Thanks to the popularity of sushi, Japanese cuisine has taken a front seat in the food scene in Queens. Many Japanese steakhouses have opened, offering not only that signature rice dish, but hibachi, gyu kaku, teriyaki and more. Throw in some sake as well and you’ve got yourself a great night out.
2024: Queens Voted Kondo Best Japanese Restaurant!
Kondo
2913 Broadway, Astoria
(347) 617-1236 – kondorestaurant.com
Kondo Japanese Restaurant in Astoria serves customers quality interpretations of classic dishes, as well as new ventures into the uncharted territories of food. With a diverse menu and food at an affordable price, Kondo is the go-to restaurant in Queens for great Japanese food.
2023: Queens Voted Watawa Sushi Best Japanese Restaurant!
Watawa Sushi
33-10 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria
(718) 545-9596 – watawasushi.com
Sushi is a term that is used to describe a Japanese dish of raw fish that is typically wrapped in rice, vegetables, and seaweed. While it is considered something of an acquired taste, sushi can be quite delicious and healthy because it contains protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Sushi has become increasingly popular in the United States in the 21st Century and, if you are a fan of sushi and live in Queens, Watawa Sushi of Astoria is a good eatery to make a reservation at. A chic, modern eatery serving inventive sushi and Japanese dishes, Watawa Sushi of Astoria offers ambient lighting, excellent lunch specials, takeout and delivery.
2022: Queens Voted Osaka Japanese Restaurant Best Sushi!
Osaka Japanese Restaurant
22423 Union Turnpike, Oakland Gardens
(718) 217-8283 – osaka-nyc.com
Learning to make sushi is a time-honored tradition and the staff at Osaka Japanese Restaurant have perfected the craft. Getting sushi at Osaka is an exercise in decision making, as the options are endless. Order sushi for yourself, or go all out and get a large order to share with two or more people. Rolls include salmon, tuna, eel, yellowtail, crab, shrimp and squid for the protein options, which are rolled up into a layer of seaweed and seasoned sushi rice with cucumber, fish roe, avocado and more. If you’re in the mood for something a little more simple, order some sashimi, which is just a cut piece of sushi grade fish without the rice.
2021: Queens Voted Watawa Sushi Best Japanese Restaurant!
Watawa Sushi
33-10 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria
(718) 545-9596 – watawasushi.com
When it comes to Japanese food, some of the best around can be found at Watawa Sushi in Astoria. From traditional to specialty rolls, Watawa Sushi has a huge menu of sushi options to choose from, not to mention its entree menu that is full of some tried and true Japanese favorites. Don’t forget to start off your meal with one of their delicious appetizers, such as gyoza, shumai or miso soup, and finish off the night with a delicious dessert like mochi, fried ice cream or a fried banana. Be sure to come by for one of their lunch specials — the lunch plates and boxes at Watawa Sushi will have you full and thinking about your next visit.
2020: Queens Voted Watawa Sushi Best Japanese Restaurant!
Watawa Sushi
33-10 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria
(718) 545-9596 – watawasushi.com
Queens residents are constantly on the hunt for the hottest Japanese restaurant, and Watawa sushi in Astoria offers all that and more, making it the ideal spot to enjoy the company you’re with. Open for lunch and dinner, Watawa offers carefully-crafted cocktails in addition to staples including the spicy tuna roll, spicy crab and a variety of special rolls that will satisfy your stomach. The low-lighting ambiance at the eatery will make you feel as if you and the company you’re with are the only people in the world.
2019: Queens Voted Shiro of Japan Best Japanese Restaurant!
Shiro of Japan
80-40 cooper Ave, Glendale
718-326-8704 – shiroofjapan.com
Established in 1972 in Carle Place, Shiro of Japan was Long Island’s first traditional sushi and hibachi steakhouse. Shiro of Japan introduced hibachi-style cooking on Long Island – a cooking art form known as teppanyaki – teppan meaning “iron plate” or “steel sheet” and yaki, “stir-fried food” or “stir-frying. The restaurant, which became a landmark in the 1970s, was quickly sought-after for its unique style of cuisine and chefs. Current managing partners, Hiro Ishikawa and Peter Faccibene, took ownership of Shiro of Japan in Carle Place in 2003. Three years later, Ishikawa and Faccibene decided to build on their success of Carle Place and together they opened a second location at the Shops at Atlas Park, in Glendale, Queens. Ishikawa is well known for bringing sushi to Long Island. He opened his first restaurant in 1979 called Taiko, which was Long Island’s first Japanese restaurant with a dedicated sushi bar. Ishikawa’s own roll creations have become popular across the country and are signature favorites at Shiro of Japan including “Jake” with chopped shrimp and crab with mayo and fish egg and “Black Dragon” consisting of “Jake” on the inside topped with avocado, eel, tobiko, scallion and sweet eel sauce.
2018: Queens Voted Sushi Time Best Japanese Restaurant!
Sushi Time
72-42 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375
(718) 261-0111
If you’re looking for a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine, Sushi Time in Forest Hills is the place to be. With specialty sushi rolls, boxes and platters to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and once you try something off of their menu, you’ll make Sushi Time your new go-to Japanese restaurant. Sushi Time’s casual environment makes it a popular place to stop in for a bite or take home a great meal for they rest of your family. If you don’t feel like going out, Sushi Time will deliver delicious dishes at a reasonable price.
2017: Queens Voted Watawa Sushi Best Japanese Restaurant!
Watawa Sushi
33-10 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY 11105. 718-545-9596
Renowned for being both fresh and flavorful, it’s no wonder that Astoria’s own Watawa Sushi takes the cake for best Japanese restaurant in the borough. Lauded online as many a Queens resident’s go-to sushi spot, the service at Watawa is fast and friendly, and its menu – which boasts all the classics and then some – is reasonably priced, with something for everyone. Complete with daily lunch and dinner specials, Watawa’s vast selection and chic and modern atmosphere make it the best Queens has to offer when it comes to good Japanese.
