Compiling this list a decade ago would have been a challenge. We might have debated the merits of a local hibachi chain. But York’s culinary landscape has transformed, with authentic Japanese dining now flourishing across the city.
Mikado Grill & Sushi
$ | (717) 885-0891 | WEBSITE
Mikado Grill & Sushi is compact and vibrant, full of staff hustling behind the counter, and chefs rhythmically assembling sushi rolls and grilling hibachi like a well-oiled machine. The York institution has been gaining popularity since its recent expansion and once you try one of their faultless made-to-order dishes—we’re partial to the shrimp cucumber mango roll with spicy mango sauce, just FYI—you’ll understand why.
Kissho Sushi Restaurant
$$ | (717) 848-8880 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a York strip mall, Kissho Sushi Restaurant serves classic sushi and options for non-sushi eaters, with artfully prepared dishes that would win over even the most hesitant seafood skeptic. Don’t overlook appetizers like the standout calamari, because the fresh, flavorful ingredients mean you absolutely cannot leave without trying the perfectly adjusted sushi rolls.
Enjoy them in Kissho’s cozy, intimate dining room, with chill music setting the mood for date nights where couples might regret agreeing to share their generous portions of wasabi and ginger.
Masa
$$ | (717) 718-2288 | WEBSITE
In Masa, York has its first sushi obsessive. This style is fresh and balanced, with a particular focus on a perfect rice-to-fish ratio. The modest kitchen inside this Pennsylvania spot does an excellent execution. You’ll find it in an unpretentious, clean but cozy space that serves lunch special regulars as well as it does sushi enthusiasts. If you’re after a real taste of quality, get the jalapeno roll. It’s a spicy and satisfying, flavor-on-flavor delight.
Tokyo Diner
$$ | (717) 755-9638 | WEBSITE
Tokyo Diner is probably York’s best-known Japanese restaurant—for good reason. Your classic Spicy California Roll is just over fifteen dollars, and the rest just a bit more. The family-owned restaurant is rarely without a satisfied customer inside, especially on weekends when families are looking for their fix of fresh sushi or lively hibachi.
The choice of dishes (sushi, hibachi, appetizers like Green Mussels) aren’t something you find everywhere and make a weeknight Japanese meal feel a little bit special.
Fujihana
$$ | (717) 845-8988 | WEBSITE
A shopping center in York, PA is where you’ll find Fujihana serving entertaining hibachi shows and delicious food. The main dining area looks out onto ample parking, and come evening, tables are filled with families and groups seeking a fun night out. The lively hibachi experience is a good distraction from the ordinary dining routine.
The generous portion sizes and well-prepared dishes are great, and flavors well-balanced: the miso soup and salad with ginger dressing are standouts, and the vegetarian options plentiful. The hibachi chefs put on an impressive fire show that keeps both kids and adults entertained throughout the meal.
Ginmiya
$ | (717) 755-2577 | WEBSITE
Ginmiya serves Japanese and Chinese cuisine by the sushi roll, small plate, or full entrée. And this York spot’s fresh ingredients (carefully sourced, expertly prepared) are to thank for the vibrant, balanced flavors, and dishes that remain consistently delicious. We like the crispy honey walnut shrimp and signature fusion rolls, and the well-balanced savory-sweet-spice combinations are a must for adventurous dining.
Grab a late-night bite from the cozy modern dining room or make full use of the kid-friendly atmosphere and attentive service.
Oyako Sushi
$$ | (717) 755-0099 | WEBSITE
Generous sushi rolls, fresh fish, and a warm welcome are what you’ll find at this family-owned Japanese spot in York. At the cozy tables, regulars celebrate special occasions while sharing platters of vibrant rolls. Behind the counter, the friendly owner prepares generous cuts of fish, distributing bowls of miso soup, and checking in throughout the meal. It’s the fresh, high-quality ingredients that make these rolls so delicious.
If the large portions sound overwhelming, know that leftovers reheat beautifully the next day. But who ever said no to extra sushi?
Asian Yummy
$ | (717) 852-1005 | WEBSITE
Asian Yummy is the takeout feast of our cravings. Specifically the craving where we have a spotless dining room in York and steaming containers stacked with shrimp and broccoli and friends. This reliable Asian spot is the go-to destination for locals seeking fresh vegetables, flavorful sauces, and $12 entrees. The shrimp with broccoli is the most-ordered dish for good reason—we’re big fans of how well the tender shrimp and crisp broccoli and savory sauce come together.
If you’re not nearby, it’s worth navigating a few side streets to dip a forkful in their delicious veggie fried rice.
Ocean San Sushi LLC / Bones-n-Shells
$$ | (717) 850-0010 | WEBSITE
This spot in York is filled with Japanese culinary artistry and serves our favourite sushi in the city. It’s a sit-and-savour kind of place, with a handful of tables where you can settle in, making this York spot a great destination for a memorable dinner. They also have an extensive three-menu concept if you’re exploring with curiosity.
A single roll of their spicy tuna nest with quail egg is enough to delight you—the fish is so fresh and vibrant, with a layer of spicy tuna and a crown of quail egg on top, but we’re willing to bet you’ll want to try the Ravens’ and Steelers’ Rolls too.
Samurai Fusion
$ | (717) 318-5750 | WEBSITE
If it’s good enough for the sushi connoisseurs of York, then it’s good enough for us. This Japanese restaurant is a standout in Pennsylvania’s dining scene, and serves super-fresh sushi and sashimi with the perfect ratio of fish to rice. You can get them as part of generous lunch specials or with unique takes like the pink lady roll, but our favourite is the classic sashimi platter. The dishes are packed with flavor, with tender hibachi steak and ginger dressing that sings.
The fried rice and dumplings are simple yet satisfying, prepared with obvious care. The service is fast and friendly, making both dine-in and take-out a pleasure in the welcoming, chill atmosphere. At around $12-18 for lunch specials and $20-30 for dinner entrees, it offers solid value for such high-quality food. The cozy space with warm lighting and wooden accents makes you feel right at home, even if you might wish for a bit more room to spread out.
Ultimately, the amazing food helps Samurai Fusion earn its spot among York’s best.