For many, Japanese cuisine conjures images of special occasions and formal dining. But to us, it’s for spontaneous weeknight cravings, casual lunches, celebratory dinners, and even a quick, soul-satisfying bite. It’s versatile and deeply comforting, perfect for any moment, and can make you feel like you’ve been transported to Tokyo with just one perfect piece of nigiri.
Niko Teriyaki
$ | (425) 881-6764 | WEBSITE
Tucked in a strip mall in Redmond, Niko Teriyaki looks kind of like a typical teriyaki spot from the outside. Finding teriyaki here isn’t much of a surprise, but finding out how well they do it sure is. The menu reminded us a bit of other local favorites—with popular options like teriyaki, spicy teriyaki, and katsu all available. But the portions here come in generous sizes—with plenty of rice, a lettuce salad with most meals, and sides like gyoza and fried rice.
We usually go with the teriyaki or spicy teriyaki, but you can request extra spicy or other customizations for no extra charge.
Oto Sushi
$$ | (425) 558-5888 | WEBSITE
The sushi at Oto Sushi has developed an almost cult-like following in Redmond, with people clamoring for their fresh, delicious Amaebi sushi and huge Hamachi Kama. There’s no debate about quality vs. price here—all the sushi comes at a good value, which probably comes in handy when you’re looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
There are standout rolls like the Dynamite and Negihama, and the chicken karaage is noted to be great, reminiscent of Chinese or Taiwanese popcorn chicken. The service is quick, which some may find a bit too quick, but the staff provides a warm welcome and is described as amazing and friendly, making the dining experience enjoyable. Happy hour is also highlighted as awesome, and takeout is seamless and timely, ensuring delicious food at home.
Parking can be a bit of a pain, but there is street parking nearby with a short walk. The restaurant is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, with a casual, welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.
HIMITSU TERIYAKI
$ | (425) 868-5631 | WEBSITE
Himitsu Teriyaki makes some of the best freshly prepared teriyaki in town. The menu is, as you could probably guess, all about teriyaki. You can get chicken, beef, or tofu teriyaki, and, of course, the spicy chicken that leaves a pleasant tingling sensation. The teriyaki comes freshly prepared and doesn’t come so charred like other places, but you’re definitely going to want to try the garlic spicy chicken teriyaki here if you’re going for that mouth-watering experience.
Our favorites are the General Tso’s chicken and the garlic spicy chicken teriyaki, but the teriyaki sauce itself is also a highlight worth savoring.
Musashi’s
$ | (425) 240-7846 | WEBSITE
I never fully appreciated the appeal of simple sushi joints until I tried Musashi’s chirashi bowl—a Redmond staple—and realized just how well generous portions pair with fast, friendly service. The restaurant’s offerings include three standout items that share the same quality foundation, plus either chirashi, musashi roll, or seared salmon nigiri.
I prefer the musashi roll—it’s satisfyingly large, fresh to the taste, and served with self-serve tea and wasabi that complements the relaxed atmosphere.
Nextowa
$$ | (425) 522-4629 | WEBSITE
Nextowa is primarily a teishoku restaurant, but you’d be doing yourself a great disservice if you didn’t also order their “amazing” toro sashimi. The sashimi is sliced by a trained chef and then served with fresh, delicate flavors—with the buttery texture reminiscent of high-grade tuna. We wish there were toro sashimi-flavored everything, but we’ll just stick with the sashimi, for now.
Yummy Teriyaki
$ | (425) 861-1010 | WEBSITE
The chicken katsu at Yummy Teriyaki is breaded and fried, then served with a savory teriyaki sauce that’s not too sweet. It’s basically a classic Japanese-style cutlet with a perfectly crisp coating—it’s tender, well-seasoned, and it’s one of the most satisfying comfort meals we’ve come across in our teriyaki research. Whatever you decide, you can get it with a side of steamed rice that adds a simple, hearty base to an already generous portion.
Japanese Cuisine Towa
$$$$ | WEBSITE
In many respects, Japanese Cuisine Towa is the ideal special occasion destination, with attentive service, unique bar seating, and, perhaps most notably, masterful dishes. The courses at Towa are some of the most delicate we’ve experienced, and with thoughtful ingredient selection and graceful preparation, you can return repeatedly to savor the full tasting menu.
We typically opt for the pre-ordered Towa course—it’s delicious and refined in all the right ways, with mindful touches that make it truly memorable to enjoy.
Acacia Teriyaki
$ | (425) 885-0574 | WEBSITE
Most people probably know Acacia Teriyaki as “that family-owned spot near Microsoft Studios,” and while it’s technically correct, it’s really not giving enough credit to the folks serving some of our favorite teriyaki in Redmond. The teriyaki menu only leaves you with a few options—regular teriyaki chicken being the standout—but our not-very-scientific poll of five coworkers told us that roughly four out of five people would have ordered that dish anyway.
Teriyaki here is sold in generous portions—if, like us, you’re not much of a portion estimator, that’s about enough for two satisfying meals. At Acacia, they’re not trying to do anything fancy. Just simple teriyaki, done well.
SHABURINA SHABU-SHABU HOT POT
$$ | (425) 658-7185 | WEBSITE
There’s an element of delight when you settle in at Shaburina, a modern hot pot spot in Redmond serving customizable AYCE meals. The meat is premium, with very fine marbling that adds a little extra richness. While the two tiers like ‘premium’ or ‘normal’ give hints about the quality, most of the experience comes from the self-serve bar with veggies, noodles, and seafood that only offer a fresh foundation.
Our favorite is the beef, paired with a custom sauce from the bar topped with a thick drizzle of (probably) sesame and soy. If you’re OK with just a little creativity, tell Terrance what you like—broth type, and meat or veggie-heavy—then sit back and enjoy a cozy meal any time of the week.
Kobuta & Ookami Katsu and Sake house
$$ | (425) 522-4612 | WEBSITE
The tonkatsu at Kobuta & Ookami Katsu and Sake House gets a careful breading and a precise fry, followed by a perfect rest before being served with one of their accompaniments (we like the curry version), resulting in some generous cutlets that are really tender with a crispy crust. And if pork cutlets aren’t really your thing (first off, why are you here?), they’ve also got Iberico pork and katsu served in soup.
Noburu Ramen and Sushi
$$ | (425) 202-7231 | WEBSITE
There’s a good chance you’re already familiar with the ramen at Noburu. Their signature tonkotsu ramen is of the rich, pork-bone variety—creamy and deeply flavorful—but this isn’t a ramen-only guide (so we can only say unofficially that this should be part of your order as well). Fortunately, their sushi options are just as good—fresh and expertly crafted with everything from the Seattle roll to classic nigiri.
They’ve also got a modern, clean interior with digital menus, making this a great spot to come and enjoy a calm meal to accompany your flavorful dishes.
