The 10 Best Japanese and Sushi Restaurants in Taipei

Toutouan
Toutouan | © Tommy C./Flickr
Rebecca Adams

From cheap street food to elegant high-end dining, Taipei offers plenty of authentic Taiwanese fare to satisfy anyone’s hunger. Over the years, however, the city has expanded its offering of international cuisine, including a growing selection of sushi and Japanese restaurants. For a taste of Japan in the heart of Taipei, check out our list of Taipei’s Top 10 Japanese and Sushi Restaurants.

FISH

1. Addiction Aquatic Development

Bar, Market, Restaurant, Seafood, Taiwanese, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

Located in Taipei’s fish market, Addiction Aquatic Development offers a unique experience for the seafood lover. Covering 1,983 square meters, the building is mainly sectioned into a restaurant, grocery and live seafood market. Aside from the seafood restaurant, dining guests can also choose between the fresh sushi and seafood bar, the hot pot station or the ready-to-eat section. Guests wanting to cook at home can shop at the gourmet grocery and explore the market’s tanks filled with oysters, king crabs, scallops and other sea creatures. With such an impressive selection of high-quality food and fresh goods, Addiction Aquatic Development is a must-see destination for any hungry traveler.

Price: Mid-range

2. Toutouan

Restaurant, Japanese, Sushi

Known for its kaiseki-style dining, a traditional Japanese meal consisting of multiple courses, Toutouan is a perfect option for small groups or couples. The elegant simplicity of the restaurant is echoed in the artistic presentation of its colorful dishes. A visit to Toutouan is a memorable experience, and guests should plan to spend between two and three hours, as is typical for a kaiseki meal. The restaurant’s menu changes monthly and uses seasonal ingredients, ensuring the dishes always remain fresh and unique. Located in a quiet area of Daan District, Toutouan is most easily reached by taxi, though guests can also take the short walk from Daan metro station.

Price: Fine dining

3. DOZO Izakaya

Bar, Restaurant, Taiwanese, Japanese, Asian, Wine, Beer

Mitsui
© LWYang/Flickr
With its low-lit interior and polished décor, DOZO Izakaya’s lounge-style ambiance provides a relaxed dining experience. Located in Taipei’s Daan District, this trendy restaurant and bar offers a Japanese-fusion menu, from sashimi, sushi rolls and stir fry, to seafood pizza and Korean-style rice dishes. Guests can also choose from a selection of alcoholic drinks, including sake and beer towers. This restaurant is a great place to bring friends, and there is also a live drum show during select evenings each week.

Price: Fine dining

Mitsui Cuisine

With multiple locations throughout the city, the famous Mitsui Cuisine is a well-loved favorite of Taipei’s dining scene. Each location has its own decorative style, from an elegant zen theme to a dramatic gothic-style interior complete with chandeliers and mirrors. Founded in 1992 as an answer to Taipei’s limited Japanese dining options, the restaurant chain is well-known for its omakase sets, which are dishes selected by the chef. The menu includes a variety of other meal sets, as well as premium sake and Australian and European wines.

Price: Fine-dining

Mitsui Cuisine, No.30, Nong-an Street, Taipei, Taiwan +886 2 2594 3394
Mitsui Cuisine, No. 59, Jingye 1st Road, Taipei, Taiwan +886 2 2533 8802
Mitsui Cuisine, B1, No.108, Section 1, Dun-hua South Road, Taipei, Taiwan +886 2 2741 3394
Mitsui Cuisine, No.1, Songzhi Road, Taipei, Taiwan +886 2 2345 1101

Sasa Sushi

Travelers hoping to get off the beaten path for their sushi cravings will be pleased with Sasa Sushi. Located in the Zhongshan District, the restaurant’s casual and friendly atmosphere makes for a relaxed dining experience. Upon entering, guests pick the price point of their meal and are served accordingly, as the restaurant does not have a specific menu. The restaurant’s omakase sets are popular and include dishes specially selected and prepared by the chefs. The entire meal can take several hours, as guests are encouraged to take their time and truly enjoy each dish.

Price: Fine-dining

Yun Sushi

Opened in 2014, Yun Sushi is a sleek, modern sushi bar in Daan District. With its understated exterior and cozy atmosphere, the sushi bar is a hidden gem among Taipei’s bustling streets. Upon entering, guests are seated at the sushi bar where they can watch the chefs at work. Meal sets include fresh sashimi, sushi and cooked dishes, all of which vary depending on the chef’s choice for the day. The restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner except for Sunday.

Price: Fine-dining

Yun Sushi, No. 9 Lane 160 Yanji St, Taipei, Taiwan+886 2 2751 9828

Sasa Sushi, No. 6 Lane 42 Section 2 Zhongshan N Rd, Taipei, Taiwan +886 2 2561 1246

Deluxe Sushi Platter

4. Yo Sushi

Bar, Restaurant, Sushi, Taiwanese, Japanese, Seafood

Anyone planning to visit Yo Sushi will want to make reservations, as the tiny restaurant only seats up to ten people. This cozy dining atmosphere means that guests can expect excellent, attentive service. Though the menu is not in English, guests can opt for the omakase meal set, which includes dishes chosen by the chef. Guests can relax at the bar and watch the chefs prepare the delicious sashimi and sushi dishes. The cozy atmosphere of this place makes it perfect for couples and small groups who want the feel of a private-dining experience.

Price: Fine dining

NCIS

Located near the busy Zhongxiao East Road, NCIS, or Northern California Inspired Sushi, is a modern sushi joint with roomy seating. What makes this restaurant different from the others on this list is its Northern California-style dishes. The extensive menu includes colorfully titled rolls like Puff Daddy and BMW, as well as vegetarian dishes and traditional nigiri options. After the success of the original NCIS, the smaller NCIS Express was opened in Songshan District and provides lunch options for anyone looking for a quick and affordable meal. For orders over $600NT, NCIS Express also provides a delivery service.

Price: Budget

NCIS, No. 4, Alley 27, Lane 216, Section 4, Zhongxiao E. Road, Taipei, Taiwan+886 2 2721 6952
NCIS Express, No.1, Alley 28, Lane 256, Section 3, Nanjing E. Road, Taipei, Taiwan +886 2 2721 9267

5. TOKU

Restaurant, Japanese, Sushi

Upon entering TOKU, guests leave their shoes at the door and are greeted with a unique mix of traditional and contemporary décor. Modern Japanese art decorates the walls, and the traditional seating includes low tables and cushions in place of chairs. Like many of the restaurants on this list, TOKU is a small eatery seating no more than 15 people. Ingredients are bought daily at the local fish market, and the freshness is apparent in the restaurant’s dishes. TOKU is popular not only for its delicious food, but also for being the perfect place to grab some warm sake and chat with friends.

Price: Mid-range

6. Irodori

Restaurant, Japanese, Taiwanese

As the only buffet-style restaurant on this list, Irodori’s all-you-can-eat experience ensures guests won’t leave hungry. The restaurant is located near the famous Taipei 101 on the third floor of the Grand Hyatt. The expansive buffet is packed with options, including fresh seafood, sushi, teppanyaki dishes, meat skewers and desserts. Guests can also request custom orders from the chefs. With a modern and lively atmosphere, Irodori is a great choice for anyone wanting to get a lot of value for their money.

Price: Fine-dining

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