No. 1
Shokunin
Guests who dine at Shokunin come to enjoy a meal made with seasonal ingredients that showcase Japanese flavours. There are plenty of yakitori options on the menu, as well as dishes like the bison tataki, soft shell crab tempura and the Black Cod Collar “Chops” served with a 48-hour miso marinade. Pair your meals with a craft cocktail like the Tokyo Bahama or enjoy a classic Japanese sake or whisky.
2016 4 St. S.W., 403-229-3444, shokuninyyc.ca, @shokuninyyc
Runners-up
Shiki Menya
It’s not unusual to see a lineup of ramen fans waiting outside Shiki Menya in Bridgeland. The restaurant’s fresh ingredients, presentation and flavours are well worth the wait. The menu includes a limited number of ramen bowls made daily with house-made noodles. We recommend ordering the Chilli Goma Ramen, but if it’s sold out, you can purchase an at-home ramen kit from First Avenue Corner Store, located behind Shiki Menya.
824 1 Ave. N.E., 403-454-2722, shikimenya.ca, @shikimenya
Kinjo Sushi & Grill
With 17 years in business and six locations to its name, Kinjo Sushi & Grill is a staple of Calgary’s dining scene. The menu features quality ingredients in its wide variety of sushi, tempura and home-style Japanese dishes, while the fun and energetic environment leaves guests wanting to dine here again and again.
Six Calgary locations, kinjosushiandgrill.com, @kinjo_sushi
Big Catch Sushi Bar
Big Catch Sushi Bar is best known for its made-to-order open sushi bar. Enjoy a platter of assorted sushi rolls or venture from the traditional and try the Passion Sunrise roll, which is made with crab and cucumber and topped with salmon, green onions, cherry tomato and volcano sauce. Another great choice is the God of Wind roll, featuring prawn tempura and cucumber topped with avocado and unagi.
8835 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-708-5555, bigcatchcalgary.ca, @bigcatchcalgary
Fuji Ramen and Sushi
In addition to sushi and ramen, Fuji’s menu features several shareable starters, tempura and teriyaki dishes. You can’t go wrong with popular options like the Black or Red Fuji Tonkotsu ramens, while feature sushi rolls like the mango paradise or battleship rolls are sure to help fill you up as well.
111, 12100 Macleod Tr. S.E., 587-352-5595, fujiramenandsushi.com, @fujiramenandsushi
Sushi Bar Zipang
Sushi Bar Zipang has been serving authentic Japanese cuisine in Bridgeland for more than 15 years. Start with some hiyayakko (tofu with grated ginger and dried bonito flakes), followed by shake kama no shioyaki (grilled salmon head) and end with assorted sushi. Share a meal here with friends, on a date or with family.
1010 1 Ave. N.E., 403-262-1888, zipang.ca, @sushi.barzipang
Sukiyaki House
Sukiyaki House has been a popular destination for Japanese food for more than 40 years. This contemporary restaurant offers beautiful, traditional Japanese dishes prepared by head chef Koji Kobayashi. The dinner menu features tuna tataki, shrimp tempura, miso sablefish and a sashimi dinner, which can be paired with one of the many wine and sake offerings.
207 9 Ave. S.W., 403-263-3003, sukiyakihouse.com, @sukiyakihouseyyc
OMO Teppan and Kitchen
If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining dining experience, then OMO Teppan and Kitchen is a great choice. Here, your own table side teppanyaki chef skillfully cooks your meal on a giant grill while entertaining guests with humour and fire. OMO offers premium meats like Japanese Wagyu, filet mignon and Korean beef short ribs.
5222 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-764-3222, omoyyc.com, @omoyyc