25 Best Japanese Restaurants near Monterey

Presidio of Monterey Sushi Bar •
1759 Lewis Rd, Monterey

“The Presidio of Monterey is a active military base that also is the home of the Defense Language Institute. This base sits up on the hilltop and has some of the most spectacular views of the Monterey Bay. The Presidio has a very old history that dates back to the early Spanish settlers and Missionaries that discovered our beautiful state. This base requires visitors to check in at the designated gates with ID, etc. There's definitely plenty of interesting things to see like the Sloat Monument, part of the Berlin wall and a Russian tank from WWll . Many active duty military stationed at the Presidio consider it as paradise.“

4.6 Superb35 Reviews
Japanese American Citizens Japanese •
424 Adams St, Monterey

“JACL Hall is the meeting place for JACL meeting and events for the Monterey chapter of this NPO. Today they were offering a Pancake Brunch (ham, fried rice, juice, fruit cups and more) on a donation basis during a book signing for the newly released "The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula" by local historian Tim Thomas. It was good to see some familiar faces here and I enjoyed a nice dose of culture with my youngest sister who is technically Japanese (my Mom flew there to give birth) but raised here and speaks Portuguese fluently and is semi-fluent in Spanish. Many of their events are open to the public and they are working on a museum in their downstairs space. JACL is a national organization that is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States more simply put they strive to help sustain and keep the Japanese American community alive (in my eyes).“

4.8 Superb8 Reviews

3
Sakura

Sakura Japanese • $$
574 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Sashimi and Nigiri Combination
Chicken Teriyaki
Udon Noodle Soup
California Roll
Beef Teriyaki
Tempura
Edamame
Sushi

“A small mom and pop restaurant located just off Cannery Row! Me and my friend visited yesterday for dinner after spending all day at Monterey Bay Aquarium. It wasn't busy, so we were able to be seated immediately. They have 3 TV screens playing, but the restaurant is actually fairly quiet overall (which I usually prefer bc it's better for table conversation). I ordered a dinner bento box, which comes with miso soup, rice, salad, and 2 meats. For me 2 meats, I got chicken teriyaki and a California roll (8 pcs). I really liked the miso soup and California roll! I wish I had gotten a different meat besides the chicken, but it was still pretty good overall. My friend ordered 2 sushi rolls and they were cutely decorate with mini umbrellas! When we got the check, they served us almond cookies and they were really good! Shout out to our server who was really nice and dealt with our shenanigans! The food was served fairly quickly as well, so we were happy with that. Would come back again!“

4.3 Superb35 Reviews
Ocean Sushi Deli Japanese • $
165 Webster St, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Spicy Tuna Hand Roll
Sashimi Assorted
California Roll
Original Ramen
Miso Soup

“I think this might've been the best sushi I've ever had. It's a small place, but we got ours to go, parked by the beach, and had a little picnic. We got 3 rolls, and they were all excellent. We'll be back next time we're in town!“

4.3 Superb61 Reviews
Sushi Kuma Japanese • $$
414 Alvarado St, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Sashimi Combo Custom
Sashimi Plate B
Sashimi Salad
Polar Express
Phoenix Roll
Salmon Sushi
Nigiri Plate
Crunchy Roll
Miso Soup
Albacore

“The toro was amazing. Super fatty and fresh and it came with a homemade wasabi that really brough it all together.The other rolls were good, well above average (especially for the area). The tamago was a bit dry and overcooked.Will be back for the toro at the very least!“

4.3 Superb71 Reviews
Crystal Fish Sushi • $$
514 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Sexy Roll Spicy Tuna Avocado Roll
Tuna Salmon Albacore
Teriyaki Chicken
Salmon Teriyaki
California Roll
Mussel Shooter
Salmon Sashimi
Monterey Roll
Mama Mia Roll
Kamikaze Roll

“I recently had the pleasure of dining at the exquisite sushi and sashimi restaurant, and I must say it was an absolute delight from start to finish. The sushi and sashimi were incredibly fresh, with flavors that danced on my palate with every bite. Overall, my experience at Cristal Fish was nothing short of exceptional.“

