Nigiri, sashimi, robatayaki (robata), toban-yaki, yakitori, tataki: words that make Japanese cuisine appear complex and as distant as its country of origin but also prove that Japanese cuisine is a lot more than raw fish. Words in a language that has become well known to Athenians today.
Apart from the classic raw fish dishes (nigiri, sashimi), Japanese cuisine includes a wide range of charcoal-grilled dishes (robata), dishes cooked on a hot ceramic dish (toban-yaki), as well as dishes with food that has only been seared at very high temperatures (tataki), skewered chicken (yakitori) dishes, as well as dishes with other meats – including beef and fish. Throughout its existence, Japanese cuisine has been influenced by many cultures and religions. What has remained unchanged is the emphasis on the beautiful aesthetics of every dish, as well as of the whole table; the use of fresh seasonal ingredients, the variety of seafood and vegetables, even flowers, used, as well as the delicate clarity of flavors.
With an extremely wide variety of flavors and dishes prepared using clean ingredients, Japanese cuisine is one of the tastiest and healthiest cuisines in the world. We’ve found 15 top restaurants serving Japanese food in our city – with modern and high-end cosmopolitan choices, as well as every day and street food options – that are worthy representatives of this rich and diverse cuisine. All are in central Athens except Matsuhisha, which we couldn’t fail to mention here.
01
Tanpopo
An authentic slice of Tokyo brought to Athens with a traditional yet approachable menu. Known for its precise sushi rolls, delicate sashimi platters, and comforting ramen bowls, Tanpopo combines quality ingredients with a minimalist approach. Try a hearty bowl of tonkatsu iberico ramen, (or the mushroom ramen for vegetarians), the wakame salad with Greek trahana, the cauliflower with mayonnaise and furikake and the Black Angus tataki with ponzu.
Evripidou 2, Psyrri
02
Matsuhisha
Overlooking the Athenian Riviera, Matsuhisha Athens delivers a world-class Japanese dining experience under the vision of Nobu Matsuhisa. Signature dishes like the iconic black cod with miso and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno are perfectly prepared with precision. Also try the creamy and spicy King Crab and the beef teriyaki cooked in the robata grill. The elegant space emits Nobu’s global aesthetic, and the stunning sea views elevate the ambiance. A haven for refined palates and special occasions.
Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni
03
Gaku Sushi – Izakaya
Gaku Sushi Izakaya in Syntagma is a vibrant, modern take on Japanese dining. Expect expertly prepared nigiri, signature maki rolls, and small izakaya-style plates perfect for sharing. The stylish interior balances urban chic with Japanese minimalism, making it ideal for both casual dining and late-night bites. Highlights include the great array of salads and soups, hot dishes like sea bass with yuzu and miso, the crispy tempura shrimp rolls and a melt-in-your-mouth salmon tataki.
Apollonos 2, Syntagma
04
Sushimou
A small, chef-driven, omakase-only concept delivers an intimate sushi experience like no other in Athens, and made it a huge success ever since it opened. With just a handful of seats, the focus remains on the chef’s artful preparation of nigiri and sashimi, as well as poke style bowls. Expect the freshest, most delicately prepared seasonal fish and impeccable knife work, served in a minimalist, almost meditative atmosphere. A must for sushi aficionados.
Skoufou 6, Syntagma
05
Kiku
A long-standing favorite for those who like to enjoy sushi in an exclusive, private and more upper scale ambiance, Kiku combines contemporary Japanese cuisine with modern idea and seriously top-quality produce. Highlights include their specialty wagyu beef tataki, truffle-infused maki rolls, and a variety of fresh sashimi. The highly polished decor, punctuated with modern Japanese design elements, makes it an elegant destination for a top notch Japanese dining experience.
Xenokratous 21, Kolonaki
06
Birdman
Birdman blends a Japanese Izakaya with an Athenian edge. It’s known for its unique, eclectic style, and a tantalizing array of dishes to ideally share in the middle. Try pillow-soft yet crispy beef gyoza dunked into soy sauce, charcoal-grilled chicken heart skewers, crispy chicken skin, succulent raw beef sushi, and many other creative small plates with deep and delicious Japanese flavors. It’s perfect for casual dining with high-quality flavors and a unique energy.
