The best Japanese restaurants in Budapest

What is it? NOBU Budapest is the Central European representative of the world-famous NOBU empire: Japanese-Peruvian fine dining showcasing iconic signature dishes, in an elegant, international setting.

Why we love it NOBU is not simply a sushi restaurant, but a complete brand experience. The meeting of Japanese precision and Peruvian flavours culminates in classics such as Alaskan black cod grilled with miso or Yellowtail jalapeño. The Budapest kitchen has been headed by executive chef Gábor Schreiner from the beginning, combining international NOBU standards with his own professional vision.

Time Out tip: The restaurant is closed during the spring of 2026 for large-scale interior renovation. From mid-March, it will temporarily operate in the adjoining space of Blue Fox The Bar – but also cooks to order (daily 11.30am-10pm).

Address: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: During renovation Daily noon-11pm

Expect to pay: Toro tartare with caviar Ft 13,900 (€37). Alaskan black cod grilled with miso Ft 23,900 (€63.50). Yellowtail jalapeño Ft 12,900 (€34). Sushi selection Ft 23,500 (€62.50)

What is it? A contemporary Japanese-Chinese-Korean inspired Asian bistro on Kazinczy utca in the Jewish Quarter. 101 Neo is the freer, more experimental outlet of the 101 family, in a more relaxed format and with a strong visual concept.

Why we love it 101 Neo is both playful and serious. The clean, minimalist space suggests this upon entering – this is not the usual Asian restaurant experience, but a consciously rethought, contemporary approach. The black soup, familiar from proverbs, becomes a signature dish here: deep, complex, a real winter comfort dish, slow-cooked, with a strong soy, concentrated beef base. Our other big favourite is the tonkatsu sandwich: pork loin fried in breadcrumbs in Japanese milk bread, with homemade Worcestershire sauce: crispy, juicy and perfect street food.

Time Out tip: You can also find its big brother, the 101 Bistro, at Time Out Market Budapest, allowing you to sample their most popular dishes in the historic surroundings of the Corvin Palace.

Address: Kazinczy utca 9, 1075 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Wed noon-10pm, Thur-Fri 11.30am-11pm, Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-10pm

Expect to pay: Homemade chicken dumplings Ft 2,990 (€8). Black-pepper beef ramen Ft 5,490 (€14.60). Tonkatsu sandwich Ft 3,790 (€10)

What is it? A Japanese canteen and ramen bar on downtown Október 6. utca, where comfort food, especially ramen and udon, is the focus in a distinctly sophisticated, modern interior.

Why we love it HACHI brings the world of Japanese canteens to the city centre. The menu is not long, but it is well thought out: in addition to classic ramen, it also includes gyoza, karaage and donburi. The ramen is made with a rich, characterful stock, and the smaller dishes can be combined well, so you can easily put together a multi-course dinner.

The space is restrained, modern and aesthetic, and the service is attentive. Reservations are taken for six people and above, so it’s worth arriving with a larger group and taking a seat at the communal table. If it’s just the two of you, it’s advisable to avoid peak hours.

Time Out tip: Try the Canteen Lunch menu, which consists of a starter, a main course and three snacks. An ideal choice for a quick but substantial fill-up in the city centre.

Address: Október 6. utca 8, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Sun 11.30am-11pm, Thur-Sat 11.30am-midnight. Closed Mon-Fri 4pm-5pm

Expect to pay: Wagyu gyoza Ft 5,480 (€14.60). Kimchi Ft 1,880 (€5). Tonkatsu sando Ft 3,680 (€9.80). Tonkotsu ramen Ft 5,480 (€14.60). Wagyu tantanmen Ft 6,880 (€18.30)

What is it? A friendly Japanese bistro on Kertész utca in the Jewish Quarter, where classic, home-cooked Japanese dishes and refined, clean flavours take centre stage.

Why we love it? Komachi doesn’t try to be trendy, it simply cooks consistently well: neat Japanese dishes, fine ingredients and precise preparation characterise its cuisine. The ramen comes with a deep, rich broth, with tasty toppings, and the udon noodle soups are comforting and warming. The Japanese curries and omelettes hit the spot, and the tonkatsu is of the classic variety, with crispy skin and juicy meat. The menu is not too extensive but each item has been carefully conceived.

Time Out tip: Start with an udon soup, then you can launch into a Japanese curry tonkatsu. It’s also a good choice at lunchtime if you’re looking for a quick yet filling meal.

