Lewis HiceI love an elegant omakase moment, but sometimes I don’t need twelve courses and a chef’s life story. There are days I just want excellent sushi, a hot bowl of ramen, or a bento that hits the spot.
That’s where the best Japanese restaurant in Jacksonville comes in. The city has plenty of places for everything from quick lunches to teppanyaki nights with a bit more theater.
I checked out the local options with both cravings in mind. Whether you’re after something polished or pleasingly simple, these are the spots worth keeping on your radar.
How much does it cost to dine in a Japanese restaurant in Jacksonville?
Dining at a Japanese restaurant in Jacksonville can cost anywhere from a casual lunch to an omakase splurge.
AYCE sushi and hibachi typically cost $15.99 to $24.99 per person. It’s a solid pick when you’re hungry enough to make that second roll count.
Standard Japanese entrees and hibachi generally run $17.95 to $22.95. That covers plenty of everyday sushi, teriyaki, and grill-night cravings.
Fine dining and omakase usually start around $30 and can exceed $60 per person. Premium sashimi, drinks, and extras can quickly nudge that bill higher.
1. Wasabi Steak House
Address: 10206 Rivercoast Dr
Contact: (904) 997-6528; [email protected]
Hours: Lunch daily, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM;
Dinner Monday–Thursday, 5 PM–10 PM; Friday, 5 PM–10:30 PM;
Saturday, 4:30 PM–10:30 PM; Sunday, 4:30 PM–10 PM
Wasabi Steak House is the kind of place I’d pick when dinner needs a little theater. The teppanyaki chefs cook right at the table, so there’s plenty happening before the first bite even lands.
The menu goes beyond hibachi, with sushi, sashimi, rolls, and Japanese lunch and dinner combinations.
I like that flexibility because not everyone at the table has to be in full steak-and-shrimp mode.
It works especially well for families, groups, and celebrations where sitting around the grill feels like part of the occasion. Lunch is another good option if you want the experience without committing to a bigger evening meal.
The trade-off is that hibachi isn’t exactly grab-and-go dining. If you’re after something very quick or quiet, the lively communal setup may feel like more production than you need.
Customer Reviews
We both left beyond full, but it was well worth it and very good.
I have been wanting to go to Wasabi Steak House for a while and finally talked her into it. Went for lunch, which was a great deal compared to dinner prices. I had the ribeye, and she had the Salmon; both came with a house salad. The plates were very large and very full of a mix of vegetables and fried rice, with each getting a large portion of steak and salmon. We both left beyond full, but it was well worth it and very good.
- Joe Robinette | Google Review
I was not disappointed. I had a great experience at this hibachi restaurant!
I went to this restaurant when I visited Jacksonville for business. I chose this restaurant after I read other reviews. I was not disappointed. I had a great experience at this hibachi restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The service was outstanding from start to finish. Everyone was attentive, friendly, and made me feel welcome. The chef was especially impressive, not only skilled at preparing the meal right in front of us, but also incredibly entertaining.
- Steve Ha | Google Review
2. Hiro Japanese Restaurant
Address: 10920 Baymeadows Rd #30
Contact: (904) 363-8888
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM; 4:30 PM–9 PM
Friday–Saturday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM; 4:30 PM–10 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM; 4:30 PM–9 PM
Hiro Japanese Restaurant is one of those places I’d keep in mind when I want more than the usual sushi roll lineup.
The menu stretches from sashimi and ramen to takoyaki, okonomiyaki, hibachi, and plenty in between.
I especially like that you can go basic or a bit fancy here. Premium tuna cuts such as otoro and chu toro give serious sushi fans something worth scanning the menu for.
It works well for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, so it’s easy to fit into a casual lunch or dinner plan. The broad menu helps when everyone at the table is craving something different.
The main catch is the schedule. Hiro is closed on Mondays, and the 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM break can be awkward if you’re after a late lunch.
Customer Reviews
This has to be the most authentic Japanese restaurant in town!
I have been wanting to try Hiro ever since it opened, but I live all the way at the beach. My sister was in town and wanted something authentic. Hiro did not disappoint! This has to be the most authentic Japanese restaurant in town! The server was very attentive, the food was delicious, and the chef was very sweet to check on all the tables. We ordered okonomiyaki(best I’ve had), karaage, chawanmushi, shrimp tempura, chirashi bowl, sushi dinner, nigiri, and udon soup.
- Candice Herrmann | Google Review
I can’t wait to come back with some friends.
All of our sushi rolls were amazing, and the okonomiyaki was yummy! It was our first time in, and it was lovely.
Very clean, very kind staff, and the Chef came by to say hello and make sure everything was good! They have trivia, bingo, and karaoke nights too!
I can’t wait to come back with some friends. We stumbled onto an amazing spot.
- Riley Mack | Google Review
3. Yan Sushi Restaurant
Address: 5711 Bowden Rd
Contact: (904) 896-2119, [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
Friday: 11 AM–2 PM; 3 PM–9 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–9 PM
Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
Yan Sushi Restaurant is the kind of place I’d consider when I want something quick without settling for a sad desk lunch. The menu covers sushi rolls, poke bowls, hibachi, noodles, and sushi burritos, so there’s plenty to mix things up.
