Nothing about Milford’s Japanese dining scene follows predictable patterns. Nestled along Connecticut’s coast yet serving authentic flavors from across the Pacific, these spots offer experiences as varied as the archipelago itself. We’re talking about everything from delicate sashimi sliced with precision to rich tonkotsu ramen simmered for days.
Ichiro Sushi & Hibachi Restaurant (Trumbull)
$$ | (203) 261-8818 | WEBSITE
Right off the main road in Trumbull, this reliable spot with simple wooden tables and traditional hibachi grills has fantastic flavorful dishes like the four pepper chicken, and the entertaining hibachi experience with the interesting chef. Sure, you can stop in for some all-you-can-eat sushi and get the job done in a pinch, but you should stay for the full hibachi show and enjoy the friendly staff’s attentive service during special occasions.
Sakura Garden
$$ | (203) 288-8836 | WEBSITE
Don’t expect bargain prices at Sakura Garden, a Japanese spot in Milford. What you will find is a generally well-received menu with friendly staff from the hostess to the hibachi chef, though some service issues like lack of attentiveness have been reported. When you get hungry, try the fried noodles that are a particular hit, though one reviewer previously found a foreign object in the food.
Sit in the welcoming atmosphere and watch the kitchen action, but be prepared for pricing on the higher end that might make you think twice about returning.
MoMo Sushi
$$ | (203) 877-7686 | WEBSITE
The menu at MoMo Sushi leans heavily towards raw food, but you might find beautifully presented rolls with very fresh ingredients, or custom orders that feel spiritually connected to your cravings. Any sushi roll on the extensive selection—whether that’s the bonica roll, Shannon roll, or a customized creation—is going to be extremely delicious.
Come for a meal, get your order super fast from the friendly staff, sit in the welcoming atmosphere that families appreciate, and always check that special requests like crunch or no wasabi are properly met.
Hunan Pan
$$ | (203) 929-8288 | WEBSITE
The menu here leans more Japanese than traditional Chinese, but that is not a bad thing at all. They serve plates of fresh sushi with unique rolls and perfectly cooked fried rice that has been praised as one of the tastiest in a long time. But we are at Hunan Pan after all, so you can expect generous portions and so many sushi options that are worth ordering. The dining room is cozy and welcoming, perfect for a casual lunch.
There’s also a comfortable seating area that feels pretty inviting on a busy evening. Because of how reliable it is, you’ll want to return.
Little Tokyo Restaurant
$ | (203) 878-8814 | WEBSITE
In the bustling food court of the Milford mall, you’ll spot a modest counter with a view of the shopping crowds. You want to order from this Japanese spot right by the main walkway. Most teriyaki in the area is just okay, but while Little Tokyo has other solid options, they truly excel with chicken. Get their special with fried rice and veggies, and if you’re feeling saucy, ask for extra teriyaki on the side.
The seating area is pretty standard food court fare, but we love grabbing a table with a lemonade on a busy afternoon, under the glow of mall skylights.
Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar
$$$ | (203) 691-7984 | WEBSITE
When you finish exploring the shops in downtown Milford, you’re just a short walk away from this spot, where you should start with the signature braised pork belly and a refreshing sake flight. When the evening is lively, there are cozy tables in the intimate dining room, but the sake bar area that’s lined with bottles makes for a great place to unwind with a glass from their impressive collection.
Sayori
$$ | (203) 298-9100 | WEBSITE
Japanese dining in Milford can be hit or miss, but the sushi and small plates crafted at Sayori are consistently excellent. Your sushi experience can still be adventurous with the TNT roll, which features spicy crunchy shrimp topped with creamy avocado. Or you can opt for the dragon roll showcasing fresh salmon skin wrapped with crisp cucumber and sweet eel sauce. Begin your meal with a bowl of the seafood bisque that arrives with a rich umami broth and tender morsels of fish.
The selection of Japanese beers and sake is thoughtfully curated, and the cocktail and wine offerings are equally well-considered. Desserts like the popcorn chicken and bites of gyoza are elevated Japanese comfort food at its finest.
Fuji Restaurant
$ | (203) 701-0798 | WEBSITE
The miso soup at Fuji Restaurant has a rich, savory broth—get it as a starter or alongside their generous sushi and hibachi options. Come here for a satisfying meal after exploring Milford. While it’s a family-owned establishment, the dining area provides a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of comfortable booth seating.
Miso Restaurant
$$$ | (203) 848-6472 | WEBSITE
Look for its front window to find this family-owned sushi spot in Milford. Order what sounds delicious from the menu of fresh rolls and dishes, especially the Sex on the Beach roll, along with miso soup, lava cake, and our favorite: the perfectly sliced sushi. They make this with fish delivered multiple times a week, and it’s ideal if you’re looking for a quiet dinner or a reliable meal.
There’s pleasant seating throughout with a view of the dining area, but know street parking is available and the atmosphere stays consistently pleasant from open to close.
Kumo Sushi Hibachi
$$ | (203) 562-6688 | WEBSITE
You’ll want to make a reservation at Kumo Sushi Hibachi, a consistently busy spot in Milford. But it’s one you should book ahead for so you can experience items from their extensive and reasonably priced menu that focuses on Japanese classics, like the delicious shrimp tempura or the moderately enjoyed Chinese dumplings. The steak and chicken hibachi dish covered in teriyaki sauce and the amazing salad are perennial favorites.
