Experience Tokyo At These Top 5 Japanese Restaurants in Malaysia Serving Sushi, Wagyu, and More!
After a long round of shopping one afternoon, I wandered into a tucked-away Japanese restaurant simply because the aroma called to me. I only meant to grab a quick bite, but one slurp of the ramen and a single piece of sushi had me hooked all over again.
The spontaneous stop reignited my love for Japanese cuisine, and from then on, I always tried my best to visit different Japanese restaurants all over Malaysia.
From sleek, modern spots with open kitchens to quiet traditional joints where the miso hits just right, each place added something special to the journey. Sushi rolls, brothy bowls, and crispy tempura became part of my regular cravings—and these restaurants were the reason why.
So, whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the flavours, here are the top Japanese restaurants in Malaysia where every bite brings a taste of Tokyo closer to you!
How much does a meal in a Japanese restaurant in Malaysia cost?
A meal at an affordable Japanese chain restaurant or conveyor belt sushi spot in Malaysia typically costs between RM20 to RM50 per person. For a more mid-range dining experience with a wider variety, expect to pay around RM60 to RM120.
High-end omakase or fine dining can exceed several hundred ringgit.
1. Yakiniku Tenshin
Address: L3-14C, Level 3, Avenue K, 156, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +601133319089
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 3 PM | 6 to 10 PM
After hearing that Yakiniku Tenshin is a go-to spot for wagyu lovers, my friends and I raided it to check if the reviews are true. Right from the entrance marked by a Japanese bridge, you get a sense that the place takes its theme seriously.
Inside, the ambiance was cosy, with dark wood tones and a pleasant buzz from nearby tables. We went for their signature buffet, which includes a variety of high-quality beef cuts, seafood, and cooked dishes.
If you’re unsure what to order, the staff are quick to offer recommendations and even assist with grilling.
That said, the table setup was not ideal. With platters, side dishes, and grilling equipment all laid out, we found ourselves juggling for space more than once.
If you’re dining with more than two people, expect to feel a bit cramped, especially when the food starts arriving in waves.
Still, we had a memorable time. The beef was flavourful, especially the wagyu and beef tongue.
Service was consistently attentive, with one staff member even explaining the best dipping sauces and pairing suggestions.
Top-notch food, serene ambiance, impeccable service
“I had an incredible dining experience at this Japanese restaurant. Everything—from the warm hospitality to the beautifully presented dishes—was flawless. The flavors were authentic and refined, each bite a delight. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made me feel truly welcome. If you’re looking for a place with top-notch food, serene ambiance, and impeccable service, this is it. Highly recommended—I’ll definitely be back!”
-Calvin Chew, Google Review
Worth every penny
“First time at this sea and land buffet. For starters, the entrance and the ambience was very welcoming and fun. The quality of the food was fantastic and the serving presentation was on par too. Service was fast and efficient. My husband and I had a very wonderful evening dining here. Definitely worth every penny.”
-Cheryl Yong, Google Review
2. HAKU – Extraordinary Japanese Cuisine
Address: 1, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang 1, Seri Tanjung Pinang, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Phone: +601113313655
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 to 2:30 PM | 6 to 10:30 PM
We recently celebrated a special occasion at Haku and decided to go for their omakase experience.
If you’re planning to drive, be warned because the parking setup is a hassle. The restaurant sits inside a hotel and service apartment complex, so you’ll need to loop your way up to the 6th floor just to find a space.
Once we settled in, though, the ambiance made up for the rough start. The interior is clean and modern, with soft lighting and minimalist decor that sets a refined mood.
The chef and staff walked us through each omakase course, highlighting the sourcing of the ingredients and the flavour journey. Standouts from our meal included the Otoro sushi, which was gently warmed over binchotan charcoal, and a prawn somen dish that tasted light yet flavourful.
We also appreciated the portioning at a very affordable price, well paced and not overly heavy. If you’re someone who appreciates attention to detail, HAKU offers that in both service and food.
Satisfied and content
“The food was excellent and delicious, each dish was cooked with care and full of flavor. The portions were just the right size – I left feeling full, satisfied and content. The prices were also very reasonable considering the quality of the food and service. I will definitely be back!”
-Goh Ming, Google Review
Unique and delicious food
“Celebrated my 1st anniversary here and glad we chose this place. Ambiance was nice and fitting. Food was unique and delicious. Being my first omakase, it was definitely a good start. Halal meat source. Service was good and waiters are friendly and accommodating. Thank you.”
-Anas Aqilah Abdul Salam, Google Review
3. Sushi YA
Address: 12, Greentown Business Centre, 1A, Persiaran Greentown 8, Pusat Perdagangan Greentown, 30450 Ipoh
Phone: +601155892201
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
We dropped by Sushi YA for dinner with friends, hoping for something casual but satisfying. Finding parking was the first challenge because the outlet we visited is located in a busy business area, and we had to circle around a few times before landing a spot.
If you’re heading here during peak hours, be prepared for a wait—not just for tables, but for parking too.
