When you think of Arlington, what do you picture? Cowboys Stadium? Six Flags? People cheering at a Rangers game? If those came to mind, you’d be right. But you should also think of a surprising array of excellent Japanese restaurants. While Arlington might not have Tokyo’s dining scene, it does boast a very respectable selection of authentic sushi bars, cozy ramen shops, and elegant izakayas.
Sushi Go Arlington
$ | (817) 672-5253 | WEBSITE
Sushi Go Arlington’s whole thing is that they serve proper Japanese food prepared by a friendly chef. The kind who crafts sushi rolls like each one is a little work of art. Even on weekdays you’ll find the spot buzzing with regulars, calling ahead for pickup with their favorite orders ready to go. This place is cozy, reliable, and just the right amount of hidden. Sure, there’s fancier sushi out there, but the Ida roll and dragon roll are personal comforting favourites.
Umi Sushi & Grill
$$ | (817) 459-2779 | WEBSITE
This Arlington Japanese spot’s combination of a clean, well-decorated interior and fresh, delicious dishes that range from sushi, to spicy edamame, to calamari, make it an excellent date night or lunch choice. Everything runs a bit high, but it’s the generous, satisfying bento box that you should prioritise. Basically, it’s a very useful (and tasty) option if you’re in the area—just know the Cowboy roll comes highly recommended as one of the best.
Little Tokyo Restaurant
$ | (817) 459-2925 | WEBSITE
At Little Tokyo Restaurant, you’ll find authentic Japanese cuisine, fresh sushi, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This place is absolutely perfect for a family meal or a date night with someone special. There’s some perfectly lovely seating inside but really you’re here for the satisfaction of enjoying beautifully presented lunch combos with sushi and miso soup in that warm, homey vibe.
The affordable lunch specials make it a great spot for quick, tasty bites, and the friendly staff ensures you’ll leave satisfied, planning to return soon.
Nagoya Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (817) 466-3688 | WEBSITE
Despite sounding like a destination for sushi purists, this family spot is pretty approachable. Families wander in for cooked sushi samplers while couples share a Green Crystal roll at the next table. It’s a warm, fun space—part neighborhood joint and part celebration spot—and the menu offers something for everyone. There are things like tasty dumplings to start, and larger hot dishes like chicken katsu with rice.
The staff makes you feel welcome even when they’re a bit busy, and those quirky lava lamps and the onion volcano add a unique touch. It’s the kind of place where you can bring the kids or mark a special occasion without fuss.
Samurai Hibachi Express
$ | (682) 587-4788 | WEBSITE
Samurai Hibachi Express is one of Arlington’s more relaxed Japanese spots—and one of its most reliable, delivering the kind of quick, satisfying meal that hits the spot every time. There’s no judgment for diners who want extra teriyaki sauce; the simple tables hold a mix of takeout containers and well-loved lunchboxes; and a group of regulars are debating the merits of fried rice versus noodles.
All while the sizzle of the hibachi grill provides the soundtrack and Tia’s friendly smile makes everyone feel welcome.
Ahi Poke Bowl
$ | (817) 200-6418 | WEBSITE
Ahi Poke Bowl claimed the top spot in our list of Arlington’s best Japanese restaurants from the moment we tried it. All it took was a taste of the fresh ahi tuna bowl with spicy mayo, a salmon poke with sesame ginger dressing, and a sample of their signature wasabi soy sauce. This charming little spot offers an array of options—from the regular customizable bowl with two proteins and five sides, to the larger seventeen-dollar version perfect for a hearty appetite.
Once you experience their excellent quality and attentive service, you’ll be back for more.
Asian Bowl
$$ | (817) 483-2729 | WEBSITE
Asian Bowl’s menu spans Chinese, Thai, and Japanese cuisine—and a bracket we’re going to politely call ‘Americanized classics’. Do your best to ignore the Crab Rangoon appetizers and the Kung Pao Shrimp with bell peppers and focus on the Thai part of the menu, because it’s good. This is by no means Arlington’s best Thai restaurant, but it’s a neighborhood takeout favorite. The ordering process is simple, the Pad Siew noodles are generous, and there’s plenty to please everyone.
Its Arlington prices are more than your average lo mein, but if that’s no bother, Asian Bowl is a solid option.
Sarku Japan
$ | (682) 219-0805 | WEBSITE
Sarku Japan, a quick-service spot in the mall food court, is fast but flavorful. They cook teriyaki right in front of you and the chicken with rice is excellent. The popular bento box is also a solid choice, but know that the counter will catch your eye when you realize you need another order of shrimp tempura. Seating more than a handful at a time is tricky (unless you’re taking it to go, in which case the food court is the best place to be).
Piranha Killer Sushi
$$ | (817) 261-1636 | WEBSITE
Piranha Killer Sushi is one of our favourite places to get quality sushi in Arlington. In fact, it’s one of our favourite sushi spots full stop. Just like the original concept suggests, this restaurant has an effortlessly inviting energy. The sushi bar is the place to be (if it’s not already filled with engaged diners), and you might need to ask about the spiciness level on the tuna roll—although you should just order the Bullet or Marry Me roll.
The calamari is also a must-try, and the outdoor patio adds to the pleasant experience when the weather cooperates. With attentive staff who sometimes offer sample pieces and chefs you can watch in action, it remains a solid choice for an enjoyable sushi meal, even if the menu could use more variety.
