5 Restaurants Serving Authentic Japanese Food in Brighton

Brighton, a city in England, is renowned for its eclectic food scene, offering all foodies an unmatched gastronomic adventure. Aside from offering a variety of international flavours, Brighton’s Japanese restaurants specifically offer diners an authentic taste of Japan’s rich culinary heritage through dishes such as Teriyaki chicken, Donburi, and Gyoza. In this article, we will look at some of the hidden gems in Brighton that serve authentic Japanese food and delve into what makes each of these restaurants stand out.

Best Restaurants in Brighton That Offer Japanese Cuisines

Here are the top Japanese restaurants located in the heart of Brighton that you should give a try:

Tropical Sushi

With a menu mix of sushi and poke bowls blended with outside-the-box flavours, Tropical Sushi is a popular restaurant in Brighton that serves a wide variety of Japanese dishes. The foods include sashimi and sushi rolls, not forgetting the Latin flair, which makes them a mouthwatering option for sushi lovers. 

Moreover, Tropical Sushi is known for its modern, stylish atmosphere and friendly and attentive staff, ensuring customers get high-quality services. With a rating of 4.8 on Google, 5.0 on Tripadvisor, and a moderate food price range, Tropical Sushi is an ideal gem for special occasions and casual meal dates with friends and family.

Signature dishes:

• Dragon Roll: A spicy roll with shrimp tempura, eel sauce, cucumber, and avocado.
• Caterpillar Roll: A flavourful and unique roll topped with avocado, cucumber, shrimp, mango, and cream cheese.
• Rainbow Roll: A colourful and scrumptious roll with tuna, avocado, salmon, tobiko, and cucumber.

Bonsai Plant Kitchen

Located in Brighton, Bonsai Plant Kitchen is a vegan restaurant that serves various Japanese-inspired dishes, including bento boxes, ramen, and sushi. This eatery is known for its diverse menu, which is split into small plates, bao buns, sides, rice, and Bincho grill with daily specials and desserts up on the board. The dishes are creative and flavorful with exceptional quality, made with all-natural ingredients, and skilful cooking. 

Whether it’s fine private dining, an open kitchen, murals, cocktails, UV artworks, or Southeast Asian small plates, Bonsai Plant Kitchen has got you covered! The restaurant is always open from Tuesday to Saturday, meaning any gourmet can walk in and make their orders. The restaurant is a unique option for anyone looking to get a fancy meal without blowing their bank account and for vegans and non-vegans seeking an exceptional and delectable dining experience.

Signature dishes:

• Udon Katsu Curry: Curry made with a rich and creamy broth, panko fried tofu, udon noodles, carrots, and onions topped with katsu sauce.
• Sriracha “Chicken” Bao Bun: A bao bun filled with crispy “chicken” strips, coconut and pineapple slaw, sriracha mayo, and smoked applewood “cheese.”
• Rainbow Vegetable Rolls: Rolls filled with cucumber, avocado, carrot, and mango topped with sriracha mayo.

Moshimo

Among Brighton’s best eateries offering Japanese foods is Moshimo, an award-winning ethical and sustainable Japanese restaurant. The eatery serves authentic and healthy meals such as bento, vegan dishes, and sushi. The foods are made using locally sourced fresh and top-notch ingredients. At Moshimo restaurant, you not only get authentic Japanese cuisine but also a relaxed and casual atmosphere with knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to give you an out-of-this-world dining experience. 

The food prices are affordable based on what you order. As for the ratings, Moshimo has a score of 4.6/5 stars on Google and 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor, making it an excellent choice for food lovers.

Signature dishes:

• Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich and creamy pork bone broth ramen with pork belly, marinated egg, bamboo shoots, and chashu.
• Salmon Nigiri: Thinly sliced salmon on vinegared rice.
• Ebi Tempura: Lightly battered and fried prawns served with dipping sauce.

Bincho Yakitori

Are you looking for a restaurant in Brighton that specialises in Yakitori, a grilled skewered chicken? Look no further than Bincho Yakitori! This establishment offers a diverse range of culinary options, including vegan dishes, specials, and a sake menu. Its meals are grilled and cooked over a natural fire, making the food delightful. 

One thing that gives this place so much buzz is its lively and energetic atmosphere. At Bincho Yakitori, you get appetising meals and an environment where you can have as much fun as you wish. Its ratings are 4.8 stars on Google and 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor, which shows it is a good place worth trying out.

Signature dishes:

• Pork Belly Yakitori: Skewered pork belly grilled over charcoal and served with a sweet and sour sauce.
• Chicken Yakitori: Skewered chicken grilled over a natural fire and served with various dipping sauces.
• Vegetable Yakitori: Various grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.

Pompoko

Pompoko is a Japanese restaurant that offers a variety of tasty dishes that satisfy both the Eastern and Western taste buds. The eatery has steered away from the typical Japanese sushi-style selections and instead offers a menu of Japanese noodle and donburi meals, which are fast and inexpensive. Pompoko is highly rated on Tripadvisor, with a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from over 700 reviews. 

The food comes in generous portions and reasonable prices, and the staff is helpful. Additionally, the restaurant is clean and comfortable, with seating available on the ground floor, first floor, and outside. If you are looking for a place that does not offer the regular Japanese menu selection, you should try Pompoko. 

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Signature dishes:

• Yakiniku don: A tasty dish of thinly sliced beef, stir-fried onions, and a sauce made of soy sauce served over rice.
• Mabo tofu don: A classic Japanese meal of ground pork and tofu simmered in a spicy sauce and served over rice.
• Kimchi Udon: A spicy and delicious udon dish with pork, kimchi, and soy sauce broth.

Alternative Japanese Restaurants

Other best places that offer authentic Japanese food in Brighton include the following:

• Yo! Brighton: This restaurant offers fresh and delicious culinary options like hot street food, sushi, salads, and sides. 
• Happy Maki: A stylish vegan sushi brand that makes healthy yet filling fast food without compromising quality and flavour. Examples of dishes offered include sashimi, sushi burritos, sushi bowls, nigiri and gluten-free food.
• Kusaki: This gem offers plant-based and traditional meals emphasising organic and healthy food. The dishes served include bao buns, ramen, and gyozas.
• O’Shio: This is a modern eating place with a focus on innovative dishes, which include sushi rolls, grilled skewers, tempura, and ramen.
• Goeman Ramen: A traditional Japanese ramen restaurant focusing on hearty and flavourful broths with various ramen dishes and sides such as tempura and gyoza.

Final Thoughts on these Japanese restaurants in Brighton

Brighton cuisine is enriched by the presence of these authentic Japanese restaurants. Each of them offers a variety of cuisines and a unique perspective on Japan’s rich culinary heritage. From the delicate artistry of sushi to the comforting warmth of ramen, the eateries have something for everyone. So whether you are just looking for the casual convenience of a quick service eatery or a place to enjoy a wide selection of Japanese food, these restaurants will offer you that and much more.