Looking for the best Japanese restaurants in Taupo? Japanese food in Taupo runs from sit-down dinners of omakase sashimi, ramen and sukiyaki to quick takeaway sushi rolls for a lakefront lunch. Yorokobi on Tuwharetoa Street and Suncourt Sushi on Tamamutu Street cover both ends of that range in the town centre.
1Yorokobi Japanese Cuisine
Yorokobi is a sit-down Japanese restaurant on Tuwharetoa Street in central Taupo, its name meaning “joy” in Japanese. The kitchen is run by chefs trained in traditional Japanese techniques, with a long menu that moves from sushi, sashimi and ramen to teriyaki, tempura and shared hotpots. It suits a relaxed dinner or a longer lunch, and the menu is also available to order online.
Services
- Sushi rolls, makimono and nigiri
- Omakase sashimi platters
- Ramen, including lobster miso ramen
- Donburi and katsu curry
- Teriyaki, tempura and okonomiyaki mains
Highlights
- Nabemono hotpots including sukiyaki, beef shabu shabu and seafood nabe
- Japanese Wagyu beef yakiniku slices, grade 8 to 9
- Vegan crispy avocado maki and vegetarian gyoza on the menu
- Online ordering for takeaway alongside table bookings
Location & Contact
Name: Yorokobi Japanese Cuisine
Address: 34 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo
Phone: 07 376 7023
Website: yorokobirestaurant.co.nz
2Suncourt Sushi
Suncourt Sushi is a takeaway sushi bar on Tamamutu Street in the Taupo town centre, making rolls and nigiri for pick-up. It suits a fast lunch or a sushi tray to take down to the lake, and orders can be placed online ahead of collection.
Services
- Sushi rolls, including teriyaki chicken, salmon and crumbed chicken
- Nigiri, including katsu chicken nigiri
- Fresh salmon, snow crab and tuna options
- Takoyaki and rice balls
Highlights
- Online pre-ordering with secure online payment
- Opens from 8am, Monday to Saturday
- Online menu available in English and Chinese
Location & Contact
Name: Suncourt Sushi
Address: 19 Tamamutu Street, Taupo 3330
Website: suncourtsushi.co.nz
How to Choose the Right Japanese Restaurant in Taupo
- Decide between a sit-down meal and takeaway: hotpots, ramen and sashimi platters suit a table, while sushi rolls travel well.
- Check the menu for the dish you want, since sushi bars and full Japanese kitchens cover very different ground.
- Look for vegetarian and vegan options such as avocado maki, vegetable gyoza or tofu dishes if anyone in your group needs them.
- Ask about raw fish and allergens, especially shellfish, sesame and soy, before you order.
- Use online ordering where it is offered to skip the lunchtime wait in the town centre.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taupo Japanese Restaurants
Where can I find Japanese food in central Taupo?
Most Japanese restaurants in Taupo sit in the town centre, around Tuwharetoa Street and Tamamutu Street, within a short walk of the lakefront.
Can I get sushi takeaway in Taupo?
Yes. Sushi takeaway is easy to find in Taupo, and several places let you order online ahead of time so your rolls are ready to collect.
Do Japanese restaurants in Taupo serve ramen?
Full-service Japanese restaurants usually carry ramen alongside donburi and udon, while dedicated sushi bars tend to focus on rolls and nigiri. Check the menu before you go if ramen is what you are after.
What is omakase sashimi?
Omakase means leaving the selection to the chef. An omakase sashimi platter is a chef’s choice of the day’s raw fish, usually offered in a few sizes for one person or a group.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options at a Japanese restaurant?
Most Japanese menus include vegetable gyoza, tofu dishes, avocado or cucumber rolls and vegetable tempura. Ask about dashi and sauces, as many broths and glazes contain fish or other animal products.
Is a booking needed for dinner?
For a sit-down dinner at a Japanese restaurant in Taupo, booking ahead is sensible in summer and on weekends, when visitors fill the town centre. Takeaway sushi generally needs no booking.
What is nabemono?
Nabemono is the family of Japanese hotpot dishes, such as sukiyaki and shabu shabu, where ingredients are cooked in a shared pot at or near the table. It is best ordered for two or more people.