4.3 Superb150 Reviews
Sapporo Sushi & Steakhouse Japanese • $$
3 Municipal Wharf 2, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Best of Monterey Roll William Roll
Teriyaki Chicken
Hibachi Steak
Pineapple Boat
Sapporo Sushi
Seaweed Salad
Bam Bam Roll
Teppanyaki
Miso Soup
Calamari

“Another great dinner at Sapporo's in Monterey. Nice view of Monterey Harbor from the 2nd floor restaurant. We waited 15 minutes for a table at 6pm on Valentines Day. Ordered the steak bento. Steak, salmon, tempura, rice, miso soup and salad. Needed a to go box as I could finish everything. Busy place, great food, great views and friendly staff.“

4.2 Good121 Reviews
Benihana Monterey Japanese • $$
136 Olivier St, Monterey

Customers` Favorites

Hibachi Salmon with Avocado Tartar Sauce
Filet Mignon and Shrimp Hibachi Shrimp
Fillet Mignon and Steak and Shrimp
Onion Volcano Fire Show
Green Tea Ice Cream
Benihana Onion Soup
Chicken Fried Rice
Teriyaki Chicken
California Roll
Steak Hibachi

“Love this place food always delicious and that fried rice wow best I ever had can't wait for my birthday because I'm gonna celebrate it there ?Kid-friendliness: Kid friendly and my boys love the showWheelchair accessibility: They have a elevator no worries they got it covered“

3.7 Good108 Reviews
Flying Fish Grill Seafood • $$
7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea - 3.47 miles

Customers` Favorites

Deconstructed California Roll
Almond Crusted Seabass
Tempura Banana Sundae
Alaskan Black Cod
Rare Peppered Ahi
Seafood Clay Pot
Flying Fish Grill
California Tower
Chips and Salsa
Sautéed Edamame

“My wife and I had dinner at Flying Fish Grill, and it was wonderful. This was our second visit, and we sat at the same table - next to the fireplace near the entrance. Cozy. Intimate.The steamed artichokes appetizers were delicious, the salmon was prepared perfectly and the wine selection was amazing. Our waiter, Anthony, was knowledgeable, helpful, attentive, and gracious. We will definitely have dinner there again on our next visit to Carmel.“

4.5 Superb185 Reviews
Keoki's Hawaiian Barbeque Carry-Out Hawaiian • $
3170 Vista Del Camino Cir, Marina - 8.11 miles

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Katsu and Kahlua Pork
Chicken Teriyaki
Hamburger Steak
Mini Loco Moco
Macaroni Salad
Chicken Wings
Shoyu Chicken
Teriyaki Beef
Spam Musubi
Keoki

“I've heard so many great things about this little place, so I decided to give it a try. I ordered the 1 item teriyaki chicken lunch combo plate --I couldn't even finish it! The proportions were incredibly large. The lady up at the front was solo up there and she was killing it! A line didn't stress her out and she got everyone's orders out timely. I love how they have personal photos taken from Hawaii hanging up. Super cute place! Definitely coming back.“

4.5 Superb122 Reviews
Zum sushi Sushi • $$
159 Central Ave, Pacific Grove - 1.39 miles

Customers` Favorites

Spiderman Roll
Nabeyaki Udon
Hamachi Maki
Sashimi Chef
Mango Tango
Miso Soup
Edamame
Gyoza
Sushi

“Went here the other night and all I can say is FRESH WASABI! I had never even heard of this but my date introduced me to it...and boy what a difference from processed wasabi. Maybe all sushi places have this, idk...but I'll always remember this place for it. Definitely worth the $3. We had miso soup and a couple rolls. Amazing! Service was fast and friendly even though the place was crowded at 730pm on a Wednesday night. Super cute old house turned into a restaurant with an impressive collection of saki cups on display. Reasonably priced for sushi too. We will be back. Try the fresh wasabi!“

4.5 Superb117 Reviews
Wakatobi Japanese Grill Hibachi and Sushi Japanese • $$
1130 Fremont Blvd Ste 102A, Seaside - 2.51 miles

