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
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.
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.
- Address: 98-G-35, Prima Tanjung, Jalan Fettes, Kampung Belachan, 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
- Business Hours: 12–2pm, 6–10pm (Closed on Mondays)
- Contact: +6048994720
- Link: Facebook
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.
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.
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.
- Address: 397, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Business Hours: 12pm to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm; closed on Sunday and Monday.
- Contact: +604-2266251 / +6016-4149875
- Link: Facebook
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.
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.
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.
- Address: Cititel Penang, 66, Jln Penang, Georgetown, 10000 George Town, Penang
- Business Hours: 12pm to 2pm; 6pm to 10pm daily
- Contact: +604-3700108
- Link: Facebook
- Email: [email protected]
4. Edo Ichi Island Plaza
While prices are high, Edo Ichi Island Plaza restaurant serves exceptional fresh cuts.
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.
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.
- Address: G04,G05&G06, Island Plaza 118, Jalan Tanjong Tokong Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong, 10470, Pulau Pinang
- Business Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11.30am to 2.30pm & 6pm to 10pm; Friday to Sunday: 11.30am to 10pm
- Contact: +604-8903199
- Links: Website; Facebook
- Email: [email protected]
5. Tairyo Japanese Restaurant 大漁日本料理
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.
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.
- Address: 71, Jln Icon City, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
- Business Hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm; 5.30pm to 9.30pm daily
- Tel: +6018-9794831
- Links: Facebook; Instagram
- Email: [email protected]
6. Sushi Zento
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.
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.
- Address 1: 10-A-11&12 Jalan Precinct 10, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Penang
- Business Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11.30am to 2.30pm & 6pm to 10.15pm; Friday to Sunday: 11.30am to 10.15pm
- Contact: 04-8992725 / 04-3831478 (Seberang Jaya) / 016-3260788 (Bayan Lepas)
- Link: Facebook; Instagram
- Email: [email protected]
7. Sushi Edo Penang
Fixate your eyes on the Kaiten belt at Sushi Edo as a variety of sushi revolves around it.
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.
Vegetarian options are also available. Along with standard variations that are great value for money.
Service is quick and the staff is courteous too.
- Address: 1-1-33A Elit Avenue, Jln Mayang Pasir 3, Bayan Baru, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
- Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11.30am to 9.30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Contact: +6012-4955340
- Link: Facebook
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.
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.
- Address: 12, Gat Lebuh Acheh, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Business Hours: 11am – 9pm daily (Kindly call to confirm before visiting)
- Contact: +6016-411 7570
- Link: Facebook
- Email: [email protected]
9. Fuku Eatery & Dessert
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.
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.
- Address: 37a&b, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang.
- Business Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9am to 6pm; Friday to Sunday: 9am to 9pm
- Contact: +6017-8924829
- Links: Facebook; Instagram
- Email: [email protected]
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.
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.
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.
- Address: 368-1-1 Bellisa Row, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, George Town, Penang
- Business Hours: 11:30am–3pm, 6–10pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Contact: +6016-2942239
- Link: Facebook
- Email: [email protected]
11. Kushikobo Asian Bistro
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.
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.
- Address: Fettes 10 50, G-1, Jalan Fettes, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
- Business Hours: 6–11:30pm (Closed on Mondays)
- Contact: +604-8904260
- Link: Facebook; Instagram
- Email: [email protected]
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:
- 11 Best Korean Restaurant In Penang
- 11 Steamboat Restaurants To Try On A Cool Night In Penang
- Exquisite Fine Dining Restaurants In Penang That Are Worth It
- 13 Best Restaurants In Penang – Try Different Cuisine Around The World
- 11 Tantalizing Seafood Restaurants In Penang For A Seafood Feast
- 11 Great Penang Western Food