Zürich
Looking for a Japanese restaurant in Zurich depends on more than the menu alone. Central spots around Bellevue, Schützengasse and Brandschenkestrasse suit quick lunches and focused noodle meals, while Altstetten and Kreis 4 offer relaxed dinners, takeaway and lively evening settings. Consider the exact speciality, vegetarian or vegan choices, group size and whether you should reserve ahead.
This list comes from researching Japanese restaurants in Zürich: we kept the businesses that specialise in it, that customers recommend and that give clear, trustworthy information.
Certain businesses pay to be featured more prominently.
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#1Ramen, udon and sake
Ooki is a warm Japanese izakaya on Zentralstrasse, pairing a welcoming atmosphere with ramen, udon and sake . The ramen can be adjusted to a milder spice level, while friendly, helpful service adds to its appeal for relaxed dinners.
Evening opening dominates the schedule, and booking ahead is a sensible choice for this popular, intimate setting.
#2Kokoro brings Japanese gastronomy to Neufrankengasse 25 in a warm, welcoming setting. Sushi leads the way, joined by creative vegetarian choices and plates such as cauliflower karaage, spicy edamame and tori karaage.
The menu works well for diners who enjoy mixing cold and warm dishes, while the relaxed atmosphere makes it a fitting choice for a considered lunch or evening meal rather than a rushed stop.
#3A compact Japanese restaurant in Zurich-Altstetten
Walk-ins can work at quieter times
A compact Japanese restaurant in Zurich-Altstetten , Samurai VII suits an uncomplicated lunch, dinner or takeaway stop near Grimselstrasse. The menu offers approachable Japanese cooking at comparatively modest prices, with welcoming, polite service and efficient pacing.
Walk-ins can work at quieter times , but the smaller dining room makes advance booking the sensible choice for groups or busy evenings.
#4Vegetarian and gluten-free adjustments are handled with care
Minine pairs Japanese sushi with generous main dishes and a comfortable, attentive dining style at Zeltweg 12. The menu can extend beyond sushi to options such as salmon steak, bulgogi, miso soup, salad and side dishes, while vegetarian and gluten-free adjustments are handled with care .
Its welcoming format suits a proper lunch or dinner, though booking ahead is advisable for a table.
#5Thick, chewy Sanuki udon imported directly from Japan
Reservations are handled exclusively through the online booking tool
tsuru tsuru noodlebar specialises in thick, chewy Sanuki udon imported directly from Japan , served warm or cold at Schützengasse 5. The intimate room and tight seating are best suited to solo diners, couples or smaller groups, while the focused menu keeps attention on the noodles.
Reservations are handled exclusively through the online booking tool , not by phone or email.
#6The izakaya selection offers a relaxed way into the kitchen
Sala of Tokyo is a refined Japanese restaurant on Schützengasse, with a bright, intimate setting and a broad menu that rewards guidance from the attentive team. The izakaya selection offers a relaxed way into the kitchen , while dishes such as wagyu and dry-aged beef suit a more memorable dinner.
Its concise evening schedule makes it a natural choice for planned meals and special occasions.
#7Chef-led seasonal omakase
Edomae in Zurich centres its dining experience on Edo-style omakase: a carefully paced sequence of classic nigiri sushi and kaiseki dishes built around seasonal ingredients. Courses are prepared and presented by the chef, giving the meal an intimate, craft-focused character.
The restaurant also extends its Japanese offering with tapas, tea, lunch, takeaway and delivery. Dinner is the natural setting for the full omakase experience, while the intimate presentation suits solo diners and special occasions alike. Traditional technique, fresh fish and a focus on umami define the culinary direction. For the omakase menu, booking ahead is advisable, particularly when planning a celebratory meal.
#8Seasonal 11-course omakase
Cosy, jazz-accented setting
Mura brings an intimate Japanese omakase experience to Zurich, with a seasonal chef-curated menu of around 11 courses. Its cosy, elegant interior, subdued lighting and gentle jazz create a calm setting in which the meal unfolds at an unhurried pace.