Customers` Favorites

Steak and Shrimp Hibachi Lunch Combo
Wakatobi Seafood Noodle
New York Steak Hibachi
Shrimp Tempura Roll
Hibachi and Sushi
Chicken Teriyaki
Yakisoba Noodles
Chicken Hibachi
California Roll
Nabeyaki Udon

“Craving a delicous meal that won't break the bank? Look no further. This place is a hidden gem. I tried their Yakisoba noodles and green tea ice cream.The generous serving sizes had me impressed, especially considering the reasonable prices. The Yakisoba noodles were cooked to perfection, not too oily, not too dry, just right and the seasoning was spot-on. The real showstopper was the green tea ice cream. Creamy, refreshing, and with just the right hint of matcha.And as if the food wasn't enough to leave me smiling, the service sealed the deal. From friendly greetings to engaging conversations, our server made us feel right at home.“

4.3 Superb82 Reviews
Ichi-Riki Japanese Restaurant Japanese • $$
1603 Del Monte Blvd, Seaside - 2.41 miles

Customers` Favorites

Combination Box with Salmon Teriyaki and California Roll
Teriyaki Chicken and Tempura Bento
The Jo Chef's Choice Platter
Salmon and Salmon Skin Roll
Assorted Sashimi
Beef Teriyaki
Tempura Udon
Sushi Rolls
Fresh Fish
Ocean Roll

“Ichi riki is going through a renaissance right now! I've been going here off and on for decades but right now it's by far the best sushi restaurant on the Peninsula!Dietary restrictions: Very good with gluten free sushi options!Parking: Two free parking lots, on either side of the building and a few tree street parking spots right in front“

4.3 Superb80 Reviews
Robata Grill & Sake Bar Japanese • $$
3658 The Barnyard, Carmel-By-The-Sea - 4.13 miles

Customers` Favorites

Sushi Lunch Combo
Assorted Sashimi
Teriyaki Chicken
Miso Soup
Calamari
Tempura
Gyoza
Roll

“The food was amazing as always. I have been a patron for about 30 years. Everything on there menu is delicious. Only complaint this time was very slow server that did not come to the table often to replenish drinks and we did not order all the appetizers we wanted to because he took to long to come back to the table.“

4.2 Good94 Reviews

15
Akaoni

Akaoni Japanese • $$$
6th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea - 3.38 miles

Customers` Favorites

A La Carte Negi Toro Hand Roll Hamachi Sake Nigiri
Clams with Garlic Butter Sauce
Aji Nigiri and Abalone
Some Sushi for Dinner
Soft Shell Crab Roll
Assorted Sashimi
Spicy Tuna Roll
Assorted Sushi
Mackerel
Hot Sake

“I love this place. It offers a calm, comfortable, intimate transport to Japan with food that is very traditional: simple, elegant, clean, subtle. The fish is incredible and equivalent to some of the finest no-frills high-end sushi spots in the world. Truly, this place is a gem - and to think you'd find it in Carmel, CA is pretty shocking. There's no sign on the restaurant and Google maps is just a bit off, but it's pretty obvious which restaurant it is if you just walk the street a bit. Service is quiet, methodical, and follows a structure. The environment, too is pretty quiet - so if you're looking for a boisterous sushi-roll spot with fast-paced service, rolls loaded with ingredients, etc. - this is NOT your place. I think the other reviews highlight disappointment w/the service and/or requirements for reservations. I think those patrons failed to understand why they require reservations - with fish flown in from Japan and hyper-fresh local fish, too the owners must plan in advance. I went with a friend and we both found the service kind, formal, planned, purposefully-paced, and reserved - which is spot-on culturally as well.“

4 Good85 Reviews
Sushi Heaven Sushi • $$
Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea - 3.61 miles

Customers` Favorites

Cucumber Avocado Roll
Chicken Teriyaki
California Roll
Assorted Nigiri
Salad Dressing
Sashimi Deluxe
New York Roll
Sushi Heaven
Dragon Maki
Climax Roll

“Everytime we visit Carmel, we visit Sushi Haven. For more than 10 years, this place continues to impress us. This place has the best fresh fish, legit sushi rice and excellent service. Their rolls are creative and delishious. We have had some of the best meals of out life here.We have even eaten here twice in 1 day because it's that good. I can bring my dog to the outside patio and the atmosphere is nice. Do not miss this spot.“