King Buffet
$ | (817) 465-8888 | WEBSITE
King Buffet has a pretty straightforward and affordable reputation, and places like this very much live up to that. A mix of hot dishes like well-seasoned roast beef, fresh sushi, and a variety of fruits will leave you about $25 out of pocket. That said, the food at this Chinese buffet is decent and if you’re looking for variety, then you could do a lot worse than loading up a plate with a couple of hot items and some sushi.
Sushi Cafe
$$ | (682) 323-5983 | WEBSITE
Sushi Cafe is effortless, it’s welcoming, it’s cozy, and some of the Japanese dishes (cc: the Atlantis roll) need to be studied for their fresh factor. Order correctly (takoyaki, spicy chicken teriyaki bento, California rolls) and you’ll be pleased. The energy is intimate and relaxing, with the room full of dates and casual meals. If you’re after a last-minute dinner, it’s much easier to get a seat at the bar, where you can watch chefs in the friendly open kitchen.
Piranha Killer Ramen
$ | (682) 410-0504 | WEBSITE
Piranha Killer Ramen has become a popular destination that draws diverse crowds of varying ramen-seeking enthusiasm. But this namesake spot next to the Improv is really quite good. Located in a bustling part of Arlington, the inside of this restaurant is traditional (with pillows) but its clientele (welcoming) and its Japanese food (delicious) is not. Let the staff guide you with the happy hour deals or go for the classics.
Either way, there are brilliant takes on tonkotsu ramen, and a decadent spicy miso ramen.
Sushi And Ramen Japanese Restaurant
$ | (817) 277-1025 | WEBSITE
This hidden-gem restaurant serves quintessential Japanese comfort with the gliding confidence and sophistication of a Tokyo master. There’s a bustling counter, steaming bowls of ramen, and cozy booths that will swallow you whole after a third California roll. But there are also delicate sushi presentations behind the counter, generous servings of Beef Chasu, and those snuggle-fest booths are lit with warm, golden light.
However, you can get away with wearing your weekend casuals while spending a lazy afternoon here.
Sushi Domo
$$ | (817) 557-3135 | WEBSITE
We remember the days when this Arlington spot used to serve their sushi rolls on those massive platters that practically covered the entire table. Although we kind of miss the spectacle, we’re also grateful that we don’t have to negotiate with friends over the last piece of the now perfectly portioned rolls.
Featuring everything from the ‘Sexy Ryan’ to the Volcano roll, the sushi here is fresh with expertly prepared rice, making this the perfect spot in town when you want chill vibes with Dragon Ball Z decor and a satisfying Hawaiian spring roll for less than $15.
Mr. Hibachi – Steakhouse | Sushi | Bar
$$ | (817) 583-6723 | WEBSITE
Mr. Hibachi, a lively Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar, feels like it was made for celebrations. Groups, large and small, gather around the hot hibachi grills, leaning in to watch the chefs work their magic, or—even better—to snag a tender piece of hibachi chicken or a flavorful Mr. Hibachi roll. Family and friends fill the vibrant space, taking up tables in the warm, engaging atmosphere, where laughter is frequent and the sizzle of the grills is even louder.
Bring a fun group, get your own plate of scallops or filet, and know that whatever the occasion, Mr. Hibachi will be a good meal.
Hokkaido Sushi & Steak House
$ | (817) 478-6086 | WEBSITE
This popular spot feels like a neighborhood joint where you’re worried about leaving hungry for fear of not getting your money’s worth. But the food at this Japanese-Chinese restaurant is satisfying. This isn’t delicate, precious stuff you admire from afar. It’s bold flavors—like the fresh tuna and salmon sushi, hearty Mongolian chicken with a sauce you want to bathe in—that you can devour like a regular.
For a reliable dinner or a treat-yourself Bento box, Hokkaido Sushi & Steak House is a restaurant you could easily settle into.
Ninja Sushi & Grill
$ | (682) 252-4367 | WEBSITE
This Japanese spot in Arlington is all gleaming sushi cases, bamboo accents, and the gentle hum of a chocolate fountain. Fresh fish splatters from excellent buttery rolls to create a vibrant mosaic on white plates and the all-you-can-eat buffet is served in neat, organized stations.
The sashimi selection for just $15 is beyond anything we’ve found at typical sushi bars, and the little touches—marshmallows ready for dipping and fruit artfully arranged at the dessert bar—make us feel like a giddy, satisfied regular.
Shogun Hibachi and Sushi
$ | (682) 320-8119 | WEBSITE
Walk past Shogun Hibachi and Sushi—a Japanese spot in Arlington—on any evening and you’ll wish you were going here instead of wherever you’re headed. It could be because you see the cozy, clean atmosphere through the windows, or you notice people enjoying bottled drinks and soft music like they have nowhere to be tomorrow morning.
If you’d also like to feel like you’re on a little escape, bring some friends and over-order on sushi combos, bento boxes, and fresh dishes, like the salmon and steak dinner with larger-than-usual nigiri portions.
Itadaki Ramen
$ | (817) 860-3535 | WEBSITE
Itadaki Ramen is one of those ‘if you’re in the know, you’re in the know’ spots in Arlington. This authentic Japanese ramen joint is tucked away in a cozy corner, with a ‘trust the broth’ kind of vibe. Just show up hungry and they’ll handle the rest. We’ve had incredible Sapporo Gara Broth Ramen here, along with tender chashu that arrives with perfectly marinated soft-boiled eggs.
It’s a fantastic choice for lunch, but try to snag a table near the front as the traditional decor can make the back feel a bit snug.
