The Best Japanese Restaurants in Zurich – my personal recommendations for sushi, ramen, izakaya and fine dining
Japanese cuisine in Zurich is diverse and of impressively high quality. From traditional sushi and sashimi to handmade ramen and modern izakaya concepts, the city offers authentic Japanese dining experiences. For me, a great Japanese restaurant stands out through precision, freshness and craftsmanship.
Here are my personally tested Japanese restaurants in Zurich, grouped by style and occasion.
Izakaya and Yakitori: Gaijin Izakaya | Kokoro
Sushi and Sashimi: Ginger | Hoi Koi Sushi | Sala of Tokyo | Samurai VII | Yu-An
Ramen and Comfort Food: yume ramen | MARU
Modern Japanese dining: Ginger | Sala of Tokyo
On this page you’ll find my personal recommendations with specific dish tips and insider insights.
Details below👇
Gaijin Izakaya – Authentic Yakitori from a Japanese Konro Grill
Chef Dan Shu brought authentic yakitori culture to Zurich with his own izakaya concept. The charcoal Konro grill imported from Japan creates intense, traditional flavors. The menu is structured into Fire, Hot, Cold and Large dishes, and adventurous guests can choose the Omakase experience.
🔥What makes Gaijin Izakaya special
• Authentic Konro charcoal grill from Japan
• High level yakitori craftsmanship
• Creative menu categories Fire, Hot, Cold, Large
• Omakase menu for CHF 60
• Genuine Japanese izakaya atmosphere
⭐My tip
Miso Shoyu roasted eggplants and Chicken Thighs Negima
💡Good to know
Perfect for sharing with friends. Reservation recommended.
Ginger – Modern Japanese Restaurant with Sushi Bar in Seefeld
Ginger has been a well established Japanese restaurant in Zurich for many years. It is divided into three areas: a Yakitori bar, a sushi bar with silent conveyor belt and an elegant à la carte section. The fish quality is excellent and the cuisine is modern yet authentic.
🍣What makes Ginger special
• Sushi bar with silent conveyor belt
• Yakitori and sake bar
• Excellent fish quality for sushi and sashimi
• Bento boxes at lunch
• Tasting menu in the evening
⭐My tip
The tasting menu and the Chef’s creation Tofu Brûlée
💡Good to know
Take away available. Very popular, reservations advised.
Hoi Koi Sushi – Creative Sushi with Fresh Fish at Lochergut
Hoi Koi Sushi combines traditional sushi craftsmanship with modern signature creations. Reviews frequently highlight the freshness of the fish, the creative rolls and the strong price value ratio.
🍣What makes Hoi Koi Sushi special
• Creative signature rolls
• Very fresh fish
• Modern urban atmosphere
• Friendly and attentive service
• Attractive lunch offers
⭐My tip
Signature rolls and a mixed nigiri selection
💡Good to know
Popular neighborhood spot. Booking ahead is recommended.
Kokoro – Izakaya Style Japanese Cuisine with Sushi and Bento
From the outside rather discreet, inside a small Japanese world. Kokoro offers warm dishes, bento boxes, sushi and sashimi in authentic izakaya style. The lunch menus are especially popular.
🍱What makes Kokoro special
• Izakaya style with warm kitchen
• Bento boxes and sushi
• Wide selection of sake and Japanese whisky
• Cozy authentic interior
• Strong lunch offer
⭐My tip
Lunch menu Sushi Don Spezial with tuna, salmon and onsen egg
💡Good to know
Great for relaxed weekday lunches.
MARU – Japanese Comfort Food with Donburi Bowls
MARU is known for its donburi bowls, rice topped with vegetables and high quality ingredients. Everything is prepared fresh daily. Besides donburi, you will find karaage, udon dishes and traditional matcha specialties.
🥣What makes MARU special
• Donburi bowls served warm or cold
• High quality ingredients
• All sauces homemade without additives
• Two locations in Zurich
• Central location near Zurich main station
⭐My tip
Yuzukosho Shake Don and Matcha Mango
💡Good to know
Perfect for quick but high quality lunch.
Sala of Tokyo – Authentic Sushi and Japanese Brunch Near the Main Station
For me, Sala of Tokyo serves some of the most authentic and freshest sushi in Zurich. The chefs undergo traditional Japanese training. Besides outstanding sushi and sashimi, the Saturday Teishoku brunch is a highlight.
🍣What makes Sala of Tokyo special
• Highly authentic Japanese cuisine
• Excellent sushi and sashimi quality
• Bento boxes at lunch
• Traditional Japanese brunch on Saturdays
• Classically trained chefs
⭐My tip
Bento box for lunch and green tea mochi for dessert
💡Good to know
Very popular among the Japanese community in Zurich.
Samurai VII – Traditional Sushi with Excellent Price Value Ratio
Samurai VII serves classic Japanese dishes with a strong focus on sushi. The menu is extensive and clearly presented. The sushi sashimi lunch box is one of the best value offers in Zurich.
🍣What makes Samurai VII special
• Traditional sushi
• Excellent price value ratio
• Large illustrated menu
• Attentive service
• Popular with regular guests
⭐My tip
Sushi sashimi lunch box
💡Good to know
Especially attractive at lunchtime.
Yu-An – High Quality Sushi and Gourmet Lunch Options
Yu-An is run by the team behind Kokoro. It offers fresh ingredients, weekly specials and refined lunch menus. The service is very attentive and happy to provide recommendations.
🍣What makes Yu-An special
• Fresh and high quality ingredients
• Gourmet lunch options
• Poké bowls and sushi
• Homemade miso soup
• Very attentive service
⭐My tip
Poké bowl with salmon, tuna and onsen egg
💡Good to know
Great choice for business lunches.
yume ramen – 100 Percent Homemade Ramen in Zurich
yume ramen prepares both broth and noodles completely in house. The broth is cooked daily using selected Swiss ingredients and a secret recipe. Ramen kits for home are also available.
🍜What makes yume ramen special
• 100 percent homemade ramen
• Broth prepared fresh daily
• Noodles made with original Japanese machine
• Swiss meat and eggs
• Two locations in Zurich
⭐My tip
Tantanmen and Shoyu ramen
💡Good to know
Pre ordering helps avoid waiting times.