Top Best Japanese Restaurants in The Southern

"Harajuku Kitchen is a light and bright Japanese bistro with a touch of magic in the air and food that it could have been teleported in from Tokyo. At first glance, the menu may look a little pedestrian—most of the usual suspects are here, including gyoza, sushi rolls, sashimi, and yakisoba noodles—but once the plates arrive, it's clear that there's a pro in the kitchen. The flavors sing, and everything tastes fresh and light but decidedly moreish."

"Harajuku Kitchen, the Bruntsfield-based Japanese bistro, is a sushi staple in the city and, to their credit, was one of the first eateries in Edinburgh to adapt to the takeaway trend. The online menu includes a variety of sushi, noodles, set mains (with miso soup and rice), sake and Japanese beer. The team’s focus is very much on respect for the ingredients used as well as their flavours."

"Source: Photo by user in Bourke Street, used under CC BY-SA 2.0. This shop is a little off the beaten path, but if you’re looking to take someone on a rainy day date (or you’re just too lazy to microwave yourself some soup – which I feel), head over to Maki Ramen and watch cars and people walk by while you guzzle down a bowl of hot ramen. Don’t forget to read the post-it note memories and doodles left on the wall by other customers, and maybe add your own to the mix!"

"Scotland is not especially renowned for its culinary highlights. However, if you are staying in Edinburgh, you will be blessed with a very rich food scene extending much further than Haggis and fish and chips. As every major city, Edinburgh has a very broad and multicultural food scene."

"A post shared by Eilidh Barbour (@eilidh_barbour) on Mar 28, 2017 at 6:35am PDT. Stylish and impressive, this is a lovely restaurant to go to when you are on a special date – or just whenever you want to feel a little fancy. The menu here is a classy one: think aubergine with miso, seared swordfish, and seafood salad to start with."

"Sushiya is a small, but perfectly formed sushi restaurant which brings a little slice of Tokyo to Edinburgh. The decor is minimalist and stylish, as are the bowls and plates, with the flourish provided by the intricately prepared dishes and garnishes. The food almost looks too good to eat!"

"Kanpai Sushi has become so popular in Edinburgh, that they have opened a new sister restaurant, Yamato. It's doing just as well, so again, you'll need to book in advance to avoid disappointment. The setting is beautiful and the selection of sushi is mouth-watering and perfectly presented."

"This multi award-winning Japanese restaurant and takeaway serves a variety of sushi, tempura, teppan and more. The food is outstanding, and the restaurant's elegant interior and ambience makes it the perfect date night restaurant for sushi lovers. As with all the best restaurants, we advise you to book in advance."

"A post shared by Gavin (@thatnydguy) on Mar 12, 2017 at 6:07am PDT. Simplicity is right at the heart of the philosophy behind Kanpai. This eatery offers diners the three key ingredients of sushi, sake, and tempura."

"A post shared by edibledinburgh🍴 (@edibledinburgh) on Feb 23, 2016 at 6:19am PST. Though its name is ‘Bonsai’, this restaurant’s menu is anything but small!. It offers dumplings, soups, rice, sushi, and more – with pickles and other sides galore."

"Bonsai is a great spot for an inexpensive lunch, with cheap bento box and sushi deals on offer everyday. Their hand rolls are particularly tasty, especially the spicy tuna. And their green tea creme brûlée is the perfect post-sushi dessert."

"A few of my favourite dishes at Yes Sushi are the prawn dumplings, salmon skin roll, and their hot pot -which is reason enough to visit. Choose your broth, noodles, veggies, seafood, and meat (all of which are served uncooked), drop them into the boiling pot, and watch them cook in front of you. It’s £17.99 per person, and also includes all-you-can-eat sushi (from a limited menu), which is a bargain in Edinburgh."

"Notoriously expensive sushi is made more affordable at Hanover Street’s Yes Sushi, thanks to their bento box options. The perfect size for one, each box costs around £10 and contain enough delicious Japanese delights to fill you up. Each box is different, so diners can choose a few favourites from the likes of teriyaki tofu, tempura prawns, maki rolls, fresh sashimi and nigiri."

