Japanese drinking and dive deep into the highballs and Japanese whiskys
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Machiko
Run by Hiroshima-born Machiko Akazawa, this modest izakaya draws a notable share of Japanese regulars who come to drink, snack and linger. The cooking is direct and deeply rooted in drinking culture: octopus and potato salad, marinated squid, warmed sardines in tomato sauce, and in-house aged fish served grilled or as sashimi. Come alone or with your best friends, dive deep into the incredible sake and shochu selection and let the Japanese rhythm of this place carry you away. Because Machiko is not only by all means the best Izakaya in Berlin, it's one of the most underrated restaurants of the city.
The must-eats include the Octopus Potato Salad, the marinated squid - and a Tomato Shoshu Highball to wash it down!
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San
SAN in Berlin-Mitte operates slightly under the radar despite being one of the city’s most consistently Japanese-leaning sushi restaurants. The focus is on a broad yet precise menu spanning sushi, sashimi, and small starters, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and clean execution. A minimalist interior and open kitchen keep attention on the craft, while the structure of the menu allows for both quick visits and more extended meals. Centrally located yet low-key in presence, SAN stands out for delivering one of the more traditional and well-rounded sushi experiences in Berlin. Fun fact: The Karaage Chicken here is so good that it earned the restaurant a spot on the list of the best fried chicken in Berlin.
Go for the Chef's Omakase selection and definitely order a portion of the oustanding Karaage Chicken
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Otsuka
Tucked inside a Denn’s Supermarket near Nordbahnhof, Otsuka is a compact sushi counter run by Japanese chef Daisuke Watanabe focusing on a simplistic, omakase-style experience. The menu moves through sashimi, nigiri, and occasional maki, alongside tamago and a simple dessert. Fish selection leans on high-quality European catches such as Spanish tuna, Atlantic turbot, sea bream, and mackerel. The rice is carefully prepared and precisely seasoned, forming the backbone of each piece. With only a handful of seats, the setting remains intimate and centered on the chef’s craft.
No alcohol is served and you can't bring your own bottles, so enjoy your tea. Seats can be reserved via Instagram.
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Ishin
Check out some of Berlin's best "every day" sushi and rice bowls at Ishin - an exceptional Japanese restaurant chain available at several locations in Mitte and West Berlin. Punching way above their price level, prepare to be captivated by this machine of a restaurant. They are one of the few restaurants in Berlin with enough volume to procure whole tunas, which means the likelihood of you scoring unusual cuts is pretty high. Ishin is a very busy lunch destination and the shops on Mittelstrasse and Bundesallee are the biggest ones with the best offering. Ordering well is essential and the pro move is to avoid the menus and to order small a la carte items instead.
Come for early or late lunch to avoid lines and order the Tuna Toro Sashimi, the Salmon Ikura Rice Bowl, the Uni Maki plus all your favourite nigiris
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Koji Handroll Bar
Kōki Handroll Bar is a contemporary sushi counter tucked inside Kalle Halle on Karl-Marx-Straße in Neukölln. Opened at the end of 2024, it marks the solo debut of head chef Ruslan Kim, formerly of the Japanese fusion restaurant November in Prenzlauer Berg. The focus is on handrolls, sushi, and sashimi shaped by Kim’s signature style: precise, high-end foundations paired with modern accents and flavors. Recurring elements include truffle mayonnaise, and ponzu, which add a distinct, contemporary layer to otherwise classic compositions.
Chef Ruslan will prepare classical sushi according to your specific wishes - just tell him what you want!
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Kuma Ramen
Following the reopening of Markthalle Pfefferberg, Kuma Ramen has returned in a prominent front-facing spot, led by German Vietnamese ramen aficionado Tran Nam Nguyen. The focus remains on bold, flavor-driven bowls, including his signature triple garlic tonkotsu, alongside rotating specials that occasionally feature oversized pork rib toppings. Beyond ramen, the menu extends into hybrid territory with his signature tonkotsu French dip bánh mì, combining the structure of the Vietnamese sandwich with a ramen broth for dipping. The result is a compact, highly personal take on ramen that blends intensity with playful crossovers.
