5 Auckland Japanese Restaurants to try

Japan is synonymous with great food, and a huge variety of great food at that. Luckily for those outside of Japan, many Japanese over the years have opened restaurants all over the world, so that we can enjoy this fantastic cuisine closer to home.

Today I'm going to tell you about the 5 places we frequently eat at in Auckland, New Zealand. This is not a typical 'best restaurants list' by any means as you'll soon find out. What it is however, is a list of places for various occasions and budgets and that we wholeheartedly recommend for those situations.

Before I get into it, I would like to explain our rather unorthodox selection criteria. My Wife Tomomi is Japanese and an avid foodie who enjoys sampling different foods and restaurants. Over the past 10 years she has eaten at most places in Auckland, often with Japanese friends initially, and then only if it meets the cut, would we then go and eat there together, and if we frequently go back then it's made this list.

An interesting observation I've made over the years is how most Europeans (myself included for a while) view the food, which is they can't tell the difference between takeaway Sushi from St Pierre's and ultra fresh Sushi served by experienced Sushi chefs, and why the standard 'top restaurant' lists should be taken with a pinch of salt. For example, the Trip advisor list  has Tokyo Bay at #1. Aside from the nice setting we found Tokyo Bay rather average in all respects when considering how much it costs to eat there. Price is always relative and to be really good, the food and service has to punch above it's weight price wise, or just be simply outstanding.

This is a personal list and I would like to add there are many other great places, these are just the places we like going to!

For a premium Japanese dining experience - Cocoro (Ponsonby)

www.cocoro.co.nz

Located in the quiet backstreets of Ponsonby lies Coroco. It has an understated frontage that makes it almost invisible, but within lies what is quite possible the finest Japanese dining experience in New Zealand.

Inside is a spacious yet cozy and peaceful atmosphere, and the staff are friendly, polite and extremely professional.

The menu is comprehensive and the food is simply superb, particularly the sushi which is always fresh. If eating here for the first time, you cannot go wrong with the set menus which include a number of delicious courses. There are also ala carte options if you know what you like, or have a group and want to share dishes. Nowadays we go here for the Sushi - ordering large plates of Sashimi and Nigiri.

For casual dining Ramen - Ramen Station (New Lynn)

www.ramenstation.co.nz

Ramen station is our local and one of the reasons we eat here quite frequently. Located right outside the New Lynn station area makes it convenient for many. Despite being cheap and cheerful, the Ramen certainly punches well above its weight, and we would go as far as saying the Tonkotsu Shoyu is as good as anything you will find outside of Japan. 

The restaurant is nice and open despite its small size with both tables and countertops for eating. It is walk-in only and although it's busy most of the time we have never been unable to get seats. Staff are good and the service is fast. If you want great Ramen on a budget, this is the place to go.

For Ramen and more - Ramen Zero (Browns Bay)

www.ramenzero.co.nz

Ramen Zero is a 60km round trip for us, so that should tell you how good it is to travel that far just for Ramen. Located on the retail strip of Browns bay, it is a gorgeously presented restaurant thanks to its open design, choice of lighting and dark ceilings. It combines a restaurant area along with a long bar to go with their extensive Sake selection.

Ramen Zero has a fantastic Ramen menu but also a great tapas menu which makes it suitable for many appetites. On our last trip to Japan I tried genuine Tantanmen in Chiba for the first time and was hooked, and having struggled to find good Tantanmen in Auckland, I found it at Ramen Zero, it is superb. If that isn't quite enough to convince you, then guess where I'm going and what I'm eating for lunch on my birthday next week! 

For casual dining for a bit of everything - Ajimi (Onehunga)

www.sashimibarajimi.com

Ajimi is an Izakaya restaurant located right by the Onehunga roundabout near Dress Mart. We go here because of the sheer menu variety and it's convenient location. It oozes charm. It is often busy and the tables are squeezed in with everything being a bit tight, and to top if off most of the seats are milk crates with cushions - I personally love this as it adds character!

The food is nothing to write home about, it's decent enough although the Sushi isn't the freshest, but as I mentioned before its all about the variety on the menu and the relatively low cost at that. A great place to have a feast of many dishes without hurting the wallet.

For cozy Japanese food alley vibes - Ken Yakitori (Auckland CBD)

www.kenyakitori.co.nz

Ken Yakitori was the first Japanese restaurant I had ever been too, so I have a soft spot for it. We don't travel into the city much these days but whenever I've been there late at night and hungry It's somewhere I always try to steer the group.

If you are after those dark, cozy, slightly claustrophobic vibes and smells that you can expect from a 'Yokocho' alley restaurant then look no further. Particularly on a cold winters night, you open the door and are blasted with warmth and the smells of the Yakitori. The narrow wooden layout sucks you in until you find a perch somewhere perilously close to the busy staff brushing past you.

The food is great with an extensive Izakaya type menu not to mention their fantastic Yakitori. Though take this from me - make sure you try the deep fried camembert balls.