The Best Dishes to Get at a Japanese Restaurant

Best Dishes at a Japanese Restaurant 

Japanese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its delicious combination of flavors, textures, and presentation. For food lovers visiting a Japanese restaurant, deciding what to order can be overwhelming, with so many delightful options to choose from. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to explore Japanese dishes or a frequent visitor of Japanese restaurants looking to try something new, this guide will introduce you to some must-try dishes that showcase the best of Japan’s culinary heritage.

Sushi and Sashimi 

No visit to a Japanese restaurant is complete without sampling sushi or sashimi. Sushi combines vinegared rice with fresh fish, vegetables, or other toppings, while sashimi showcases raw fish sliced to perfection. Popular options include salmon, tuna, and yellowtail, but adventurous diners might enjoy delicacies like uni (sea urchin) or ikura (salmon roe). Served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger, these dishes highlight the simplicity and elegance of Japanese cooking.

Ramen 

A steaming bowl of ramen offers the ultimate comfort food experience. This iconic noodle soup features springy wheat noodles in a rich, flavorful broth. The broth varies widely, with options like shoyu (soy sauce), miso, tonkotsu (pork bone), or shio (salt-based). Topped with slices of pork, a soft-boiled egg, nori (seaweed), and green onions, ramen is a hearty and flavorful dish to order at a Japanese restaurant.

Tempura 

Tempura is a popular dish offered in Japanese restaurants that exemplifies the Japanese art of frying. Vegetables and seafood are lightly battered and deep-fried to achieve a crispy, golden perfection. Served with dipping sauce and rice, tempura balances its light, crunchy texture with the natural flavors of the ingredients. Shrimp tempura is a fan favorite, but vegetables like sweet potato, eggplant, and bell pepper are equally enjoyable.

Teriyaki 

Teriyaki dishes are known for their savory-sweet glaze, achieved by cooking meat, fish, or tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Popular choices include teriyaki chicken, beef, or salmon. The caramelized glaze enhances the natural flavors of the protein, making teriyaki a universally loved dish that's perfect for those new to Japanese restaurants.

Donburi 

Donburi refers to a hearty rice bowl topped with a variety of ingredients. Some classic variations include gyudon (beef with onions), oyakodon (chicken and egg), and unadon (grilled eel with sweet sauce). Each bowl offers a balanced and satisfying meal, perfect for those looking to combine protein, rice, and comforting flavors in one dish.

Matcha Desserts 

For those with a sweet tooth, matcha-flavored desserts are a must-try at Japanese restaurants. Whether it’s a creamy matcha ice cream, a spongy matcha cake, or delicate mochi filled with sweetened red bean paste, these desserts capture the tea’s slightly bitter, earthy tones in a yummy treat that isn’t overly sweet.

Visit Our Japanese Restaurant Today 

If you’re ready to indulge in the authentic tastes of Japan, visit Sumo Grill Buffet in Minneapolis, MN. Our Japanese restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from sushi and hibachi to fresh seafood. Whether you’re dining in-house or taking out, our skilled chefs use premium ingredients to ensure every plate is delicious. Visit our Japanese restaurant today, we proudly serve those in Minneapolis, Bloomington, Edina, St. Paul, MN & beyond!