Japanese restaurants and cuisine have become increasingly popular in recent is no exception. If you’re a fan of sushi, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese dishes, you’re in luck – Dunedin is home to several excellent Japanese restaurants. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best options in the city, including Hana Japanese, Jizo Japanese, and Hikari Sushi.
Japanese Cuisine: A Closer Look
Japanese cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple preparation techniques that allow the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through. Sushi and sashimi are perhaps the most well-known Japanese dishes, but there are many other traditional dishes that are worth trying, such as tempura, udon noodles, and yakitori.
Hana Japanese
Located on North Road in Dunedin’s North East Valley, Hana Japanese is a popular choice for sushi and other Japanese dishes. The restaurant offers a wide range of options, from classic nigiri and maki rolls to more creative offerings like the “Dunedin Roll” – a spicy tuna roll topped with seared salmon and avocado. Hana Japanese also offers a range of hot dishes, including donburi bowls and katsu curry. Hana Japanese also offers gluten free options for those with some dietary requirements. Here’s a full menu for Hana Japanese including the gluten free menu.
Hana Japanese is open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Friday, from 11:30am to 9pm and Saturday is 3pm – 9pm.
Jizo Japanese
Tucked away on Bath Street in the city centre, Jizo Japanese is a small, cosy restaurant that offers a range of traditional Japanese dishes. The menu includes a variety of sushi and sashimi options, as well as hot dishes like tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) and udon noodles. Jizo Japanese is known for its excellent quality and attention to detail, with each dish carefully prepared and presented.
Jizo Japanese is open for dinner, Tuesday to Saturday, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
Hikari Sushi
Located in North Dunedin on Great King Street, Hikari Sushi is a casual restaurant that offers a range of sushi and other Japanese dishes. The menu includes classic nigiri and maki rolls, as well as more creative options like the “Hikari Roll” – a tempura prawn roll topped with avocado and sweet chilli sauce. Hikari Sushi also offers a range of hot dishes, including donburi bowls and teriyaki chicken.
Hikari Sushi is open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Friday, from 11:30am to 2:00pm and 5:00pm to 9:00pm, and on Saturdays from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, sashimi, or another traditional Japanese dish, Dunedin’s Japanese restaurants are sure to impress. From the delicious offerings at Hana Japanese to the traditional dishes at Jizo Japanese, there’s something for every taste and budget. So why not give one of these restaurants a try and discover your new favourite Japanese spot in Dunedin? And if you want another type of restaurant, have a look at our Dunedin restaurants article.