The kitchen focuses on fresh ingredients, precise preparation and artful presentation, from sashimi and sushi to a succession of carefully balanced dishes. The format is suited to diners who enjoy discovering a menu course by course rather than choosing from a conventional list. With only a small number of tables, Mura works particularly well for a special dinner, an intimate celebration or a memorable evening for two. Lunch also includes Japanese sushi creations and bento boxes.
#9Ramen, udon and sake izakaya
Ooki Pavillon is a Japanese izakaya in Zurich serving ramen, udon and sake in a lively, informal setting. The menu works well for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner or a solo bowl, with dine-in, takeaway, delivery and outdoor seating adding flexibility.
The restaurant’s atmosphere has a distinctly social character, and its Japanese summer festival programme brings food, craft, music and seasonal traditions into the space. Ramen is a clear draw, with generous portions and broths that aim for an authentic Japanese feel, while the wider izakaya menu gives groups plenty to share. The dining room can become busy, so reserving ahead is sensible. Larger groups may need to arrange their table directly rather than relying on online booking.
#10Daily house-made ramen noodles
RIKI RAMEN BĀ in Zurich builds its menu around freshly made ramen, with noodles prepared in-house each day and broths, tare and toppings made from scratch. The cooking is distinctly house-led rather than presented as a replica of ramen from Japan, giving the bowls their own character.
Chicken paitan, balanced broths, marinated eggs, karaage, gyoza and homemade wholegrain noodles are among the details that define the offering. The cosy interior and friendly, relaxed atmosphere make it an easy place for a solo meal, while outdoor seating and takeaway suit a more casual visit. RIKI RAMEN BĀ operates on a walk-in basis, so the practical approach is to arrive ready for a spontaneous bowl rather than planning around a conventional reservation.
#11Contemporary Japanese kappo sharing
SEAM presents contemporary Japanese kappo cuisine in Zurich, pairing carefully selected ingredients with a calm, elegant dining room. The menu is designed around fresh, precisely prepared dishes, with a sharing concept that lets diners explore several expressions of the kitchen’s style in one meal.
Lunch is particularly versatile: guests can choose a traditional bentō box, a seasonal set menu or à-la-carte dishes. In the evening, beautifully presented fish, pork belly, wagyu rice and chef-signature courses provide a more expansive Japanese dining experience. Friendly service and clear explanations of the menu help make the concept accessible, including for first visits. SEAM can accommodate vegetarian preferences. Gluten allergies or intolerances should be communicated at least 48 hours in advance.
#12Central izakaya-style sharing
Event space for up to 250
Metropol brings modern Japanese cuisine to a central Zurich setting between Bahnhofstrasse and the Limmat. Dishes are served in an izakaya style and designed for sharing rather than following a fixed menu sequence, making the restaurant adaptable for business lunches , dinners and sociable evenings.
The café and Champagne bar broaden the occasion from breakfast and casual lunch to an aperitif, while the terrace beneath the open arcades adds an appealing outdoor option in summer. Sushi selections, creative daily specials and Japanese-inspired courses sit comfortably alongside cocktails and wine. With rooms for events of up to 250 people, Metropol also suits larger celebrations, banquets, seminars and wedding receptions. The attentive service and prompt pacing support both efficient lunches and longer evening meals.
#13Fresh sushi from a lively belt
Modern Japanese tasting menu
Ginger Restaurant is a Japanese restaurant in Zurich focused on freshly prepared sushi and modern Japanese cuisine. A sushi belt adds a playful, visual element, while the sushi bar and outdoor seating offer different ways to settle in for lunch or dinner.
The menu suits both a quick bite and a fuller meal, with drinks including sake, cocktails, beer and a refreshing ginger-and-lemon tea. A tasting menu provides a more substantial evening option, and the restaurant’s professional, attentive service helps create a polished setting without making it formal. Ginger is a good fit for sushi enthusiasts, relaxed business meals and casual evenings with friends. Booking ahead is sensible when planning a busy dinner or weekend visit.