The main dining area has a great atmosphere with a nice playlist, and outside, you can find convenient parking around the back. They also have a hibachi grill operation that puts on a great show, with the chef being engaging and skillful, plus entertaining options for kids during dinners. The fried rice and chicken are often praised, and the overall experience is reasonably priced, making it a popular spot for family celebrations and groups.
Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet
$ | (203) 891-8828 | WEBSITE
Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet is serving up a sprawling buffet with really varied options for different tastes. Even though it’s in a convenient strip mall, it’s spacious inside and not like the cramped spots that will rush you out the door. You’ll mostly find families and groups who came for the all-you-can-eat experience, and the crowd often fills up the dining area.
Between that and the bright fluorescent lighting, this spot is a practical place where you can settle in for some hibachi-grilled veggies and meat before hitting the dessert bar, or just linger for a while watching the kids play the claw machine games.
Wasabi Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
$$ | (203) 795-5856 | WEBSITE
Wasabi is a Japanese restaurant that’s open for lunch and dinner. So if you want a casual meal at noon, or are craving sushi at 7pm, this is the spot. The real draws here are the sushi rolls, like the Spicy Girl, with its fresh and neatly rolled presentation that ranges from perfectly seasoned rice to expertly sliced fish. The garlic broccoli served on the side adds flavor and crunch to everything. There’s also subtly steamed Sumai dumplings that are particularly satisfying.
The cozy inside space has clean lighting and good air conditioning (important), but the recently remodeled dining area with its comfortable seating is really the place to be.
China King
$ | (203) 377-8868 | WEBSITE
This Chinese spot on the main drag in Stratford is the place to pull up a chair, savor the familiar aromas, and settle in for a proper meal. The egg rolls come piping hot in bamboo steamers, and you should definitely try the house specialty, roast pork: tender slices of glazed meat served over a generous mound of perfectly fried rice. Add on an extra order of General Tso’s if you’re feeling adventurous, though go easy on the sauce—it leans sweet rather than spicy.
The Wang family keeps everything spotless and greets everyone with genuine warmth, making it easy to see why this has become a new favorite.
Kim’s Yami Sushi
$ | (203) 283-7176 | WEBSITE
You might have plans to explore the charming downtown area of Milford. When you need lunch, come to Kim’s Yami Sushi. They serve absolutely great, fresh, and delicious sushi at great prices, so you’ll find things like their highly recommended 3-roll combos and 5-piece sushi appetizers. The small dining room is full of warm wooden accents and soft lighting, and can serve as a needed break from your afternoon errands.
Finish the meal with whatever’s fresh that day—in the past, we’ve had excellent, perfectly sliced sashimi with a clean and delicate flavor that hits you right in the taste buds.
Yamasaki Teriyaki
$ | (203) 780-8891 | WEBSITE
Yamasaki Teriyaki has a dining room that’s as straightforward as they come. Tables are set with simple, clean placemats, and the place feels like a neighborhood spot—the walls are literally covered with cheerful Japanese art and photos of happy customers. It’s no surprise that this is the place where Yale students come for a quick, satisfying meal. The table next to you is probably a group of students grabbing bento boxes between classes, or has people in casual attire enjoying a quiet lunch.
The menu also reflects Japanese-American tradition with friendly staff serving teriyaki chicken and shrimp tempura rolls. In the summer months, you should sit near the window and sip fresh lemonade with lemon. Another thing we love about this place: they take value and speed very seriously.
Kama Sushi Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (203) 381-9366 | WEBSITE
There’s very little to eat in Milford that is not American. A worthwhile exception is this long-time favorite spot that uses all the great local ingredients to make classic Japanese food, like fresh sushi and sashimi. Order the all-you-can-eat option and enjoy more than a dozen generous dishes, like sweet potato rolls and party platters topped with fresh fish.
There are convenient lunch specials for take-out if you want something besides the full experience, and they also have great prices and a bunch of vegetarian options.
Sushi Mizu
$ | (203) 777-9888 | WEBSITE
Milford is generally busier than the rest of Connecticut. While trendy sushi bars and fusion restaurants have been popping up here recently, we love Sushi Mizu, an unchanged family-owned spot in the neighborhood that’s got a strong rotation of fresh sushi rolls. They do a really great Salmon Avocado roll, the New Haven Roll, and the Spicy Crab roll that’s loaded with flavor and tastes like it’s been fortified with just the right amount of kick.
It’s a great casual dinner if you want to check out the nearby shops or catch a quiet meal after work. And their takeout service isn’t too far behind, either.
I Sushi House
$$ | (203) 283-3311 | WEBSITE
This local gem sits right in the heart of Milford, just off the main thoroughfare. There are about 15 tables inside, plus a handful more on the patio, and the modern space is accented with clean lines, warm wood tones, and subtle Japanese-inspired artwork. In other words, it’s a pretty sleek and inviting place to have a meal. Start with a plate of fresh sashimi, and follow suit with your main course—either more sushi rolls or a beautifully presented bento box.
All the fish here is delivered daily, so your taste buds are actually more satisfied than that plate of buttery salmon nigiri. End your meal with a classic Japanese dessert, like green tea ice cream or mochi.