4.2 Good76 Reviews
New Tokyo Restaurant Japanese • $$
3170 Vista Del Camino Cir N, Marina - 8.11 miles

Customers` Favorites

Teriyaki Chicken and Tempura Bento Box
Japanese Sushi Sashimi
Chicken Teriyaki Rice
California Roll
Scallop Nigiri
Pork Katsu
Squid
Ramen

“The takeout sushi I just got was excellent. I just came back from Japan where I learned Japanese food is all about attention to detail even if the dishes seem simple and this sushi was better than a lot of sushi I had in japan. The fish, ginger, and other ingredients were so fresh and well prepared. Definitely worth the 21 dollars for 8 rolls of generous size. My only complaint is the can of coke was 2.50 which seems steep. But this is a high quality place overall. Ate my sushi in the nearby park and had a good time.“

4.1 Good39 Reviews
Takara Sushi Japanese Restaurant Japanese • $$
218 17th St, Pacific Grove - 1.97 miles

Customers` Favorites

Vegetable Tempura
Sushi a La Carte
Beef Teriyaki
Miso Soup

“We enjoyed a fresh, delicious dinner in this cozy space. There are about 5 tables that sit 2 people each and a sushi bar that fits maybe 4 people. Definitely a place for locals. This place is run by a husband and wife team. The husband makes the sushi and the wife does EVERYTHING else (takes drink and food orders, refills drinks, cleans tables and cooks everything). Patience is key, as many others have noted. All in all, my sister and I were in there for a total of an hour and fifteen minutes. Truly not bad considering it was a Friday night dinner and we were not in any hurry. When we first arrived, the wife did tell us that she couldn't help us "for a long time." We still decided to wait it out. While we dined, she actually had to turn away two parties because she would not be able to get to them for a while. Basically if you show up and there are no available tables, don't plan to wait for one. It did take about 10-15 minutes to get our drink order taken, then another 10-15 to place our food order. But once the food order was in, our food started coming out at a steady pace. The miso soup was amazing! So flavorful with a generous amount of tofu. The meals also came with salad that was fresh and included seaweed. We ordered: Gyoza- a generous 12 piece portion that came out piping hot and was very flavorful. Tempura- came with 3 tempura shrimp, green beans, onion and sweet potato. Came out hot and crispy and again, a generous portion. Salmon roll- small 6 piece portion. The salmon was fresh and buttery. So good! Combination dinner- my sister chose the beef teriyaki (amazing sauce and flavor), white rice and a Philadelphia roll (small 6 pc roll and fish was super fresh). Including our drinks, the total was $65. Customer service was really great, the wife was very cheerful, even if overwhelmed. I would return if in the area and had time for a leisurely paced dinner.“

4.1 Good43 Reviews
Sushi Time Sushi • $$
1153 Fremont Blvd, Seaside - 2.5 miles

Customers` Favorites

Sashimi Combination
Sushi Combination
Sesame Chicken
Fresh Sashimi
Spicy Edamame
Miso Soup
Takoyaki
Roll

“FoodI drove down here from the boring city of Hollister to try out the nabeyaki udon. I enjoyed a tasty hot bowl of delightful dashi-based broth with udon and seafood. The sad part was running out of that hot, delicious food.ServiceThe wait staff only cared about the initial interaction and the end of my time there, when I was finished with my food. The wait staff did not check on me during the middle portion of my meal. I go to restaurants, and I expect good service as part of the experience. Good food by itself does not mean full stars. Two stars for service are gone because they need to improve their service.AtmosphereThe restaurant is in a small strip mall. Behind the strip mall, the area looks rather run down. The strip mall itself was alright. As for the restaurant itself, it's your typical Japanese restaurant with some ink painting of Samarais hanging on one wall. There's nothing that really makes this place stand out as a "You've got to come here." In fact, from the outside it looks rather bland.“

4.1 Good78 Reviews
Toro Sushi Japanese • $$
Carmel-By-The-Sea - 3.41 miles

Customers` Favorites

Seared Salmon Roll
Jalapeño Popper
Chicken Katsu
Agedashi Tofu
Hamachi Kama
Chirashi
Miso Soup
Tempura
Edamame
Spider