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Food Technique Ramen
This pop-up slash pick-up slash coolest-ramen-kids-on-the-block outfit, run by German ramen aficionado Christopher Selig, is offering some of the most exciting ramen flavors in Berlin and potentially all of Germany. Bucking the trend of going for a physical space, Chris periodically produces Ramen Kits for at-home consumption as well as holds collaboration series with notable, Japanese chefs. Check his social media for upcoming dates and look for the opening of his first restaurant in 2026.
Get on his newsletter for early-access to the Ramen Kits and event tickets
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Ramen Bones 3
Ramen Bones 3 in Berlin-Friedrichshain focuses on Jiro-Kei style ramen, a rarely seen format in the city, rooted in the cult Tokyo shop Ramen Jiro. The style is defined by its weight and scale: thick, chewy noodles in a rich, soy-based pork broth, topped with hefty slices of chashu and towering piles of garlic, bean sprouts, and cabbage. At Ramen Bones, the whole thing is topped by an audacious slice of American Cheese that melts into your soup, showcasing the maximalist approach to ramen with little compromise. The result is a dense, highly specific bowl that stands apart from lighter ramen styles more commonly found across Berlin.
Unless you are a crazy eater, the normal portion will suffice for you
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Tori Katsu
Tori Katsu is a long-standing Japanese-stykle katsu restaurant with roots dating back to 1968, often cited to be the first in Germany to serve the breaded, fried schnitzel-style cutlets. A fixture in the Schöneberg district, it functions as a busy lunch spot with a steady local following. The menu centers on thick-cut chicken katsu, typically served with rice, coleslaw, and a sauce of your choice. Decades on, the format remains unchanged, anchoring the restaurant’s reputation as a durable, no-frills destination for this specific style of Japanese comfort food.
Always order the "Bratensoße" gravy with your katsu
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Kumami
Kumami is a destination restaurant in Berlin-Köpenick, run by a Japanese couple and set within a hybrid space that also houses the wife’s clothing label. Guests dine at a small counter, where the chef presents a seasonal, chef’s choice menu built around local ingredients and with a great sake selection to go with it. The approach reflects a personal, almost self-sufficient style, highlights include a trout he has caught himself and prepared using the Japanese ike jime method, with the canoe displayed at the entrance as a quiet nod to the process.
Make sure to order the optional extra dish on the menu
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UDAGAWA 宇田川
Udagawa in Berlin-Steglitz is one of the city’s longest-running Japanese restaurants, operating in its current location since 1987, before the fall of the Berlin Wall. The menu spans a notably wide range of Japanese cuisine, from small tsumami-style snacks to sushi, sashimi, tempura, donburi, and hot pot dishes like sukiyaki. Probably the only place you can taste such a variety of Japanese food in Berlin. The space retains a distinct late-20th-century character, with wood-heavy interiors that echo its origins and the general vibe of a 90s time capsule. A true legend of the German Japanese scene!
Order the sashimi, unagi and tempura dishes and stay away from the Sukiyaki
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ichi いち
Ichi is a discreet Japanese restaurant tucked just off Torstraße in Berlin-Mitte, hidden in a cellar space that reveals itself only after a bit of searching. Guests remove their shoes before descending into a low-lit room centered around a large, sunken wooden table and the vibe of this restaurant is truly unique and very Japanese. The kitchen is led by chef Shunichi Nagamine, originally from Miyazaki in southern Japan. He serves a set omakase menu that reflects his background, including regional specialties such as Chicken Nanban, the fried chicken dish closely associated with his hometown.
Make sure to order the Chicken Nanban in case it's not on the menu
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Shiori
Shiori is a counter-style Japanese restaurant dedicated to the principles of kaiseki. Guests are seated close to the action, where Chef Shiori prepares seasonal menus with a focus on precision, balance and restraint. The cooking follows the rhythm of the seasons, presenting meticulously composed courses that reflect classical Japanese techniques and aesthetics. The intimate setting places craftsmanship at the centre of the experience, with each dish assembled in front of diners. Shiori positions itself within Berlin’s Japanese scene as a restaurant committed to formal structure, seasonality and the traditions of fine Japanese dining.
