Hong Kong’s culinary scene has long celebrated Japanese cuisine, and a fresh wave of restaurants—ranging from budget-friendly skewer joints to refined omakase counters—is transforming how locals and visitors experience authentic Japanese flavours without breaking the bank. Spanning districts from Tsim Sha Tsui to Causeway Bay, these 12 standout establishments offer everything from all-you-can-eat sea urchin feasts to celebrity-approved ramen, proving that high-quality Japanese dining is more accessible than ever.
A New Era of Japanese Dining in Hong Kong
The city’s appetite for Japanese food shows no signs of slowing. In 2025, Hong Kong’s Japanese restaurant sector continues to thrive, driven by a surge in “over-the-counter” imports—direct franchises from Japan—and a growing demand for affordable luxury. Whether you’re craving premium sashimi, charcoal-grilled eel, or a comforting bowl of chicken white broth ramen, these 12 venues represent the best of what the city now offers.
1. KAGURA (牡蠣小屋) – Oyster Lover’s Paradise
Located in Causeway Bay, KAGURA has earned a devoted following among seafood enthusiasts. The restaurant sources fresh oysters from Nagasaki, Iwate, and Hokkaido, serving them raw or in a signature iron-box grilled preparation that unfolds tableside. Beyond oysters, diners can enjoy creamy pasta, yakitori, and tamagoyaki in an atmosphere designed to evoke a traditional Japanese izakaya.
- Address: 10/F, The L. Square, 459-461 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay
- Contact: 2143 5655
- Hours: Daily, 12:00–15:00 & 18:00–23:00
2. SUKIYAKI NIKUYA – A5 Wagyu from $199
In Tsim Sha Tsui, SUKIYAKI NIKUYA offers lunch sets starting at just HK$199, featuring Japanese A5 Satsuma wagyu. The restaurant specializes in Kanto-style sukiyaki, where thinly sliced, marbled beef is simmered in a sweet-savory sauce and dipped in rich egg yolk. Multiple cuts and set menus allow diners to explore the full spectrum of premium beef.
- Address: 3/F, Chung Tat Building, 38-40 Hai Phong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Contact: 3001 1239
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 12:00–16:00 & 17:30–22:00; Sat–Sun, 12:00–22:00
3. HANAMARUKEN (花丸軒) – Celebrity-Favorite Ramen
A direct import from Osaka with over 40 years of history, HANAMARUKEN in Central counts actor Nick Cheung among its regulars. The star dish is slow-cooked pork soft bone ramen, where the broth simmers for eight hours, yielding a rich, aromatic soup and melt-in-your-mouth cartilage. The restaurant also serves crispy gyoza and a “double happiness” ramen set.
- Address: G/F, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Central
- Contact: 5743 6331
- Hours: Daily, 12:00–22:00
4. JINSHENG YOUXIAN BEI (人生有限杯) – Skewers from $10
With four locations across Hong Kong, JINSHENG YOUXIAN BEI has become a go-to for budget-friendly yakitori. Skewers start at just HK$10, with specialties including pork belly-wrapped lychee, garlic-grilled eggplant, and honey toast with ice cream. Diners seated at the counter can watch chefs grill each skewer to perfection.
- Locations: Central, Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Hours: Mon–Sun, 18:00–00:00 (TST until 23:30)
5. KYOTO KATSUGYU – The Ultimate Fried Wagyu
KYOTO KATSUGYU, a Japanese fried beef cutlet specialist, now operates at AIRSIDE in Kowloon City. The signature technique involves flash-frying wagyu at 180°C for 60 seconds, achieving a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the interior rare and tender. Diners can choose from seven dipping sauces, including sansho pepper salt and curry sauce.
- Address: Shop B129, B1, AIRSIDE, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak
- Contact: 2117 1310
- Hours: Daily, 12:00–22:00
6. SUSHI MASA (鮨政) – 18-Piece Omakase for $398
In Sheung Wan, SUSHI MASA offers an 18-piece omakase menu starting at an astonishing HK$398. Helmed by an experienced Japanese chef, the restaurant sources fresh fish daily. Must-try items include sea urchin ice cream cones, foie gras tuna sushi, and simmered abalone. The minimalist counter seating allows guests to watch every preparation.
