12 Best Japanese Restaurants in Dusseldorf

Looking for the best Japanese restaurants in Dusseldorf? This city is home to Germany's largest Japanese community, and has an impressive number of authentic Japanese eateries.

Our article will show you the top 12 best Japanese restaurants in Dusseldorf that are loved equally by locals, tourists and Japanese alike! 👇

Top Japanese Restaurants in Dusseldorf

Nagaya (Michelin)

If you don't mind the eye-watering prices, Nagaya, run by head chef Yoshizumi Nagaya, is a one Michelin star restaurant.

Situated near the Japanese quarter, Nagaya puts a creative spin on Japanese haute cuisine, also known as kaiseki (a traditional multi-course Japanese meal).

For €218, their changing nine-course tasting menu is a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.; blending European flavors like dry-aged beef with truffle jus, and Japanese classics like tuna belly nigiri.

But if you're looking for a more traditional Japanese dining experience, Yoshizumi also owns sister restaurant, Yoshi by Nagaya which has its own Michelin star too!

📍 Klosterstraße 42, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany

Naniwa Noodles & Soups

We noticed there's always a line outside Naniwa Noodles & Soups, a popular ramen spot on Oststraße that has served Düsseldorf's ramen fans for nearly 40 years. Luckily, service is quick, and waiters are friendly.

We learned that their homemade noodles use a secret family recipe that features Japanese flour. Indeed, the noodles don't taste store-bought, and have a satisfying and springy texture that melds well with the rich broth.

You can choose between seven different broth options (at last count); we loved the miso-based broth, especially topped with generous slices of chashu (braised pork belly), spring onions and a marinated egg.

The Japanese curry ramen, however, didn't hit the mark, being a bit bland with too much curry powder taste.

📍 Oststraße 55, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany

Yabase

You can have honest-to-God good sushi without breaking the bank at Yabase, a restaurant popular with the Japanese community in Düsseldorf.

After hearing about it so much, we finally made our own reservations for dinner (the alternative is to wait outside in a long line!)

Much like other true Japanese restaurants, seating is tight, and ambience is modern and clean, with no frills. After all, the focus should be on the beautiful platters of sushi and sashimi, featuring wonderfully fresh slices of seafood.

Do get the chyuutoro (medium fatty tuna) sushi – it literally melts in the mouth – and also the secret star on the menu, unaju, a warm bowl of rice topped with buttery grilled eel bursting with smokey sweetness.

📍 Klosterstraße 70, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany

Kushi-Tei of Tokyo

Long queues are a familiar sight in Immermannstraße, and it's no different for Kushi-Tei of Tokyo.

A salt-of-the-earth type yakitori (charcoal grilled skewers) place, this isn't the classiest restaurant on the street — yet it's one of the hardest to book if you want a table. Reserving way in advance is key!

They actually have an extensive menu with rice bowls, noodles and even sushi, but the main star is still the grilled teriyaki chicken — crispy skin, incredibly juicy, and pairs perfectly with their fluffy white rice!

📍 Immermannstraße 38, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany

Takumi

Little Tokyo is bustling with ramen joints and it's hard to pick just one, but Takumi seems to be the most popular (depending on who you ask!)

In this small restaurant, the open kitchen fills the air with the umami smell of miso and deep-fried somethings – tempting one to order waaaay more food than one can normally stomach. Seated at the counter, we had a front-row view of the chef in action.

I opted for the Surf-Turf, a mouth-watering ramen combo with a marinated egg, prawns, and crispy Karaage (Japanese fried chicken). I fell in love. Chicken was seasoned perfectly and served hot and fresh.

Wash all of it down with Kirin beer on tap or hot green tea. We loved our experience so much, we went back for more the next day!

TIP: Get there right when they open at 11.45am to beat the crowd.

📍 Immermannstraße 28, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany

Sumi.

Found in a quiet spot in Pempelfort, Sumi used to be a bar but is now a minimalist izakaya best known for its creative sushi creations.

Specialties include the spicy crowd favorite, volcano roll, the spectacular dragon roll and their signature sumi roll, featuring seared beef.

Behind the bar, there's the typical German and European drinks, as well as Japanese ones to complement your meal.

Unlike other sushi joints, the vibe here is toned down and calm, providing cozy spaces for long chats with friends.

📍Schinkelstraße 28, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany

Ah-Un

We were excited to try a real Japanese barbecue experience at Ah-Un. Each table is fitted with a traditional Japanese grill, a shichirin, like a mini temple for beef lovers.

The star items on the menu are the Japan-grade premium A5 Wagyu beef, ranging from prime rib to more unique cuts like tongue. There's also Iberico pork and corn-fed chicken!

For €70, we got a gorgeous sharing platter with different cuts and meats, meticulously labeled.

The exceptional marbling of the beef caught our eye right away, evenly distributed and melting like butter on the grill! No marinade or dipping sauce was necessary; the simple grilling process brought out the flavors beautifully.

