Although Cincinnati isn’t exactly known for its Japanese cuisine, there are several restaurants around the city that serve up some incredible authentic Japanese dishes including ramen, sushi, sashimi, gyoza, shrimp tempura, and more.
Best of all, some of these restaurants offer unique dining experiences by offering the option to eat in tatami private dining rooms, which provide an authentic Japanese dining experience with a single table placed in the ground in the center of the room.
In this post, we share the 7 best Japanese restaurants to visit around the Queen City.
Map of Restaurants
The following map shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Ando Japanese Restaurant
Hands down one of the best places to get Japanese food in Cincinnati is Ando, a Japanese restaurant located in the northern Cincinnati neighborhood of Blue Ash. Known for their authentic Japanese dishes and delicious desserts, Ando is a small, family run restaurant well-known not just among locals in Blue Ash but among Cincinnati natives in general.
One of the most unique aspects of Ando is the fact that they don’t serve alcohol, but they actually encourage you to bring your own and they even offer to chill and serve your drinks while you enjoy your meal.
Location: 5889 Pfeiffer Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242
Website: Ando Japanese Restaurant
Quan Hapa
Quan Hapa is a small, hip eatery located in the heart of Over-The-Rhine that specializes in Asian street food and cocktails. They’re known especially for their wide variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes include sesame waffle fries, mushroom ramen, spicy papaya salad, shitake mushrooms, and a cauliflower-based sandwich.
Along with their veggie options, one of their most popular dishes is the house okonomiyaki which comes with fried pork and bacon and will make you question why you waited so long to try it.
Location: 1331 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website: Quan Hapa
Matsuya Japanese Restaurant
Located in the Northern Kentucky neighborhood of Florence, Matsuya is a Japanese Restaurant known for serving up some of the freshest dishes that can be enjoyed in a laid back, inviting atmosphere. Matsuya takes pride in their quick service, fair prices, and authentic Japanese dining experience. The sushi and sashimi here is some of the highest quality that you can find within driving distance of Cincinnati.
Location: 7149 Manderlay Dr, Florence, KY 41042
Website: Matsuya Japanese Restaurant
La Hiro Sushi and Sweets
Another excellent spot to enjoy some Japanese cuisine near Cincinnati also happens to be in Florence, Kentucky: La Hiro Sushi and Sweets. What makes this spot truly unique isn’t just the incredible sushi they serve here, but the deserts that they offer in tandem with the main dishes. One of our favorite deserts on their menu is the green tea chocolate cake, which is a dish you won’t find served in most restaurants.
The service at La Hiro is also consistently excellent, which makes it a place you’re likely to visit over and over again once you’ve been once.
Location: 8645 Haines Dr, Florence, KY 41042
Website: La Hiro Sushi and Sweets
Miyoshi Japanese Restaurant
Yet another excellent Japanese Restaurant in Florence, Kentucky is Miyoshi. Known for their fresh and authentic dishes, the quality of the food at Miyoshi makes it one of the most beloved and well-known Japanese spots in the Cincinnati region.
One of our favorite things about Miyoshi are their tatami private dining rooms, which offer an authentic Japanese dining experience with a single table placed in the ground in the center of the room. When you’re enjoying a meal in one of these rooms, it’s easy to feel like you’re actually in Japan.
Location: 8660 Bankers St, Florence, KY 41042
Website: Miyoshi Japanese Restaurant
Mei Japanese Restaurant
Located in the northern Cincinnati neighborhood of Montgomery, Mei is another fantastic spot to enjoy some authentic Japanese cuisine. They’re known for their gyoza, sushi, ramen, curry, udon, and tempura – all delicious options on the menu that you’re guaranteed to enjoy.
Along with their high quality dishes, Mei offers seating at a sushi bar, traditional tables, authentic Japanese tatami rooms, and even an outdoor patio.
Location: 8608 Market Pl Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45242
Website: Mei Japanese Restaurant
Ichiban
Located in the heart of Mount Lookout Square, Ichiban is a Japanese restaurant known for serving up a diverse selection of dishes. Some of our favorites include the shrimp tempura, the beef teriyaki, ramen, and their signature Volcano roll.
Ichiban is also known for their late night hours, staying open until 1AM on Wednesdays and Thursdays and until 2AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Location: 1020 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Website: Ichiban
