Japanese cuisine is a symphony of precision and passion, where every bite tells a story of tradition and innovation. Whether you crave the delicate artistry of sushi, the comforting warmth of ramen, or the sizzle of teppanyaki, this guide is your compass. Discover 12 essential spots in Spokane that deserve a place on your culinary map—ready to be explored now.
Kay’s Teriyaki Plus
$ | (509) 483-0467 | WEBSITE
Kay’s Teriyaki Plus’s standout chicken teriyaki and bulgogi are a perfect pairing—there’s something about the savory, well-balanced sauce glazed over tender chicken that does it for us. And while everything served out of this welcoming spot is delicious, our meal is never complete without these generous, flavor-packed dishes.
Nudo Ramen House
$ | (509) 290-5763 | WEBSITE
Nudo Ramen House is a Japanese staple from Spokane that offers a unique dining experience, and while you might come here looking to warm your entire body by way of spicy beef ramen, don’t miss the tonkatsu. It’s pleasantly crisp, rich with pork flavor and tender texture, and acts as a not-as-heavy counterpart to the more serious ramen bowls.
Sushi.Com
$ | (509) 838-0630 | WEBSITE
All of the sushi at this outstanding Japanese restaurant is unmatched, and yet we have to give an edge to the red dragon roll: the greatest sushi in Spokane. You have a moist, flavorful filling, a tangy sauce-marinated wrapper, picture-perfect presentation, and charred bits from the torching, which amp things up in a way regular old rolls simply can’t. We’d swing by Sushi.Com just for three to four orders of these beauties.
Teriyaki Spice
$ | (509) 960-8620 | WEBSITE
This Spokane spot serves the best teriyaki in town, from classic chicken teriyaki to beef and salmon bowls, and everything we’ve tried here has been a winner—particularly the chicken teriyaki with fresh watermelon juice that we could sip on repeat for weeks. But if you stop by for nothing else, make sure the salmon teriyaki makes its way into your order. The salmon’s flavor makes it the best dish on the menu.
QQ Sushi & Kitchen
$$ | (509) 279-2721 | WEBSITE
The Avocado Boat appetizer at QQ Sushi & Kitchen is simple yet spectacular. There’s not an overwhelming amount of filling, but it’s wonderfully balanced, and the creamy avocado halves are the perfect vessels for the bright citrus notes, crunchy tempura bits, and the rich sesame dressing drizzled throughout. The QQ Tacos, whether with crab or spicy tuna, deliver that same satisfying harmony in every bite.
At around $12-15 for generous portions, you get remarkable value in a space that feels both welcoming and vibrant. The staff handles food allergies with care, and the cooks clearly pour their passion into each dish. It’s no wonder the Pretty Women roll has become such a favorite—this place makes a superb comeback.
Mustard Seed
$ | (509) 483-1500 | WEBSITE
There’s a wide selection of fusion dishes at this Spokane spot, from dynamite shrimp and almond chicken to pork-fried rice and Bong Bong Chicken—not to mention you can order any of them in gyoza form, complete with a crisp and delicate wrapper that arrives perfectly steamed. We’re fans of the pork spring rolls, as well as anything that comes in a stir fry bowl.
Midori Sushi and Teriyaki
$ | (509) 309-3319 | WEBSITE
There’s a lot happening in Spokane’s dining scene, but the most exciting spot is Midori Sushi and Teriyaki—a family-owned restaurant making outstanding Japanese classics. These fresh California rolls are the best thing happening here, perfectly crafted with creamy avocado and sweet crab. And if you order the teriyaki beef, which you absolutely should, it gets a savory glaze that adds an ever so slight sweetness to each tender bite.
The small space feels cozy with warm lighting and simple wooden tables, making it worth calling ahead to secure one of the limited seats. At just $9 for the sushi and $18 for the beef, it’s an affordable must-visit for anyone craving quality Japanese food in the area.
Avocado Roll Sushi
$ | (509) 822-7652 | WEBSITE
This well-regarded strip mall spot in Spokane might not offer an immersive experience with its light decor, but a plate of their Little River rolls or crawfish sushi is one of the most satisfying meals you can find. If you are still missing the days when quality sushi meant breaking the bank, know that these rolls are consistently excellent and reasonably priced. Especially followed by something like their delicious Popcorn Shrimp baked roll from the daily specials.
Umi Kitchen and Sushi Bar
$$ | (509) 368-9372 | WEBSITE
You’re in great hands with any of the sushi options at Umi Kitchen and Sushi Bar, but the Himachi Supreme is our favorite. This fresh roll at this Spokane spot is substantial, has a perfect balance of flavors, and requires at least three bites to finish. But don’t ignore the soft shell crab, with its crispy exterior and tender meat. Either way, dip them all in some soy sauce and Umi’s homemade spicy mayo.
Shiki Sushi Bar & Japanese Grill
$$ | (509) 621-0333 | WEBSITE
This Spokane gem is one of our all-time sushi favorites, and that’s in large part thanks to their Sweet Heart roll that we lie awake thinking about in the middle of the night. It has a creamy kick, burst of sweetness, just enough crunch, and fresh fish that fuses to each rice grain. Sure, it’s almost impossible not to slightly mangle their structural integrity with one tap of a chopstick, but that doesn’t matter. Order it anyway.
King of Ramen Spokane
$ | (509) 321-7050 | WEBSITE
Speaking of tonkatsu with gyoza, the combination at King of Ramen Spokane is also excellent. The tonkatsu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the pork cutlet providing a savory richness and the gyoza adding a satisfying crunch. You could enjoy these as a standalone dish, or pair them right with your bowl of spicy tonkatsu ramen.
Kinja
$ | (509) 474-9276 | WEBSITE
Debating whether to order seconds of the chef’s choice sushi at Kinja is our favorite Spokane indulgence, right up there with enjoying the quiet atmosphere and convincing friends that this hidden gem really is that good. These artfully arranged pieces at the coziest Japanese spot in town come complete with fresh sashimi, perfectly seasoned rice, homemade soy sauce, and a refreshing green tea.
Plus, the fish is so tender that getting that perfect bite with just a dab of wasabi might just be the best part.