Sonoma County's Japanese food scene has quietly evolved into something special, with authentic spots serving everything from hand-pulled udon to fresh sashimi. Wine country's diverse palate has created demand for quality beyond the typical strip-mall fare.
These seven restaurants represent the county's best Japanese dining, from Santa Rosa's bustling food corridors to Petaluma's charming downtown. Each offers something distinct, whether it's technique, value, or that perfect late-night craving fix.
📍 All 7 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Ippinn Udon & Tempura — Hand-Pulled Udon Excellence
- Kyoto Restaurant — Traditional Rohnert Park
- Bowl & Roll — Modern Rolls Done Right
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowl — Budget Teriyaki Champion
- Shogun Japanese Restaurant — Classic Japanese Comfort
- Fuji Sushi — Petaluma Sushi Staple
- Osaka Japan — Mall Food Elevated
1. Ippinn Udon & Tempura
✨ Best for: Hand-Pulled Udon Excellence
Tripadvisor📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.4 · 714 reviews · $$
Ippinn's kitchen revolves around two things done exceptionally well: chewy, house-made udon noodles and impossibly light tempura that doesn't leave you feeling greasy. The tonkotsu udon arrives steaming with rich, porky broth that's been simmering for hours, while their vegetable tempura maintains perfect crispness even as it cools. Lunch crowds include everyone from construction workers to wine industry professionals, all slurping contentedly at communal tables. The space feels authentically Japanese without trying too hard, focusing energy on the food rather than décor.
Must-Order:
Tonkotsu UdonVegetable TempuraChicken Katsu
Insider Tip: Visit during the 2-4pm lull when you can watch the udon-making process through the kitchen window and snag a table immediately.
2. Kyoto Restaurant
✨ Best for: Traditional Rohnert Park
📍 Rohnert Park · ⭐ 4.1 · 376 reviews · $$
Kyoto operates like the neighborhood Japanese restaurant every community deserves but few actually get. Their sushi rice hits that perfect temperature and seasoning balance, while the kitchen turns out reliable teriyaki, tempura, and bento combinations that satisfy without surprises. The salmon teriyaki glistens with house-made sauce that's neither too sweet nor overly salty, accompanied by perfectly steamed vegetables. Regular customers have their usual orders memorized by the staff, creating that comfortable familiarity that makes good restaurants feel like extensions of home.
Must-Order:
Salmon TeriyakiCalifornia RollMiso Soup
Insider Tip: Ask for extra sauce on the side with any teriyaki dish – their house-made version is worth hoarding for the rice.
3. Bowl & Roll
✨ Best for: Modern Rolls Done Right
Tripadvisor📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.3 · 195 reviews · $$
Bowl & Roll bridges traditional Japanese techniques with California sensibilities, creating rolls that actually make sense rather than just piling on ingredients for Instagram appeal. Their spicy tuna maintains the fish's integrity while adding heat that builds gradually, and the tempura shrimp roll achieves textural contrast without overwhelming crunch. The chirashi bowl showcases whatever's freshest, arranged with an eye for color and balance. Young professionals and food-curious locals appreciate the quality-to-price ratio and the kitchen's willingness to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
Must-Order:
Spicy Tuna RollChirashi BowlTempura Shrimp Roll
Insider Tip: The lunch specials run until 3pm and include miso soup and salad with any roll combination, making it the best value in town.
4. Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
✨ Best for: Budget Teriyaki Champion
📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.0 · 173 reviews · $
Don't let the straightforward name fool you – this spot elevates fast-casual Japanese food through attention to details others skip. Their chicken teriyaki features thigh meat that stays juicy under a glaze that caramelizes properly, served over rice that's actually seasoned. The portions lean generous without becoming wasteful, perfect for the budget-conscious crowd of students and families who make up the regular clientele. Everything tastes made-to-order despite the quick service, with vegetables that retain some bite and sauces that complement rather than mask the proteins.
Must-Order:
Chicken Teriyaki BowlBeef TeriyakiGyoza
Insider Tip: Order ahead by phone during lunch rush – they're faster at pickup than most places are at dine-in service.
5. Shogun Japanese Restaurant
✨ Best for: Classic Japanese Comfort
Tripadvisor📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.0 · 133 reviews · $$
Shogun delivers the kind of solid, unpretentious Japanese cooking that keeps neighborhoods fed and happy. Their chicken katsu arrives golden and crispy with panko that doesn't fall off at first bite, while the miso soup actually tastes like someone dissolved proper miso paste rather than powder. The sushi won't win awards but hits the marks for freshness and proper preparation. Families appreciate the accommodating service and reasonable prices, while solo diners enjoy the counter seating that encourages conversation with the sushi chefs during slower periods.
Must-Order:
Chicken KatsuSalmon Avocado RollBeef Teriyaki
Insider Tip: Sit at the sushi bar for the freshest cuts and to chat with the chefs who've been here for years and know their regulars' preferences.
View Shogun Japanese Restaurant →
6. Fuji Sushi
✨ Best for: Petaluma Sushi Staple
📍 Petaluma · ⭐ 3.9 · 116 reviews · $$
Fuji Sushi anchors Petaluma's downtown dining scene with consistent execution and a menu that balances traditional options with American-friendly adaptations. Their California rolls use real crab meat instead of imitation, while the salmon avocado roll showcases fish that's clearly been handled properly. The miso-glazed black cod falls apart at fork pressure, sweet and savory in equal measure. The dining room attracts date nights and business dinners, with service that understands when to check in and when to leave tables alone. Their sake selection, while limited, includes options that pair thoughtfully with the food.
Must-Order:
California RollMiso-Glazed Black CodSalmon Avocado Roll
Insider Tip: Their happy hour runs Tuesday through Thursday from 4-6pm with discounted rolls and appetizers worth timing your visit around.
7. Osaka Japan
✨ Best for: Mall Food Elevated
Tripadvisor📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 3.5 · 16 reviews
Tucked into a shopping plaza food court, Osaka Japan proves that location doesn't determine quality when someone cares about their cooking. The bourbon chicken combo features tender meat in a sauce that balances sweet molasses notes with subtle heat, while the chicken teriyaki plate delivers properly grilled protein that doesn't taste reheated. Their soba noodles with fried rice combination might sound odd but works brilliantly for sharing or when you can't decide between options. Smart shoppers know to skip the crowded chain restaurants nearby and grab combination plates that offer generous portions without the wait times or inflated prices.
Must-Order:
Bourbon Chicken ComboChicken Teriyaki PlateSoba Noodles with Fried Rice
Insider Tip: Skip the weekend crowds at nearby chain restaurants and hit this spot for combination plates that feed two people for under $15.
Tips for Finding Great Japanese Food in Sonoma County
Look Beyond Sushi: The best Japanese restaurants often excel at cooked dishes like teriyaki, tempura, and noodle soups. Don't judge a place solely on their sashimi selection.
Check Rice Quality: Properly seasoned, temperature-controlled rice separates good Japanese restaurants from mediocre ones. If the rice is wrong, everything else suffers.
Lunch Specials Matter: Many spots offer significant value during lunch hours with combination plates and specials that aren't available at dinner.
Ask About Daily Fish: The best sushi spots will tell you what's freshest that day rather than just pointing you toward the regular menu items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We selected these restaurants based on consistent food quality, local reputation, and value rather than just online ratings. Each spot was evaluated for authenticity, ingredient quality, and how well they execute their specialties.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
