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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Central San Jose's best

Japanese food spots

Japanese dishes that stay true to their origins instead of adapting to local trends.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated May 2026
01
Ramen Takumi image 1
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Ramen restaurant

Simple, clean Japanese design creates a cozy, authentic setting with a spacious dining area. The atmosphere stays quiet and comfortable, even with loud music nearby. Friendly, welcoming environment complements phenomenal ramen and fresh dishes.

Food arrives really fast with fresh ingredients and great ramen options. The meals are consistently delicious and efficient.

Ramen here features complex flavors and a signature spicy garlic tonkotsu that stands out. The menu offers a variety of ramen choices and a karaage rice bowl for quick, tasty meals.

People are saying

"The ramen broth and pork belly here are so tasty."

"The ramen broth and pork belly were so tasty."

"The food here is seasoned well and delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer 50% off all ramen for two more days.

2

Parking is limited and can be hard to find.

3

The portion size is good, with plenty of noodles.

02
Kumako Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, intimate space with an open galley kitchen creates a cozy, rustic vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and chill despite occasional crowd noise and a noticeable TV. Busy weekends bring a lively energy to this compact ramen bar.

Food here is consistently amazing with a focus on flavorful ramen. The spicy tan tan ramen offers a mild heat and rich taste, and all dishes maintain high quality.

Rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles define the ramen here, paired with fresh, high-quality toppings. The menu also features katsu curry rice bowl and seafood like calamari and octopus, all served in an intimate setting with attentive service.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so creamy and rich."

"The ramen here has a rich, creamy broth and top-quality noodles."

"The food here is delicious and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult to find at Kumako Ramen.

2

Parking is paid unless it's Sunday.

3

The restaurant is small and cannot accommodate groups larger than four unless it's a slow day.

03
Shabu Time image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Shabu-shabu restaurant offers a cozy space with a bustling, energetic vibe and loud music that can make conversation difficult. The spot often feels crowded with big parties, and visitors should expect wait times and parking challenges. The experience centers on cooking finely sliced meats and flavorful broths at the table, creating an interactive meal.

Food features good quality and great taste at a decent price. The dishes consistently impress and invite repeat visits.

Sukiyaki stands out with its super flavorful broth and fast service. Spicy tonkatsu and spicy miso bring phenomenal heat, while udon noodles offer a great texture. Cilantro Ponzu sauce adds fantastic depth to the dishes.

People are saying

"The Kobe Beef here is delicious and the service is attentive."

"The food here tasted great and was very fresh."

"The Japanese food here, especially the meats and broths, is fantastic."

Good to know

1

There was a wait because Shabu Time is a popular spot.

2

Parking can be hard to find, but there are options nearby.

3

Calling ahead to the waitlist is highly recommended to avoid long waits.

04
Sushi Maru image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with conveyor belt sushi and seating around a sushi bar creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Dim lighting and soft music support a homey, casual vibe despite the place often feeling crowded and lively. Fresh seafood and attentive sushi chefs add to the comfortable dining experience.

Fresh, flavorful sushi rolls and a good variety of Japanese dishes create a comforting dining experience. Chefs prepare food carefully, serving it quickly with beautiful presentation and reasonable prices.

Fresh fish and specialty rolls stand out here. The menu includes sushi and other Japanese dishes like chicken skin with ponzu and eggplant dengaku. Chefs prepare sushi carefully, creating a comfortable dining experience.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be the best and most affordable I tried."

"The sushi chefs here are so friendly and helpful."

"The food here is fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area is somewhat limited.

2

You might have to wait in line during busy hours.

3

Plates start at $5 for 3 pieces, making it about $2 per piece.

05
Gombei image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, simple space with cozy, homestyle ambiance and outdated decor creates an authentic Japanese feel. Atmosphere stays quiet and casual, often crowded inside with additional outdoor seating. Food serves as comfort Japanese cuisine with generous portions at reasonable prices.

Authentic Japanese food comes out fast and tastes delicious. Prices stay great while service stays very attentive, making it a solid spot for comfort food and basic Japanese cuisine.

Basic Japanese cuisine includes crispy gyoza, enormous portions of udon, and fresh sashimi. Teriyaki chicken with shrimp and tonkatsu curry stand out as flavorful options.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is quick, affordable, and delicious."

"The Japanese food here is excellent and authentic."

"I found the food here to be delicious and great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait starting at 12:45pm on weekends.

3

Credit cards are accepted, making payment convenient.

06
Mariscos Costa Alegre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor dining under a large tent creates a Mexico-by-the-sea vibe with vibrant colors and festive decor. Live mariachi music fills the space, often loud enough to dominate conversations. The atmosphere buzzes with energetic, lively spirit centered on authentic Mexican seafood.

Mexican food stands out with fantastic flavors and amazing quality. The dishes consistently deliver delicious tastes paired with great service.

Fusion of Mexican cuisine with Japanese sushi creates a unique flavor experience. Dishes like mixed molcajete, pastor sushi, and costero sushi offer delicious and filling options.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious and incredibly flavorful."

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

"The Mexican sushi here is amazing and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Arrive before noon on sunny days to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect over 30 minutes wait to be seated on weekends.

3

Parking can be difficult to find in the area.

07
Minato Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy space with old-school charm and family-run vibe creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Seating is limited and booths show wear, but the place feels nostalgic and friendly. Regulars appreciate the busy, cluttered yet comfortable setting.

