Barrie has quietly become a destination for Japanese cuisine. Truth be told, by our count, there are over two dozen authentic spots across the city. And while you have plenty of excellent options for sushi and ramen, the sheer number of possibilities can also be a little overwhelming.
Donly Kitchen Chinese Restaurant
$ | (705) 728-8889 | WEBSITE
Nothing says “authentic Chinese dining in South Barrie” like a restaurant that delivers on both flavor and value. That’s where Donly Kitchen Chinese Restaurant comes in. And while generous portions don’t always equal memorable meals, you don’t have to worry about that here. From the standout Beef with Vegetables on Rice to the other flavorful dishes, the menu is full of hits.
And if you’re armed with an appetite and a desire for food whose taste lingers like the best kind of comfort, they also have a welcoming atmosphere and attentive, friendly service that makes every visit feel special.
KINTON RAMEN BARRIE
$$ | (705) 558-7777 | WEBSITE
Head to this Japanese ramen spot in Barrie if you crave comfort. It’s more relaxed than a formal dining room and has plenty of space at the counter to settle in and feel at home. And if you’re seated near the kitchen, you’ll catch glimpses of the staff tending to simmering pots like they’re nurturing something special.
Everything that broth touches is worth trying, like chicken ramen that channels rich, creamy depth, savory pork gyozas with a perfect sear, and, of course, the delicious beef ramen. They’re all served with a side of warmth, and our favorite one to savor (though we’re claiming the last slurp) is the shirataki noodle bowl.
Mac’s Sushi
$ | (877) 736-2871 | WEBSITE
There are so many sushi spots in Barrie, and most have been around for years. So Mac’s Sushi said why not, let’s open another one and keep the prices unbeatable and the owners incredibly friendly. Can’t blame them, though, because they did a great job. Come here to celebrate any craving—like your sudden need for fresh sushi—over some Inari or sweet potato with spicy sauce.
Ne Sushi House
$$ | (705) 739-0003 | WEBSITE
Ne Sushi House is a Japanese restaurant in Barrie that stands out from other sushi spots, because it’s more affordable, casual, and refreshing (not to mention beautifully decorated). This is a place you come for a relaxed lunch or dinner, and plan on enjoying the pleasant atmosphere. The bento box is fantastic, but the environment is even better—it’s clean and lovely with enough refreshing decor that you might start thinking it’s a high-end fine dining operation (it’s not).
Spoon & Fork
$$ | (705) 733-8838 | WEBSITE
Barrie has become a destination for Japanese cuisine, so it’s fitting for an upscale spot like Spoon & Fork to thrive there. The restaurant has a large dining area, making it perfect for business lunches or celebrating special occasions in the dimly lit room with a generous sushi roll to highlight the meal. The space has been designed for fine dining since its opening, but Spoon & Fork still maintains welcoming touches like attentive service and dessert offerings. Take advantage of both.
Sakana House Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (705) 721-0880 | WEBSITE
This Japanese restaurant in the heart of Barrie channels authentic, welcoming energy, complete with servers like Daniel who genuinely care about dietary needs and a manager who spreads positive vibes. But behind the friendliness is fantastic food. There are excellent vegetarian rolls on the menu—like fresh, beautifully presented options that will make you wonder whether the vegetables were just picked from a garden.
There are also tasty chicken dishes if sushi isn’t special enough to accompany your $25 lunch special, which many call the best all-you-can-eat sushi in town.
Sakana House
$$ | (705) 721-0888 | WEBSITE
Sakana House is our go-to Japanese spot in Barrie, but no one has the time to hear all the reasons why—so here are three. First, whether you get a simple vegetarian roll or a more elaborate hand roll, your sushi will be fresh and expertly prepared, with flavors that highlight the quality of each ingredient. Second, the simple but tasteful decor and efficient service separate it from all the other chaotic all-you-can-eat joints where you feel rushed.
Lastly, you can show up, not order sushi, and still have an incredible meal—particularly the tempura and desserts, which many find delicious. But you should definitely get some sushi. And maybe some kungpo and chow mein to round things out.
Teriyaki Experience
$ | (705) 733-2828 | WEBSITE
Teriyaki Experience is the perfect blend of a quick-service eatery and a casual family restaurant. It’s been serving Barrie since 2016. Clean minimalist décor, bamboo accents, and Japanese calligraphy art create a calming atmosphere. Staff in crisp black aprons move efficiently through the bright, open dining area. And while its ‘healthy fast-casual’ concept draws plenty of lunchtime office crowds, you’ll also spot families settling in for relaxed dinners.
If you want a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down, order the signature Chicken Teriyaki (all dishes are prepared fresh daily) with some steamed vegetables, and let the friendly service make your visit effortless.
Diamond Sushi
$$ | (705) 739-0888 | WEBSITE
This Japanese spot is in a local Barrie strip mall, with a spacious dining area that feels surprisingly airy. Diamond Sushi’s menu doesn’t have the standard California rolls, here there are creative options like the Crispy Spicy Avocado Rolls, and a server who must have a PhD in Sushi-ology will walk you through everything—like how fresh the avocado is, why the spicy sauce is mayo-based, and its journey from the kitchen to your plate.
This place is casually pleasant (but not at all fancy) and very affordable—expect to spend about $15 on the rolls alone.
Sakuro Izakaya | Asian Diner
$$ | (705) 252-6833 | WEBSITE
Sakuro Izakaya is the standout spot of the list, and it’s ideal for experiencing everything people adore about Japanese dining in Barrie: generous portions, incredibly fresh sushi, and friendly, attentive service. It feels a bit unassuming, but in a welcoming way, and despite the fact that it’s on Bryne Dr, it isn’t pretentious or overly formal.
The crowd’s a mix of regulars, newcomers, and locals celebrating casual dinners with (literally) beautifully prepared rolls, so no matter your craving, this is a fantastic choice.
Kino sushi Japanese restaurant
Fresh sushi alone is good, but fresh sushi with a side of torched rolls is even better. Yes, the original Kino sushi is in Barrie, but Kino sushi has been around long enough that it’s turned into a Barrie classic on its own. You’ll find all the Japanese favorites you’d expect (there’s a whole buffet tablet devoted to rolls, and plenty of Chicken Udon), along with seasonal specials and sashimi.
Just know that because Kino sushi is in the part of Barrie that’s very popular for all-you-can-eat, you’ll be dining with a lot of locals carrying Uber Eats bags.
Noble Cuisine
$$$ | (705) 735-9888 | WEBSITE
Noble Cuisine is not a traditional, upscale Japanese restaurant. Think of it as more of a casual, all-you-can-eat spot in Barrie. It definitely feels like a neighborhood favorite, with its convenient ordering system and reasonable prices—it’s the kind of place you’d visit with a small group of friends or for a family meal, not for a formal business dinner. That being said, a generous, fresh, delicious plate of sushi is still going to be the highlight of your meal here.