Address: Kertész utca 33, 1073 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sun noon-9.30pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Soups Ft 4,100-5,000 (€11-13.30). Japanese curry & rice dishes Ft 3,900-5,900 (€10.40-15.70)

What is it? Yama means ‘at the top of the mountains’ – which explains the concept. This is a gastronomic sanctuary that seeks the ultimate experience not only in its flavours but also in its atmosphere.

Why we love it Yama is not just a dinner venue, but a consciously constructed, complex experience. The interior, lights, music and serving are arranged in a unified concept, so the evening feels more like an occasion than a traditional restaurant visit.

The cuisine starts from Asian traditions, but the fusion approach and creative rethinking are strongly present. Classic Japanese techniques appear in modern compositions, the presentation is spectacular and detailed, and every course here is a visual experience.

Time Out tip: Come here after dark, when the space really comes alive. Leave time for cocktails too – the bar is an integral part of the experience. It’s worth booking at weekends, especially for late-night timeslots.

Address: Október 6. utca 9, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Wed & Sun 6pm-11pm, Thur 6pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 6pm-1am

Expect to pay: Crispy black tiger-prawn tempura Ft 6,500 (€17.30). Tuna tataki Ft 8,500 (€22.60). Teriyaki salmon skewers Ft 9,500 (€25.25). Miso soup Ft 2,800 (€7.45)

What is it? An authentic Japanese sushi bar in Óbuda, near busy Kolosy tér, led by Okuyama-San, where the emphasis is on classic sushi and precise technique.

Why we love it Okuyama No Sushi is not a trendy novelty, but a true professional workshop. The kitchen is led by master craftsman Okuyama-San, with decades of experience and a traditional Japanese approach. Every detail counts here: the temperature, texture and seasoning of the rice are just as important as the quality of the fish. The nigiri and sashimi are fresh, clean, without overly thought-out sauces and unnecessary decorations. The place operates in a basement, slightly hidden space, with puritanical furnishings, but this is precisely what gives it an authentic atmosphere. The experience is most reminiscent of the small sushi bars of Tokyo.

Time Out tip: Choose a nigiri selection and let the chef recommend seasonal items. Here, the classic varieties work best.

Address: Kolosy tér 5, 1036 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 1pm-9pm. Closed Sun-Mon

Expect to pay: Nigiri Ft 2,500-4,500 (€6.65-12)/piece. Sushi selections Ft 8,000-18,000 (€21.25-48). Sashimi Ft 6,000-15,000 (€16-40)

What is it? An intimate, hidden Japanese restaurant on downtown Arany János utca, below Opium, where traditional techniques and modern, creative serving meet in a design-focused space.

Why we love it The name Kakurega means ‘hiding place’ in Japanese – and it really is. Sitting at the counter, you can directly watch the chefs at work, which gives the evening a personal, almost intimate atmosphere. The cuisine is based on classic Japanese basics, but complements them with seasonal, bolder items and contemporary presentation. The sushi is of outstanding quality, the ramen has character, the grilled dishes – such as wagyu or other premium meats – are spectacular, with deep flavours, and the mangalica tonkatsu is a real crowd-pleaser.

Time Out tip: Make a reservation and, if you can, sit at the counter. Start with several small dishes and then close with a main course. Don’t ignore the cocktail list either!

Address: Arany János utca 13, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Thur 5pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-midnight. Closed Sun-Mon

Expect to pay: Wakame salad, pickled cucumber Ft 2,400 (€6.40). Edamame Ft 2,100 (€5.60). Kimchi Ft 2,900 (€7.70). Tempura crab Ft 4,800 (€12.75). Udon carbonara Ft 4,950 (€13.20). Mangalica tonkatsu sandwich Ft 7,500 (€20)

What is it? An authentic, Japanese chef-run sushi bar with two locations: one in the Corvin Quarter and the other near Nyugati. Both locations focus on the traditional Edomae approach and seafood.

Why we love it Don’t let the name (‘Little Japan Sushi’) fool you: although it’s a tiny place, this is one of the city’s strongest sushi spots. The focus is on the Edomae tradition – that is, the quality of the fish, the precise cutting and the perfectly prepared rice. The nigiri, sashimi and maki are clean and no-frills. The salmon and tuna dishes are solid, but you should also try the orata, octopus or eel. Seafood bowls – such as the kaisendon or the salmon-and-avocado – are also popular.

Time Out tip: Choose a sushi or sashimi selection on your first visit for a comprehensive picture. It’s also worth ordering a selection of grilled nigiri with friends.

