Forest Hills inspires fierce loyalty and occasional grumbles, but no one can dispute its remarkable Japanese dining scene. From classic sushi bars that have perfected their craft for decades to modern izakayas pushing creative boundaries, here are the neighborhood’s essential spots—spanning Austin Street, Queens Boulevard, and beyond.
BBF
$$$ | (646) 649-5363 | WEBSITE
The Japanese dishes from BBF’s cozy Forest Hills spot made it onto our Best Japanese Restaurants guide. So if you’re craving something authentic and creative, you can’t go wrong here. It’s a relaxed space but settle into the comfortable seating—these excellent hand rolls and udon are best enjoyed freshly prepared, while soaking in the soft lighting and woody decor. Add a glass of sake with the 50% promotion and the charred brussel sprouts with their nice tanginess, too.
Kimura
$$ | (917) 905-1864 | WEBSITE
At Kimura, you’ll likely have to wait for a table alongside other regulars in their cozy winter layers, but it’s worth it. This charming spot in Forest Hills is pretty much entirely warm and inviting inside and makes a strong case for being one of the neighborhood’s most comforting scenes.
Come on a cold day and nab a seat (alongside a bowl of wagyu hot pot), or stop by for a midweek meal if you don’t fancy tackling the weekend dinner rush, for inventive mushroom udon followed by sizzling grilled whole squid with that sweet and savory sauce.
IWAK Sushi + Kitchen
$$ | (929) 992-4925 | WEBSITE
IWAK feels like the sushi spot everyone aspires to discover. Tablet-lit menus guide diners through sublime omakase while crunching into perfectly fried chicken karaage mid-conversation, while friends share excellent sweet diablo rolls and IWAK’s ramen. It’s seafood-heavy, fresh as the ocean, showered in brilliantly balanced flavors, with a perky hit of wasabi.
One of Forest Hills’ best Japanese spots, this is a restaurant that’s very easy to love—as are the suggestions from waitresses Elle & Sebika, who ensure every visit feels welcoming.
KATSUNO
$$$ | (718) 575-4033 | WEBSITE
With its unassuming storefront, Japanese-style decor, and a vibe that feels like a hidden treasure, KATSUNO is the epitome of an authentic Japanese dining experience. The Forest Hills spot serves up skillfully prepared dishes like tender black cod and crispy hirekatsu, with fresh sashimi that rivals city restaurants. Waiters bring out piping hot bowls of flavorful udon and expertly crafted nigiri sushi, alongside the unique matcha IPA beer that’s a must-try.
The cozy, home-style atmosphere creates a welcoming ambiance that keeps regulars coming back for more.
Dashi Okume
$$ | (646) 434-2912 | WEBSITE
Perfect for those who dream of Tokyo’s hidden gems, obsess over umami depth, or just need that culinary nudge to finally master homemade dashi, Dashi Okume is a modern Japanese treasure. Despite being just outside Forest Hills’ official dining scene—it’s in Brooklyn—its custom dashi blends, teishoku set meals, and premium Japanese pantry staples all make it worthy of crossing borough lines for.
Sushi Time
$ | (718) 261-0111 | WEBSITE
Sushi Time has long been one of Forest Hills’ go-to spots for reliable sushi. There’s the modest storefront, compact and tidy interior, bustling takeout counter, and neighborhood regulars. Years on, sushi lovers still pop in for freshly made rolls in this simple and friendly setting. The sushi is consistently good—the mango tago roll is a highlight, even if the seating is limited. But Sushi Time remains a place where the fresh quality and reasonable prices are the real draw.
TONCHIN NEW YORK
$$ | (646) 692-9912 | WEBSITE
Every weekend the neighborhood flocks to Forest Hills for ramen at TONCHIN NEW YORK, where the minimalist facade blends seamlessly into the cityscape. It’s a worthwhile destination any day, to savor their beautifully designed space and delicious bowls. The ramen spot was one of the first to master rich tonkotsu broth, flavorful tsukune buns, and a lively bar area—and it’s still one of the best.
Come for a cozy lunch with a friend and polish off a bowl alongside Tokyo Ramen, Chicken Mazemen, and the inevitable Chicken Karage order, or do the same with a date or your family.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
$$$ | (347) 542-3653 | WEBSITE
You’ll find Gyu-Kaku on Main Street near the Big Post Office, but this Japanese BBQ spot feels different to the nearby bustle of Flushing. The welcoming family-run restaurant has a warmth that goes far beyond its melt-in-your-mouth marinated beef. Staff like Victor run the show, the kitchen delivers fresh meats, and diners salivate over things like the perfectly balanced Meat Variety Package that satisfies with each bite.
The soft background music and clean environment make it a comfortable place to enjoy with friends or a date, while the three dipping sauces at each table let everyone customize their experience. Cute marshmallows for dessert add to the fun, and the private parking garage makes it a convenient choice for anyone looking to treat themselves. Gyu-Kaku stays open pretty late, ensuring you can savor those delicious drinks and return for another blast.
LUYA Omakase & Wine Bar
$$$ | (718) 685-8830 | WEBSITE
LUYA Omakase & Wine Bar has something for every Forest Hills sushi enthusiast—an ever-changing menu that keeps regulars guessing, a chef who personally engages with every table, and most importantly of all, exceptional omakase courses featuring the freshest fish. Their seasonal offerings fall somewhere between traditional Edomae and modern creative sushi, and our pick of the night was the chef’s signature nigiri.
