2026 Guide
From omakase counters flying in fish from Toyosu to ramen bars and izakayas: the best Japanese food in Malaysia.
Updated October 2026 ยท 53 spots ยท 11 states
โก Quick answer
The best Japanese & Omakase in Malaysia for 2026 is Sushi Taka (Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur), followed by Sushi Hibiki (Kuala Lumpur) and Restoran Samurai Yakiniku (Kota Bharu). 4 of 53 picks are halal or Muslim-friendly.
๐ก Pro tip: Omakase seats are few, so book two to four weeks ahead and mention any allergies.
KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
omakase counterhotelMichelin Selectedreservation only
Order: Edomae omakase; tamagoyaki
An edomae counter carved from centuries-old hinoki, where the team flies in its own fish and shapes each nigiri in front of you. Michelin-selected and on Tatler's best omakase list โ the benchmark for a blow-out sushi night in KL.
Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
omakase counterintimate countersake listreservation only
Order: Chef Makoto Saito's seasonal sushi omakase
Long one of KL's most respected sushi counters, now tucked into Four Seasons Place. Fish arrives straight from Japan and the intimate counter turns dinner into a quiet, chef-led show.
Jalan Hospital, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
table grill
Order: Yakiniku grill sets
KB's top-rated Japanese spot, a yakiniku grill with nearly 3,000 reviews.
Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
omakase counterMichelin Selectedreservation only
Order: Ginza-style edomae omakase
A Ginza-rooted sushi-ya run by chef Masakazu Ishibashi, with a menu that turns over with the Japanese seasons. Michelin-selected and a regular on Tatler's omakase shortlist.
Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
sushi counterreservations recommended
Order: Counter nigiri and omakase-style sets
A small sushi bar in Damansara Kim with a near-perfect rating; one of the few serious counter-sushi options on the PJ side of the border.
Sea Park, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
omakase counterlocal ingredientsseasonal menureservation only
Order: Malaysian-ingredient omakase; tamarind-seasoned sushi rice
Chef Jack Weldie's offbeat counter seasons rice with tamarind and folds local produce into a Japanese format. Topped Tatler's 2025 omakase list โ the most original Japanese meal in the Klang Valley.
KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
kappo counterwagyucity viewMichelin Selected
Order: Wagyu-centric kappo omakase
A 48th-floor kappo counter from Michelin-starred chef Junichi Yoshida that builds a whole course around top-grade wagyu. Michelin-selected; there's a seafood set if beef isn't your thing.
Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
omakase counterkappoMichelin Selectedtwo counter rooms
Order: Edomae sushi omakase and Miyazaki wagyu kappo
Formerly Sushi Kazu, now split into two counter rooms โ one for edomae sushi, one for wagyu kappo. Chef Norikazu Shibata's long counter earned a Michelin Selected nod in the 2026 guide.
PJS 52, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
hotelteppanyaki counter
Order: Sushi, teppanyaki and omakase yakiniku
PJ has few genuine omakase counters, and the Sheraton's Japanese room is one of the polished ones, with teppan and yakiniku omakase on top of the sushi menu.
Taman Rasa Sayang, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
ramen
Order: Rich tonkotsu ramen
A ramen shop that built a big following on its thick, rich broths; one of the highest-rated bowls in Selangor.
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
omakase counterhotelMichelin Selectedreservation only
Order: Edomae omakase; tamagoyaki
An edomae counter carved from centuries-old hinoki, where the team flies in its own fish and shapes each nigiri in front of you. Michelin-selected and on Tatler's best omakase list โ the benchmark for a blow-out sushi night in KL.
Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
omakase counterintimate countersake listreservation only
Order: Chef Makoto Saito's seasonal sushi omakase
Long one of KL's most respected sushi counters, now tucked into Four Seasons Place. Fish arrives straight from Japan and the intimate counter turns dinner into a quiet, chef-led show.
Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
omakase counterMichelin Selectedreservation only
Order: Ginza-style edomae omakase
A Ginza-rooted sushi-ya run by chef Masakazu Ishibashi, with a menu that turns over with the Japanese seasons. Michelin-selected and a regular on Tatler's omakase shortlist.
KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
kappo counterwagyucity viewMichelin Selected
Order: Wagyu-centric kappo omakase
A 48th-floor kappo counter from Michelin-starred chef Junichi Yoshida that builds a whole course around top-grade wagyu. Michelin-selected; there's a seafood set if beef isn't your thing.
Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
omakase counterkappoMichelin Selectedtwo counter rooms
Order: Edomae sushi omakase and Miyazaki wagyu kappo
Formerly Sushi Kazu, now split into two counter rooms โ one for edomae sushi, one for wagyu kappo. Chef Norikazu Shibata's long counter earned a Michelin Selected nod in the 2026 guide.
