For years, Yonkers kept a steady romance with sushi bars and teriyaki joints. Then our appetites wandered toward Tokyo’s vibrant izakayas and Kyoto’s delicate kaiseki. Bold, smoky robata grills are in; predictable bento boxes are out. Here are Yonkers’ top Japanese spots ranked from excellent to unmissable.
Bento & Tea
$ | (914) 237-3783 | WEBSITE
Bento & Tea, Yonkers’ unofficially sushi-and-boba destination, serves excellent Japanese fare courtesy of its diverse kitchen. The offerings fall somewhere between classic sushi bar and modern Asian fusion. The rolls—volcano roll with spicy mayo, or eel avocado with that same kick—lean traditional, while the duck buns with homemade hoisin and the extensive boba customization can lean slightly contemporary.
Our favourite is the volcano roll, followed closely by the refreshing, fruity mango summer slush with red bubbles. Catch them offering that cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff in their local gem setting, too.
East Harbor
$ | (914) 961-0100 | WEBSITE
East Harbor—a long-standing, cozy spot that’s become a local favorite for many—knows what it’s doing. Come to this Yonkers restaurant in a group so you can order a couple of generous sushi platters to share. But if you’re solo, grab the avocado salad, which comes with fresh greens and creamy slices of avocado, and the house special lo mein noodles which are loaded with vegetables and savory sauce.
There are plenty of different menu options to choose from, all significantly more satisfying than the standard takeout fare which can be overly greasy, so don’t play it safe.
Sarku Japan
$ | (914) 375-7522 | WEBSITE
Everybody knows that teriyaki chicken is the measure of a Japanese spot. And the delicious one at Sarku Japan elicits some involuntary noises that we aren’t proud of making in public. If you like a straightforward meal but don’t want to sacrifice friendly service or, dare we say, decent protein portions, to get it—you’ll love the dishes at this unassuming Yonkers spot. Get the chicken and shrimp teriyaki, service aside, there’s the perfect balance of savory sauce to fresh, hot rice.
Just know that at Sarku it’s an exclusively self-serve affair.
Tasty House Chinese / Hungry Crab Cajun Seafood
$ | (914) 968-0388 | WEBSITE
Let the record show that the Chinese cuisine crown in Yonkers is worn by Tasty House Chinese / Hungry Crab Cajun Seafood and their consistently delicious, hard-to-resist dishes. The perfectly cooked sesame chicken with brown rice holds its flavor beautifully, with the savory sauce evenly coating each tender piece and a generous serving of fresh broccoli adding crisp texture. Yes, it requires some patience during peak hours when the friendly owner and their family are bustling between tables.
And even arriving early doesn’t guarantee you’ll avoid the weekend crowd that fills the clean, relaxing dining room. But take it from us, who have driven from out of state and waited with regulars in the cozy ambiance, it’s worth every minute.
Mito Hibachi
$$ | (914) 370-8222 | WEBSITE
Come evening, this spot in Yonkers is buzzing with couples and groups, with sizzling hibachi plates and colorful sushi rolls passing between tables. This place is a real scene: warm lighting glows over the clean dining area and the hibachi chefs put on a lively show. Order the flavorful teriyaki with fresh ingredients, or the praised sushi selection which has satisfying, tender pieces of shrimp and artfully arranged rice.
The drinks are nice and strong, and you won’t have any left over if you get the lychee martini. The calamari is crispy, and the miso soup comes out promptly. It’s kid-friendly with outdoor games, and the service stays courteous even when busy.
Great Wall
$ | (914) 963-2920 | WEBSITE
This tribute to classic Chinese-American cuisine is a cozy storefront on Yonkers’ main drag that has a handful of walk-in-only booths, a sunny window counter, and a steady stream of eager takeout regulars. The standard dishes are prepared with consistent care to ensure familiar, reliably satisfying flavors with generous portions. But when it’s on, the signature sesame chicken—glazed in that sweet-spicy sauce over fluffy fried rice—is a standout.
For those coming from Manhattan, Great Wall will be a bit of a trek but pair it with a visit to the nearby Hudson River waterfront for the ultimate suburban food run.
Khangri Japanese sushi
$$ | (914) 968-2134 | WEBSITE
Not only does this Yonkers sushi spot’s all-you-can-eat menu promise delicious food at an affordable price, the mushroom soup goes toe-to-toe with the most flavourful broths we’ve tried across Japanese kitchens. Have a bowl of miso, ignore a little the sounds coming from the kitchen upgrade happening inside, and you’re in the teriyaki and tempura heartland of Japan.
Tomo Japanese Cuisine
$ | (914) 378-0888 | WEBSITE
A strip of McClean Avenue in Yonkers is an unlikely spot for exceptional Japanese fare, but that’s where you’ll find Tomo Japanese Cuisine. The main dining area looks out onto meter parking, and come evening, tables are filled with locals in the know. The sound of passing traffic is replaced with soft background music, and the excellent sushi is a good distraction from the everyday.
The fresh, soft seaweed wraps and non-chewy rice are great (get extra soy sauce and wasabi for dipping), and rolls are well-balanced: the yellowtail scallion roll, salmon avocado roll, and sweet potato sushi are standouts. For lunch, the special offers three good-sized maki rolls with soup or salad for just $15—a steal for this quality.
Sushi Palace
$$ | (914) 268-0888 | WEBSITE
Sushi Palace became an instant Yonkers favorite from the moment it opened its doors and started serving all-you-can-eat sushi. Although its strip mall location and buffet format might suggest it leans too heavily into quantity over quality, the consistently fresh ingredients and friendly, knowledgeable staff make this a solid option. Its reliability exceeds itself when it comes to the volcano roll and BBQ squid thanks to their vibrant flavors, perfect textures, and satisfying presentation.
