5 Best Japanese Restaurants in Calgary You’ll Want to Revisit
Calgary is famous for its steakhouses, but the local Japanese food scene is honestly just as impressive. You can find everything from melt-in-your-mouth sashimi to hearty bowls of ramen that cure the winter chill.
The tricky part is simply deciding where to go when those massive cravings hit.
We know that picking the wrong spot can easily ruin a great night out. But don’t worry! Whether you want to explore fun, cheap date restaurants or book elegant fine dining restaurants for a special milestone, we have your back.
We ate our way through the city to find the absolute best Japanese restaurants in Calgary. Read on to discover our top picks for your next unforgettable meal.
How much does a Japanese restaurant cost in Calgary?
Dining at a Japanese restaurant in Calgary typically costs $20 to $50 per person, though premium dining experiences can exceed $160. The final price depends on the restaurant’s style and menu selection.
| Dining Style | Average Cost (Per Person) |
| All-You-Can-Eat Buffets | $25 – $41 |
| Casual À La Carte & Izakayas | $20 – $40 |
| Teppanyaki (Table-Side Grilling) | $30 – $60+ |
| Premium Omakase (Chef’s Tasting Menu) | $75 – $160+ |
1. Tori Bar
Website: https://www.toribaryyc.ca/
Address: 905 13 St.
Contact: 825-540-1156 | [email protected]
Hours: Tue to Thu 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Fri to Sat 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Sun to Mon Closed
Tori Bar brings a Tokyo alleyway feel to Calgary’s Inglewood neighborhood with authentic Japanese yakitori and classic grilled flavors. Their cozy space and sizzling grills create a warm dining experience.
I like that their menu offers more than chicken skewers. They also offer beef, lamb, seafood, rice dishes, and drink pairings that match the grilled food. The variety makes it easier to enjoy a full meal with different choices.
Beyond the food, the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere helps make each visit feel lively and relaxed. It keeps the focus on simple flavors and a memorable Japanese dining style.
Before visiting, remember they only serve dinner and close on Sundays and Mondays. Reservations also have to be made by phone or email since booking isn’t available for this place.
Cozy Yakitori Spot with Authentic Flavors
Tori bar is a very cozy restaurant with lots of bar sittings. Walkins over the weekend quite be difficult, it is recommended to make a reservation. The food was tasty, especially the Tsukune yakitori, it is soft on the outside with crunchy surprises in the middle. The new menu Jaru Soba was done in an authentic Japanese way and super refreshing.
- Alex Feng | Google Review
Small Inglewood Yakitori Restaurant Worth Reserving
Such a cute yakitori restaurant in Inglewood! The restaurant is small (definitely recommend a reservation) and the food was amazing! Tried most of the chicken skewers, the cucumber salad, seaweed salad, black cod, and daikon salad. Also the grilled mochi for dessert was amazing. Highly recommend
- Erin O | Google Review
2. Shokunin
Website: https://shokuninyyc.ca/
Address: 2016 4 St.
Contact: 403-229-3444 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon & Tue Closed, Wed 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Thu to Sat 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Sun 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Shokunin introduces Japanese cooking to Calgary by blending classic techniques with fresh Canadian ingredients. Chef Darren MacLean and the team use produce from their own farm and garden, so every dish feels special and carefully made.
My favorite part was sitting at the Chef’s Bar and watching the chefs prepare the 15-course Yakitori Omakase. The meal features rare cuts like chicken oysters and goes well with their house-brewed OKAMI KASU beer.
Besides the food, being named one of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants shows their great reputation and focus on details.
If you want to visit, remember they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Omakase is also only available in the evenings from Wednesday to Sunday, and seats are limited.
Unforgettable 15-Course Yakitori Omakase Experience
We originally saw the owner of the restaurant on the Netflix show “The Final Table” and were convinced just by his performance we had to come try this restaurant out. I will say the experience was unreal, food was fantastic and staff were unbelievably friendly! This 15 course experience is something you cannot miss in Calgary – each dish was served to perfect and explained to us with such detail. I would highly recommend doing the 15 course yakitori omakase experience if you get the chance as it allows you to try so many different dishes! 10/10 amazing restaurant!
- Kasia Bilek | Google Review
Unique Japanese Dining with Great Service and Decor
Totally delightful restaurant, and Jan was a brilliant, knowledgeable, prompt, and helpful server! Would highly recommend the beef tongue and chicken knees. Go out on a limb and try something unique! Definitely a must try. Beautiful decor in the place as well, Wall murals (pictured), and the menu is great (also pictured). Mushroom dishes are also delicious, as are the Ramen and salmon dishes. Everything we tried is pictured. Thanks, will definitely come back!
