Japanese Restaurants in Bali for Casual Dining and Special Celebrations
29 Aug 2026 by Bella
Japanese Restaurants in Bali
If I could only eat one type of cuisine for the rest of my life, I think I’d pick Japanese. I just love Japanese food, and I love how there’s pretty much everything you could want rice, noodles, salads, soups, grilled and fried stuff, red meat, seafood, things served hot, things served cold, aagghhh, there’s something for every mood and craving.
I’ve never actually been to Japan (yet!), and it’s definitely on my dream travel list, but luckily, Japanese food is pretty easy to find wherever you are – including right here in Bali. So until that Japan trip finally happens, I’ll happily eat my way through the Japanese restaurants here. I’ve picked a few restaurants that I think are great for both everyday dining and special occasions. Hope you like them!
Take (read: tuh-kay) is a bit of a legend in my family. I’ve been coming here with then fam since I was little, and the owner was, and still is – always there to greet us. The place itself has barely changed since I was a kid, which is probably why it feels so nostalgic every time I come back. They have pretty much every Japanese comfort food you could crave from sushi, bento, ramen, teppanyaki, everything. Take even inspired my parents to open their own little ramen warung in Yogyakarta, hehe. So yes, this place is pretty special to us.
Legian’s dining scene is still alive and kicking, ladies and gentlemen! Mister Wasabi is one of the latest additions bringing fresh energy to the neighbourhood, with a creative Japanese menu that leans into the luxe side of things.
Upstairs is a sleek Japanese restaurant centred around an open kitchen, while downstairs takes a more casual izakaya approach, with sharing plates and playful cocktails. Menu highlights include Japanese fried rice with wagyu simo striploin, foie gras and caviar, as well as a must-try chirashizushi.
Rayjin has three locations in Bali – Seminyak, Ubud and Jimbaran, although from what I can remember, I’ve only been to the Seminyak one. It’s a smart-casual spot, so it’s a little pricier than your everyday Japanese joint, but I’d say it’s worth it. A few must-tries are the beef saikoro steak and, my personal favourite, the chicken nanban with garlic rice. If you’re planning to go for the teppanyaki, make sure to book ahead as they have allocated seating times, and it can get busy even during low season.
This spacious Japanese restaurant has a fun interior, with little booths that almost feel like you’re dining in a treehouse. The menu is extensive, with plenty of food and drink options. And when I say extensive, I mean it – they even have quite a selection for vegetarians. I’d say it’s best to come with a group so you can order a bunch of things and try a bit of everything. It’s one of those places that works just as well for a casual dining as it does for special celebrations.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little fancy for Japanese dinner, maybe you’ll like Daimyo. They specialise in premium cuts of meat cooked to perfection, but also have a seafood set menu if you’re more into seafood. Aside from the main protein, they have all the usual Japanese favourites on the side, like chawan mushi, wakame salad, karaage and katsu. The elegant interiors give it a bit of a metropolitan feel, perfect for one of those rare occasions when I feel like dressing up instead of my usual “Bali uniform” of tank tops, shorts and sandals.
The Kata Bella team found this little gem in Sanur. They do sushi a little differently here – instead of the usual sushi train, they have a sushi boat! Very cute. The vibe is smart casual, and there’s also an outdoor seating area, which is a nice touch. The menu is packed all the Japanese favourites you’ll want to try, so it’s very easy to over-order, but make sure you save some room for their crème brûlée. It’s the perfect grand finale!
This is a good one to keep on your Denpasar dining list. They have all your Japanese favourites, from beautifully presented sushi and sashimi to grilled dishes and an omakase menu if you’re feeling a little fancy. The space has an elegant yet relaxed Izakaya-style feel, with sake, Japanese-inspired cocktails, and wine to pair with your meal – or simply enjoy as an after-dinner drink.
Ok, hope you find this list useful. I have covered a few of Bali’s neighbourhoods, so hopefully there’s a Japanese restaurant here that makes it onto your next dinner list. And then, all that’s left is deciding what to order. If you love Japan so much and are planning a trip to Japan for the first time, check out this article by Teman Bella and a Japan enthusiast for some inspiration for your trip. Thank you for reading!
No comments yet.