Once inside, the kaiten belt system gave off a fun, lively vibe. It’s a self-service Japanese restaurant, and the fresh sushi just keeps rolling by.
We went for a mix of options—salmon sashimi, katsu curry don, and several bento sets. The pricing is one of the major attractions here because you get variety and flavour without needing to spend much.
Most dishes fall in the RM10 to RM30 range, making it great for families or groups on a budget.
The service stood out as well, and the staff members were friendly and checked in often. While the rice in some sushi didn’t hold together as well as we’d like, it didn’t take away from the overall good experience.
Best sushi
“Want to eat sushi around Ipoh, this is one of the best place. The food and service are top notch. Price is affordable and the restaurant is clean. Would come again next time!”
-Ammar Marzuki, Google Review
Affordable and enjoyable
“As an avid sushi lover, I enjoyed eating here. This is my 4th time eating here and is my go-to place whenever I crave for dine-in Japanese meals. My personal favourite is their Saba Bento which consisted all the protein I love. The price is similar to other Japanese Restaurants but the sushi plate is cheap at the price of RM3.33 (without service charge & tax) which is different from other sushi places. So price-wise, it doesn’t hurt my my budget monthly to eat here once in awhile.”
-Amalia Amri, Google Review
4. The Wagyu Tavern
Address: 34, Jalan Pendekar 13, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah Skudai, 81300 Johor Bahru
Phone: +60123811582
Business Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 6 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday to Sunday – 1 to 4:30 PM | 6 PM to 12 AM
We had dinner at The Wagyu Tavern with a group of friends, and it turned out to be one of those nights where food, ambiance, and service came together effortlessly. The restaurant’s name says it all—Wagyu is the star here.
We ordered the A5 Wagyu gold bar steak, and it was rich, buttery, and perfectly seared. The staff offered to grill it for us tableside and even guided us through the best way to enjoy each cut.
In addition, the sake was presented beautifully, and every dish from the starter to dessert had a clear thought behind it.
The atmosphere is cosy yet polished, with enough intimacy for a quiet date night or a celebration with friends. Our server was professional and engaging.
That said, if you’re expecting a vast selection of meats, you might find the menu slightly limited. It would’ve been nice to see more variety beyond Wagyu.
Attentive service, satisfying food
“Had a wonderful experience at Wagyu Tavern JB! The raw ebi was definitely the highlight for me, incredibly fresh & sweet. The seafood soup was rich & flavourful, with deep aroma of lobster & crab. We were served by Peter, Cecilia, and Christine, they provided warm, attentive service throughout our meal. Their hospitality made the dining experience even more enjoyable.”
-Fluffy Koala, Google Review
Outstanding service
“Nicolas was incredibly helpful—he explained all the different types of wagyu, how to cook them, and even assisted us throughout the process. He was excellent, very professional, and also suggested other great options on the menu. He made our first dining experience at Wagyu Tavern truly memorable and made us want to come back. The service overall was outstanding. Highly recommended!”
-La Ken, Google Review
5. Kyokujou Japanese Cuisine
Address: Corus Hotel, Ground Floor Jalan Ampang, Persiaran Hampshire, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +60122273913
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Dining at Kyokujou Japanese Cuisine with my family turned out to be one of the most refined Japanese food experiences we’ve had in Malaysia. Nestled inside Corus Hotel KLCC, this place delivers both authenticity and elegance.
We booked a dinner slot and went for their seafood omakase, which featured pristine cuts of sashimi that were impossibly fresh. Each slice had the melt-in-your-mouth quality you’d expect from top-tier sushi bars in Japan.
The chef’s attention to detail shone through every course, and the sake pairing was a thoughtful touch that complemented the meal perfectly. They also offer a solid variety of a la carte options like bento sets, tempura, and grilled wagyu—ideal for those who want a flexible dining experience.
The ambiance leans modern with a calm, subdued tone that makes it easy to enjoy your meal in peace. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and we appreciated the guidance on dish selections.
However, one thing worth noting is that after the meal, the staff seemed a bit persistent in requesting online reviews. It felt slightly forced, especially after such an otherwise smooth experience.
Incredible dining experience
“My husband and I had an incredible dining experience at Kyokujou. The quality of the food was outstanding—both the beef and fish were so tender they practically melted in our mouths. A must-try is the chef’s signature dish, the Braised Bluefin Tuna Belly—it was rich, flavorful, and simply unforgettable. Another standout was the chawanmushi, which was luxuriously topped with an abundance of caviar, adding the perfect briny touch to the silky egg custard. The attention to detail in both presentation and service made the evening even more special. Highly recommend for anyone who appreciates authentic Japanese cuisine!”
-Nina K, Google Review
Japanese restaurant perfect for relaxation
“Tried the wagyu at Juicy Wagyu in CORUS KLCC and it was amazing. The meat was tender and flavorful, cooked just right. The place is private and quiet, perfect for a relaxed meal. Highly recommend if you’re in the area.”
-Nirvana Joshua, Google Review