I like that the setup leans casual rather than ceremonial. It works well for an easy lunch, takeaway, or a low-fuss dinner when you’re craving Japanese-inspired comfort food.
The variety is the biggest draw here, especially if your group can’t agree on sushi alone. You can go from a poke bowl to hibachi without needing a second restaurant.
The trade-off is that Yan Sushi’s menu is more casual than tightly focused. If you’re after a traditional sushi counter experience or a quieter special-occasion dinner, this probably isn’t the strongest fit.
Customer Reviews
Everything was good, the prices were reasonable, and we left full and happy.
My wife and I stopped by for lunch and really enjoyed it. We started with the shrimp tempura roll, then shared the chicken hibachi and chicken yakisoba. Everything was good, the prices were reasonable, and we left full and happy.
- JiM PiZarro | Google Review
The sushi was the best I’ve tasted in Jacksonville by far!
The pictures do not do the food justice. The food and presentation, along with the
taste was amazing! The Poké balls were a good portion and looked way better than the photos. The sushi was the best I’ve tasted in Jacksonville by far! I got the grasshopper, the Godzilla, and the Jaguar roll. It was so fresh, at the perfect temperature, and delicious! The sushi burritos looked like they were artwork! All the food was amazing, and I don’t think I would order anywhere else. Next time I will drive there instead of ordering Uber Eats and order even more 🙂
- Sarah Grenier| Google Review
4. Izakaya Ko
Address: 1198 Beach Blvd
Contact: (904) 656-8128
Hours: Lunch specials: Monday–Friday, noon–3 PM
Happy hour: Monday–Friday, 3 PM–6 PM
Late-night happy hour: Friday–Saturday, 9 PM–noon
Saturday brunch: 11 AM–2 PM
Omakase: Thursday, 5:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Izakaya Ko is where I’d go when I want Japanese food to feel more like a night out than a formal dinner. The menu leans into yakitori, sushi, sake, and shareable plates, so grazing your way through dinner is half the fun.
I like that there’s plenty of range depending on the mood. You can drop in for happy hour, try Saturday brunch, or book the Thursday omakase when you’re feeling a little more ambitious.
The Jacksonville Beach setting suits the lively gastropub vibe nicely. It’s especially good for groups who enjoy ordering a bit of everything instead of guarding one giant entree.
The downside is that small plates can quietly turn into a bigger bill once sushi, drinks, and premium extras pile up.
Omakase seating is limited too, so that option takes more planning.
Customer Reviews
Coming back soon.x
Tried the new menu & I am so in love. 😍
Tried the pork sausage, negima, and momo (Tsukune they were out – I hope to try it soon when they have it), and got the mentaiko udon – that was soooo good. I could eat that every day. Creamy, smoky, garlicky 🧄
Leida was an amazing server. She was awesome. Loved the lights/atmosphere, and we got a DJ 😎
Coming back soon.x
- Rebekah Jade | Google Review
I would definitely eat here again.
As a bona fide sushi snob who’s been to Japan several times and lived in Hawaii for over 25 years, I will say Adi and his staff make some great sushi and Izakaya dishes. The otoro hand roll was amazing. Negima and Kurobota pork sausage were a perfect starter. Spicy tuna and jalapeño Hamaichi were excellent. I would definitely eat here again.
- Chris Lounsbury | Google Review
5. Sakura Japanese Steakhouse
Address: 9432 San Jose Blvd
Contact: (904) 739-8282
Hours: Monday–Thursday 4:30 PM–9:30 PM; Friday 4:30 PM–10 PM; Saturday–Sunday 12:30 PM–10 PM
Sakura Japanese Steakhouse is the kind of place I’d pick when dinner needs a little sizzle. The hibachi grills bring the show, while sushi, tempura, teriyaki, and noodles give you plenty of backup plans.
I like that the menu works for both spectacle seekers and people who’d rather quietly focus on their rolls.
It’s a solid fit for group dinners when everyone wants something slightly different.
The weekend hours make it easier to stop by earlier in the day. During the week, though, Sakura is strictly a dinner move. Weekday lunch is completely off the table, since doors don’t open until 4:30 PM.
A full hibachi meal can get pricey too, especially once premium combinations and extras enter the chat.
Customer Reviews
Been consistently delicious for the 30 years I’ve been a patron there.
Great scenery, adult drinks that light up, awesome food and a hibachi grill show, sushi is delicious, friendly staff, clean, busy yet quick seating despite the wait- my son and I had the best time!!! Can’t wait to go back !!! I love the meal for two, so I can get some of almost everything! Yum!!! Been consistently delicious for the 30 years I’ve been a patron there. Go and enjoy!
- Kristi Jarrett | Google Review
If you are looking for a great Japanese Steakhouse experience, I highly recommend Sakura on San Jose Blvd.
I’ve been here many times and have never been disappointed. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is lively, the service is friendly, and the preparation is always entertaining. A great team makes for a positive experience from the moment you walk in the door. A big thank you to all who helped us have such a great evening. If you are looking for a great Japanese Steakhouse experience, I highly recommend Sakura on San Jose Blvd.
Looking forward to visiting again soon.
- Paul Duffe | Google Review
