Best Japanese Food in Penang: Top 10 Restaurants
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Penang's Japanese food scene runs from mall sushi chains to chef-driven omakase counters. George Town, Gurney Drive and Tanjung Tokong have the highest concentration, with options spanning sushi, izakaya, bento and kaiseki-style sets.
This guide covers 10 Japanese restaurants in Penang, verified in October 2026. Prices are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Where we could not confirm a price or halal status, the entry says so.
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Kazumasa Japanese Restaurant
Small omakase-focused restaurant led by Chef Ron, who has about 20 years of experience. Ingredients are imported from Japan, and there are lunch sets and an ร la carte menu alongside the chef's selection. Book ahead for counter seats.
What to order: Omakase, lunch set, seasonal sashimi.
Matsuki Japanese Restaurant
Long-standing Japanese restaurant in a bungalow off Gurney Drive, known for traditional cooking at reasonable prices. Bento sets at lunch and kaiseki-style sets at dinner.
What to order: Miso katsu bento, special tempura kaiseki, special sushi kaiseki.
Hachiban Izakaya
Casual izakaya on Jalan Kelawai focused on kushiyaki (grilled skewers). Order a spread of skewers with drinks and add a rice bowl to finish.
What to order: Gyu enoki maki, buta bara (pork belly skewers), hotate, vegetable skewers.
Rakuzen
Reliable Japanese chain in the Level 6 Japanese dining enclave at Gurney Paragon, with a wide menu covering sashimi, udon, grilled fish and set meals. Lunch sets offer good value.
What to order: Chirashi don, salmon sashimi, salt-grilled fish set.
Sushi Kappo Miyasaka
Run by Japanese chef Miyasaka in Pulau Tikus, serving traditional set meals, bento and sushi in generous portions. Prices are above Penang's mall chains, but it is one of the few chef-owned Japanese restaurants on the island.
What to order: Sushi set, bento lunch, warm sake.
Sushi Zanmai
Popular Malaysian sushi chain next to Rakuzen at Gurney Paragon. The menu runs to more than 100 sushi items plus udon, tempura and bento, and prices stay affordable for the quality.
What to order: Salmon sashimi, aburi sushi, tempura udon.
Kirishima Japanese Restaurant
Hotel Japanese restaurant at Cititel, open since 1998. The menu covers sashimi, sushi, yakitori and set menus, and includes pork dishes such as Okinawa-style pork knuckle. Central location on Jalan Penang.
What to order: Sashimi set, yakitori, Okinawa pork knuckle.
Sushi Tei
Singapore-founded Japanese chain at Gurney Plaza with sushi, sashimi, ramen and rice bowls. Seafood quality is consistent and the menu is broad enough for families.
What to order: Kaisen ramen, tokachi sashimi, aburi salmon.
Aji Noren
Neighbourhood Japanese restaurant in Tanjung Tokong with a traditional wooden-house interior. Bento boxes at lunch, sushi and sashimi at dinner.
What to order: Bento box, sashimi moriawase, sushi set.
Wako Sushi Omakase
Omakase counter in the heritage core opened in October 2020 under Chef Damien, who has been making sushi since 2002. Courses change with the seasonal fish supply. It is the splurge option on this list, so book ahead and confirm the current price.
What to order: Dinner omakase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best sushi in Penang?
For omakase, Wako Sushi Omakase on Gat Lebuh Acheh and Kazumasa on Jalan Fettes are the top choices. For everyday sushi, Sushi Zanmai and Rakuzen at Gurney Paragon and Sushi Tei at Gurney Plaza offer consistent quality at reasonable prices.
Is Japanese food in Penang halal?
Most Japanese restaurants in Penang are not halal-certified, and several, such as Kirishima and Hachiban Izakaya, serve pork. Always check with the restaurant or the Malaysian Halal Portal if halal certification is important to you.
How much is omakase in Penang?
Prices vary widely by restaurant and season. Chef-led counters such as Wako Sushi Omakase sit at the top end, so confirm the current course price when you book.