Looking for a tasty Japanese meal near you?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Japanese spots around Minneapolis, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're on the hunt.
1. PinKU Japanese Street Food
Topping the list is PinKU Japanese Street Food. Located at 20 University Ave. NE in East Bank-Nicollet Island, the sushi bar and Japanese spot, which offers seafood and more, is the highest rated Japanese restaurant in Minneapolis, boasting 4.5 stars out of 180 reviews on Yelp.
Popular dishes include crispy shrimp radish noodles and seared salmon rice cakes. It also offers sushi rolls, gyoza and sake. (See the full menu here.)
Bridget S. said, "Fresh, delicious food in a light, artsy atmosphere! A favorite spot, with lots of media buzz, started by a local Japanese sushi chef."
2. Wakame Sushi & Asian Bistro
Next up is West Calhoun's Wakame Sushi & Asian Bistro, situated at 3070 Excelsior Blvd., Suite 206. With four stars out of 539 reviews on Yelp, the sushi bar, Japanese and Asian fusion spot has proven to be a local favorite.
Menu options include the Love Bridge, which includes 10 pieces of sushi, 18 pieces of sashimi, a Caterpillar roll and a Sweetheart roll; beef teriyaki with grilled steak, a Fuji apple teriyaki glaze, Asian vegetables and steamed jasmine rice; and yaki-udon with stir-fried Asian vegetables tossed with udon noodles in a brown sauce. (View the full menu here.)
Yelper Nico S., who reviewed it on Dec. 13, wrote, "This place has some great sushi, and it starts with their chefs. Sit at the sushi bar for a great view into the kitchen. Come for happy hour and they have a whole menu with discounted rolls, sashimi, and apps and drinks."
3. Zen Box Izakaya
Downtown East's Zen Box Izakaya, located at 602 Washington Ave. South, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the izakaya and cocktail bar, which offers ramen and more, four stars out of 508 reviews.
The chef-driven Japanese-style pub focuses on its ramen offerings, including the popular kimchi ramen with pork bone broth, kimchi, pork chashu, ajitama, menma and mayu; and the yasai mazemen, a brothless ramen with seasonal greens, kinoko and pickles. (Explore the menu here, which also includes rice dishes, bento boxes and more.)
Ipshita B. wrote, "Absolutely the best kimchi ramen I have had in the Twin Cities. The broth is to the point, spicy and full of flavor, and the noodles are really good! The restaurant is very cozy and vibrant."
4. Ramen Kazama
Ramen Kazama, a spot to score ramen and more in Lyndale, is another go-to, with four stars out of 312 Yelp reviews. Head over to 3400 Nicollet Ave. South to see for yourself.
Look for ramen bowls like the classic shoyu with pork and chicken broth. Finish it off with additional toppings, like pork belly, bamboo shoots and boiled eggs. The ramen specialists also serve rice dishes and appetizers like Japanese fried chicken, kimchi, calamari and edamame. (The full menu can be found here.)
Jason S., who reviewed it on Dec. 12, said, "Best ramen in Minneapolis. The spicy miso is unreal. The staff is so nice and they seem happy to be working there. Great date spot!"
5. Sushi Takatsu
Finally, over in Downtown West, check out Sushi Takatsu, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 92 reviews on Yelp. You can find the sushi bar, which offers seafood, fast food and more, at 733 Marquette Ave., Suite 225.
On the menu, you'll notice options that include sushi rolls, udon noodle bowls, donburri and daily specials. Note that this spot is closed on weekends.
Yelper Aaron M. wrote, "Great place for a quick fresh sushi lunch in the SkyWay. Even when the line is long they quickly take your order while you wait, so your food is ready at the register. Great portions for the price and consistently good service!"