"A post shared by Martina (@maartinamar) on Jun 8, 2017 at 10:32am PDT. Always buzzing with happy customers, this lively joint in Edinburgh’s New Town is famous for its comforting hot pots and for its all you can eat sushi buffet. When enjoying the all you can eat buffet, you can choose either sushi by itself, or a sushi and hotpot combo for a little extra."

"Chizuru Tei is popular for its delicious selection of bento boxes to carry out. You can also eat in at their friendly and welcoming Haymarket restaurant. Either way, you'll fine some fresh and tasty sushi here."

"Grassmarket is snuggled in the center of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is bursting with local shops and so much good food. Mary’s Milk Bar is supposed to have incredible gelato (sadly never got to visit while I was in the city), and in the summer there are stalls set up selling even more food and locally made jewelry and art. Nearby is Victoria Street, which is a chocolate box-esque street that looks like stores were literally stacked on top of one another."

"This area of town is often bustling with people so there's always a buzz about this weekly market. It's widely regarded as a top place to be for those looking to get their hands on some stunning jewellery, crafts and artwork. Paella and hot Latin foods are regularly served up by the stall holders along with treats like cupcakes and macarons."

"Walk down Victoria Street (there’s a fantastic whiskey bar there – The Bow Bar – which is my favorite in Edinburgh’s Old Town!) and you’ll end up on the Grassmarket, a cute historic square with tons of pubs and a fabulous view of the Edinburgh Castle. Visit the Edinburgh Castle"

"Craigmillar Castle is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and well-preserved castles, and a must-visit. The castle has existed since the 15th century and was inhabited by royals including Mary Queen of Scots. At the entrance to the castle, a pair of yew trees stand in the same place they have been for centuries, having once supplied wood for weapons."

"Craigmillar Castle: Often referred to as ‘Edinburgh’s other castle,’ Craigmillar is one of the best castles the Scottish capital has to offer. The well preserved medieval ruins are situated just a half hour by bus from the city centre, and so the castle is incredibly easy to reach!"

"Perhaps the most “Instagram famous” on our list; Mary’s Milk Bar has been serving up incredible homemade ice cream and chocolate in the Grassmarket since 2013. Mary herself trained in Italy and is serious about her chocolate. The Milk Bar’s motto is freshness and they pride themselves on their daily changing menu, having lost count over the hundreds of flavours they’ve made over the years."

"This cute, cosy space is home to some of the best quality gelato and chocolate Edinburgh has to offer. The key to all Mary’s products is freshness. For both her soft, moreish truffles and creamy gelato she uses fresh ingredients with no preservatives - this means everything is just that little bit more delicious!"

"Mary’s Milk Bar is the best place for gelato and chocolate in Edinburgh. The gelato flavours are heavenly with different ones every day. What makes it worthy to be on this romantic Edinburgh list is not only the food but also the view of the castle."

"Bia Bistot is a couple-run neighbourhood restaurant focusing on fresh, seasonal, local and sustainable produce. Order a restaurant quality meal to be enjoyed at home from a weekly menu of dishes including slow braised pork cheeks, butternut squash risotto and ginger cake."

"A post shared by The Ship on the Shore (@theshipontheshore) on Jun 15, 2017 at 2:57am PDT. Another excellent local restaurant, the Ship On The Shore is something of a Leith institution. Its shoreside terrace overlooks the Water of Leith, which is the main river flowing through Edinburgh out to the Firth of Forth."

"Smart, understated decor sets the scene for the thoughtfully prepared and well-presented seafood dishes on the menu here. You'll find a wide range of fresh seafood and an extensive list of wine and champagne. The reasonable prices and generous portions served from the lunch menu are popular among diners."

"Smart, understated decor sets the scene for the thoughtfully prepared and well-presented seafood dishes on the menu here. You'll find a wide range of fresh seafood and an extensive champagne and wine list. The reasonable prices and generous portions served from the lunch menu are popular among diners."