Tatler Dining Guide 2024: The best Japanese restaurants in Malaysia

Asumo offers a modern, Tokyo-style rendition of charcoal-grilled Japanese Wagyu, importing whole Wagyu cattle from the Miyazaki and Tokushima prefectures in Japan. Try the Japanese Wagyu Yakiniku Omakase, a selection of the day’s best cuts presented in a wooden boat, cooked at the table, and served with the restaurant’s signature sauces and salts. A selection of Japanese beers, whiskies, and sakes complements the dishes and non-alcoholic beverages.

Visit Binchotan JB for a decadent dining experience from start to finish. Impeccable ingredients are showcased throughout the meal through dishes such as the Foie Gras Pastella, Amadai Crispy Scales, and Sliced Beef Sukiyaki. Service is discrete yet attentive.

Chipta 11a takes Japanese fusion to the next level with an unconventional, adventurous menu. The team’s expert knowledge of Japanese cuisine combined with respect for local ingredients results in an inspiring, creative experience. Unexpected combinations of unique ingredients result in a culinary adventure upon every visit, and since the menu is based around seasonal ingredients, dishes change regularly, giving regular reasons to revisit.

With a detail-oriented chef and a team that appreciates quality, Gekko Dining serves excellent and consistent dishes, be it Japanese-inspired small plates or an omakase experience. Service is personal and genuine, and the restaurant can adapt to dietary needs.

Hoshi combines traditional Japanese ingredients with modern techniques. Signature dishes, which include the scallop with foie gras torchon and the amadai, are executed well. The service and ambience are also excellent.

Playful and fun, Japas Kuala Lumpur stays true to its name, which is a combination of the words Japanese and tapas. The restaurant has a great selection of sharing plates overlooking a stunning view. Begin with the Smoked Ikura Tartelette before moving on to larger plates—the Grilled Pulpo and Truffle Tatsuta Chicken are flavourful and enjoyable.

An elegant, intimate sushi counter awaits at Kamii Sushi Omakase Eco Palladium. With its delicate dishes, no expense is spared in creating an outstanding experience in every aspect, from the menu to the crockery used.

Kazu KL’s move from Jalan Batai to a bigger, more distinctly architectural space has resulted in the restaurant stretching its wings and offering two dining experiences—chef Norikazu Shibata’s much sought-after sushi omakase and kappo dining by chef Ricky Kamiishi. As expected of such a specialised dining experience, service is just as attentive and focused as the chefs behind the counter, remaining unobtrusive, well-judged, and discrete when necessary. A drink at the adjoining Bā by 61M, stocked with a wealth of international whiskies, is a must.

Kikyo, a fiery entrant to the local dining landscape, is Malaysia’s first premium warayaki (straw-fire cooking) dining experience. The restaurant also prides itself on its expertise in other traditional Japanese techniques, resulting in artful and authentic dishes. Signatures include the Miyabi A5 Wagyu Rump, the Sautéed Lobster Tail in White Vinegar Sauce, and the Aged A5 Wagyu Brioche.

For a modern kaiseki dining experience not typically found in other restaurants, visit Kintsugi. This restaurant serves unique and well-executed food in a beautiful environment. The seasonal menus offer an engaging experience that does not break the bank and are best paired with the selection of premium sake available.

Open since 2015, Kyomo is known for modern Tokyo-style Japanese wagyu yakiniku cuts cooked over coals. Food is consistent, high-quality, and good value for money. Side dishes, such as stews and salads, complement the beef. An extensive collection of non-alcoholic beverages, Japanese sake, beers, and cocktails are also available. Order the Japanese Wagyu yakiniku omakase, which features a variety of modern and traditional cuts and is ideal for sharing with friends and family.

As per its name, Makoto Unagi Restaurant is known for its unagi. Its eels are imported live from Japan, slaughtered, grilled, and steamed before being served with the restaurant’s in-house unagi sauce.

Visit Nobu Kuala Lumpur for contemporary Japanese-Peruvian fare in a beautiful setting that overlooks great views. Signature dishes include the rich Black Cod Miso, the New Style Salmon Sashimi, and the Beef Toban Yaki, flamed with sake and served over onions, asparagus, and mushrooms. 

For modern Japanese fusion fare, visit Okaju Japanese Grill. Try the grilled Scottish scallop with homemade yuzu kosho butter topped with wasabi oil or the Canadian lobster with lobster-infused miso butter. A meal here is best finished with the sake soufflé paired with homemade pear gelato.

Even on weeknights, getting a counter seat at the last minute can prove difficult at this ever-popular yakitori joint along Jalan Mesui. The reason? Lightning-quick service, a lively ambience, and outstanding modern Spanish-Japanese yakitori. It is easy to amass an ever-growing collection of yakitori sticks here, but don’t just focus on the chicken—the butter-smothered grilled onigiri, Spanish octopus, and croquetas should be on everyone’s list of orders, too.

Rare the Food Co is known for experimental and modern Japanese fare. Try the Igamono Smoked Eel Rice, which uses eel from Holland to create a textural dish that is sweet, salty, and smoky. Not to be missed are also the Hay-smoked Hanwoo Beef served with the restaurant’s signature peanut sauce.

