Dorinku Osaka
It’s beautiful inside this upmarket Japanese restaurant, but Dorinku Osaka definitely has a split personality. And that’s a good thing. One half of the restaurant has loads of natural wood elements, bonsai trees and clean minimalism that allows the food and service to take centre stage. The other side takes you to the streets of Osaka where you’ll find lantern decorations, pachinko arcade games and kawara roof tiles. Menu favourites include okonomiyaki, yakitori, katsu sandu and an expansive selection of sushi and sashimi. 10328 Jasper Avenue
Shoyu Sushi
The newest addition to our Downtown Japanese cuisine scenery. Shoyu Sushi is on the roll with their extensive sushi menu. Fan favourites include crispy rolls, sushi rolls, hand rolls, and of course, sashimi options. Not sure what to order? Try one of their customizable bento boxes with brown sugar bubble tea. 10011 109 Street
Mikado Sushi & Robata
Mikado Sushi & Robata is one of Alberta’s oldest Japanese restaurants founded in 1972. Most customers come here for the best sushi and sashimi in Downtown Edmonton, but other options, such as the chicken yakitori and BBQ squid will have you vowing to return. 10350 109 Street
Tanuki Kyoto Sushi
This bustling restaurant can get quite busy at peak times so securing a table can be tricky, but it’s worth the effort to dine at Tanuki Kyoto Sushi. Go hard on the maki rolls. There are 25 kinds, but the Rainbow, rolled with avocado, salmon, tuna, shrimp, snapper and masago, makes a brilliant all-rounder.
I Love Sushi
I Love Sushi gets busy at lunch with office workers so it’s best to head there after five for a guaranteed seat. Prime your palate with miso soup and then segue into the sushi – it practically melts in your mouth. 10106 105 Street
Japanese Village
This Canadian chain needs no introduction among fans of Japanese steakhouses. Japanese Village is anchored by a smoking teppanyaki iron griddle and chefs who will do all sorts of knife tricks when grilling up your steak and shrimp. 10238 104 Street
Let’s Grill Sushi & Izakaya
The dishes at Let’s Grill Sushi & Izakaya evoke flavours of Japan so brilliantly. As the name suggest, there’s a focus on grilled dishes. It’s well worth your attention to order one of their nine skewers – some you’ve never tried before such as pork belly, butter corn, okra or zucchini. 10009 107 Street
Ramen Misoya
Michelin-recommended Misoya Ramen offers nearly 20 takes on Ramen, from classic pork to spicy broths to chicken to vegetarian offerings. And, yes, they have Japanese soda with the fancy glass-ball stoppers. 10146 104 Street
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Expect an all-around solid yakiniku-style experience at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ. Select proteins, such as skirt steak, short rib, pork belly, chicken thighs, marinate them in several sauces and then cook the meat yourself over your personal grill. It’s basically a Japanese version of Korean barbecue. The best deal is a two-item lunch with salad, rice and soup sides for under $16. 10416 Jasper Avenue