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
Jalan Hospital, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
table grill
Order: Yakiniku grill sets
KB's top-rated Japanese spot, a yakiniku grill with nearly 3,000 reviews.
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
sushi counterreservations recommended
Order: Counter nigiri and omakase-style sets
A small sushi bar in Damansara Kim with a near-perfect rating; one of the few serious counter-sushi options on the PJ side of the border.
Sea Park, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
omakase counterlocal ingredientsseasonal menureservation only
Order: Malaysian-ingredient omakase; tamarind-seasoned sushi rice
Chef Jack Weldie's offbeat counter seasons rice with tamarind and folds local produce into a Japanese format. Topped Tatler's 2025 omakase list โ the most original Japanese meal in the Klang Valley.
PJS 52, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
hotelteppanyaki counter
Order: Sushi, teppanyaki and omakase yakiniku
PJ has few genuine omakase counters, and the Sheraton's Japanese room is one of the polished ones, with teppan and yakiniku omakase on top of the sushi menu.
Taman Rasa Sayang, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
ramen
Order: Rich tonkotsu ramen
A ramen shop that built a big following on its thick, rich broths; one of the highest-rated bowls in Selangor.
Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
sake
Order: Fresh sashimi platters and maki
A neighbourhood Japanese favourite with thousands of reviews, trusted for consistently fresh fish at prices that do not need a special occasion.
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
Jesselton Mall, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
teppanyaki counter
Order: Teppanyaki sets, sushi and sashimi
KK's top-rated Japanese spot by review volume, with a teppan show and a full sushi menu.
Suria Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
pork-free chainmall
Order: Affordable sushi and sashimi
The value pick for sushi in KK: busy, reliable and pork-free.
resortteppanyaki
Order: Teppanyaki dinner sets
The resort Japanese room at Rasa Ria, worth the drive for a polished teppan dinner.
Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
hotel
Order: Sashimi, grilled saba and bento
A long-standing hotel Japanese restaurant, often named the city's best for fresh sashimi, though prices are high.
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru, Johor
omakasereservation
Order: Charcoal-grilled omakase
JB's most talked-about omakase counter, with an open kitchen and binchotan charcoal grilling. 4.8 on Google from over 1,000 reviews.
Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru, Johor
izakayasake
Order: Izakaya skewers and omakase sets
A packed Pelangi izakaya with close to 3,000 Google reviews at 4.7. A lively room, good sake and a value omakase option.
omakase counterresortreservation only
Order: Omakase blending Japanese technique with local produce
An intimate resort omakase counter by chef Raflee Roslee, pairing Japanese technique with Malaysian ingredients. Twice on Tatler's best Japanese lists โ worth planning a Desaru night around.
Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru, Johor
omakaselunch omakasereservation recommended
Order: Lunch omakase; lobster risotto
JB's go-to omakase for Singaporeans crossing the causeway, with a lunch course from about RM268. Classic nigiri plus a few fusion plates.
Bandar Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru, Johor
buffetseveral outlets
Order: Japanese buffet
A local Japanese chain famous for its ร la carte buffet. The JBCC outlet holds 4.7 from more than 1,300 reviews.
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong, Penang
omakasesake pairingtuna cutting events
Order: Bluefin tuna cutting events; omakase with sake pairing
Penang's modern Japanese standard-bearer, known for whole bluefin and buri cutting nights and a solid sake list. On Tatler's 2025 best omakase line-up.
Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town, Penang
kappo counterseasonal menureservation recommended
Order: Kappo omakase; miso wagyu steak
A minimalist kappo room in George Town that cooks with the seasons and slips in Western touches like uni pasta. Named by both Tatler and Zafigo among Penang's best.
Jalan Fettes, Tanjung Tokong, Penang
omakaseset lunchร la carte
Order: Otoro, chutoro and uni omakase
Often credited as the island's first proper omakase, with a veteran chef and fish imported from Japan. Cosy, with ร la carte and set lunches if you don't want the full course.
Lebuh Noordin, George Town, Penang
yakitorisakecounter
Order: Yakitori over imported binchotan
About 20 skewers grilled over Japanese charcoal in a lively bar room. 4.7 stars on 1,100-plus reviews.
Pulau Tikus, George Town, Penang
chef-runreservations advised
Order: Chef's sushi and kappo sets
A veteran Japanese chef's small restaurant in Pulau Tikus, loved for precise sushi, bento and donburi lunch sets. Book ahead.
