Best Japanese Cuisine In Minnesota

Everyone craves a Japanese feast now and then. Being so far away from Japan, it is often a guessing game in Minnesota when it comes to finding a decent place to eat. Fortunately, there are so many options for authentic and fresh Japanese cuisine in Minnesota. Being such a popular type of cuisine, Japanese cooking is studied and prepared all over the world. In Minnesota, these venues have perfected the art of all things Japan. So put down that grocery store sushi and go out for a great meal.

Ichiban
1333 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 339-0540
www.ichiban.ca

One of Minneapolis’ oldest venues for Japanese cuisine, Ichiban has become a standard go-to place for hibachi and sushi. Although the decor could use a makeover and the place is a bit “rustic,” the food remains high-grade Japanese quality. Enjoy a hibachi performance and watch the chef prepare steak, shrimp, fish and rice right from the table. Is sushi more your thing? They prepare some of the freshest and best sushi in Minnesota. One telltale sign that Ichiban is a great place for Japanese is that Minnesota transplants from Japan frequent this establishment daily.

Wakame
3070 Excelsior Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55416
(612) 886-2063
www.wakamebistro.com

A great spot for Japanese food and a fantastic happy hour location all rolled into one. Wakame Asian Bistro serves up Asian fusion with a heavy concentration of traditional Japanese dishes on the menu. A favorite place for Minnesotans to get sushi, Wakame has perfected raw fish and offers a great experience for date nighters. The patio is outstanding, overlooking a quaint area by Lake Calhoun, and the dishes are original and fresh. Grab a sake to go with your crazy monkey roll and feel like you’re “turning Japanese” at this hot spot.

Kyatchi
3758 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
(612) 0236-4429
www.kyatchi.com

A more recent restaurant to grace the Minnesota Japanese scene is Kyatchi. Home of delicious sushi, traditional Japanese fare, and … hot dogs. Yes, apparently hot dogs are popular in Japan and have made it to the Far East and back in the form of Kyatchi menu selections. Enjoy a hot dog smothered in noodles or just skip the wieners and opt for the seaweed salad or fresh sustainable sushi. Kyatchi has a great happy hour, a fantastic attention to detail and a really fun atmosphere in which to enjoy great Japanese cuisine.

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Zen House
4147 Haines Road
Hermantown, MN 55811
(218) 722-9365
www.zenhouseduluth.com

What some may describe as a “hole in the wall” is actually a great little Japanese restaurant in northern Minnesota. Zen House, located in Hermantown, right by Duluth, has great sushi at great prices. Fill up on teriyaki and tempura or just go for the Japanese staple of sushi. Offering great service and traditional Japanese favorites, Zen House truly puts you at one with your meal.

Rare Steak & Sushi
615 2nd Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 752-9595
www.rarempls.com

Located in the Grand Hotel in downtown Minneapolis, Rare Steak & Sushi is a perfect spot for a party of Japanese lovers and those who may not be so sold on Japanese cuisine. Find a great selection of Japanese dishes that include nori, togarashi, tempura and more. Get some of the freshest sushi in town. Or, stick to a hamburger and fries. Anything you get is sure to be of the highest quality ingredients, and the menu is varied enough to satisfy all of your cravings with just one meal.

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Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.