A colourful order at Lung Fu Pao (Photo: Instagram /@lungfupao.hk)
Cover A colourful order at Lung Fu Pao (Photo: Instagram /@lungfupao.hk)

From omakase to basic crowd-pleasers, here are the Japanese restaurants the team at Tatler Hong Kong go to for a sushi fix

Hongkongers loves sushi, which is why there is no shortage of Japanese restaurants all over Hong Kong.

Whether it is traditional fare or sushi with a twist, options are endless whether you’re looking in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon or the New Territories. And while options are good, so much at every corner also makes it hard to find one that stands out from the rest.

So if you’re a bit overwhelmed with all the different Japanese restaurants in the city, but you’re hoping to be wowed by sushi that is worth going back to again and again, here are the places the editors at Tatler Hong Kong go to whenever we’re craving Japanese food that always hits the spot.

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Sushi Zo

I only came around recently to eating at Sushi Zo and was pleasantly surprised by how well-rounded the dining experience is. The elegantly minimalist setting, and being inside the historic Tai Kwun, is sure to leave an impression; and the service is attentive and cordial without being overbearing. Executive chef Michikazu Yoshida is approachable in manner and efficient with assembling the signature 18-course dinner omakase, which progresses from raw and cooked appetisers, through to a seasonal procession of nigiri featuring jet-fresh cuts of seafood from the waters of Japan. The cherry on top of the cake? Sister bar Gishiki Lounge offers an imaginative menu of cocktails just next door to round out your Japanese culinary experience.

- Gavin Yeung, senior dining editor

Sushi Zo, LG1/F Block 01, Tai Kwun, Shama Soho, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central

Katsumoto

I love me a good sushi roll (or 15, but who’s counting) and I’m guilty of always going for the Westernised versions of it. Cream cheese in a roll? I will fall hook, line and sinker for it.

It would be easy for me to say somewhere like Zuma, where the sushi is consistent and delicious, but of late, I’ve really started to enjoy the sushi at Katsumoto in Sai Ying Pun. It’s less formal, and a great option for a quick mid-week treat. Their spicy tuna is fresh and fuss-free and if you’re game to up the ante—try their cheeseburger roll. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.

- Tara Sobti, director, VIP content and communications

70 High Street G/F, Hang Sing Mansion, Sai Ying Pun

Sushi Hare

Hong Kong is a city where sushi is easier to find than a cab in the rain, yet one finds a true gem in Sushi Hare. This eight-seat restaurant, helmed by the masterful Motoharu Inazuka, remains one of the most difficult tables in the city to book. Inazuka-san serves Edomae-style omakase, which is as dynamic and intriguing as the changing seasons, with shari (or sushi rice) that subtly shifts its character to play the perfect counterpart to each piece of seafood it escorts. A visit during springtime will see hotaru ika (firefly squid) on the menu, while the season’s best ankimo (monkfish liver) makes an appearance in the winter. Securing a seat at Sushi Hare is akin to winning the gourmet lottery—tricky, yes—but the experience is well worth the chase.

- Fontaine Cheng, dining editor

Sushi Hare, G/F, 29 Bridges Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Fukumura Japanese Restaurant

Whenever I’m craving sushi, I head to Fukumura Japanese Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui, which is tucked away on the promenade level of China Hong Kong City. I’m a boring creature of habit who loves my salmon, tuna and salmon roe, but when I’m in the mood to have whatever the chef recommends, I know I’ll be indulging in an assortment of sushi and sashimi that is fresh and seasonal. The atmosphere is cosy and comfortable, and the service is warm and friendly, so Fukumura Japanese Restaurant is perfect whether I’m going with family or friends. While I do love the sushi there, I have to say my favourite is going for lunch and munch through the three sushi rice bowl set. There are ten toppings to choose from, but I always go for salmon or assorted sashimi, spring onion and minced tuna or marinated tuna, and salmon roe. Like I said: creature of habit.

- Heidi Yeung, digital editor

Fukurama Japanese Restaurant, Shop 2-3, Tower 3, Promenade Level, China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Kyoto Joe

Kyoto Joe instantly whisks me away to Japan with every bite of its sushi, and I can’t resist the California rolls and spicy toro tartare that are bursting with flavour. The intimate space, Pan-Asian decor and ceremonial details create an authentic vibe that I absolutely adore. While vegetarian options in Japanese cuisine are difficult to find in Hong Kong, Kyoto Joe has an extensive menu for days I choose to be a herbivore. For an escape to the far East, this LKF gem is a hidden slice of sushi heaven, offering cuisine as artfully crafted as it is delicious.

- Amrita Katara, watch and jewellery editor

Kyoto Joe, 23/F California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar St, Central

Lung Fu Pao

For superb sushi, tasty cocktails and quality tunes, Lung Fu Pao on Elgin Street is your best bet. Don’t be surprised by the cheeky decor—named after a raunchy adult magazine, the walls and plates are plastered with suggestive imagery, but the food is truly the star of the show. In addition to classic nigiri (hand-pressed sushi) and maki (rolls) options, they offer unique rolls and sashimi boats that delight both the eyes and tastebuds. There is also yakitori, fried chicken and udon if you’re in the mood for something hot. This is the perfect spot to catch up with a friend, gear up for a night out with a group, or simply chow down at the bar. 

- Amalissa Hall, digital style writer

Lung Fu Pao, 47B Elgin St, Central

To To Ya

Japanese food isn’t my go-to cuisine as I don’t eat a lot of raw food. Even when I do go to a Japanese restaurant I tend to go for the unagi (eel), which I prefer cooked, or salmon sushi, which is the only type I like. This is perhaps why, when it comes to sushi, I've always preferred American style sushi that is cheesy, creamy and with lots of variety when it comes to its ingredients. And then I went to To To Ya, which completely changed my mind with its salmon sushi and sashimi set for two.

While there’s only one type of fish with this set, it is prepared in different ways: torched, served raw, on sushi rice and wrapped around a rice ball in a floral shape. It’s one of my favourite lunch spot on summer days, and its sushi is always very fresh. If I’m feeling extra hungry, I like to pair the set with a tofu salad, with portions generous enough for sharing, and a hot bowl of salmon head soup.

- Zabrina Lo, features editor

To To Ya, Shop 405, 4/F, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay

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