Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Downtown Minneapolis | Upscale Japanese Food

9 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Downtown Minneapolis | Upscale Japanese Food

• Cobble Minneapolis — Japanese · rated 4/5: Tucked away in the North Loop, this intimate lounge invites guests into a moody, candlelit sanctuary where exposed brick and plush velvet seating set the stage for a sophisticated evening. The air hums with the rhythmic shake of cocktails and low conversation, creating a refined yet secretive atmosphere perfect for lingering over artisanal spirits and artfully prepared small plates.
• Wave Sushi — Japanese · rated 4/5: Step into a serene, light-filled space where the rhythmic energy of the ocean meets modern artistry, creating a tranquil backdrop for a masterclass in Japanese coastal cuisine. Each plate arrives as a vibrant canvas, featuring buttery slices of pristine sashimi and inventive signature rolls that balance the delicate sweetness of the sea with bold, contemporary accents. The experience is as refreshing as its namesake, inviting guests to linger over artfully prepared bites while the fluid motions of the chefs provide a captivating centerpiece to the evening.
• Hibachi Daruma — Japanese · rated 4/5: The air at Hibachi Daruma hums with a welcoming energy, filled with the bright, zesty scent of ginger dressing and the comforting steam of savory Japanese onion soup. Golden-crisped chicken kara-age and light, airy tempura provide a playful crunch alongside the rich, buttery depth of grilled hamachi kama, creating a balanced tapestry of traditional flavors. This lively destination invites guests to linger over shareable plates and vibrant dishes that celebrate the art of Japanese comfort food.
• Noa — Japanese · rated 3/5: Noa unfolds as a sanctuary of celebration, where the soft glow of candlelight and the hum of anticipation set a sophisticated stage for the year’s final hours. The kitchen orchestrates a masterful five-course journey, weaving together refined seasonal flavors into a rhythmic progression of dishes that invite guests to linger over every exquisite bite. It is an immersive culinary countdown, blending artistry and elegance to create a festive experience that resonates long after the final toast.
• Ococo — Japanese · rated 3/5: Sunlight dances across the minimalist, earth-toned interior of Ococo, where the intoxicating aroma of premium cacao and roasted botanicals sets the stage for a sophisticated sensory journey. This artisanal haven transforms raw, natural ingredients into elegant, soul-warming creations, offering a serene escape where every bite feels like a vibrant celebration of pure, unadulterated flavor.
• Zen Box Izakaya — Japanese: Stepping into Zen Box Izakaya feels like entering a hidden gem in Tokyo, where the air is thick with the savory steam of slow-simmered ramen broth and the lively chatter of a neighborhood gathering. Guests share vibrant small plates and clink glasses of sake beneath glowing lanterns, finding a perfect harmony between the high-energy pulse of a Japanese gastropub and the soulful comfort of traditional craft.
• Billy Sushi — Japanese: This high-octane destination pulses with an electric energy, where neon-lit interiors and a lively soundtrack set the stage for a bold, contemporary take on Japanese dining. Masterful chefs transform pristine seafood into edible art, balancing traditional precision with playful innovation to create a sensory feast that feels like a nightly celebration.
• Kado no Mise — Japanese: Bathed in natural light from its prominent corner windows, this serene sanctuary of Japanese minimalism invites guests into a world of quiet elegance and focused craftsmanship. The rhythmic slice of the chef’s blade and the delicate molding of seasoned rice define an authentic Edomae-style experience, where every piece of pristine, seasonal seafood is treated as a fleeting work of art.
• Sota — Japanese: Sota invites diners into a serene, minimalist sanctuary where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s knife takes center stage at the intimate wooden counter. Each plate arrives as a masterclass in balance, pairing the pristine freshness of the daily catch with subtle, inventive accents that transform traditional Japanese techniques into a modern, multisensory art form.