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
buffet
Order: A la carte sashimi buffet
A very popular order-as-you-like Japanese buffet with generous sashimi.
sushi
Order: Sushi and sashimi
Kuching's highest-rated Japanese restaurant by review volume, praised for fresh sushi.
Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching, Sarawak
rooftopyakitoribar
Order: Yakitori and Iberico pork skewers
A rooftop yakitori bar with top ratings; Kuching's best spot for skewers and a drink.
izakaya
Order: Sushi and izakaya dishes
A well-reviewed izakaya-style restaurant at ICOM Square.
Jalan Rubber, Kuching, Sarawak
pork-freealcohol served
Order: Sashimi
A veteran Japanese restaurant still praised for some of the best sashimi in Kuching (pork-free kitchen, alcohol served).
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
Taman Cheng Baru, Melaka, Melaka
Order: Sushi, sashimi and set meals
The top-rated Japanese restaurant in Melaka, at 4.8 on Google from over 1,500 reviews.
two branches
Order: Authentic Japanese ร la carte
A local Japanese name with two Melaka branches. This one is rated 4.7 from over 2,100 reviews.
Order: Sushi, sashimi, udon with imported ingredients
Often the first Japanese restaurant locals name in Melaka. It uses imported ingredients across a broad menu, rated 4.5 from about 1,450 reviews.
Taman Ayer Keroh Heights, Ayer Keroh, Melaka
Order: Sushi
A sushi restaurant on the Ayer Keroh side, rated 4.5 from over 700 reviews.
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
indoor & outdoor seatingreservations advised
Order: Sushi platters and ramen
Led by a former Nobu Beijing sous chef, Dozo is Ipoh's busiest upscale Japanese room, with 1,300-plus reviews and generous sushi plates. Book on weekends.
private rooms
Order: Sashimi set with freshly grated wasabi
Facing the Ipoh padang, Genki is the city's value-premium Japanese pick: fresh sashimi, real wasabi and generous sets. 4.5 stars over 400-plus reviews.
private roomsreservations advised
Order: Thick-cut sashimi; grilled squid
A calm, long-running Japanese house known for fair prices and generous thick-cut sashimi. Locals book it out on weekends.
counter seating
Order: Kushiyaki skewers; wagyu teppanyaki set
A small skewer-and-teppan bar in a Victorian-style room that scores 4.7 stars. The wagyu set and gyoza are the regular orders.
conveyor beltparking
Order: Conveyor sushi; tempura don
The Ipoh branch of the Penang-born sushi chain, popular for affordable belt sushi and donburi (800-plus reviews).
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
Seremban 2, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
izakaya
Order: Yakitori and izakaya plates
Seremban's top-rated Japanese restaurant by a distance, with about a thousand reviews averaging 4.7โ4.8. A proper grill-and-drinks izakaya.
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
Ampang Business Centre, Alor Setar, Kedah
conveyor beltfamily
Order: RM3.33 conveyor plates
Alor Setar's busiest sushi spot, with affordable belt plates and a robot runner. 4.6 stars from 1,100-plus reviews.
Kampung Pasir Hitam, Langkawi, Kedah
home kitchenbudget
Order: Hand-rolled makizushi from RM1
A home-run sushi counter where Japanese-Muslim cook Aunty Maseko hand-rolls makizushi from RM1 a piece. Quirky, cheap and very Langkawi.
Pantai Tengah, Langkawi, Kedah
garden terracereservations advised
Order: Thick-cut sashimi; sea bass four ways
Long called the island's most popular Japanese restaurant, with a garden terrace looking over jungle and sea.
โ ๏ธ Last confirmed before 2025 โ check it is open before you go.
No spots match this halal filter here. Switch to All to see everything.
The best Japanese & Omakase in Malaysia for 2026 is Sushi Taka (Kuala Lumpur), followed by Sushi Hibiki (Kuala Lumpur) and Restoran Samurai Yakiniku (Kota Bharu).
From omakase counters flying in fish from Toyosu to ramen bars and izakayas: the best Japanese food in Malaysia.
It depends on the place. 4 of our 53 Japanese & Omakase picks are halal or Muslim-friendly and 49 are non-halal. Use the halal filter at the top of the page.
Sushi Taka (KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur) is our top Japanese & Omakase pick in Kuala Lumpur.
Restoran Samurai Yakiniku (Jalan Hospital, Kota Bharu) is our top Japanese & Omakase pick in Kelantan.
Sushi Takumi (Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya) is our top Japanese & Omakase pick in Selangor.
Enso Teppanyaki Jesselton Mall (Jesselton Mall, Kota Kinabalu) is our top Japanese & Omakase pick in Sabah.
Omakase seats are few, so book two to four weeks ahead and mention any allergies.