Japanese Restaurants In Penang

Don’t know where to start looking for a reputable Japanese restaurant in Penang?

Where do you go to for delectable sushi or a hearty bowl of ramen?

Do you want a laid-back Japanese bar or a posh dining restaurant?

Check out this list of the 11 best Japanese restaurants in Penang. For satisfying Japanese food with fine ingredients!

Top 11 Japanese Restaurants In Penang

1. Aji Noren 味暖簾

Unagi Don and Tonkotsu Ramen At Aji Noren, Penang
Unagi Don and Tonkotsu Ramen At Aji Noren, Penang – Photo credits to penang_lang_foodies (Instagram)

From the robust woody paneling to hanging paper lanterns:

Aji Noren plays the part of an authentic izakaya serving some of the best Japanese food in Penang.

While they have a long list of food on their expansive menu, a notable crowd-puller is the omurice.

There are tasty cutlets of karaage and wholesome ochazuke. As well as other innovative Japanese dishes too.

Katsu Kare and Kuro Mayu Ramen At Aji Noren, Penang
Katsu Kare and Kuro Mayu Ramen At Aji Noren, Penang – Photo credits to kelvin_chiahcs (Instagram)

If salty Japanese food is a bane to your taste buds, fret not as the meals here strike a good balance to the palate.

Furthermore, huge servings and reasonable prices have many customers coming back for more.

The popularity of Aji Noren 味暖簾 means you can expect a crowd during peak periods. So be sure to place a reservation to secure your spot.

2. Restoran Sushi Kappo Miyasaka

Many Japanese patrons like to frequent Kappo Miyasaka. It has authentic vintage Japanese vibes. And splashes of sunny yellow to spruce up its already cheerful interior.

Sashimi Platter Presentation At Restoran Sushi Kappo Miyasaka
Sashimi Platter Presentation At Restoran Sushi Kappo Miyasaka – Photo credits to snow.camellia.mn (Instagram)

A true-blue Japanese gentleman, Chef Miyasaka brings with him decades of experience.

The food is delicious with a decent variety of set lunches and bento sets to boot.

Katsudon At Restoran Sushi Kappo Miyasaka
Katsudon At Restoran Sushi Kappo Miyasaka – Photo credits to suchingkhoo (Instagram)

Additionally, the service is top-notch and fast. Besides that, you’ll find a good list of light food to go with Japanese wine too.

Another best-seller here is their warm sake which is hard to come by.

Hence, tables book out fast during festive celebrations and public holidays. Make a point to reserve a table before swinging by.

3. Kirishima Japanese Restaurant

Kirishima Japanese Restaurant in Cititel Hotel has a stellar selection of sake. Along with other Japanese spirits to go with an impressive variety of sashimi and sushi.

This Japanese restaurant has four sections to cater to their diverse clientele:

There is a sushi counter, a sake cellar, private rooms, and two dining areas.

Assorted Japanese Dishes At Kirishima Japanese Resturant
Assorted Japanese Dishes At Kirishima Japanese Resturant – Photo credits to leeqin (Instagram)

The seafood is as fresh as it gets, with unagi rice sets tasting flavorful, rich, and juicy..

Enjoy the outstanding crispness of their tempura. Which pairs well with fragrant and delicious garlic rice.

End your Japanese feast with decadent sesame ice cream that’s velvety and not too sweet.

Assorted Sushi At Kirishima Japanese Restaurant
Assorted Sushi At Kirishima Japanese Restaurant – Photo credits to achcara (Instagram)

But the wait at Kirishima Japanese Restaurant is long during peak periods. It can average for more than half an hour.

Still, the gracious owner in a kimono and attentive staff make up for this. Together with the awesome food.

4. Edo Ichi Island Plaza

While prices are high, Edo Ichi Island Plaza restaurant serves exceptional fresh cuts.

Sushi Set At Edo Ichi Island Plaza
Sushi Set At Edo Ichi Island Plaza – Photo credits to leslie_ooi (Instagram)

The raw seafood dishes here taste marvelous. So don’t scrimp on your orders of sashimi, oysters, and salmon while you’re here.

And the salmon, beef Inoki and cheese scallops are other highlights worth trying.

Cheese Scallops At Edo Ichi Island Plaza
Cheese Scallops At Edo Ichi Island Plaza – Photo credits to ariuskoay (Instagram)

At Edo Ichi Island Plaza restaurant, there is a consistent crowd. More so during lunch and dinner hours. So it’s best to pre-book your spot to prevent unnecessary waiting.

Note: Apart from its maiden branch in Penang, the Edo Ichi restaurant has two branches in KL and one in Singapore.

5. Tairyo Japanese Restaurant 大漁日本料理

Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura at Tairyo Japanese Restaurant
Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura at Tairyo Japanese Restaurant – Photo credits to susen55 (Instagram)

At the Tairyo Japanese Restaurant, indulge in succulent fresh sashimi and crispy gyoza.

They have delicious dishes, beautiful presentations, and a comprehensive list of sake too.

Mentai tamago (omelet with fish roe) and hand-crafted maki are other great dishes to order here.

Japanese Food At Tairyo Japanese Restaurant
Japanese Food At Tairyo Japanese Restaurant – Photo credits to yourfoodzone (Instagram)

Even their chawan mushi (steamed egg custard) passes with flying colors. It is silky and tasty.

And aside from the charming ambiance, the staff here is knowledgeable. They have excellent recommendations.

