Rachel SmithIndianapolis has a surprisingly vibrant food scene brimming with deep, savory flavors and delicate textures. When cravings hit for rich umami broths or perfectly vinegared sushi rice, I immediately start hunting for the best Japanese restaurant in Indianapolis.
There is a special kind of comfort found in a steaming bowl of noodles or a freshly prepared sashimi platter. I have scoured the local dining landscape to uncover spots that truly deliver on taste and atmosphere.
You might be a local looking for a casual dinner spot. You might be a visitor craving a memorable meal. Either way, these top locations offer something delicious for every palate.
How much does dining at a Japanese restaurant cost in Indianapolis?
Japanese dining in the area typically ranges from $8 for an à la carte sushi roll up to $37 for larger specialty entrées, with all-you-can-eat (AYCE) options falling between $22 and $28 per person.
| Dining Option | Average Cost |
| All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Sushi | $22.00 – $28.00 per person |
| À La Carte Specialty Rolls | $13.00 – $16.00 per roll |
| Appetizers | $7.00 – $9.00 per item |
| Entrées | $15.00 – $37.00 per item |
| Lunch Specials | $17.00 – $21.00 per meal |
1. Sakura Japanese Restaurant
Website: http://indysakuraexpress.com/
Address: 7201 N Keystone Ave
Contact: (317) 259-4171
Hours:
- Monday and Sunday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM–2:00 PM & 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–2:00 PM & 5:00 PM–9:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM & 5:00 PM–9:30 PM
Stepping into this establishment feels like visiting a familiar neighborhood staple, as Sakura has served the community authentic Japanese cuisine for over 30 years.
They even extend their reach by operating a dedicated food truck for local festivals. They also collaborate with Ocean World to provide an expansive seafood-centric dining experience.
Diners looking for the city’s top dining spots frequently praise their thick, creamy Japanese curry, which strictly follows traditional Meiji-era preparation methods.
Personally, I like their in-house mini store. It’s stocked with premium teas and sauces to take home.
The executive chef also actively organizes a summer festival, bringing a wonderful cultural energy to the area.
That said, trying to track down their food truck can be slightly disappointing, since its menu is more limited than the main restaurant’s.
Booking their catering services also requires a manual email inquiry instead of a quick online checkout.
The food is great!
A cute little Japanese restaurant. The lady who attended our table is so lovely. She told us to not order too much but we just can’t hold the urge to try everything on the menu! The food is great! High quality sashimi and the food portion was generous too.
- mma Xiao | Google Reviews
Great vibes here and such a cute spot
LOVE this space. Beware— there may be a wait on a weekend. I came around 7pm ish and there was a 10 min wait. The people who work here are so sweet! I got the udon and it felt so warm and cozy— good for a cold day. Their salad with ginger dressing is SO GOOD. If you’re not a fan of ginger, don’t fret. It’s not super gingery but full of umami! Great vibes here and such a cute spot
- Cindy Dang | Google Reviews
2. Mt Fuji
Website: http://mtfujiindy.us/
Address: 49 West Maryland Street
Contact: (844) 536-8275 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Sunday 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Few things whet your appetite like watching skilled chefs grill meats and vegetables right before you at live hibachi tables. Mt Fuji pairs this experience with a convenient digital ordering system for quick takeout.
I stopped by last month for a weekend dinner and was thoroughly entertained by the chef flipping shrimp tails onto his hat while preparing my meal.
The kitchen also crafts a massive array of sushi using remarkably fresh ingredients, and the bar pairs these dishes with an expertly curated sake selection. You can even elevate the meal with a creative Smoked Old Fashioned.
One drawback is that their extensive food list lacks a designated plant-based section. Diners with dietary restrictions are forced to hunt for basic vegetable rolls manually.
Best Sushi Restaurant in Indianapolis
This was by far the best Sushi Restaurant in Indianapolis. The sashimi was fresh and tasted great. The beer and sake were good. The service was outstanding and very pleasant. The restaurant is clean and well maintained. The ambiance is wonderful and warming. I highly recommend this restaurant to people who love Japanese cuisine.
- David McCarter | Google Reviews
Such a beautiful restaurant!
I found this place when planning our trip to Indy for a work conference and I’m so grateful to the universe for bringing Mt Fuji into my view on Google Maps!! What an absolute gem!! The service, the menu, the food and presentation and absolutely the atmosphere!! Such a beautiful restaurant! Thank you Mt Fuji for starting our trip in the best way!!!
- Tavia Hutchens | Google Reviews
3. Sake Maru
Website: https://sakemaruindy.com/
Address: 5320 East 82nd Street
Contact: (317) 516-5113 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM–9:30 PM
Planning large gatherings is easier with customizable catering and private event spaces. Sake Maru stands out for hosting big groups and offering special menus for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day.
