Best Japanese/Sushi in New Orleans
Sushi is a comfort food for many Louisianians. In the Big Easy, sushi is unique to the city because traditional Japanese restaurants often blend bold, local Gulf flavors to reflect the vibrant community of Cajun and Creole traditions.
Incorporating local ingredients such as crawfish, spicy peppers, and blackened seasonings into rolls is only the beginning of culinary fusion. There are several restaurants in New Orleans that balance local flavor and offer a unique dining experience. Here are 10 of the best Japanese restaurants in the city.
1. Mikimoto
3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881
In 1999, Mikimoto opened its doors on South Carrollton Avenue, serving freshly made Japanese food for New Orleans. This restaurant focuses on combining Japanese techniques with New Orleans soul.
They are known for their famous Crescent City Roll, which packs snow crab, spicy crawfish, and tempura under avocado and shrimp, and their Geaux Saints Maki, which layers crawfish, spicy tuna, salmon, and escolar, only exists at their restaurant. Mikimoto is also one of the few Japanese drive-thru restaurants in the country.
2. Shogun
2325 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 833-7477
Shogun has been at the heart of the community for over four decades. Once starting out as a humble restaurant in 1980, this restaurant has grown into a cherished gathering place that shared the authentic flavors of Japan in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The diverse menu that has comforting traditional meals and captivating, interactive hibachi experience caters to all restaurant-goers.
3. Yakuza House
2740 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 345-2031
Huy Pham turned his dream of opening a restaurant into a reality from sheer grit and a lot of heart. Specializing in Japanese cuisine, Yakuza House opened in 2021 and quickly gained traction in the culinary world.
Known as a testament to Huy Pham's vision and refusal to give up, this restaurant is known for their crispy rice, kurobuta pork ribs, gyu beef, taki-do, mushroom udon carbonara, and other delicious meals.
4. Kyoto 2
5608 Citrus Blvd. Ste. A, Elmwood, (504) 818-0228
Located in Harahan, Kyoto 2 offers fresh sushi, large specialty rolls and a cozy neighborhood dining experience. They are known for serving their larger-than-average sushi rolls compared to most local spots.
Some of their popular dishes include their mango, avocado, and tuna salad, sashimi lunches, and unique rolls such as the Margarita Roll and Unforgettable Roll.
5. Bisutoro
1581 Magazine St., (504) 766-9009
In the Lower Garden District, Bisutoro is a cozy sushi restaurant known for their global specialty fish, creative hand rolls, and intimate seating. This restaurant offers a tiny, intimate space with indoor seating and dog-friendly patio tables.
Bisutoro's torched otoro nigiri with uni butter, spicy tuna crispy rice, Baja hamachi, and specialty rolls such as the Sea Dream and Maui Waui are very popular dishes on their menu. They also have $5 temaki hand rolls and sake specials during their Sunday happy hour.
6. Origami
7626 Maple St., (504) 899-6532
At Origami, restaurant-goers will discover more than just great cuisine. Their friendly staff and contemporary Japanese ambiance set the stage for their unforgettable dining experience.
Since 2011, Origami has showcased commitment to quality, creativity and freshness every day. Their popular menu items include their Burning Woman Roll, Funky Margarita Roll, Softshell Crab Maki Roll, Godzilla Our Way Roll, salmon teriyaki bowl, edamame, and hama peno.
7. Nobu at Caesars New Orleans
8 Canal St., (504) 533-6646
Located inside the Caesars New Orleans, Nobu is a signature Japanese restaurant that features 54 minimalist guest rooms, upscale dining and direct access to the newly renovated downtown casino resort. This restaurant was designed by the Rockwell Group, and its minimalist Japanese aesthetics with neutral earth tones created the perfect ambiance.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's famous menu, including signature dishes such as black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeno, creates an excellence dining experiences.
8. Sake Cafe
2830 Magazine St., (504) 894-0033
Known as a chic, upscale Japanese restaurant in New Orleans, Sake Cafe features a modern interior, seasonal sushi and local fusion rolls. Their signature rolls are locally-inspired and favored by city natives such as the Jazz Roll, Uptown Roll and New Orleans Roll.
Sake Cafe has a sleek, modern, and stylish atmosphere with private upstairs seating for groups. There is a full-service bar that serves hot and cold sake that is imported from Japan.
9. LUVI
5236 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 605-3340
LUVI is a cozy Uptown New Orleans Chinese and Japanese restaurant run by Chef Hao Gong. This feature features small plates, a raw bar, and comforting dishes that are inspired by the chef's hometown of Shanghai.
The restaurant got its name after the chef's two daughters: Lulu and Violet. LUVI features a 15-seat chef's counter to watch the kitchen at work with vibrant, colorful decor.
10. Hangout Ramen
1340 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 571-5024
Serving rich bowls of ramen, fresh sushi, hibachi and boba tea, Hangout Ramen is a Japanese restaurant in the Big Easy known for its welcoming space and private karaoke rooms. Their ramen bowls are the highlight of their meaning including options including tonkotsu, ichimi, chicken katsu, and build-your-own bowls.
Another favorite is their sweet milk teas such as their Dirty Brown Sugar Boba.