Addresses: Szent István körút 21, 1055 Budapest; Üllői út 40, 1082 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 2.30pm-9.30pm, Sat-Sun noon-9.30pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Maki Ft 1,500-2,000 (€4-5.30). Sushi bowls Ft 6,300-9,990 (€16.75-26.60). Sashimi Ft 4,200-11,900 (€11.20-31.65). Seafood bowls Ft 5,000-7,500 (€13.30-20)

What is it? A modern Japanese bistro and sushi bar facing the river on Bem rakpart, where a classic Edomae approach and today’s urban sushi culture meet by the Danube.

Why we love it Ennmann is not street-food sushi, but it’s not fine dining either – rather, it is a well-positioned, upper-range Japanese restaurant, where they pay attention to detail and the quality of the ingredients. The nigiri, sashimi and maki are fresh and precise, and in addition to these classic items, more modern rolls also appear on the menu. You will find seafood platters and larger sushi mori, so it works for a quick lunch as well as for a sharing evening dinner.

Time Out tip: Start with sashimi or a sushi platter, then choose a more exciting roll to share. If there’s a few of you, it’s worth ordering a larger mori.

Address: Bem rakpart 20, 1011 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily noon-10pm

Expect to pay: Maki Ft 1,800-5,000 (€4.80-13.30). Sushi bowls Ft 6,000-10,000 (€16-26.50). Sashimi Ft 4,600-12,000 (€12.25-32)

What is it? An authentic Japanese ramen bar with several outlets around town where, in addition to classic ramen soups, onigiri and gyoza are also on the menu.

Why we love it WAFU is one of the few places in Budapest that builds its concept on ramen, and doesn’t just treat it as just another dish. The atmosphere is reminiscent of everyday Japanese ramen bars: fast-paced, with concentrated flavours, and it's all about the quality of the stock. The tonkotsu is silky and rich, the shoyu is neater, with soy sauce brought to the fore, the dandan is part sesame and part spicy, while the vegan options are made with a separate stock. However, the menu goes beyond ramen: it also includes gyoza, karaage, takoyaki and onigiri, so you can even put together an izakaya-style, sharing dinner.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss one of their most popular dishes, dandan soup. If there are a few of you, choose several appetisers and share them among yourselves.

Addresses: 5 venues including Kazinczy utca 35, 1075 Budapest; Katona József utca 24, 1137 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-3.30pm & 5pm-10pm, Sat-Sun noon-3.30pm & 5pm-10.30pm. Closed Tue/Wed

Expect to pay: Dandan Ft 4,180 (€11.10). Tonkotsu Ft 4,980 (€13.25). Rice bowls Ft 4,000 (€10.65). Onigiri Ft 1,480-1,780 (€4-4.75)

What is it? A Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant on Jókai utca near Nyugati station, where the smoke-free Table Grill, sushi and interactive dining experiences are the focus.

Why we love it Yamato is not just a sushi restaurant, but an experience-based gastro space. The core of the concept is the smoke-free Table Grill built into the table, where the Japanese yakiniku and Korean BBQ traditions meet. You can grill natural or marinated meats and seafood yourself, with various sauces, even wrapped in lettuce leaves.

The menu also includes sushi selections, Japanese curry, nabemono soups and Korean-inspired dishes, so the place works even if you prefer going in a more classic direction. The space is modern and elegant, a good choice for both business lunches and dinners with friends.

Time Out tip: Come as a group and try the Table Grill experience, which gives Yamato its character. To play it safe, choose a sushi selection or Japanese curry.

Address: Jókai utca 30, 1066 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-11.30pm

Expect to pay: Soups Ft 3,000-6,000 (€8-16). Sushi selections Ft 6,000-18,000 (€16-48). Mains Ft 6,000-15,000 (€16-40). Table-Grill menus and premium meat Ft 8,000-20,000 (€21-53)

What is it? An experimental, Thai-Japanese-focused Asian restaurant near Kálvin tér, where sushi, ramen and street-food classics all play a major role.

Why we love it Little Geisha Can Cook is one of the capital’s most exciting fusion Asian cuisines. Founder Heni – who is also behind Shibuya near City Park – focuses on fresh ingredients and playful yet conscious flavour combinations. The sushi rolls are on the saucy, richer side, the ramen is distinctive and filling, the karaage chicken leg is prepared in a ginger-onion marinade and the unagi don (grilled eel with rice) is a firm favourite.

Time Out tip: The terrace is atmospheric in summer. Come here early, because the place fills up quickly, especially at dinner time.

