Japanese restaurants in South America
-
A
Matsuei
None other than the venerated Japanese super-chef Nobu Matsuhisa once co-owned this diminutive sushi bar, now situated on a San Isidro side street. Don’t let the modest appearance fool you: Matsuei serves up some of the most spectacular sashimi and maki (sushi rolls) in Lima. A must-have: the ‘acevichado, ’ a roll stuffed with shrimp and avocado, and then doused in a house-made mayo infused with ceviche broth. It will make your brain tingle in all the right places.
reviewed
-
B
Sushi Leblon
Leblon’s premier sushi destination, Sushi Leblon boasts creative additions to its award-winning sashimi, including grilled namorado (a type of perch) with passion fruit farofa (manioc flour sautéed with butter) and sea-urchin ceviche.
reviewed
-
C
Benkei
This casual Japanese restaurant is a favorite haunt for after-the-beach meals on weekends. Benkei does have a menu, though nearly everyone here comes for the all-you-can-eat sushi buffet, with a wide variety of rolls and sashimi, plus miso soup.
reviewed
-
D
Azumi
This low-key sushi bar is a favorite among the nisei (second-generation Japanese) community. Azumi’s sushiman (sushi chef) masterfully prepares delectable sushi and sashimi. The tempuras and soups are also excellent.
reviewed
-
E
Dashi
Perpetually packed, this sleek key branch of the Dashi empire is arguably the best. Highlights of the sushi and sashimi selections are the creative ones such as the Guacamole Mex, but like all BA sushi joints the menu is heavy on salmon and cream cheese. Try to save room for their delicious helados (homemade ice cream).
reviewed
-
F
Nik Sushi
This simple but stylish Japanese restaurant has earned many loyal customers for its all-you-can-eat sushi lunches and dinners. You’ll find traditional sushi and sashimi plates as well as creative inventions such as salmão Ipanema (lightly grilled salmon with teriyaki and farofa).
reviewed
-
G
Shoogun
A Mecca for lovers of Japanese cuisine, this daring under-appreciated restaurant has a homely, elegantly modern interior - traits that are shared in the style of its cuisine. Its menu goes well beyond sushi, although those taking the lunchtime set menu will find that is the main offering.
reviewed
-
H
Little Rose
Sashimi and sake are Little Rose’s mainstays, but this is no minimalist sushi bar – the sultry candlelit interior is filled with mirrors, shadowy corners and dreamy photographs. Step off the busy shopping street and into this otherworldly little restaurant for a romantic dinner date.
reviewed
-
I
Comedor Nikkai
Forget sake cocktails and fashionable clientele – the calm, traditional Comedor Nikkai, tucked away inside the Japanese Association’s building, is worlds away from Palermo’s stylish eateries. Join a low-key crowd here for steaming bowls of miso and fresh salmon rolls.
reviewed
-
J
Miss Tanaka
The marvelously whimsical interior is like a paean to the gods of kitsch with hanging flower chandeliers, shelves lined with dolls and Buddhas and wallpaper that’s pure eye candy. The cuisine is no less delightful, with delicious appetizers and mouth-watering sushi.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Kasuki
Chef/owner Luis Kasuki prepares Japanese cuisine that's strongly influenced by his native Sao Paulo in a stylish space located a block east and half a block north of the plaza. Gluttons should plan to dine here on all-you-can-eat Wednesdays and Saturdays.
reviewed
-
Amigos del Mar
Apart from the hearty buenas noches greeting on arrival, this Japanese restaurant is the real deal. It has bamboo screens, jangly background music and a sushi sashimi platter that’s worth the trek 1.5km west (or AR$15 taxi ride) on its own.
reviewed
-
K
Koni Store
This bright orange Japazilian hot spot has exploded in Rio – 15 outlets since opening in late 2006. They do fresh tuna or salmon in sushi cones (temaki), the best of which is salmon with crunchy wasabi peas and shoestring leeks.
reviewed
-
L
Ten Kai
In the top tier of the city’s Japanese restaurants, Ten Kai serves mouthwatering sashimi and sushi, and maintains the strong culinary traditions of the East. The ambience is pure charm, with an interior lit by glowing paper lanterns.
reviewed
-
Hole-In-The-Wall Eatery
An excellent unnamed hole-in-the-wall eatery is located near the corner of Av Mariscal JF Estigarribia and Kreussel. It looks more like a lounge room than a café, but serves up cheap Korean and Japanese fare.
reviewed
-
M
Kintaro
This unassuming restaurant has been doing seriously authentic sushi since long before there were sushi bars on every Santiago street. Big steaming bowls of ramen and yakisoba are on hand if you’re all rolled out.
reviewed
-
N
Irifune
Irifune quietly serves traditional Japanese in a minimalist setting. The service isn’t rushed and the sushi isn’t cheap – this is a business lunch spot – but the thinly sliced sashimi is divine.
reviewed
-
O
Wagamama
This Japanese joint, hidden up a lane, reveals classy atmosphere and impeccably presented food. Treat yourself to a teishoku (a feast featuring ‘everything’; B$80).
reviewed
-
P
Furusato
This place is neater than an origami figure – and fittingly so. It’s very formal, with exquisite Japanese fare, although friendliness isn’t always on the menu.
reviewed
-
Q
Sansushi
This tiny sushi spot on Santa Teresa’s main strip attracts a loyal local following with its delectable sushi and sashimi (36 varieties) as well as teriyaki and other hot dishes.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
R
Restaurante Kioto
Hidden on a street behind Largo do Machado this simple, well-concealed restaurant is worth seeking out when craving a sushi feast that won’t break the bank.
reviewed
-
Hiroshima
This signless Japanese community center is deservedly a local favorite - unbelievable udon and top tofu dishes. Food fit for a Japanese Crown Prince.
reviewed
-
S
Soho
This stylish Japanese restaurant has an impressive bay view and spreads succulent plates of sashimi, sushi and traditional Japanese fare.
reviewed
-
New Hakata
Maceió’s top Japanese restaurant is a popular spot for sashimi and sushi, particularly on Tuesday’s all-you-can-eat buffet night.
reviewed
-
New Tokio
Come hungry and pile your plate. It's on the mezzanine of the Arco Iris supermarket.
reviewed