6. Sushi Zento

Sashimi And Sushi At Sushi Zento, Penang
Sashimi And Sushi At Sushi Zento, Penang – Photo credits to stevenkim62 (Instagram)

Sushi Zento’s contemporary decor of earthen fittings evokes an air of Zen. The meals are delish and steep in quality.

You’ll find a good selection of flavorful ramen, skewered meats, and Japanese bento sets. All at reasonable prices.

The portions are decent too and the sushi conveyor belt has tempting combos of fresh sushi and maki.

Bento Set At Sushi Zento, Penang
Bento Set At Sushi Zento, Penang – Photo credits to stevenkim62 (Instagram)

To stay updated with the latest discounts, check out their respective social media.

This restaurant chain usually has discounts during celebrations like Mother’s Day.

7. Sushi Edo Penang

Fixate your eyes on the Kaiten belt at Sushi Edo as a variety of sushi revolves around it.

Indoor Dining Environment Of Sushi Edo Penang
Indoor Dining Environment Of Sushi Edo Penang – Photo credits to jytan127 (Instagram)

Sushi Edo is a worthy contender to Sushi Mentai. They offer cheap Japanese food without compromising on quality. But it’s wishful to expect luxurious ingredients in the sushi.

The wide menu has ala carte dishes such as sashimi, smoked duck salad, and bento sets. Plus, grilled salmon fish head and more.

Soba Noodles At Sushi Edo Penang
Soba Noodles At Sushi Edo Penang – Photo credits to whatyouwantoeatlater (Instagram)

Vegetarian options are also available. Along with standard variations that are great value for money.

Service is quick and the staff is courteous too.

8. SUPE Vegan – Georgetown Branch

On the hunt for vegan Japanese food? Put SUPE Vegan on your radar as this hidden gem dishes out healthy options that both taste and look good!

Some of the menu staples include packed vegan sushi and nourishing ramen. They serve these from takeaway boxes straight to the table.

Try Vegan Japanese Food At SUPE Vegan, Georgetown Branch
Try Vegan Japanese Food At SUPE Vegan, Georgetown Branch – Photo credits to SUPE Japanese VEGAN Penang (Facebook)

Their Crunchy Popcorn Mushroom is popular. Along with their 16-piece Sushi Platter and SUPE Ramen that’s full of flavor.

They take pride in using the finest ingredients – all the food is free of mock meats or processed foods. And meals here are void of garlic, onion, and egg.

9. Fuku Eatery & Dessert

Quirky Interior Of Fuku Eatery _ Dessert, Penang
Quirky Interior Of Fuku Eatery _ Dessert, Penang – Photo credits to zhihao_823 (Instagram)

Doubling as a pop-art shop selling a variety of local and Japanese merchandise:

Fuku Eatery’s star attractions are its curated drinks and dessert menu. They have pretty plating for their desserts.

Aromatic gourmet beans waft throughout this pork-free, halal Japanese restaurant.

The environment is welcoming with touches of contemporary finishing.

Dessert And Other Dishes Like Japanese Katsu Curry At Fuku Eatery and Dessert
Dessert And Other Dishes Like Japanese Katsu Curry At Fuku Eatery and Dessert – Photo credits to kelvin_chiahcs (Instagram)

One of their bestselling cakes is the Hojicha Burnt Cheesecake. Cakes, by the way, pair well with their thick matcha latte too.

If you want something more filling, there’s a decent menu of Japanese fusion food.

If in doubt, you can’t go wrong with their chicken karaage and curry katsu don – neither dish is too spicy or bland.

10. J-Garden

On a corner lot and occupying 2 floors:

J-Garden is a swanky Japanese Western Restaurant that combines good food with style.

Thick _ Crispy Tonkatsu At J-Garden
Thick _ Crispy Tonkatsu At J-Garden – Photo credits to Calvin Chua (Google Maps)

This minimalist food haven in white has warm lighting for an upscale ambiance.

Some of the must-tries on the menu include the citrus saba spaghetti. The nanban chicken and cheese-baked meals get top marks for presentation and taste.

Nanban Chicken At J-Garden
Nanban Chicken At J-Garden – Photo credits to J-Garden (Facebook)

There are also plenty of vegan and vegetarian variants here.

But finding parking along Belisa Row can be challenging during peak hours.

Still, with genuine customer service and high-quality food:

J-Garden is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Penang.

11. Kushikobo Asian Bistro

Stylish Sushi Bar At Kushikobo Asian Bistro
Stylish Sushi Bar At Kushikobo Asian Bistro – Photo credits to siewbae (Instagram)

Kushikobo requires no introduction among seasoned Japanese connoisseurs.

With all the Japanese foodies in Penang, its popularity means reservation is mandatory.

The restaurant has a husband-and-wife duo running it. They spent 10 years honing their trade in Japanese restaurants. The result shows in their fine attention to detail and stellar service.

Gilled Chicken Meatballs And Grilled Chicken Skin At Kushikobo Asian Bistro
Gilled Chicken Meatballs And Grilled Chicken Skin At Kushikobo Asian Bistro – Photo credits to siewbae (Instagram)

They char every dish well. That goes for the rib-eye steak, stingray, mackerel, and pork dishes with mentai sauce.

Try their yakitori – a toothsome grilled chicken that hits all the right notes.

Two sessions are available for booking. Meanwhile, getting a parking bay will take some time.

Conclusion

Don’t go on a wild goose chase when your cravings for Japanese food hit you. Because our list of the best 11 Japanese food will set you on the right track for a memorable outing.

Take your pick of sushi bars, fusion restaurants, and posh restaurants. Indulge in fine Japanese food as a detour from local food.

Further reading:

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