With a view that overlooks the city, Sky35 KL serves both an ala carte and omakase menu. Signature dishes include the Carabineros prawn with squid ink risotto, the slow-cooked kuro awabi (Japanese abalone), and the Japanese A5 Wagyu beef tartare with Hokkaido Bafun uni. 

Sushi Azabu offers edomae sushi at a fair and accessible price point. The Azabu course is the basic menu, while the Omakase Kaiseki course is more extensive and includes a uni tasting. The menu can also be modified to suit preferences and budgets.

For an exquisite omakase experience featuring fresh seafood imported from Japan, visit Sushi Hara at The Linc KL. While the menu changes seasonally, the Engawa Sushi is a signature dish that comes thinly sliced and torched to enhance its flavour. Another highlight is the Ebi Uniyaki, which pairs succulent, grilled tiger prawns with a sea urchin roe sauce.

Executive chef and owner Makoto Saito Sam’s personality and excellent craftsmanship shines through during a meal at Sushi Hibiki, which is executed to the highest standard. The sushi counter is intimate, and the caring team is detail-oriented and able to adapt to dietary needs. Dishes are served on beautiful plateware, further elevating the meal.

Visit Sushi Masa for refined and authentic edomae-style sushi in Kuala Lumpur. With exceptional seasonal produce, a sublime balance of hot and cold dishes, and course by course progression, the restaurant showcases why sushi is such an art. Its thoughtful menu structure, with simple flavours when needed, results in a stellar experience. 

Chef Ori-san is the original king of sushi in Kuala Lumpur and deserves recognition for his clean, clear approach and high skill. His personality shines through when engaging with guests, who often return for a personal, authentic experience.

Specialising in traditional edomae sushi, Sushi Oribe has been operating since 2014 and is known for its simple yet exquisite fare, which is always of the highest standard.

Located within Platinum Park, Sushi Ryu offers fine Japanese cuisine. Try the kanpachi carpaccio with truffle oil and the A5 Wagyu beef sando. Not to be missed is also the capellini pasta with sweet king crab meat and truffle sauce.

For fusion Japanese fare done right, visit Sushi Shin JB. Eating here is calming and zen, and dishes consist of high-quality ingredients that are well treated. Look forward to delectable courses such as the Carabineros Prawn Nigiri with Oscietra Caviar, Spicy Citrus Toro topped with Ikura and the Amadai Fugu Dashi with Matsutake Mushroom.

Opened in 2022, Sushi Shinjiru 夢 is a relatively new addition to the sushi scene in Kuala Lumpur but holds its ground with elegant interiors, an impressive sushi counter, and a friendly team. With prior notice, chefs can also cater to dietary requirements. While the menu changes seasonally, a signature dish is the Maguro Nigiri, which intriguingly features charcoal vinegar-infused rice. The Caviar Ice Cream is also an indulgent end to a satisfying meal.

Located at the top of Naza Tower, Sushi Sora is an exclusive eight-seater sushi counter that serves edomae-style sushi. The dining experience is serene and exclusive, using seasonal, premium produce.

Sushi Taka gives guests an authentic edomae-style sushi omakase experience, one of Kuala Lumpur’s best. Every dish is meticulously thought out and executed, and service is always top-notch, as expected of such an establishment. From importing its own seafood to its elegant 300-year-old hinoki wood counter, the restaurant does not cut corners. The tamago yaki (Japanese omelette) served towards the end of the meal is decadent, luscious, and the perfect representation of the attention to detail present at Sushi Taka. 

With its friendly team, Sushi Takumi is ideal for those looking for an approachable, fine Japanese meal. Dishes are creative and playful, with contemporary elements that are enjoyably surprising.

Tenryu serves a seasonal, kappo-style menu that feels refined but not forced. Service is attentive yet unintrusive, and executive chef Shinsuke Otomo interacts with guests personally while presenting his dishes with skill.

With more than 20 years of experience, Tenshin’s head tempura chef, Kenichi Ishikawa, brings edomae-style tempura to The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. He is recognised for his talent in controlling the temperature of oil, which is vital to achieving a crisp coating when it comes to tempura. The satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potato) is one of his signature dishes, soft and tender inside yet perfectly crisp on the outside.

This casual Japanese izakaya is the ideal restaurant for a fun night out with friends. It boasts a variety of modern Japanese dishes that make use of high-quality ingredients in a cosy setting. Order the pearl corn with crab drizzled in a miso dressing and the foie gras sando.

Ushi serves a traditional multi-course menu that highlights Ozaki beef prepared in various ways. Its detail-oriented team appreciates quality, and the dishes served are excellent.

The team at Wagyu Kappo Yoshida displays a deep understanding of Wagyu and how it can be used in a way that complements a variety of Japanese dishes and still remains the star of the show. The caring, detail-oriented team is able to adapt to dietary needs, while the setup exudes an air of luxury. Furthermore, the restaurant commands a respectable list of sake, catering to a wide variety of tastes. Many return for the beef curry, which is absolutely delicious.