“High-quality fish is critical to good sushi, and Toro delivers! Absolutely mouth-watering sushi. If you like rolls, they have excellent options as well that are creative and delicious. You can tell ownership is good because everything comes from the top down and the service is wonderful and friendly.“

4.1 Good204 Reviews
Hanagasa Japanese • $$$
8th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea - 3.6 miles

“This place has amazing food! The food might be the best I've ever had. The location was a couple of blocks off the main strip in Carmel. The restaurant itself was plain and had a diner feel to it but the food was top shelf. I do recommend it.“

4 Good173 Reviews

22
Harumi

Harumi Japanese • $$
1760 Fremont Blvd #4, Seaside - 3 miles

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Teriyaki Roll
Captain Crunch Roll
Udon Noodle Soup
California Roll
Big Boy Roll
Miso Soup
Edamame
Tempura
Bento
Salad

“This is my go-to restaurant in Seaside. I always go in with what I plan to order in mind, but always check their specials board and things often change. Today, the Shio Ramen Special caught my eye and made a delightful lunch. Noodles, flavorful broth, bits of pork belly and more. Add a Japanese Craft beer and I left a happy (and full) guy).“

3.9 Good69 Reviews
Ocean Sushi Deli Deli • $$
2701 David Ave, Pacific Grove - 1.66 miles

Customers` Favorites

Unagi on Rice
Miso Soup
Roll

“An oasis of deliciousness for two hungry travelers. We both had the Unagi bento, rich and suuculant on an amazing bed of delicious rice. The salad was fresh and the dressing was heavenly. Even tne pickled veg was beautifully done. My wife bought a box of green tea, mild, flavorful and a bargain. I didn't try the flan yet because it was a full meal but i am certain the quality is consistsnt and I hope to return soon to enjoy another excellent experince from Ocean Sushi Deli's fabulous menu.“

3.9 Good88 Reviews
Teriyaki Madness Asian Fusion • $$
110 General Stilwell Dr Building B 102, Marina - 6.45 miles

Customers` Favorites

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Noodles and Veggies
Chicken Teriyaki Bowl with Rice and Veggies
Large Teriyaki Chicken with Noodles
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Yakisoba
Large Orange Chicken Bowl
Chicken Breast Teriyaki
Grilled Chicken Veggies
Spicy Chicken Bowl
Beef Teriyaki Bowl
Chicken Katsu Bowl

“I hadn't eaten here for a long time and I'm not sure why. I recently downloaded their mobile app, and have found that it's super handy! There's no wait. I just walk up to the counter, am quickly greeted and handed my food. It's always piping hot! I try not to eat fast food. Chipotle, and now this place, are my go to places for a quick meal. I like the chicken teriyaki, the sauce is really good. The sticky brown rice and veggies are delicious. The veggies aren't soggy, and usually more al dente. I feel less guilty about calories when I order from here. I'm glad I returned to this place, as it seems to have improved a lot from my first experience.“

3.8 Good87 Reviews
Kokoro Ramen & Roll Japanese • $$
880 Broadway Ave C-5, Seaside - 2.75 miles

Customers` Favorites

Black Garlic Pork Ramen
Tonkatsu Ramen Regular
Mozzarella Sticks
Shoyu Ramen
Kokoro Roll
Miso Ramen
Spicy Tuna
Takoyaki
Sushi

“Ok, I don't know what's going on with the reviews of this place. They are all over the map. If I had read them before coming here I would have passed on this place and I'm glad we didn't! The food was AMAZING. My husband and I normally have to drive to San Jose for Ramen, but not anymore! We got the edamame with spicy garlic as an appetizer and they were definitely finger licking good. I don't even like edamame lol, and I ate those. For dinner we ordered the shrimp killer roll and the hi roll. Both were super good. We also both got Ramen. I got the garlic sesame and my husband got the miso. It was all fantastic. We are Ramen snobs, and we were both exceptionally happy with our meals. We will definitely be going back there. The staff was also super friendly, and the food came out really quick! I say give this place a chance. Can't wait to go again!“

3.7 Good105 Reviews
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