Voulis 35, Syntagma
07
Osaka Sushi Bar
Osaka Sushi Bar serves classics like salmon nigiri, dragon rolls, and crisp, airy tempura as well as wonderfully inventive and tasty sushi like the one with uni and ikura gunkan, decorated with edible gold and the foie gras nigiri. Also try the wonderfully seasoned oysters, tuna tataki with yuzu vinaigrette and the Pork Cutlet Donburi.
Lepeniotou 12, Monastiraki
08
NYX Rooftop
Set atop a central Athens hotel and with fabulous panoramic views of Athens and the Acropolis, this place serves modern Japanese fusion dishes that you’ll want to photograph before trying. Dishes are creative and uncommon, reflecting the chef’s sophisticated background. The floor-to-ceiling windows and great DJ sets create a trendy New York-style ambiance that make the Japanese dishes and well-mixed cocktails a real treat.
Omirou 19, Kolonaki
09
Shiraki
At Shiraki, the chef focuses on omakase-style sushi, delicate nigiri, and sashimi with seasonally sourced fish. Try one of the many delicious salads, the Adegashi deep-fried tofu, or the chirashi sushi. The intimate, wood-accented dining room encourages a focus on the food’s purity and rich flavors.
Nikis 17, Syntagma
10
Mikaku Sushi & Noodles
Mikaku offers a casual yet satisfying Japanese dining experience with a menu spanning sushi rolls, ramen bowls, and flavorful noodle dishes. Popular picks include the seabass maki, the special veggie roll for vegans and the crispy duck bao bun. The laid-back space makes it a go-to spot for comforting Japanese bites.
Koletti 33, Makryianni
11
Tokyo Joe
Modern Japanese dining with a playful twist. Signature rolls like the Joe’s Special, loaded with salmon, avocado, and spicy mayo, are mouthwatering, and the Zoodle noodle salad has a great mix of textures and tastes. Dumpling lovers shouldn’t miss the truffle-infused beef gyoza, A stylish, upbeat setting and inventive cocktails enhance this popular destination.
Ploutarchou 16, Kolonaki
12
AHICO Sushi
Japanese flavors with a modern, urban attitude. Their standout rolls, like the dynamite shrimp tempura and truffle salmon, are beautifully presented. The crunchy crab claws with spicy mayo are pure indulgence and the poke bowls provide a fresh and healthy option. The sleek interior and friendly vibe make it a reliable choice for sushi in Athens.
Alexandras Ave 223 & Eslin 2, Ambelokipi
13
Ekiben Kitchen
This effortlessly cool and special place serves bold, addictive Japanese comfort food with signature flair—from soy-marinated karaage and dry-aged beef gyoza to rich tori tan tan udon and a ramen that nods to Greek classics. Its smash burger and crispy chicken burger are cult favorites for a reason. Originally a ghost kitchen, it now shares space with Ikigai Market and has expanded into a sleek wood-accented dining room with a vinyl store next door. A compact but vibrant universe where food, style, and sound come together in a feel-good way.
14
Mayan
Mayan dives into Nikkei cuisine with a Japanese-Peruvian menu that leans luxe and full-throttle. Expect clean cuts and bold contrasts—crudos kissed with yuzu kosho, wagyu maki with black truffle, miso-glazed cod balanced against fiery anticuchos. It’s not shy on drama, but the technique holds. The sushi counter delivers precision, while the robata grill keeps things smoky and primal. Near Kolonaki Square, the space is moody and sculptural, more Tokyo-meets-Lima lounge than classic dining room. A spot where detail, flavour, and atmosphere all come dressed up.
15
Nakama
Nakama deals in high-energy Japanese fusion with a playful, upscale tilt—think spicy tuna tacos, eel with mango, and wagyu maki finished with attitude. The menu straddles sushi bar precision, with a few crowd-pleasers thrown in for good measure. It’s less about traditional purity, more about modern punch. Located in the heart of Kolonaki, it draws a fashion-forward crowd with its glossy interiors, big cocktails, and a pulse that leans late-night. A sceney take on sushi that’s unapologetically Athens.
Read more:
Best restaurants in Athens
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