📍 Hansaallee 246, 40547 Düsseldorf, Germany

Nagomi

Recently, we decided to celebrate a friend's birthday and opted to give Nagomi a try! Located on a busy side street, this is another Japanese restaurant that's said to offer one of the best sushi experiences here.

Based in Düsseldorf for over a decade, the fact that Nagomi's usually packed with Japanese customers (mostly businessmen) speaks volumes about its authenticity.

As expected, the quality of their fish is outstanding, comparable to the sushi I've tried in Japan, and melts in your mouth.

Their cooked dishes are well executed too. The homemade tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet) has a delightful fluffiness, while the agedashi tofu (deep-fried tofu served in a dashi sauce) was so delicious we had to order another one!

📍 Bismarckstraße 53, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany

QOMO

For something a little different, the QOMO is an upscale rotating restaurant at the top of the Rhine tower serving modern Japanese fusion cuisine.

We assumed the highlight of QOMO would be the sweeping city views - but the food ended up stealing the show! Everything is plated beautifully with a Japanese flair, especially the sashimi, sushi and cocktails.

Taste wise, the tuna tataki was hands down the best, so fresh and perfectly seasoned. For dessert, the azuki (red bean) cheesecake is a must try!

Even the drinks were a delightful adventure; Fugo combines Japanese gin, green tea and kombucha with notes of elderberry, Bergamot & lime, while Wafu Sprizz is an infusion of Aperol, yuzu & white wine.

📍 Stromstraße 20, 40221 Düsseldorf, Germany

Soba-An

When its hot outside, a refreshing bowl of cold soba (noodles made from buckwheat) is what you need.

These healthy gluten-free noodles are a Japanese staple for summer time, and are enjoyed by dipping chilled soba into a sauce, and slurping them up.

You can tell Soba-An makes their own soba, as their noodles are especially springy with a subtle taste of fresh buckwheat. 

Unlike the stronger flavors of ramen, the flavors of soba are milder and more delicate, and yet very addictive. I found it incredibly easy to polish off a bowl of cold soba and still want more!

📍 Klosterstraße 68, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany

Yaki-The-Emon

We has a fantastic time at Yaki-The-Emon. They are best known for their okonomiyaki (savory pancake) — a popular street food from Osaka.

The menu isn't all that big, but you can choose the type of okonomiyaki you prefer, as well as other noodle and side dishes.

We shared a Nanban tartar okonomiyaki, which has a juicy fried chicken cutlet topped with a homemade tartar sauce.

I must say the dish is very visually appealing - the toppings and glistening sauces are piled all the way up on the pancake and served in a hot skillet. I was surprised by how tasty it is, especially when washed down with sake!

📍 Klosterstraße 72, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany

Tokyo Ramen Takeichi

Like Takumi, Takeichi is often mentioned in the same breath when it comes to the best ramen in Düsseldorf. However, it's different from other ramen spots as it's focused on chicken-based broths.

Their broth is thick, milky and sumptuous, achieved by simmering fresh chicken for a long time. This process results in a thick and creamy broth, rich in collagen and umami goodness.

Expect to have to queue even on weekdays, as waiting times can range from 30 minutes to hours. Vegetarians will be glad to know they offer 10-vegetable vegetarian soup options too!

📍 Immermannstraße 18, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany

What to Look for in a Japanese Restaurant

Authenticity

Finding an authentic Japanese restaurant can be a challenge, especially outside of Japan. However, in Düsseldorf, you'll find some of the best Japanese restaurants that offer an authentic dining experience.

The best way to determine authenticity is by looking at their customers. Are people from the Japanese community eating there, or are they mostly German or people from other nationalities?

Of course, "authentic" doesn't always guarantee of a good time. Some Japanese restaurants (with Japanese owners) may tweak their recipes to better suit the Western palate, which benefits both parties.

For example, Nagaya in Düsseldorf is the only Japanese restaurant in Germany that's been awarded a Michelin star, yet they often blend Japanese and Western cooking methods to great success.

Menu

A restaurant with a smaller menu usually means they're confident in what they serve.

I'm usually wary of places with menus with over 50 items (unless it's a big kitchen) because it often implies they use pre-made sauces, frozen ingredients, or rely on microwaving.

Whether it's sushi, ramen, or yakitori, a good Japanese restaurant usually has a specialty – if you're not able to figure out what their specialty is, then there's a chance the food will just be average.

Traditional techniques

I noticed that good Japanese cuisine tends to be simple, avoiding strong flavors or spices that overwhelm the tastebuds. The goal is to maintain or complement the natural flavors of fresh ingredients in a delightful way.

Traditional Japanese cooking techniques have been developed over centuries to perfection, and are often laborious and/or time-consuming! Even how ingredients are put together are of utmost importance.

For example, sushi must be made fresh upon order, and shaped in a way that doesn't fall apart when picked up with chopsticks.

Chefs in reputable Japanese restaurants often follow these traditional methods to craft dishes that look enticing, taste delicious, and provide an enjoyable dining experience.