Address: Baross utca 6, 1085 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: All-nigiri sushi set Ft 5,590 (€15). Sun roll Ft 4,990 (€13.25). Unagi don Ft 5,990 (€16)

What is it? A Spanish-Japanese inspired restaurant in the up-and-coming Margit Quarter, where ramen is served at lunchtime, while hot and cold tapas, Vermouth- and sake-based long drinks bring the friendly, small space to life in the evening.

Why we love it Monokini Kantin is not a forced fusion, but a natural meeting of two cuisines that resonate surprisingly well. The relaxed nature of the Spanish tapas world and Japanese precision come together in an organic unity here. Dishes are accompanied by natural wines, cocktails and Vermouth-based long drinks, which nicely complement the concept.

Time Out tip: Choose ramen for lunch but order several smaller plates to share in the evening. It’s worth arriving earlier at weekends and making a reservation.

Address: Varsányi Irén utca 33, 1027 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri noon-2pm, 6pm-11pm. Sat 5pm-11pm. Closed Sun

Expect to pay: Sapporo miso ramen Ft 4,500 (€12). Soba soup Ft 4,500 (€12). Tiradito Ft 4,000 (€10.65). Crab cocktail sando Ft 3,000 (€8). Suteki Ft 4,500 (€12)

What is it? A tiny, experimental Japanese small-plate restaurant on downtown Madách tér. Ramen-focused, but with a strong fusion, fermented and creative menu. HACHI-KO is the intellectual little brother of the well-known HACHI Budapest on Október 6. utca – or rather a younger, bolder version.

Why we love it HACHI-KO starts out from the concept behind HACHI, but handles the menu much more freely. Ramen is still an important player: a deep, long-cooked broth, precisely composed toppings, with the chicken and beef shoyu versions particularly strong. The small plates, however, are a real delight. Shiokoji-aged emperor beef with a black-tea aroma, tiger prawn jiaozi enriched with butter, smoky napa cabbage with sesame-and-chili – these are all exciting, well thought-out compositions.

Time Out tip: Come as a group, order several small plates and then choose a shoyu ramen. End the evening with a bubble-tea crème brûlée, a must-try dessert.

Address: Madách Imre út 3, 1075 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Wed & Sun noon-4pm & 5pm-10pm. Thur until 11pm, Fri-Sat until midnight

Expect to pay: Bao Ft 1,280 (€3.40). Chashu Ft 4,980 (€13.25). Shoyu beef ramen Ft 5,480 (€14.60). Miso Ft 4,380 (€11.65). Bubble-tea crème brûlée Ft 2,280 (€6)

What is it? A cosy Japanese bistro in the student quarter near Kálvin tér, where donburi and classic Japanese comfort food take centre stage.

Why we love it Don Doko Don is neither fine dining nor a fusion playground but authentically homely Japanese cuisine. The speciality is donburi: juicy meat, fresh vegetables and rich sauces piled on steaming rice. The gyūdon, teriyaki chicken and curry all bring the simple, heartwarming experience that people queue up for in Japan. The prices are especially friendly, and the allergen information detailed.

Time Out tip: Try the gyūdon or curry donburi for lunch. Student discounts are also available, and if you’re thinking about coming back, it’s worth asking for a loyalty card.

Address: Üllői út 2-4, 1085 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am-8pm, Sat 10.30am-5pm. Closed Sun

Expect to pay: Miso soup Ft 1,100 (€3). Donburi regular Ft 2,600-2,700 (€6.90-7.20)/large Ft 3,600-3,800 (€9.60-10)

What is it? A health-conscious, Japanese-inspired bistro on busy Király utca, where fresh rice rolls, colourful bowls and umami-rich snacks provide the backbone to the menu.

Why we love it The mission at ICHIGO is simple: to offer fresh, affordable and well-conceived food to office workers, passing tourists and anyone looking for a quick but quality option. The focus is on fine ingredients, and the rolls and bowls are freshly made locally. There’s a strong vegetarian and vegan menu: meat-free dishes here aren’t forced solutions, but fully fledged, filling alternatives.

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for a light but hearty meal, try the crispy chicken bowl or the green goddess rice roll. There are plenty of vegan options, so it’s a sure bet for those who avoid meat and dairy.

Address: Király utca 40, 1061 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

Expect to pay: Wakame salad Ft 3,200 (€8.50). Green goddess roll standard Ft 4,200 (€11)/large Ft 4,900 (€13). Crispy chicken bowl Ft 3,700 (€9.80)/Ft 4,300 (€11.40)