It may look deceptively simple like a minimalist art piece, but the perfectly balanced flavors are a must-experience.
Uzuki
$$$ | (917) 563-3888 | WEBSITE
One of the pioneers of soba-focused dining in Forest Hills, Uzuki has continued perfecting its craft in this charming neighborhood spot. The Japanese approach means you can savor multiple bowls if you’re still craving more, or just enjoy a single beautifully crafted dish. Chef Shuichi Kotani’s menu centers on soba but it’s hard to make a wrong choice. The salmon ikura soba, the duck shiso, any tofu preparation and the handmade noodles are exceptional.
Sitting at the counter overlooking the pottery studio is perfect for a couple, or bring any friends or family you want to genuinely delight.
Ishi Omakase Sushi & Premium Sake
$$$$ | (917) 909-1935 | WEBSITE
Ishi Omakase Sushi & Premium Sake offers one of the best omakase experiences in NYC. It has a warm, inviting atmosphere, a staff so welcoming you feel completely at ease from the moment you arrive, and a much-appreciated sense of spacious calm. But there’s more to love about this lovely, open restaurant in Forest Hills. Small, relaxed groups settle into the comfortable seating, sipping premium sake and savoring exquisite courses like sweet shrimp and wagyu.
Expect high-quality ingredients and a memorable, unhurried meal where Chef Jack explains each unique creation with genuine passion.
Mikado
$$ | (718) 559-0088 | WEBSITE
Forest Hills is really good at Japanese restaurants and Mikado is one of the most delightful. Its vibrant setting in Queens and traditional Japanese vibe make it seem like someone made a Tokyo filter, and optimised it for fresh fish, warm lighting, and noodles. The food here is excellent, particularly the udon noodles and buttery salmon sushi, and it pretty much suits any casual occasion.
Kaizen: Omakase & Hand Roll Sushi Restaurant
$$$$ | (718) 971-2413 | WEBSITE
If Hayao Miyazaki had designed a sushi bar, the result would feel an awful lot like Kaizen. It’s a perfect mix of Forest Hills charm and omakase with Tokyo precision. Delicate, proudly fresh, with a chef’s-kissed, vibrant presentation that flows and peaks like ocean waves, the 15-course omakase goes toe-to-toe with some of the finest bites we’ve tried on the other side of the Pacific.
Kaizen moves deliberately so reserve it for a special, slow-pace meal that gives you just enough time to savor a fantastic saki flight and a fresh house wasabi vodka shot.
Kin Gin
$$$$ | (646) 253-6799 | WEBSITE
When your gut tells you that you should go for the sashimi that melts in your mouth, you listen. Just as we listened when it told us to return to Kin Gin for dinner, having had the Kanpachi there earlier that same week. Despite its location, in a vibrant yet polished space with modern Japanese-inspired interiors, there’s a warmth about Kin Gin.
It’s in the flaky, tender grilled mackerel bursting with smoky flavor, it’s in the staff who remember returning guests and introduce the menu from start to finish, and it’s in a menu that leads with Hamachi Crudo with avocado puree and jalapeños, and sweet potato crème brûlée for dessert.
Mito
$$ | (718) 255-6668 | WEBSITE
At Mito, from the team behind the best Japanese spots in Forest Hills, a knowledgeable staff guides you through the menu in a space that feels like a cozy Tokyo alleyway. Udon noodles bubble in the kitchen and the intimate tables fill up quickly. But it’s worth trying to get a reservation so you can fully experience the Four Ways: Yellowtail, which is the standout value, and properly savour the Korean ribs and sushi, which are truly out of this world.
Rule of Thirds
$$$ | (347) 334-6684 | WEBSITE
Rule of Thirds, nestled in Forest Hills, brings serene Japanese elegance and serves innovative, breakfast-leaning dishes. The menu is full of comforting and must-try items, like the fluffy pancake soufflé with a side of flavorful Brussels sprouts, but also elegant plates of grilled mochi cake. This is where to go for spacious, austere vibes, educational sake selections, and top-notch cocktails.
Sapps
$$ | (718) 784-5555 | WEBSITE
Sapps is a cozy Japanese spot in Forest Hills that serves up fresh, satisfying Japanese dishes. There’s a handful of tables but it’s mostly pub-style seating, and whichever you choose, you’ll find that the sushi is fresh, the sashimi beautifully presented, and the fish hits that perfect balance between rich, tender, and clean. The hot dishes and yakitori are perfectly decent, but it’s the sushi and sashimi you should be focused on.
Tomi Jazz
$$ | (646) 497-1254 | WEBSITE
Tomi Jazz serves fantastic food with a charming jazz club ambiance. The dishes range from oxtail rice and avocado pasta to spicy salmon roe rice balls, cod roe udon, and curry rice. The vehicle is an intimate venue with live music in the center, and together, you have a handful of the best kind. There are a couple of seats inside but your best bet is to line up early to secure a table.
Yakitori Torishin
$$$$ | (212) 757-0108 | WEBSITE
At Yakitori Torishin, the experience is always set to perfection. The Japanese restaurant in Forest Hills is fueled by aged tare sauce and filled with intimate counter seats savoring expertly crafted skewers and slow-cooked Mizutaki. The menu is focused and it all delights, whether you’re enjoying tender wagyu or pork paired with cherry tomatoes. But whatever you choose, you can’t go far wrong at this warm, accommodating spot.