Ambiance

With so many Japanese restaurants in Dusseldorf, you'll have your pick of cozy and intimate izakayas to more lively and bustling eateries.

QOMO Restaurant Bar comes highly recommended for its chic and modern atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends or a special occasion.

Nagaya has an elegant Japanese ambiance, creating a sophisticated setting where you can really focus on your food.

Naniwa Noodles & Soups is known for its cozy ambiance that welcomes you like home, making it the ideal spot for a comforting bowl of noodles on a chilly evening.

Whatever type of ambiance you're looking for, these Japanese restaurants deliver unforgettable experiences that go beyond just great food.

Must-Try Dishes at Japanese Restaurants

Sushi and sashimi

Many Japanese restaurants in Düsseldorf offer sushi and sashimi, as they are super popular in Japanese cuisine. Considered an art form, sushi chefs often undergo years of apprenticeship before earning the title of masters!

Sushi is a combination of raw fish and vinegared rice expertly packed together into beautiful bite-sized pieces. Sashimi highlights the freshness of the fish by serving it thinly sliced without any rice.

If you're new to them, tuna and salmon are the more popular fish to use, but there are lots of other options too.

When enjoying sashimi, chopsticks are the usual utensils, while the traditional method for eating sushi involves lifting a piece between your thumb and middle finger!

Ramen

This street food is taking the world by storm! Ramen can be found at many of the top Japanese restaurants in Düsseldorf. Takumi and Takeichi are two of the most popular restaurants that specialize in ramen in this city.

The key to great ramen is a flavorful broth, and there are different kinds like salt (shio), soy sauce (shoyu), miso, and pork (tonkotsu).

When you eat ramen, you'll typically use chopsticks and a soup spoon. After grabbing noodles with the chopsticks, slurp them up! It's supposed to taste even better when the noodles are slurped.

Usually, you'll finish the noodles and toppings first. If you're still hungry, you can ask for more noodles, or just sip the broth at the end.

Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine and is another must-try at Japanese restaurants in Dusseldorf. Tonkatsu is tender pork loin, breaded, and deep-fried until it's super crispy. [1]

It's always served with a pile of shredded cabbage and a tasty tonkatsu sauce. What makes it stand out is the panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and crunchier than regular ones.

While the German schnitzel is usually pan-fried with butter or animal fat, tonkatsu is deep-fried in vegetable oil. This is said to give it a crispy outside and keeps the inside juicy. 

Yakitori

In Japan, Yakitori is a popular and affordable dish that you'll find everywhere. At Kushi-Tei Of Tokyo, you can experience authentic yakitori right in the heart of Düsseldorf.

Yakitori is traditionally made with small pieces of chicken skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal. Chefs may offer other parts of the chicken, like the skin, liver, and heart too.

The traditional smoky flavor of yakitori comes from cooking it on a charcoal grill, and is best enjoyed with a glass of beer! [2]

Yakitori is also paired with side dishes like edamame, sashimi, gyoza (dumplings), or karaage (fried chicken). If you prefer veggies, you can go for skewers with items like asparagus, tofu, or mushrooms.

Yakiniku

Yakiniku, or Japanese barbecue, is a style of dining where you grill meat at your table. While it usually involves beef, you can also grill pork, chicken, and lamb (my favorite)!

When it comes to beef cuts, there are popular choices like beef brisket, short ribs, and skirt steak.

When you dine at a yakiniku restaurant, you'll sit at a table with a built-in grill. The server brings out the raw meat and veggies, letting you cook them to your liking. This is an interactive and communal activity that's fun to do with family and friends!

One thing to note is that yakiniku may leave your clothes and hair smelling a little smokey – so if you're heading to somewhere else after you might want to prepare a change of clothes!

Matcha desserts

Matcha, a powdered green tea, is the star ingredient in these delicious desserts with their striking green hue.

The health perks of matcha green tea are impressive. It can help lower cholesterol, improve blood flow, and boost brain activity. Loaded with antioxidants, it's said to help fight cancer too.

In Japanese restaurants, you may come across matcha ice cream, matcha cakes, matcha mochi (a chewy dessert made with rice flour), and even matcha tiramisu! [3]

Conclusion: Japanese Food in Dusseldorf

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, Düsseldorf offers a vibrant and thriving food scene. Whether you're craving authentic sushi, flavorful ramen, or smokey yakitori, the city has a range of top-notch Japanese restaurants to satisfy your appetite.

From Yabase's renowned sushi menu to Nagaya's delightful Japanese fusion dishes, Düsseldorf truly lives up to its reputation as "Little Tokyo on the Rhine".

Key Takeaways

• Naniwa Noodles & Soups is recognized as one of the top Japanese restaurants in Dusseldorf, known for its fast service and delicious crispy gyoza.
• Yabase stands out for its authentic Japanese cuisine and has been a favorite among locals for over 30 years, offering excellent sushi and rich teriyaki beef.
• Kushi-Tei of Tokyo is a highly esteemed restaurant located in "Little Tokyo" that offers an authentic dining experience with traditional Japanese cuisine to match.