If you prefer to eat at home before checking out some local craft beer venues, their integrated online ordering platform makes grabbing takeout completely painless.
On top of that, the culinary team focuses heavily on local produce to ensure maximum freshness across their expansive sushi selection and hearty hot kitchen dishes. You will also find plenty of comforting warm options like chicken karaage and nabeyaki udon.
Reserving the private room can be inconvenient, though. It requires manual coordination with staff rather than instant booking. This added step may cause delays or uncertainty, especially when planning time-sensitive events.
AMAZING SERVICE!
Found this place randomly and decided to give it a try. It was super good! I didn’t expect the side dishes at all so that’s a big surprise. The presentation of the side dishes and main sushi platter were chef’s kiss. AMAZING SERVICE!! I only deduct 1 point from the food part because we found the tiny to be very slightly fishier than normal, but the other pieces were great. Overall, we would definitely come back to try their other menu items!
- Pinnypcn | Google Reviews
Loved this hidden gem 💎 it’s on a busy corner and you prob have passed it a thousand times but make the stop bcus the restaurant is so pretty and comfy! And the food is even better 🙌🏼 great service and somehow kid friendly too. Personal preference Only things: Didn’t care for the bento box D fried veggies – would be better steamed. And the rocky roll also had too much fried fish. However – We Recommend!
- Laura Elizabeth | Google Reviews
4. Masa Sake Grill
Website: http://www.masasakegrill.com/
Address: 5946 E 86th St
Contact: (317) 570-7333
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:30 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM–10:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM–10:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Securing a table without the hassle of a long wait is simple here, thanks to an integrated online reservation system that pairs beautifully with their live teppanyaki grill experience.
Masa Sake Grill emphasizes a curated sake selection designed specifically to complement their sizzling meats and inventive sushi creations.
I recently had lunch here and was really impressed by one of their specialty dishes. The spicy tuna wrapped in balls of fresh avocado was simple, unique, and full of flavor.
Beyond raw items, the kitchen offers a hearty selection of cooked starters, such as crispy soft-shell crab and mixed-vegetable tempura.
Plus, the business heavily promotes a daily happy hour. Just note that the discounts are strictly limited to weekday afternoons.
Unfortunately, late-night diners and weekend crowds miss out on these specials entirely. Guests will also need to ask about drink costs in person, as beverage pricing is vague.
This place is awesome
This place is awesome. I consider myself an amateur connoisseur of hibachi restaurants. It is super clean and the chefs have new tricks that I haven’t seen before plus the typical onion volcano and train. Food was delicious and not overly salted like some.
- Sarah Jerrell | Google Reviews
The ambiance was great
The ambiance was great. We had the Hibachi experience and it was so worth it. The chefs were amazing. Watching them prepare our food was so enjoyable & entertaining. The food was delicious. The servers where accommodating with the exception of forgetting my water I have no complaints. I had a wonderful time, excellent food with very reasonable prices. Worth every bit. I will be back.
- Donna Walton | Google Reviews
5. Asaka Japanese Restaurant
Website: https://www.facebook.com/indyAsaka/
Address: 6414 E 82nd St
Contact: (317) 576-0556
Hours:
- Thursday – Saturday: 5:00 PM–9:30 PM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Generational family recipes take center stage at this establishment. They focus on highly authentic preparation methods instead of modernized fusion concepts.
Asaka Japanese Restaurant highlights the culinary expertise of their grandfather. They serve traditional regional noodle soups, including their signature Kumamoto-style tonkatsu ramen.
When I tried, the rich pork bone broth won my heart. It provides an incredibly deep, savory flavor profile.
They also officially welcome walk-in diners and handle large group gatherings with ease.
On top of that, diners who crave hot entrees will love the from-scratch teriyaki sauce that completely avoids commercial, mass-produced flavorings. The menu even clearly outlines plant-based accommodations such as delicate spinach gomaae.
Just keep in mind that securing a table early in the day is impossible. The kitchen offers a lunch service and operates only during the evening dinner rush.
They also suspend all dining services on Mondays.
The service here is SO good
Genuinely the best sushi I’ve ever had— it’s hard to believe they’re in the middle of Indianapolis! The service here is SO good. All of the servers are so kind and helpful. I genuinely cannot recommend Asaka enough, every time I’m in the area I want to visit.
- Caroline Bartoszek | Google Reviews
Portions were just so generous for the price
I was really surprised by how big the slices of sashimi on top of the sushi were — way beyond my expectations! I couldn’t even finish half of it because the portions were just so generous for the price.
- nijuyR | Google Reviews
