Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Japanese and Sushi Restaurants in Brighton
Our top picks of Japanese restaurants in Brighton
Japanese Restaurant Brighton Guide
Brighton is a brilliant destination for lovers of Japanese cuisine, with everything from elegant sushi restaurants to comforting bowls of ramen and crispy tempura. Whether you’re after a casual bite or fine dining, this round-up of Brighton’s best Japanese restaurants highlights where to enjoy fresh flavours and authentic dishes across the city.
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Moshimo, an award-winning sustainable and ethical Japanese restaurant in Brighton & Hove, stands out among the city’s sushi offerings. They are renowned for serving some of the best sushi in town and have a strong commitment to sustainability, never serving endangered fish. Their Fish Love campaign has even influenced policy change in Europe. Moshimo’s 50% membership discount on vegan sushi every Wednesday demonstrates their dedication to accommodating all diners.
Nestled in the heart of the historic Lanes, the award-winning Japanese cocktail bar and restaurant offers a delightful blend of casual dining and drinking. With a Japanese drinks menu boasting uniquely crafted cocktails, the Lychee Koku beckons for another sip. Complementing these exquisite libations are tantalising options from the menu, including fresh sushi – perfectly paired with a cocktail. Indulge in nigiri, maki, and rolls, each crafted with fresh ingredients and their signature Blossoms sauce.
Wabi Sabi in Hove will take you on a Japanese culinary journey. Located on Church Road, it’s a welcoming Hove restaurant for family, friends, work meetings, and celebrations. Their bar is fully equipped for cocktails and with a sake menu that will satisfy any sake enthusiast. Their menu features traditional sushi dishes, curries, platters, noodles and a lunch menu with bento boxes – all made fresh to order.
Bonsai Plant Kitchen in Brighton has plenty of Japanese style influences and is situated on Baker Street close to Brighton Open Market. With a wide array of mouthwatering dishes, the Bonsai Burger, ramen dishes, and vegan sushi are standout favourites. This vibrant eatery embraces sustainability and was voted “Plant Champion” at the 2023 and 2024 BRAVO Awards, while also securing a top 20 position for the best restaurant in Brighton. The friendly atmosphere, along with their dedication to vegan cuisine, makes Bonsai Plant Kitchen a must-visit for both vegans and Asian food enthusiasts looking for an exceptional dining experience in Brighton.
Temaki Bros brings Brighton a fresh, fun and flavour-packed sushi experience at Shelter Hall. Founded by sushi devotee Alastair Green, the menu celebrates his lifelong passion with hand-rolled temaki, loaded rice bowls, soft baos, and more. Each dish blends Japanese precision with modern street food energy. From crisp nori rolls to creative toppings, it’s fast, feel-good sushi that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever your craving hits.
More Japanese and Sushi Restaurants in Brighton
Sunoso | Sushi Brighton
Sunoso Japanese restaurant in Brighton, located just down from Brighton railway station, is a must-visit for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts.
Indulge in their mouthwatering Rainbow Roll, a delightful sushi creation bursting with colours and flavours. For a heartier option, try their Teriyaki Don with a choice of sides. The convenience of online ordering allows you to enjoy these delectable dishes from the comfort of your home or office.
Sushi restaurants in Brighton come in all shapes and sizes, one truly stand-out venue is Tropical Sushi who fuse Venezuelan and Colombian passion with the Japanese delicacy. While the fusion may sound odd at first, it actually has a long historical context and the flavours naturally work well together. Freshness is key at Tropical Sushi, with a focus on fresh local ingredients and sushi is made to order. If you’re not after sushi, but love the sound of a fresh healthy lunch then give the Poke Bowls a try. Some of the best sushi Brighton has to offer in our opinion as every mouthful is packed with flavour.
Goeman Ramen
Goemon Ramen restaurant in Brighton is a cool spot for ramen lovers. Located in the heart of the Brighton Lanes, it offers a warm and cosy ambiance to savour authentic Japanese flavours. The Tonkotsu Ramen is a must-try, boasting rich and flavuorful broth with tender pork belly. For a delightful vegetarian option, the Vegetable Gyoza Ramen is a perfect choice. Goemon Ramen’s commitment to traditional recipes and top-quality ingredients makes it a go-to spot for an authentic and satisfying ramen Asian experience in Brighton.
