Top 10 Japanese Restaurants in Memphis You Need to Try

Most people associate Memphis with Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Blues. Elvis Presley usually comes to mind as well. But did you know that it also has a growing culinary scene? Japanese restaurants, in particular, have grown in popularity over the last several years. If you’re craving a sushi plate or a bowl of ramen, you can easily find a savory, authentic dish in the bustling city of Memphis. Looking for a new spot to grab some Japanese cuisine? Check out our list of the top 10 Japanese restaurants in Memphis now!

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1. Sekisui Midtown

A Midtown spot that locals consider to be one of the best Japanese restaurants in Memphis

25 S Belvedere Blvd | Midtown | sekisuiusa.com

If you’re looking for a chill, low-key spot to grab Japanese food in Memphis, you need to visit Sekisui. Located in the Midtown area, Sekisui offers an exciting array of sushi rolls as well as appetizers and entrees. 

Whether you’re looking for something simple like a White Tuna Nigiri plate or something big and flavorful like a Dynamite Roll, you can find everything you could ever want and more at Sekisui. The restaurant is closed Sunday through Tuesday, but you can stop by for lunch or dinner on any other day!

“THIS is MY sushi joint. I eat it there or I get it to-go.  I feel like I'm at home with, family when I stop by. I love the water features around the restaurant.  The patio is pretty at night. I go here for all occasions: To catch up with pals, for a date night, for a lunch meeting or just to grab a meal on-the-go.” - Yelp Review

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2. Red Koi Japanese Cuisine

Family-owned and operated Japanese restaurant located on Poplar Avenue

5847 Poplar Ave, Suite 101 | Memphis | redkoimemphis.com

Red Koi Japanese Cuisine, a family-owned and operated restaurant on Poplar Ave, has attracted a massive fanbase over the years. It’s also won prestigious awards like the 2017 Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor and Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite. 

This rustic and elegant restaurant is known for its authentic Japanese dishes that are made-to-order using only the finest ingredients around. On the menu, you’ll find a wide selection of appetizing items like the Shrimp Tempura Roll and the Spicy Tuna Nachos. Red Koi also offers delicious hibachi dinners served with soup, salad, vegetables, and fried rice! You really can’t go wrong with any dish here.

“Best sushi place around!!! Their salad is always extremely fresh, the ginger dressing is wonderful and creamy. I love the spicy crab tempura roll and the Kentucky roll. Yum!!! Always fresh and they always get my to-go order right the first time. Red Koi is on the ball! Love them!” - Yelp Review

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3. Sakura Japanese Restaurant

Laidback restaurant that is known for its tempura and teriyaki dishes

4840 Poplar Ave | Brennan | sakuramemphis.com

Sakura Japanese Restaurant is another top-rated spot in Memphis! Its Poplar location actually just opened. But locals are already falling in love with it. 

The sushi bar boasts a wide selection of options like the Big Time Roll, Caterpillar Roll, and Cholesterol Roll. Savory teriyaki and tempura entrees are also available and come with miso soup and salad. If you’re craving some sushi or rice, you can also add those as sides. To finish off your meal, you can treat yourself to some delicious ice cream. Yum!

“Sakura's sushi MELTS in your mouth. Everything is so fresh and delicate! Even the Philadelphia Roll (yes, you can mess up a Philly roll) was to die for! Chicken teriyaki was tender, our rice was excellent, the house salad with ginger dressing...chef's kiss!” - Yelp Review

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4. Akita Sushi & Hibachi Steak

Popular steakhouse that is located in nearby Southaven, MS

35 Goodman Rd W | Southaven, MS | akitasushiandhibachisteakhouse.com

Next up is Akita Sushi & Hibachi Steak. While it’s not technically located in Memphis, it is pretty close to the city. And the food is so good we would be remiss to not put it on the list! 

Akita Sushi & Hibachi Steak offers an exciting variety of sushi, sashimi, and hibachi entrees. Some of our favorite dishes include the Crazy Crab Roll, Filet & Lobster, and Steak Hibachi. Have a sweet tooth? Once you finish up your entree, you can treat yourself to a sweet dessert like the Fried Cheesecake or Mango Mochi. 

“Very nice setup, chefs are very talented with great personalities. The food was very delicious and plentiful. Not as expensive as Benihana. And the fried cheesecake was sooooo delicious oh my goodness.” - Yelp Review

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5. Tokyo Grill

Charming restaurant that offers a wide selection of Japanese entrees and sushi

1400 Poplar Ave | Evergreen | tokyogrillmemphis.com

Looking for a restaurant that offers fast service and delicious food? Check out Tokyo Grill! Located in Evergreen, Tokyo Grill is the perfect spot to grab a quick lunch or a casual dinner at a low price. 

Soup, salad, fried rice, noodle dishes, sushi, bento boxes, and more mouthwatering food can be found on the menu. You really can’t go wrong with anything here. From the Pork Katsu to the Dynamite Roll, every dish is carefully prepared to perfection. 