Food here stands out for its freshness and consistency. Every dish shows clear attention to quality and care.

Lunch bento with spicy chosen chicken stands out as a unique and consistent choice since 1996. Sashimi is very good, and sushi rolls like spicy tuna and California are fresh and flavorful with perfect rice balance.

People are saying

"This Japanese food offers a comforting taste of home-style cooking."

"I loved the dinner box; it was a great deal."

"This is the most authentic Japanese food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is tough, but there is easy and plentiful street parking available.

2

Many lunch sets are priced between $14 and $17, which is affordable.

3

Expect almost no wait time during lunch hours.

08
Nijiya Market San Jose Store image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small, well-organized Japanese grocery store offers fresh sushi-grade fish, authentic ingredients, and ready-to-eat meals. Atmosphere is neat and packed, with a steady flow of shoppers seeking specialty Japanese foods and snacks. Prepared foods sell out early, reflecting high demand for quality and freshness.

Offers a wide variety of authentic Japanese foods including fresh vegetables, tofu, Konjac, and noodles. Ready-made options like sushi and fried foods provide a quick and tasty fix, with cold food available to go.

Fresh sushi and sashimi sit toward the back, always well-priced and high quality. A wide selection of Japanese ingredients like nigiri, nori, bento boxes, and drinks support making dishes like ramen and takoyaki at home.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store has everything you need for authentic cooking."

"I found the Japanese food here to be so fresh and reasonably priced."

"I found a great selection of Japanese food and snacks here."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available near the store.

2

The store closes early at 7 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

The deli area offers prepared foods that sell out quickly, so arrive early.

09
Hukilau image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Tiki-themed decor fills a spacious interior with a small bar area and a large banquet room. Bright lighting and Hawaiian music create a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Crowds bring lively energy, making it suitable for group celebrations or casual dinners.

Food arrives hot and fresh quickly with a savory flavor that stays good even the next day. The menu includes a luau platter with enough food for two and authentic Hawaiian dishes like Poke.

Ramen features perfectly textured noodles and rich broth. Teriyaki chicken and beef come well seasoned. Lunch offers fried katsu dishes with rice and macaroni salad. Curry katsu, wings, and fried oysters stay fresh. Spicy chicken katsu pairs well with fried rice.

People are saying

"The salmon poke here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The ramen here has the perfect texture and is delicious."

"The food, especially the garlic chicken, is so tasty you'll want to get it again."

Good to know

1

Parking is only street parking and can be hard to find depending on the day and time.

2

On a Saturday at 1 pm, there was a 30-minute wait due to a soccer team.

3

Hukilau automatically charged an 18% gratuity fee without prior notice.

10
Kaita image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small mom-and-pop Japanese restaurant with a rustic Japanese setting and an open kitchen visible from the front. Atmosphere feels family-friendly, local, and welcoming, with a warm and comfortable vibe. Menu focuses on authentic home-style dishes with generous portions and quality sushi.

Home-style Japanese food offers a fresh and spectacular taste here. Sushi is notably fresh, and the overall quality beats the ambiance.

Fresh sushi and sashimi stand out with authentic flavors. The menu features tempura, udon, and Japanese curry alongside great chicken teriyaki and gyoza.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be spectacular and very fresh."

"The sushi and sashimi here are top quality and very fresh."

"The food here is delicious and super fresh."

Good to know

1

Kaita offers daily specials that change frequently.

2

Kaita does not accept NFC payments; cash only.

3

Expect wait times if you arrive after opening, as it fills up fast.

11
Santo Market Inc image 1
Asian grocery store

Take-out window serves fresh poke bowls with authentic Hawaiian flavors that attract long lines. The market area is closed, so eating happens in cars or on nearby benches. The vibe carries a strong aloha spirit despite the lack of seating and a somewhat unpleasant atmosphere.

Food stays consistently fresh and flavorful with a focus on authentic Hawaiian street food. Poke bowls stand out as incredibly delicious and capture the true taste and feel.

Strawberry mochi stands out with its soft, chewy texture and balanced sweetness, paired with red bean filling and fresh strawberries. The spicy poke bowl offers a flavorful kick, and the udon provides a satisfying, classic touch.

People are saying

"I found the poke here to be the best in the Bay Area."

"The poke here is excellent, with large and fresh chunks of fish."

"I found the poke bowls here to be addictingly delicious."

Good to know

1

Santo Market Inc offers take-out only.

2

They open at 9am.

3

Expect long lines due to the popularity of fresh poke.

12
Kazoo Japanese Sushi Boat Restaurant image 1

Sushi plates travel on a conveyor belt and arrive via a bullet train delivery system, creating a novelty dining experience. The atmosphere feels sterile and bright with harsh fluorescent lighting and echoing acoustics. Sports play on large TVs, adding a casual energy to the space.

Fresh food offers plenty of options beyond the sushi boats. The menu features a big selection of authentic Japanese dishes with good quality that many find worth the price.

Sushi boats float by on wooden boats, adding a fun and nostalgic touch to the meal. Fresh sushi options include a Mondo Sushi Boat Assortment and combos, alongside dishes like salmon teriyaki and tempura.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fun with its sushi boats and conveyor belt."

"I was surprised by the large portion size of the tempura."

"I thought the food here was amazing and so fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is currently undergoing renovations, affecting dine-in availability.

3

Each sushi roll from the conveyor belt costs around $8.

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Central San Jose, San Jose

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