- Address: G/F, 105 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan
- Contact: 2886 9009
- Hours: Daily, 12:00–15:00 & 18:00–22:30
7. LE-TA-SU – Solo Hot Pot Sensation
A wildly popular Tokyo import, LE-TA-SU specializes in individual hot pot sets starting at HK$68. Guests choose from five broths—including bonito, sesame tantan, and sukiyaki—and pair them with premium meats from Japan, the US, and Australia. The chain partners with local farms for fresh seasonal vegetables, and queues are common at all four branches.
- Locations: Sha Tin, Causeway Bay, Elements (TST), Yuen Long
- Hours: Mon–Sun, 11:30–22:30
8. TEMPURA MAKINO (天ぷらまきの) – Made-to-Order Tempura Bowls
Originating from Kansai, TEMPURA MAKINO has outlets in Sha Tin, Mong Kok, and Kwai Fong. Each piece of tempura is battered in-house and fried to order, resulting in a light, non-greasy texture. The signature mixed tempura bowl features tiger prawn, whiting, and maitake mushroom, delivering exceptional value.
- Locations: MOKO (Mong Kok), New Town Plaza (Sha Tin), Metroplaza (Kwai Fong)
- Hours: Mon–Sun, 11:30–22:00
9. GOKU DAIEI (極·大瀛喜) – All-You-Can-Eat from $268
GOKU DAIEI in Tsuen Wan offers an extensive Japanese buffet starting at HK$268, including sashimi, foie gras, and dozens of other dishes. Highlights include cherry foie gras, salt-baked prawns, and golden soup with fish maw and crab roe. The three-hour unlimited feast remains a crowd-pleaser.
- Address: Shop 609-613, 6/F, Tsuen Wan Plaza, 4-30 Tai Pa Street, Tsuen Wan
- Contact: 3188 2006 / 3188 2008
- Hours: Daily, 12:00–15:00 & 17:00–23:00
10. ZAGIN SOBA (座銀) – Signature Chicken White Broth Ramen
Another Osaka import, ZAGIN SOBA is renowned for its creamy chicken white broth ramen. The soup is aerated to a milky consistency, delivering a velvety texture and intense poultry flavour. Topped with tender chashu and crispy fried burdock root, it’s a bowl that keeps ramen enthusiasts returning.
- Locations: Central, Happy Valley, Taikoo Shing
- Hours: Mon–Sun, 12:00–22:00 (Taikoo until 21:30)
11. UNAGI YONDAIME KIKUKAWA (四代目菊川) – Century-Old Eel Mastery
Founded in 1932 in Nagoya, UNAGI YONDAIME KIKUKAWA brings over 90 years of eel expertise to Causeway Bay. Using Kansai-style charcoal grilling, the restaurant prepares live eel until the skin is crispy and the flesh tender. The signature “one whole eel, three ways” set allows diners to enjoy it plain, with nori and scallions, and as a tea-infused rice bowl.
- Address: Shop 401A, 4/F, Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
- Contact: 3590 8997
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 11:30–15:00 & 17:30–21:30; Sat–Sun, 11:30–15:30 & 17:30–21:30
12. SHIKI TETSU (四季·悅) – Unlimited Sea Urchin Feast
SHIKI TETSU in Admiralty has launched an all-you-can-eat sea urchin promotion starting at just HK$198 per person. The menu includes uni scallop cod skin, uni sushi, uni tempura, and uni tuna cups, alongside classic sashimi, grilled items, and fried dishes. It’s a paradise for sea urchin lovers.
- Address: Shop A1, UG/F, Far East Finance Centre, 16 Harcourt Road, Admiralty
- Contact: 2294 0088
- Hours: Mon–Sat, 07:00–22:00; Sun, 08:00–22:00
What This Means for Hong Kong’s Food Scene
The diversity and affordability of these 12 restaurants signal a maturation of Hong Kong’s Japanese dining landscape. No longer reserved for special occasions, high-quality Japanese cuisine has become an everyday pleasure, with options spanning every budget and palate. As more Japanese brands choose Hong Kong as their first overseas outpost, diners can expect even more authentic, value-driven experiences in the months ahead.
For those planning to explore, reservations are recommended—especially at popular venues like LE-TA-SU and KAGURA. Whether you’re craving a single perfect skewer or a multicourse omakase, Hong Kong’s Japanese restaurant scene has never been more inviting.