Japanese Cafe an-an
Cafe An-an is a Japanese cafe and confectioner in Hove which uses local and organic ingredients to make its speciality wagashi (a traditional sweet, usually served with tea). The Hove cafe has a wonderful fun character and is very welcoming.
The home kitchen start-up is open not only for sweets and tea but a selection of traditional and homemade lunches. Keep an eye on their social media feed for special events.
Wagamama
Despite being a chain restaurant, Wagamama really does deliver. Wagamama means ‘naughty child’ in Japanese which gives you a sense of the determination and stubbornness of the place to provide consistently good food. The seating is usually in an authentically Japanese arrangement with long wooden tables and benches. The menu is extensive with an eclectic range of Japanese inspired dishes including gyozas, ramen, teppanyaki, donburi, omakase and curry. This Japanese restaurant is located in Brighton’s North Laine area.
Pompoko Street Food
Pompoko restaurant in Brighton is a popular spot for tasty and affordable Japanese street food. Located in the vibrant North Laine area, it offers a cosy and casual dining experience. The Chicken Katsu Curry and Vegetable Tempura are two beloved dishes that keep customers coming back for more. With its friendly atmosphere, quick service, and mouthwatering Asian food, Pompoko is a must-visit for anyone craving a delicious yet value for money Japanese restaurant in Brighton.
Murasaki Izakaya
Murasaki Café in Seven Dials offers ‘the most authentic, mouth-watering Japanese food outside of Japan’. The concept revolves around serving traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Two standout Asian dishes on their menu are the Salmon Teriyaki, featuring succulent grilled salmon glazed with a flavourful teriyaki sauce, and the Vegetable Tempura, a delightful mix of crispy and perfectly fried tempura vegetables.
Sushi Garden | Sushi Brighton
Often flagged as the best sushi in Brighton Sushi Garden has high integrity when it comes to their craft. No frills bistro style Asian restaurant, they focus on the quality and precision of the sushi they serve. The service is super friendly and efficient, making you feel extremely well looked after and at home. Albeit a very Japanese style home.
The Spicy Tuna Roll and Dragon Roll are two delectable dishes that showcase the restaurant’s dedication to fresh and flavourful sushi. Located on the bottom of Preston Street close to The New Club.
Shogun Ramen
Shogun Ramen in Brighton offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, specialising in delicious ramen bowls and fresh sushi. Two of their must-try dishes are the Tonkotsu Ramen, rich and flavourful with tender pork belly, and the Dragon Roll, a delightful sushi roll with tempura prawns and avocado. Located in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes, this Brighton restaurant boasts a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a warm bowl of ramen or savouring their delectable sushi creations. If you’re a fan of Japanese or Asian restaurants, Shogun Ramen is a must-visit destination. Just around the corner from the famous Cricketers pub on Black Lion Street.
Itsu | East Asian Fast Food
itsu restaurant in Brighton and Hove offers a vibrant and healthy Japanese dining experience. With a focus on nutritious and delicious food, two of their standout dishes are the Rainbow Detox Salad, bursting with fresh veggies and superfoods, and the Prawn Crackers, a delightful crunchy treat. The concept revolves around providing fast, nutritious, and affordable Japanese-inspired dishes, making it a great option for those looking for a quick and wholesome meal. Whether you’re a health-conscious foodie or just craving some tasty Japanese or Asian fare, itsu is the go-to spot for a satisfying dining experience.
Kusaki | Japanese Restaurant
Kusaki in Brighton offers a unique and artistic dining experience with a focus on plant-based Japanese cuisine. The name itself translates to ‘plants,’ which is reflected in their flavourful dishes inspired by Japanese traditions. The Japanese restaurant’s contemporary ambiance is accentuated by a blossoming indoor tree, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. From upscale Japanese delicacies to handcrafted cocktails, sake, and wine, Kusaki takes diners on a culinary journey that celebrates both taste and sustainability. For those seeking a fusion of art, culture, and delicious plant-based fare, Kusaki is a must-visit destination in Brighton.