#14Sushi, ramen and bento in one menu
Maki Haus is a compact Japanese restaurant in Zurich with a broad menu covering sushi, ramen, bento boxes and warm dishes such as homemade gyoza. The small, calm setting works for a quiet meal in the city, while takeaway and delivery make the menu practical beyond the dining room.
Vegetarian alternatives are available across selected dishes, including ramen preparations with tofu. Lunch options range from sushi mixes and bento to hearty ramen, while the evening menu supports both a quick bite and a more complete Japanese meal. Maki Haus is especially useful when a group wants different styles of Japanese food in one place, from fresh sushi to hot, soupy noodles.
#15Sushi, bento, ramen and katsu curry
5% takeaway discount
Ying Cusine is a cosy Japanese and Asian restaurant on Birmensdorferstrasse, known for sushi, bento, ramen and katsu curry . Fast service makes it practical for a casual meal, while the compact setting suits takeaway as well as dining in.
A 5% takeaway discount adds extra appeal for orders to go, with lunch and evening service spread across the week.
Summary
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ooki | 4.7 | 2,029 | Relaxed Japanese dinners and ramen |
| #2 | Kokoro | 4.7 | 705 | Japanese dining with strong vegetarian options |
| #3 | Samurai VII Altstetten | 4.7 | 643 | Casual Japanese meals |
| #4 | Minine | 4.7 | 486 | Mixed groups and dietary-conscious Japanese dining |
| #5 | tsuru tsuru noodlebar | 4.6 | 832 | Udon-focused meals and smaller parties |
| #6 | Sala of Tokyo | 4.5 | 764 | Refined dinners |
| #7 | Edomae, Omakase Restaurant | 4.5 | 505 | Intimate Japanese tasting dinners |
| #8 | Mura | 4.9 | 84 | Intimate special-occasion dinners |
| #9 | Ooki Pavillon | 4.4 | 783 | Casual ramen gatherings |
| #10 | RIKI RAMEN BĀ | 4.5 | 223 | Freshly made ramen lunches |
| #11 | SEAM – Japanese Kappo Cuisine | 4.5 | 136 | Elegant Japanese sharing meals |
| #12 | Metropol | 4.2 | 1,884 | Business lunches |
| #13 | Ginger Restaurant | 4.2 | 631 | Sushi bar evenings |
| #14 | Maki Haus | 4.3 | 236 | Mixed Japanese food preferences |
| #15 | Ying Cusine | 4.8 | 315 | Casual Japanese meals and takeaway |
For businesses
Map and areas
Use the map to compare central options with restaurants farther west or east of the city centre. Bellevue and the surrounding 8001 streets are convenient for a meal before or after town plans, while Altstetten and Kreis 4 may suit a more local dinner. Check the route, seating format and booking method before setting off.
Ooki is suited to relaxed ramen dinners with the option to adjust the spice level. Yume ramen Bellevue offers a cosy central setting with vegan-friendly bowls and Japanese sides. Both are worth considering when ramen is the main reason for your visit.
Kokoro combines sushi with creative vegetarian plates, while Minine can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free adjustments. Yume ramen Bellevue adds vegan-friendly ramen, veggie gyoza and agedashi tofu for diners seeking a more focused meat-free meal.
Samurai VII Altstetten works for casual meals, takeaway and smaller groups. Gaijin Izakaya suits a livelier evening with drinks and shared dishes, while Ooki offers a warmer izakaya setting. Confirm seating and reserve ahead if your group is visiting at dinner.
QQ Sushi TAHO on Brandschenkestrasse offers a flexible sushi menu for lunch or dinner. Yume ramen Bellevue and tsuru tsuru noodlebar are also central choices when you prefer ramen or udon. Check each venue's current lunch hours before setting out.
tsuru tsuru noodlebar on Schützengasse focuses on thick Sanuki udon imported from Japan, served warm or cold. Its intimate room is better suited to solo diners, couples and smaller parties. Reservations are handled through its online booking tool.
Booking ahead is sensible for intimate restaurants and popular evening services, particularly when you have a fixed schedule or a small group. Some places may accept walk-ins at quieter times, but always check the current opening hours and reservation method first.
