Ordering guide
What to order at a Japanese restaurant
Japanese restaurants reward restraint. The best dish is usually the one the chef is most proud of — here's how to find it.
Must-try Japanese dishes
- Omakase sushi
- Tonkotsu ramen
- Unagi don
- Tempura moriawase
- Wagyu yakiniku
- Chirashi bowl
Frequently asked questions
What should I order at a Japanese restaurant?
At a sushi restaurant, order omakase if it's offered — it signals the chef will serve their best fish. At a ramen shop, order the house tonkotsu or shoyu. At an izakaya, order karaage, gyoza, edamame and grilled fish to share.
What is the best sushi to order at a Japanese restaurant?
Start with otoro (fatty tuna), uni (sea urchin), hamachi (yellowtail) and ikura (salmon roe) if you want premium pieces. For something cooked, anago (sea eel) and tamago (sweet egg) test a chef's skill more than raw fish does.
What's a good Japanese dish for someone who doesn't like raw fish?
Tonkatsu, chicken katsu curry, ramen, udon, tempura, yakitori, gyoza and unagi (grilled eel) are all cooked. You can have a full Japanese meal without touching raw fish.
What is the difference between sashimi, sushi and nigiri?
Sashimi is sliced raw fish with no rice. Nigiri is a slice of fish on a small bed of vinegared rice. Sushi is the umbrella term covering nigiri, maki rolls, chirashi bowls and more — anything made with vinegared rice.
How do I order omakase?
Sit at the counter. Tell the chef any allergies or strong dislikes, then say 'omakase onegaishimasu'. Eat each piece as it's served, in one bite, in the order it's given. Don't add soy sauce unless invited to.
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