Go for the weekly brunch on Sundays where you for 70EUR get a Kaiseki style breakfast that will transport you right to a Japanese countryside hotel
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The Catch
The Catch is a Japanese-inspired, sushi-focused restaurant in the heart of Charlottenburg and the Berlin counterpart to its Riga sibling. Defined by a sleek, contemporary interior, the space frames an atmosphere that leans intimate while remaining distinctly polished, attracting a cool, West-Berlin crowd. The menu channels a modern interpretation of the Izakaya format, moving between small plates and composed dishes with a clear emphasis on seafood. While not strictly a sushi bar, the selection of creative rolls and precisely cut sashimi forms the core of the offering, built around notably fresh fish.
Go for the crab sushi rolls and the Tuna Belly Sashimi
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Kuchi Kant
Duc Ngo is definitely this city’s MVP in terms of amazing lunch restaurants (a rare find in 2024) and all of us outside of Charlottenburg live with constant envy of whoever has easy access to Madame Ngo and Funky Fish. Kuchi Kant, his old-school sushi concept Kuchi on Kantstrasse got a SERIOUS facelift in Summer 2024, the restaurant has been spruced up from scratch, but most importantly for us, so has the menu. The new menu is massive, conceptualized by Duc’s Japanese superstar chef Masao, and will you instant FOMO as there’s no way to try everything on it (believe me, you will want to). A great dining experience if you ask us.
If your wallet allows, order the Hokkaido Chirashi Bowl, it is the best the city has ever seen.
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Stoke
Located in Kreuzberg, Stoke the big city restaurant that's redefining open-fire dining in Berlin. Led by Jeff Claudio (Yardbird, Burnt Ends) and Jessica Tan (Relæ Group), this yakitori counter delivers an omakase-style journey through expertly grilled skewers and bold flavors. The custom-built wood-fired grill and meticulously sourced ingredients make each bite a revelation. Complemented by a cutting-edge cocktail and wine program, Stoke is a must-visit for adventurous diners seeking an unforgettable culinary experience.
Make sure to order some of the extra skewers from the a la carte menu and do not miss out on some of the best cocktails in Berlin
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November Brasserie
November is a higher-end, Japanese-inspired brasserie from the team behind The Catch and Jolie Bistrot. Set in a striking, design-forward space, it stands out as one of the more visually polished dining rooms in Berlin. The menu draws on Japanese flavors while weaving in elements of contemporary European fine dining, with a strong emphasis on seafood. Positioned as an evening destination, it combines a full restaurant experience with a cocktail-driven atmosphere, catering to diners seeking a more elevated, occasion-style setting in the city. November has truly succeeded in establishing itself in the casual fine dining space and remains one of the most talked about restaurants in its space.
Come in the summer and have a seat at one of the outside tables on the beautiful sidewalk
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893 Ryotei
If you're in Berlin and looking for a high-end Japanese sushi restaurant, look no further than 893 Ryotei. This restaurant offers an upscale dining experience, with a twist: the exterior is covered in graffiti. A brainchild of renowned restaurateur Duc Ngo, 893 Ryotei is a must-visit for those who appreciate the finer things in life. While the prices are on the high side, the quality of the food and the atmosphere make it well worth it. Especially ths sushi offering belongs to the finest in all off Germany. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or simply looking for a memorable meal, 893 Ryotei is an excellent choice.
Reserve your table well in advance and ask for a seat at the bar. Order from the sushi and raw seafood menu, skip the Nikkei menu items and also get the steak.
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Le Duc Salon
Le Duc Salon is the private dining project of Berlin restaurateur The Duc Ngo, known for a portfolio that includes 893 Ryōtei, Madame Ngo, Funky Fish, Kuchi and many more. Located in a refurbished Altbau apartment above Madame Ngo, the space has been reworked into a high-design setting centered around a chromed open kitchen and an intimate dining room. Conceived as a flexible pop-up platform, it hosts a rotating series of formats tied to Ngo’s fine dining ambitions, most notably a Japanese-influenced tasting concept under the Le Duc Salon name. In parallel, the monthly Le Duc Ramen Salon focuses on a single, highly detailed ramen interpretation, executed with a lot of love and devotion. One of Berlin's most special dining experiences!
Tickets are extremely limited and you need to follow the Le Duc Instagram account to catch releases
