TOP 9 Japanese Restaurants in Zagreb

In the heart of Zagreb's vibrant food scene, Japanese cuisine has carved a niche that's hard to ignore. Moreover, restaurants embracing this culinary direction never cease to amaze, impressing with stylish interiors, aesthetics on plates, and masterfully crafted flavours. This is exactly how the echo from the Land of the Rising Sun should impress.

So, if you're eager to explore the finest Japanese dining experiences in Zagreb, it's time to follow Tablein guide's recommendations, secure a table at your preferred restaurant, practice your chopstick skills, and get pleasantly lost in the gastronomic translation.

Nomu
Ulica Nikole Tesle 14, Zagreb

Nomu is a restaurant devoted to Japanese cuisine and its fusion with the finest Mediterranean flavours. It offers more than just an elegant ambience to savour these expertly crafted tastes; it also guarantees an exceptional sushi and wine experience.

The primary focus here centres on top-quality ingredients, including locally sourced and Japanese imports, then follows Chef Roshan's creativity. The menu side of the Far East is indeed impressive and refined. Miso or crab soups, various carpaccio and tartar dishes, seafood tempura delights, as well as takoyaki and gyoza dumplings – all make for a perfect beginning. Following these appetisers, you'll find a selection of main courses featuring options such as tuna tataki, beef katsu, roasted lobster, crispy soft-shell crab and more – all worth savouring. The sushi and sashimi variety shines brightly, showcasing not only classical Japanese ingredients but also gourmet combinations like foie gras, beef confit, or fresh white truffle. Dining with a group? Consider ordering platters to share and enjoy the best bites together.

Nomu's philosophy revolves around pairing Japanese delicacies with wine, we encourage you to embrace this unique experience. If you're unsure about the best combinations, rest assured that professionals are here to share recommendations with you.

Tekka
Radnička cesta 37b, Zagreb

Located in Zagreb's bustling business district, Tekka stands as a beloved Japanese restaurant, a magnet for even the most dedicated gourmands. Its culinary excellence harmoniously melds with a refined beverage list, all of which, together with the minimalistic interior, gracefully transports you to the enchanting Land of the Rising Sun.

The menu at Tekka is an expression of what the best this country‘s cuisine has to offer. Traditional soups, cold and warm appetisers gracefully set the tone for your gastronomic journey. Subsequently, an impressive array of sushi, sashimi, caviar, nigiri, hosomaki, uramaki as well as tempura, both classic and creatively reimagined by Tekka, unfold before you. The grand finale presents grilled teppanyaki choices, Japanese skewers, perfectioned wok dishes, or masterful main courses, including premium meats, fish, seafood, poultry, and the shining star – Wagyu beef.

Yet, Tekka isn't just a haven for dedicated food enthusiasts; it's also a paradise for those who enjoy the art of pairing food with beverages. The restaurant offers an impressive selection, featuring a wide range of wines as well as champagnes, all complemented by the crowning glory of Japanese sake.

Khala Restaurant & Bar 
Ulica Ivana Tkalčića 90, Zagreb

Khala, situated on the famous Ivana Tkalčića street, is a restaurant and bar devoted to Japanese fusion. Its captivating Oriental ambience, impressive interior, stunning terrace, and unwavering commitment to top-notch service easily transport you to the Far East.

The menu here artfully combines the finest of Japanese and Asian culinary traditions, blended with a dash of European touch. Moreover, the focus on premium locally sourced ingredients paired with the craftmanship of chefs create a truly distinctive culinary experience.

From appetisers, soups, carpaccio, tataki, bao buns and a variety of sushi options, to impressive main courses, curry, noodles, as well as wok dishes – food choices here showcase nothing but the best. Whether you desire gyoza dumplings, comforting ramen, succulent Negimaki beef rolls, perfectioned tuna wellington, aromatic soba wok, or a delightful selection of sushi such as uramaki, hosomaki, sashimi, and nigiri – you'll find the best of such choices here.

Yet, Khala isn't just about the food. Its lounge bar also offers an extensive range of beverages, featuring signature cocktails and wines sourced from around the world, including some exceptional Croatian options.

Asuka
Ulica Opatovina 16, Zagreb

Asuka, a traditional Japanese restaurant in Zagreb Downtown, offers a truly special dining experience. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a harmonious blend of style, a wooden interior, subtle aromas, and the soft melodies of traditional music playing in the background. This ambience so perfectly lines up with the Japanese spirit to set the stage for a memorable culinary journey.

The menu at Asuka offers a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, many of which are perfect for sharing. What to expect here? Miso soup, which may come with tofu, wakame, or salmon. Tempura enthusiast? Choose from vegetable, scallop, king prawn, and squid bites. If you prefer a Japanese omelette tamagoyaki, enjoy it plain or with smoked eel.

Sushi at Asuka is a playful experience, served on wooden ship-like trays. While you can savour their classics prepared with salmon, tuna, or prawns, their menu also invites you to try unique variations, including scallop, octopus, smoked eel as well as crab meat rolls. And, let's not forget the rainbow of fish roe toppings! For an extra twist, consider trying their baked sushi.

No matter your choice, you'll eagerly anticipate your next visit, as Asuka's commitment to quality and dedication to exquisite flavours consistently delight. For a truly authentic experience, complement your meal with fine drinks imported from Japan, including traditional whiskey, gin, sake, or green tea liquor.

Jellyfish In Space
Ulica Martićeva 71, Zagreb

Jellyfish In Space, a laid-back street food restaurant & cocktail bar, tells a delightful narrative by blending human achievements with a playful spirit. Thus, the mission here is to delight guests with innovative cuisine, intriguing cocktails, and a relaxed ambience.

