The best Japanese restaurants in Brighton

Bincho Yakitori channels the spirit of Tokyo's late-night izakayas into the heart of Brighton, shaped by the head chef's years of working in Japan. The weekly changing menu focuses on simplicity and flavour, offering dishes like skewers, snacks, and sharing plates grilled over natural fire and served as they're ready. To drink, guests can enjoy Japanese beers, sake, whiskies, and a few cocktails for a relaxed, authentic dining experience.

Mogumogu is a charming Japanese restaurant known for its adorable cat puddings that are as delightful to eat as they are to watch jiggling away. Beyond the Insta-worthy desserts, the menu includes comforting Japanese staples like rice bowls and takoyaki balls. The cosy, pastel-toned interior mirrors the restaurant's playful and calming vibe.

Murasaki, tucked away in Seven Dials, offers an authentic taste of Japan in a warm, izakaya-style setting. The intimate space, decorated with lanterns and bamboo accents, gives of a traditional, minimalist feel. Guests can enjoy sushi, katsu tapas, rice dishes, and other Japanese favourites alongside sake, cocktails, or wine.

The compact O'Shio is more than just a Japanese restaurant – it's also a Korean one. Thanks to its chef founder's culinary training in both countries, the Brighton restaurant's menu is divided between hand-rolled sushi, bento boxes, and rice bowls on one side, and potently spiced Korean staples like bibimbap, tteokbokki, and homemade kimchi on the other. Sit at the counter or one of the tables and enjoy.

For more than twenty years, Brighton Japanese restaurant Sushi. has been a trusted spot for authentic Japanese food served in a traditional setting. This family-run restaurant specialises in sushi of all kinds, from nigiri and maki to sashimi and rolls, along with other Japanese favourites like donburi rice bowls, deep-fried tempura snacks, and udon noodles. Private events are welcome here as well.

Taro is a well-loved chain known for its affordable, authentic Japanese food, available to eat in or take away. The menu spans classics such as ramen, teriyaki, sushi, sashimi, tempura, and bento boxes, alongside branch-specific creations – the Brighton restaurant offers an exclusive rainbow sushi roll filled with asparagus, avocado, and tobiko, topped with salmon, prawn, tuna, and yellowtail, and finished with spicy mayo, for example.

Moshimo has earned a reputation as one of Brighton's favourite Japanese restaurants thanks to its mix of quality, creativity, and conscience. The menu covers everything from fun conveyor-belt sushi and omakase platters to Japanese-style burgers. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability, reflected in its plentiful vegan offerings and environmental principles, as well as its customer-first focus makes it a standout spot in the city.

Undoubtedly one of the best Japanese restaurants in Brighton, at least where ramen is concerned, Goemon was founded by two friends who relocated from Japan to the UK with the dream of running their own eatery. It's earned a reputation for serving some of the most authentic ramen in town, with the duo having painstakingly refined their creamy, full-bodied broth, offering a variety of ramen bowls in a relaxed and inviting setting. Diners can also pick up ramen kits to recreate the experience at home.

Pompoko is a small, no-frills Japanese restaurant in Brighton known for its freshly prepared dishes and budget-friendly prices. The menu features comforting Japanese staples such as curries, donburi rice bowls, yakisoba noodles, and light salads. Warm, informal, and dependable, this local gem has built a loyal following among Brightonians seeking authentic Japanese flavours without the fuss.

The Tonkotsu restaurant group has found success across the UK thanks to its undisputable ramen mastery. All are welcome at these contemporary eateries, children and dogs included, making them a great choice for a full-on family outing. Their rich broths are served with noodles cooked for precisely 32 seconds, resulting in just the right bite. There are different ramen to choose from on the menu, as well as other Japanese dishes like katsu curry, and seasonal specials keep things fresh.