Step right into these fine Japanese spots in Edmonton
Japanese food is about more than just sushi – it’s a nuanced cuisine with a multitude of flavours and textures. Whether you’re a fan of teppanyaki or you just really love fish, these Japanese restaurants will deliver an amazing meal you’ll remember long after you stop feeling full.
Japanese Village
10238-104 St NW, Edmonton AB T5J 1B8Japanese Village was the first Japanese restaurant I ever ate at as a teenager. I remember settling in around the teppanyaki grill, having no idea what was about to take place. The evening was an exciting blur of talented chefs flipping and flinging meat around quickly, delicious bites of tender beef served with sesame steak sauce and tasty veggies. It was a special occasion and the quality of the cuisine added to the experience.
Izakaya Tomo
3739 99 St NW, Edmonton AB T6E 6J7This spot is modelled after the izakaya bars in Tokyo, where beer and Japanese tapas meet in exquisite harmony. Match beer or sake with a variety of dishes and notice how they pair together. The restaurant itself is communal, with long tables and benches, and lively. Servers bring out small plates of Japanese favourites, such as tataki and pork belly. It’s a good opportunity to relax with friends over a fun evening of tasty pairings.
Yokozuna Japanese Restaurant
This is a higher-end Japanese restaurant for Edmonton – the elegant interior is far nicer than its average exterior. The menu boasts exotic maki rolls with exotic combinations, such as the black dragon maki, which throws together eel, scallops, avocado and orange tobiko. The sashimi is fresh, and the portion sizes are decadent – but it is really the quality of the fish that stands out the most. For something really unusual, try the octopus balls, known as takoyaki. They’re battered and fried to perfection.
Japanese Village
1084B-9499 137 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5E 5R8The first time I ever ate Japanese food, it was at Japanese Village. It was my sister’s birthday, and as my family settled in around the teppanyaki bar, I realized this restaurant was unlike anything I had tried before. The teppanyaki is, of course, top notch, as are the sides you can add to it, such as the yaki yaki shrimp, green asparagus and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a fun dining experience that works well for groups.
Oranj Sushi Bar
1648-8882 170 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5T 4M2This tiny space on Bourbon Street in West Edmonton Mall is a popular spot to stop in for sushi during a shopping spree. But, in addition to quick sashimi and rolls, Oranj offers top-notch Japanese food. While the setting lacks formality, the quality of the food never wavers.
Shogun Japanese Restaurant
10125 121 St NW, Edmonton AB T5N 3W9This dimly lit restaurant has a plethora of Japanese lanterns lighting the way into the dining room. There are also several tatami rooms, where you can enjoy a meal in private with your party – only enjoyable if you are OK with sitting on the floor around your table. The teppanyaki bar in the middle of the restaurant provides entertainment and grilled meats for your enjoyment. The seaweed salad, spicy tuna roll and salmon sashimi are all standout menu items here.
Japonais Bistro
11806 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5K 0N7Known for their great bento box lunches, Japonais Bistroalso has a great menu for a hearty dinner, especially if you like soft shell crab burgers, yellowtail swimming in ponzu sauce or tightly packed maki rolls, filled with traditional faves, such as salmon, spicy tuna or avocado. The dimly lit space is cozy but not cramped, and the menu is so big that even the pickiest of eaters will find something they love – as long as they are willing to try their Japanese cuisine with a French twist.
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