

Queenstown, New Zealand, is mainly well-known for its ski resorts and other tourist-oriented activities. Being a resort town, it is packed with adventure and surrounded by wonderful vistas. Although after a day of bike riding, wine tasting and touring the sights and sounds of this town, what’s better than settling down for some exquisite Asian food? Offering a unique experience away from local cuisine, these Japanese restaurants are some of the best in class! If you are craving a taste of Japan while in this amazing town, check out this list of the best Japanese restaurants in Queenstown, New Zealand.
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1. Tanoshi
Despite its location in the middle of Queenstown, New Zealand, Tanoshi is a restaurant that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Tucked off on one of the little roads, this restaurant preserves the authenticity of Japanese cuisine with its perfectly thick ramen broth and excellent sushi. Despite its fine menu, Tanoshi is still very much affordable and provides an excellent experience to you and your family and friends. Tanoshi offers an extensive sake, whiskey and cocktail bar alongside Japanese lager on tap. This wonderful restaurant is not to be missed for sure when you are seeking out authentic Japanese cuisine in Queenstown.
Tanoshi
Address: Skyline Arcade, Mall Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Website: Tanoshi
Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)
2. Hikari Sushi Bar
Hikari Sushi Bar is one of the finest Japanese restaurants in Queenstown, New Zealand. One thing about Hikari Sushi Bar is that it offers an extensive menu with a huge variety of exquisite yet authentic sushi. This sushi bar prides itself on excellent customer service so you can be assured that the hospitality is absolutely top-notch. Their sushi is crafted by highly trained chefs who use the freshest ingredients that are delivered each morning. Just like Tanoshi, Hikari Sushi Bar is also very reasonably priced and will not bust your wallet when you try their myriad sushi on offer!
Hikari Sushi Bar
Address: 22 Mall Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Website: Hikari Sushi Bar
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
3. Japanese Cuisine Kappa
Cocktail Paua, Storm shell and Oyster
Posted by Kappa on Sunday, 30 June 2019
Japanese Cuisine Kappa is another hidden gem in Queenstown. Situated in the centre of town, this quaint Japanese restaurant has a very cosy atmosphere and great food to pair with it. For Japanese cuisine, the most important factor is the freshness of the ingredients. The cuisine here is consistently fresh and very well-prepared so this restaurant is definitely one not be missed! Japanese Cuisine Kappa can be slightly more expensive than the other restaurants listed above, however, they do provide free miso soup with every meal purchase.
Japanese Cuisine Kappa
Address: 36 The Mall 36 The Mall, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Website: Japanese Cuisine Kappa
Opening hours: 12pm - 2:15pm, 5:30pm - 10pm (daily)
4. Tatsumi Modern Japanese Dining
This Japanese restaurant is another highly recommended establishment that you have to try! Tatsumi Modern Japanese Dining serves superb quality food and has a lovely atmosphere to dine in. Like Hikari Sushi Bar, they pride themselves on great customer service, superb staff and short wait times. Tatsumi Modern Japanese Dining gives a modern twist to their food. Thus, it can be different from the authentic experience offered by other Japanese restaurants above. Their food is well prepared and beautifully presented so you can be assured that it looks and tastes good. This restaurant is surely a must-visit in Queenstown, New Zealand!
Tatsumi Modern Japanese Dining
Address: 9 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Website: Tatsumi Modern Japanese Dining
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Tue)
5. St Pierre's Sushi
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Quick survey!! Raw fish sushi versus all other sushi! Who wins??
Posted by St Pierre's Sushi on Saturday, May 1, 2021
St Pierre’s Sushi is another establishment to go to when you’re craving Japanese cuisine in Queenstown. It offers a variety of sushi, such as dragon roll and salmon with cream cheese. This restaurant, however, only offers sushi, but it excels in quality through its fresh ingredients. The sushi is made right on the spot by an authentic Japanese chef, thus, you can be guaranteed that it is well-made! Alongside that, St Pierre’s Sushi offers you a great view whilst you enjoy your plate of sushi. Be sure to look out for St Pierre’s Sushi when you visit Queenstown.
St Pierre's Sushi
Address: Tenancy 2A, Bldg. 8 Remarkables Park Town Centre, Hawthorne Drive, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Website: St Pierre’s Sushi
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
6. Tanoshi Iko
Tanoshi Iko is another style of restaurant of Tanoshi mentioned at the beginning of this list, just a few blocks away from the latter. This restaurant offers a simple menu, where it preserves the quality of Japanese cuisine through the fresh ingredients used in each dish. Tanoshi Iko, unlike Tanoshi, is more intimate and cosy and has a smaller bar and menu. Tanoshi Iko serves authentic Japanese cuisine along with providing excellent service at reasonable prices. Thus, if you are looking for a smaller and more intimate experience, choose Tanoshi Iko in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Tanoshi Iko
Address: Tenancy 4/5-17 Church Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Website: Tanoshi Iko
Opening hours: 12pm - 8:30pm (daily)
7. Hikari Teppanyaki Queenstown
Posted by Hikari Teppanyaki on Wednesday, 12 February 2020
Hikari Teppanyaki Queenstown is surely one Japanese restaurant that should be on your list in Queenstown, New Zealand. This restaurant is not only superb in its quality of food but also its customer service. There is not one raving review that does not mention how the staff is extremely friendly and entertaining of the guests who dine at the restaurant. Additionally, the price for a plethora of dishes is very reasonable. Hikari Teppanyaki Queenstown also has fresh ingredients and authentic cuisine.
Hikari Teppanyaki Queenstown
Address: Shop D-13-14, Queenstown, Central Shopping Centre 19 Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Website: Hikari Teppanyaki Queenstown
Opening hours: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 9pm (daily)
A taste of Japan in Queenstown, New Zealand

If you are craving authentic Japanese food in Queenstown, New Zealand, this list of restaurants is the perfect guide for you. In both price, uniqueness and authenticity, these restaurants offer a great dining experience and are well worth your time. We hope that this list helps you choose the Japanese restaurants that you can visit during your time in Queenstown, New Zealand.
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