Founded by Ivan Klepić and Tomislav Sulić, Jellyfish in Space was born out of desire to bring something fresh to Zagreb. The bar and street food fusion concept got inspired by their travels and the ideas collected along the way. At first glance, it may all seem unrelated here, much like jellyfish in space. However, upon closer look, guests discover a harmonious symphony of diverse flavours that perfectly pair together. So, for lovers of fantasy and experiments, this restaurant is a must-visit place.

The street food menu combines Latino and Eastern flavours, paired with fresh seasonal ingredients. Whether one opts for tempura bites, yakitori skewers, or sushi, the creative expression of Japanese cuisine remains evident. Let us give a hint that rolls may even come with coconut, sun-dried tomatoes, peanut butter, or sesame Tex-Mex – the rest is for you to explore.

Moreover, the restaurant hosts special events that can't be missed, such as all-you-can-eat sushi days.

Takenoko
Ulica Masarykova 22, Zagreb

Takenoko is an elegant restaurant devoted to the art of Nikkei cuisine. Here, the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions takes the spotlight, while such blend of ingredients, flavours, cooking techniques, as well as methods from both cultures never ceases to amaze.

Moreover, Takenoko is under the guidance of the award-winning chef Motochiko Mochizuki, who will express these exquisite combinations in the best possible manner. So, be prepared for an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

The unique menu with its deep appreciation for tradition, also celebrates culinary mastery, allowing for creative interpretations. So here, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of exotic flavours presented in unique forms. Appetisers, gourmet soups and ceviche perfection varying from seabass, tuna, scallops, octopus or beefsteak to duck with figs might be a start. Prefer hot options? Indulge in tempura delicacies, wok and the main courses, highlighting the creative expression of top-quality fish, seafood, poultry, or the majestic wagyu. Also, don't miss a chance to enjoy the finest selection of tuna, sashimi, nigiri, maki and uramaki.

No matter your choice, be sure of the impressive culinary experience as each dish comes with the chef‘s dedication to passion and perfectionism.

Chopstix 
Ulica Julija Knifera 7, Zagreb

Chopstix is a Pan-Asian Cuisine Restaurant & Sushi Bar, paying homage to the charming fusion of flavors from the Far East. For those seeking an exotic dining experience, whether for a quick work break with colleagues, a cherished family dinner, or after a visit to the neighbouring Museum of Contemporary Art, this place is the ideal choice.

Among all the menu options, Japanese cuisine shines truly brightly. Thus guests can begin with the beloved Ramen or make a pick of cold and hot appetisers: from deep-sea delicacies to crispy tempura, and from vegan Edamame to Agedashi Tofu, the starter selection pleases all tastes. Don't miss out on the delectable Gyoza too! Also, this restaurant is a place to savour dishes such as Yakisoba, comforting stir-fry noodles, or indulge in Teppanyaki, featuring tender chicken or succulent salmon paired with prawns.

And that's just the beginning! For sushi enthusiasts, there's an impressive selection that includes classic rolls, Uramaki, Nigiri, Hosomaki, Sashimi, or Gunkan. Main courses? Enjoy the succulent Beefsteak Osaka style, the flavorful Salmon Kuwayaki, and the comforting Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry.

So, whenever you are in the area, don't miss a chance to indulge in the Pan-Asian world, as Chopstix will pleasingly guide you through all culinary explorations.

Cunami
Ulica Svetice 24/1, Zagreb

If you're craving Asian fusion cuisine explorations, Cunami should be your restaurant of choice. It's an elegantly designed gastronomic haven that invites guests to savour exotic flavours beneath the ever-blooming Sakura tree while witnessing skilled chefs at work in the open kitchen.

The mind behind the menu is Chef G. Sularte, bringing with him all the best experiences from Asia's finest restaurants and hotels. In Japan, food is seen as an art form, and the kitchen master's crafted selection confidently embodies this philosophy.

At Cunami, the menu features a range of Asian delicacies, all prepared using the freshest local ingredients and carefully sourced items from specialised international markets. This commitment to quality fosters creativity and unveils the true essence of exotic flavours. The selection offers traditional options such as miso soup, tuna tartar, and seafood tempura, alongside a broad sushi selection, including the chef's signature creations. Spring rolls, steamed gyoza, colourful poke bowls, and flavorful rice bowls are also among the highlights. In short – oriental cuisine at its finest.

But Cunami isn't just about the food. It also shares an impressive beverage selection that includes the finest labels, craft beers, and mixology creations. So, don't hesitate to elevate your dining experience with matching drinks!

TAIYO
Selska cesta 161, Zagreb

Taiyo, a place that modestly presents itself as a sushi restaurant, offers a distinctive variety of Japanese culinary delights with a hint of Chinese influence. Despite its location outside the bustling city centre of Zagreb, dedicated food enthusiasts easily find their way here

What's the draw? The wide selection! Crispy harumaki, edamame beans, or dragon clouds serve as a delightful introduction to your dining experience. Gyoza, wakame and kombu can be included in this fare too. That‘s easy to choose! Later follows the maze: the menu is broad, all options are worth trying, so deciding further may be quite a challenge.

Miso variations, Japanese noodles, donburi, poke bowls, or yakitori skewers could capture your interest. Otherwise, you could treat yourself to sashimi, nigiri, gunkan, temaki, hosomaki, and uramaki, all featuring the freshest salmon, tuna, sea bream, shrimps as well as other classic ingredients. Additionally, there are vegetarian versions available for those with dietary preferences. If you're dining with a group of friends or family members, consider going all-in with the sushi boats.

That could be said – you name it, they have it. So, if you appreciate the richness of the culinary palette and are keen on such vocabulary, Taiyo is the place to be.

Menu items at restaurants may change, so check here for the latest offerings.