Craving Japanese food?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Japanese restaurants around Baltimore, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture when cravings strike.

1. Shoyou Sushi

Topping the list is Shoyou Sushi. Having moved in March from its smaller space down the street, the eatery at 1450 Light St. in Federal Hill is the highest-rated Japanese restaurant in Baltimore, boasting 4.5 stars out of 397 reviews on Yelp.

Regulars come for fresh sushi and sashimi, and for playfully named rolls like Who's Your Daddy?, made with tuna, avocado, shrimp tempura and more. Also popular is the Japanese burrito, which consists of shrimp tempura, crab, spicy tuna, masago and avocado, all wrapped in soy paper. 

2. Kippo Ramen

Next up is Fells Point's Kippo Ramen, situated at 606 S. Broadway. Anime plays on the large screen while customers slurp ramen or dine on sushi and donburi.

Ramen is available with pork, chicken or vegetable broth. You can design your own from the choices of noodles and add-ins, or go with house recipes like the Tokyo tonkotsu, with fish powder, pork chashu, green onion, egg, bamboo and wavy noodles. With 4.5 stars out of 383 reviews on Yelp, the restaurant has proven to be a local favorite. 

3. Azumi

Azumi, located at Harbor East, is another go-to, with four stars out of 296 Yelp reviews. The bustling spot along the waterfront sports an energetic lounge area, outdoor seating and a sushi bar, in addition to the main dining room.

Customers enjoy inventive and classic Japanese cuisine, including robota (barbecue over hot coals), appetizers like Japanese fresh water crabs in sea salt and lime, and entrees like sliced wagyu steak served over flaming stone, with Japanese steak sauce and maitake mushrooms. Head over to 725 Aliceanna St. to try it for yourself and, if you do, check out the extensive sake collection. 

4. Mi & Yu Noodle Bar

Back in Federal Hill, check out Mi & Yu Noodle Bar, which has earned four stars out of 287 reviews on Yelp. The slowly expanding mini-chain invites diners to create their own noodle soups from ramen, udon or pho noodles, meat like pork belly or herbed meatballs, and a handful of flavorful broths.

It also offers snacks like Korean fried chicken and fried curry shrimp, plus a list of dumpling choices. Alcohol is BYOB. You can find the restaurant at 1016 S. Charles St.

5. Yama Sushi Bar

Last but not least, there's Yama Sushi Bar, a north Baltimore favorite with four stars out of 240 reviews. Fish and seafood options include tuna, eel, crabstick, red clam and much more, served as sushi, sashimi or in hand rolls. You'll also find a smattering of non-seafood options, like udon and soba dishes, and dumplings.

Consider pairing your meal with the available Japanese craft beer. Stop by 1030 W. 41st St., Suite F1, to hit up Yama Sushi Bar next time you're looking to satisfy your cravings.