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Dear lovers of Japanese cuisine, are you ready for a gastronomic journey through the flavors of the Rising Sun, without leaving Milan?
The city in Milan has become a veritable paradise for sushi, ramen and yakitori lovers. But before we dive into discovering the best establishments, let’s delve a little deeper into Japan’s rich culinary tradition.
Because Japanese cuisine is much more than just sushi.
Japanese gastronomy is an age-old art rooted in ancient traditions, based on three basic pillars: health, freshness and refinement. Each dish is designed to be not only tasty, but also balanced and visually appealing.
Main dishes (and ingredients) of Japanese cuisine
In addition to the famous sushi, Japanese cuisine offers a variety of dishes that will make your mouth water:
- Ramen: a noodle soup served in a flavorful broth, often enriched with meat, marinated eggs, and vegetables.
- Tempura: vegetables and seafood fried in a light, crispy batter.
- Yakitori: grilled chicken skewers, often topped with tare sauce.
- Tonkatsu: breaded and fried pork cutlet, served with cabbage and tonkatsu sauce.
- Miso soup: a soup made with dashi (broth) and miso paste, often enriched with tofu and wakame seaweed.
Japanese cuisine relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Some of the most commonly used include:
- Rice: the base of many dishes, including sushi.
- Fish and seafood: often served raw or lightly marinated.
- Seaweed: such as nori used for sushi or wakame for soups.
- Soybeans: used to make tofu, miso and the famous soy sauce.
- Wasabi: a spicy root that often accompanies sushi.
- Marinated ginger (gari): used as a “palate cleanser” (to clean the mouth) between bites of sushi.
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite, let’s explore the best Japanese restaurants in Milan!
Top Japanese restaurants in Milan
Milan offers a rich and varied landscape for lovers of Japanese cuisine: from the freshest sushi, to the most comforting ramen, with the most unexpected gastronomic fusions.
You just have to start your culinary journey through Japan… without moving from Milan!
Nobu Milan
Welcome to Nobu, a landmark of contemporary Japanese cuisine! Here you can delight in the famous Black Cod, a dish whose protagonist is Alaskan black cod, marinated with sweet miso and steamed, topped with crispy kataifi and served on a butter lettuce cup. The atmosphere is elegant and cozy, perfect for a special evening. Be sure to enjoy their creative cocktails and chocolate dessert, a sweet final treat!
📍Address: Via Gastone Pisoni, 1.
📞 Phone: 02 6231 2645.
Yokohama Flavour Journey Cuisine
Located in the heart of Milan, Yokohama Flavour Journey Cuisine will transport you straight to Japan with its innovative dishes that mix tradition and creativity. The sushi is super fresh, but don’t miss their hot dishes like ramen. And if you want to be surprised, aim for the Crispy Rice Amami: crispy rice with burrata stracciatella, red shrimp tartare, yuzu balls, lime zest and mint. The cozy atmosphere and attentive service complete an unforgettable dining experience.
📍Address: 8 Pantano Street.
📞 Phone: 02 874291.
Bomaki
For lovers of bold fusions, Bomaki is the perfect place. Here Japanese cuisine meets Brazilian in an explosion of flavors. Their creative uramaki are the star of the menu-try the ones with tropical fruit for a real treat! Plus Japanese-style tartare, tacos and burritos, signature dishes like salmon tataki or carpaccio flambé. The lively and colorful ambiance makes it ideal for a night out with friends.
📍Address: you’ll practically find a Bomaki near you wherever you are: there’s one in City Life, one in the Navigli area, in Porta Romana, Porta Venezia, Largo la Foppa and many others: take a look on their website!
Giappugliese
With a name that already promises a unique experience, Giappugliese expertly blends Italian and Japanese cuisine in the all you can eat formula. Of Apulian cuisine you will find emblematic first courses such as orecchiette alle cime di rapa and rice, potatoes and mussels. Of the Japanese one, on the other hand, you will find the classic tataki, futomaki, temaki, hosomaki. Plus lots of unexpected fusions such as the Tokyo-Lesina one-way salad. We recommend you try the La Taranta Tuna Tartare with Stracciatella and Bergamot, the Gunkan Mix, the Fritto Misto and the raw plateaus with various shellfish and crustaceans (off the menu). The cozy ambiance and super friendly staff will make you feel immediately at ease.
📍Address: 16 Papinian Ave.
📞 Phone: 340 838 9312.
Zen Sushi Restaurant
For sushi purists, Zen Sushi is heaven in Milan. The minimal and elegant ambiance will make you feel immediately in Japan. The experience here is that of ribbon sushi but the quality is really high, especially for the fish. The freshness of the ingredients and the impeccable presentation of the dishes are the strengths of this restaurant. Don’t miss their assorted sashimi and chef’s special nigiri.
📍Address: Magdalene Street, 1.
📞 Phone: 338 990 6685.
Kisen Mora
For many, the best sushi in Milan. In an essential atmosphere characterized by elegant stone walls, this restaurant offers a menu ranging from barbecued seafood delicacies to fine sushi dishes, all served in a minimalist and sophisticated design environment. Kisen Mora is distinguished by the authenticity of its dishes and the attention to detail of chef Maki San and his staff. Their teppanyaki and variety of creative rolls are especially popular. The intimate and refined setting makes it perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
📍Address: Via Gian Giacomo Mora, 9.
📞 Phone: 02 3652 5697.
Inada Ramen
Finally, for ramen lovers, we point out Inada Ramen as a must stop. The place is simple but cozy and offers homemade noodles daily. Don’t miss the Chashu ramen with its miso-based chicken broth or, for the brave, the Spicy Karaage, which will make your taste buds dance the samba. Donbury style dishes, gyoza and bao are also excellent. It is also possible to enjoy a poke.
📍Address: 7 Via Lodovico Muratori.
📞 Phone: 324 668 6663.
The next time you sit down at one of these wonderful Japanese restaurants in Milan, take a moment to appreciate not only the taste, but also the art and culture behind each dish.
Enjoy your meal or, as they would say in Japan, いただきます (itadakimasu)!