Aji Sushi | Sushi in Hove
Aji Sushi restaurant in Hove offers an authentic Japanese dining experience with a delectable selection of dishes. Two of their must-try dishes are the Aji Special Roll, a tantalising combination of fresh fish, avocado, and spicy mayo, and the classic Chicken Teriyaki, featuring tender grilled chicken in a savoury teriyaki sauce. Aji Sushi’s warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to savour traditional Japanese or Asian flavours. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or exploring Japanese cuisine for the first time, Aji Sushi guarantees a delightful culinary journey.
Happy Maki | Vegan Maki Rolls
When you’re doing the rounds of sushi restaurants Brighton has to offer Happy Maki is a must, it’s perhaps more Brighton than authentic Japanese in its offering, but what it offers is pretty special. Happy Maki serves entirely vegan burrito-sized maki rolls with eight great wraps to choose from including cod and duck meat alternatives and pure veg for those who find the concept of fake meat confusing. A percentage of all their sales goes towards two great charities, one planting trees and the other feeding and educating children in some of the poorest parts of the world, giving your trip to Happy Maki an extra feel-good factor. Just around the corner from the award winning Terre à Terre restaurant, Happy Maki is adjacent to the coach station in Brighton.
Bincho Yakitori | Izakaya
Bincho Yakitori on Brighton’s “restaurant street” is an Izakaya bar; a sort of after-work watering hole populated by young Japanese professionals. Here you will find no-fuss dining where even garnishes are omitted so that every bit of effort and resource can go into delivering mouthwatering cuisine. Most dishes come from the wood grill and are for sharing, the menu changes weekly and specials are chalked up daily. The look and feel are like a back street street-vendor, the taste is grade-A modern Japanese cuisine. In 2019 Bincho Yakitori won second place in the BRAVO Best International Restaurant award, making Preston Street a little slice of Japanese delight in the heart of Brighton.
Fumi
Immerse yourself in the artistry of expertly crafted sushi rolls. From classic favourites to innovative creations, FUMI’s menu showcases the best of Japanese cuisine, using only the freshest ingredients. With its inviting atmosphere and attentive service, FUMI promises an unforgettable sushi experience that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Japan. FUMI is also a great spot for coffee and pastries in the morning and Bento boxes at lunch time.
Q
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A
- Wabi Sabi do delivery with Uber Eats
- Moshimo deliver sushi
- Here is a Brighton takeaway guide which gives you plenty of sushi options where you can order online.
Japanese cuisine is the traditional food culture of Japan, characterised by its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, artful presentation, and balanced flavors. It offers a diverse range of dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen, udon, soba, teriyaki, and more. The Japanese culinary philosophy places great importance on preserving the natural flavors of ingredients and using simple cooking techniques to enhance them. Additionally, Japanese dining etiquette and table manners are essential aspects of the cuisine, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and respect for food and hospitality.
Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish made with vinegared rice, often combined with various ingredients such as raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. There are several different types of sushi, including:
Nigiri Sushi: Hand-formed sushi rice topped with a thin slice of raw fish, shrimp, or other seafood, often garnished with a bit of wasabi.
Maki Sushi: Sushi rolls wrapped in seaweed (nori), with rice on the inside and a variety of fillings like fish, vegetables, and avocado.
Temaki Sushi: Cone-shaped hand-rolled sushi with a similar filling to maki rolls but served in a single piece.
Uramaki Sushi: Inside-out rolls, where the rice is on the outside, and the seaweed wraps around the filling.
Chirashi Sushi: A bowl of sushi rice topped with a colourful assortment of raw fish, vegetables, and other toppings.
Inari Sushi: Sushi rice is stuffed inside a seasoned and sweetened pouch of fried tofu (aburaage).
Oshi Sushi: Sushi rice is compressed into a box-shaped mould with various toppings, then sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Gunkan Sushi: Small oval-shaped mounds of sushi rice wrapped in a strip of seaweed, with ingredients like fish roe or sea urchin placed on top.
Each type of sushi offers a unique flavour and texture experience, and sushi chefs take great care in the presentation to create visually appealing and delicious dishes. Sushi has gained popularity worldwide and is widely enjoyed as a delicacy for its fresh and flavourful combinations. In Brighton there are over 20 restaurants serving sushi.
Read this article by travel consultant Cecily English where she looks at the Japanese influence on UK Cuisine.