- Rob Maciak | Google Review
3. Fifth Avenue Sushi
Website: https://www.fifthavenuesushi.ca/
Address: 118A 5th Ave.
Contact: 825-205-9668 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sat to Sun 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fifth Avenue Sushi is a convenient downtown place for lunch or dinner, serving creative Japanese dishes from Head Chef Mike. The menu features favorites like Wafu Bifu Steak and Izakaya Pork Sisig, so every visit feels unique.
I liked the mix of tasty food, reasonable prices, and helpful perks like free parking. You can also build your own ramen by picking the proteins and noodles you like best.
If you’re busy, you can make same-day reservations, which makes it easier to plan a last-minute meal.
Keep in mind that bento boxes are only served at lunch. If you’re with a bigger group, party trays are available, but only for takeout.
Cozy Japanese Restaurant with Delicious Food
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Such a great experience! The food was absolutely delicious, and the ambiance was cozy and inviting. The location gives a beautiful Japanese traditional vibe, and the staff were friendly and accommodating, which made our visit even more enjoyable. You can really feel the care put into both the menu and the space. Congrats on a wonderful new restaurant!
- Anne Marie | Google Review
Hospitable Sushi Spot with Standout Recommendations
5ave Sushi, may be an all time favourite for Calgary restaurants. Place felt like the restaurant from kill bill if you know you know. On top of this the owner very kindly and hospitable and served us and recommended what to get. Mainly the food was delicious like beyond delicious. Highly recommend!
- Cohen Turnbull | Google Review
4. Shibuya Izakaya Sushi Restaurant
Website: https://www.shibuyaizakaya.com/
Address: 5010 4 St.
Contact: 403-452-7665 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Sun 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Shibuya Izakaya Sushi Restaurant has welcomed Calgary diners since 2007 as a family-run spot inspired by the lively streets of Tokyo. Their menu offers much more than sushi, with sashimi, tempura, tapas, and grilled dishes for different cravings.
Beyond the menu, the relaxed atmosphere makes it a comfortable choice for casual meals or late-night visits.
Another thing I appreciate is the easy dining options, including dine-in, pickup, and delivery through local apps. They’re open every day from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM and offer free parking for guests.
The kitchen, though, has a 10:30 PM cutoff. It’s best to plan your orders so you don’t miss anything.
Fresh Sushi and Quick, Friendly Service
First time visiting this restaurant and it definitely won’t be the last. We tried a few dishes that we’re familiar with from other sushi restaurants but we were impressed. The staff and service was amazing and quick. Some of the specialty rolls were slightly higher that what we’ve seen at other sushi restaurants but for the flavor, freshness and quality, it was definitely worth it. This recommendation is highly recommended!
- Ed M. Contreras | Google Review
Delicious Japanese Food with Courteous Staff
The restaurant has a good ambiance and the staff were so courteous. The food was delicious and will definitely visit again. We loved the beef tataki. I ended up forgetting my cell phone at the restaurant and the staff kept it safe and returned it when I came back to pick it. Kudos to staff this evening extra star for them.
- Natasha | Google Review
5. OMO Teppan and Kitchen
Website: https://www.omoyyc.com/
Address: 5222 Macleod Trail
Contact: 403-764-3222 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Sat to Sun 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
OMO Teppan and Kitchen is a great spot for Japanese food, featuring premium Wagyu and lively teppanyaki shows. The chefs cook right at your table and keep things fun with jokes and tricks.
I liked that the menu is easy to read and clearly marks vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free choices. There are also special deals, like Wagyu Appy Mondays and Date Night Thursdays.
For diners looking for variety, the mix of quality food and live cooking creates a memorable meal.
Keep in mind there’s a $19 minimum order for teppanyaki seating, which might not suit light eaters.
Also, they’re only open in the evenings, so there’s no weekday lunch service.
Entertaining Birthday Dinner with Great Teppanyaki Service
Visited today to celebrate my birthday and I was so happy that I chose this restaurant 😊 We were served by chief Tom and server Christina and they were super professional, entertaining, and caring!!! I received so many surprises and entire experience just made my birthday unforgettable!!! Of course food was really good and I can’t wait to come back later!!! Definitely recommend this place❣️
- Jooyeon Caley Shim | Google Review
Fun Teppanyaki Show with Tasty Food and Friendly Atmosphere
This is an interesting place with a fun atmosphere. We came to eat sushi, but ended up in a restaurant with a show program of meat dishes being prepared. This is definitely a restaurant worth visiting, but be prepared to sit at a table with other people if your group is not very large. Also, after your visit, your clothes will smell like fried food. The food was very tasty, and the atmosphere was friendly.
- Olena Bondar | Google Review