Best Trendy Japanese Restaurants in Williamsburg
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Shalom Japan
Jewish-Japanese plates and sake in a cozy, chef-driven neighborhood spot.
Notable Picks
#1
Shalom Japan
8.6
Shalom Japan blends Jewish and Japanese traditions into dishes like lox bowls, okonomiyaki with pastrami, and refined small plates in a warm, brick-lined dining room. It’s a South Williamsburg fixture for creative cooking that still feels grounded and personal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox bowl with sushi rice, Okonomiyaki with pastrami, Miso ramen matzo ball soup
What Makes it Special: Jewish-Japanese plates and sake in a cozy, chef-driven neighborhood spot.
#2
Enso
8.4
Enso is a design-forward omakase on Berry Street inspired by Kyoto-style minimalism, with a chef’s counter, lounge, and garden that all run fixed-course tastings. Early reviews highlight precise nigiri, cocktails, and a room that feels like a quieter, more intimate alternative to Manhattan omakase temples.
Must-Try Dishes:
16-course omakase tasting, Katsuo tataki, Hojicha pudding
What Makes it Special: Kyoto-inspired omakase where the room, cocktails, and sushi all feel choreographed together.
8.3
Tokyo-rooted Afuri brings its yuzu-forward ramen and a full cocktail bar to a bright, warehouse-like space by the North Williamsburg waterfront. Locals use it for casual nights when they want lighter, citrusy broths, plenty of dumplings, and an easy table near the waterfront hotels and venues.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yuzu shio ramen, Tonkotsu shio ramen, Buta gyoza
What Makes it Special: Yuzu-accented ramen and dumplings in a roomy, cocktail-driven setting.
8.1
Two-story Asian fusion izakaya where Korean flavors show up in dishes like Korean fried cauliflower alongside dumplings and brunch plates. Locals use it for brunch, cocktails, and casual dates in a space with a rooftop-style patio and photogenic plating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean Fried Cauliflower, Black Sesame French Toast, Chicken Dumplings
What Makes it Special: Asian fusion izakaya with standout Korean-influenced brunch and bar snacks.