“I'm so so happy this place opened near us! I know this will be one of our go to restaurants. Their service was great and so is their food. The prices are reasonable as well. We didn't have to wait too long for our food and our waitress checked in to make sure we were happy.” - Yelp Review

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6. Osaka Japanese Cuisine

Chic, upscale Japanese restaurant located in nearby Cordova, TN

2200 N Germantown Pkwy, Suite 101 | Cordova | osaka-cuisine.com

Osaka Japanese Cuisine offers a chic, elegant dining space for guests. Inside, you’ll find gorgeous pieces of art and interior designs that will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a whole new world. 

On the menu, you’ll find an appetizing selection of sushi rolls to help start off your meal. Spicy Tuna Rolls, Tempura Rolls, Vegetable Rolls, and more await you. Osaka also offers delicious entrees and hibachi dishes that are sure to fill you up. Enjoy!

“Terrific. Sushi menu was huge, diverse, and creative. We also had some hot food dishes. Everything we tried had a delicious and interesting flavor balance. It was a delight to try all of the various taste treats. Kudos to whoever came up with the menu and the chef. Also great atmosphere and service.” - Yelp Review

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7. Urban Fusion & Asian Bistro

Charming bistro that serves savory Japanese and Thai dishes

2015 Exeter Rd | Germantown | urbanjapanesefusion.com

Since 2013, locals have flocked to Urban Fusion & Asian Bistro for delicious Japanese and Thai food. This Germantown restaurant is a hot spot for authentic Japanese and Thai dishes like Hibachi Steak, Thai Curry, Vegetable Tempura, and sushi! 

Urban Fusion also offers a number of great lunch deals, like the Maki Roll Special, which comes with any two rolls of your choice plus miso soup and salad. Lunch bento boxes and hibachi entrees are also available, and come with their own small selection of sides. Eat up!

“I really enjoy this place for pretty much everything. I haven't tried their entire menu but this is one of those places that is so good that I likely will try their entire menu over the course of the next few years until I find my absolute favs.” - Yelp Review

8. Blue Fin

Modern downtown restaurant that is known for its inventive Japanese dishes

135 S Main St | Downtown Memphis | bluefinmemphis.net

Blue Fin offers a chic, upscale lounge where you can quickly unwind after a long day. Located in Downtown Memphis, Blue Fin offers the perfect backdrop for any occasion, from romantic date nights to low-key get together with friends. 

Its seafood-focused menu features a number of specialty sushi rolls, vegetarian rolls, sashimi, hibachi, poke bowls, and tempura. For beverages, Blue Fin offers ginger beer, juice, tea, and soda. Get ready to sit back and relax inside this fun and trendy restaurant!

“There is not a huge fish selection but what they had was actually the freshest of any place I've been to in the past year. Last time I got a poke bowl with 2 kinds of fish and didn't ask for any adjustments. The mixture of everything was perfect together.” - Yelp Review

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9. Ryu Sushi Bar

Sushi, noodles, hibachi, and more delicious food await you at this laidback Japanese restaurant

5137 Summer Ave | Berclair | ryusushibarmemphis.com

Since 2018, Ryu Sushi Bar has enjoyed a top reputation for its authentic cuisine and friendly service. Ryu Sushi Bar offers an appetizing menu filled with both Japanese and Vietnamese dishes. 

Appetizers like Shrimp Tempura and Seaweed Salad are great for holding you over while you wait for your sushi or pho. Before you leave, make sure you try their cheesecake! It will be the perfect finish to your already great meal. 

“The atmosphere is quiet and elegant, perfect for a relaxing lunch. I particularly recommend stopping by if you've just survived a harrowing experience at the Driver Services and Reinstatement Center down the road. After waiting for hours in a cramped room full of crying children and apathetic employees, Ryu will heal your soul.” - Yelp Review

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10. Sarku Japan

Popular Japanese restaurant chain that cooks all of its dishes on sizzling grills

2760 N Germantown Pkwy, Suite 254 | Memphis | sarkujapan.com

Sarku Japan’s mission is to bring authentic Japanese cuisine and dining to the United States. All of the restaurants, including the Memphis location, have expert chefs that cook your meal right in front of you. 

Chicken teriyaki, vegetable soba, and more hot entrees can be found on the menu as well as fresh-made sushi rolls. Want something a little extra? Add some dumplings or a spring roll to your meal! You deserve it. 

“The menu includes tempura and sushi dishes, yet the standout is probably the teriyaki chicken, which comes with rice and vegetables. It has an awesome flavor that I have never found anywhere else except the now-defunct Sumo Japan (another food court restaurant). They let you double the portion of chicken for little more than a dollar, making it a big bargain as well.” - Yelp Review

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From sushi to tempura to ramen, Japanese foods are some of the best dishes you will ever taste. What Japanese restaurants in Memphis do you plan to visit next? Let us know in the comment section below!