Let’s be real—your homemade sushi attempts have been more ‘creative interpretation’ than authentic cuisine since that YouTube tutorial last spring. Good news: Lodi’s vibrant Japanese food scene delivers exquisite nigiri, ramen, and izakaya fare directly to your table. Here are the top spots where skilled chefs transform fresh ingredients into transportive dining experiences.
ShoMi Japanese Cuisine
$ | (209) 951-3525 | WEBSITE
ShoMi Japanese Cuisine is a Japanese restaurant in Lodi which, in addition to sushi and ramen, has an impressive variety of Sake available. The menu changes seasonally, but it usually includes favorites like Salmon Skin salad and fresh sashimi, in addition to generous portions compared to other Japanese spots. Order first to secure your table at (209) 555-0123.
Shi Ra Soni 2 Japanese Seafood
$$ | (209) 366-2525 | WEBSITE
Shi Ra Soni 2 Japanese Seafood is serving up wonderful meals at their location in Lodi. The Scallop Flambé is a great dish, and the Chicken Teriyaki is cooked right in front of you, adding excitement to the atmosphere. You should also try their vegetarian options, which they accommodate with friendly and attentive service. The staff is welcoming, ensuring a great experience for everyone, from adults to children.
The atmosphere remains unusually pleasant despite the large space, making it a recommended place for family dinners or special occasions. Everything is well prepared, delightfully presented, and extremely tasty. Visit for a meal that’s worth your time.
Shogun Japanese Restaurant
$ | (209) 476-1345 | WEBSITE
Lodi’s best spot for hard-to-find Japanese flavors, Shogun Japanese Restaurant has a constantly rotating selection of fresh (and less-common) dishes, everything from tempura, sushi, and sashimi to the lion roll, volcano salmon, and soft shell crab appetizer. Order family-friendly dining, or $15 local delivery via their website. There’s a Shogun doing the same thing in Stockton, too.
M Sushi Bistro
$$ | (209) 400-7505 | WEBSITE
M Sushi Bistro stands out among Lodi’s Japanese restaurants, because they craft all their sushi with exceptional care. They also rarely repeat the same special rolls, but trust us when we say that you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose. Dine-in and takeout available through their website—free delivery within 15 miles on orders over $80.
Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (209) 473-2525 | WEBSITE
A longtime favorite on this list, Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant has been in Lodi since 2010. They’ve got a great selection of teppanyaki, teriyaki, and hibachi dishes, but our favorite (especially for date nights) is the hibachi scallops – a super flavorful Japanese-style seafood. The garlic fried rice is also good. Open Tuesday-Sunday for dine-in service, or call ahead for reservations.
Hazumi Sushi Bar
$$ | (209) 334-9988 | WEBSITE
Hazumi Sushi Bar, a Lodi sushi spot, has got great rolls and fresh ingredients. Their signature rolls (like the Boom with 100% fresh fish) are great, and we also love their soft shell crab hand roll, Mt. Fuji. Dine-in and take-out available at their location, along with reasonable prices for the quality.
Luu’s Chicken Bowl
$ | (209) 473-7454 | WEBSITE
Luu’s Chicken Bowl isn’t a traditional Japanese restaurant, but it’s still one of the best places to get satisfying teriyaki bowls in Lodi. You’ll find all the most popular options on their large menu (teriyaki bowls, rice bowls, and more), and plenty of generous portions that keep families coming back. It’s also one of the only spots where you’ll find consistently clean and comfortable seating for everyone.
Order at the counter for quick service – you can choose exactly what you want from their variety of delicious options, or just trust that you’ll leave with a tasty and satisfying meal.
Raw Sushi
$$ | (209) 954-9729 | WEBSITE
Just because you can find sushi in every strip mall, doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best Japanese restaurants in Lodi. Their Stockton location offers consistently exceptional dining with their standout dishes like the Big Head Roll and salmon bombs, as well as their acclaimed ramen that newcomers praise as the best in town. Keep an eye out whenever they have specials on their salmon bombs, like the spicy version or the truffle-infused option.
Also, any of their personalized recommendations from the friendly, attentive staff are highly worth your time. Warm, refreshing ambiance and unmatched service—check their location for more information.
Yume Japanese Cuisine
$$ | (209) 224-5169 | WEBSITE
Lodi’s Yume Japanese Cuisine serves some of the best sushi in town, and that hasn’t changed since I first visited. In addition to standout rolls like the fresh Crunchy Rainbow Roll, they’ve also got other great options, like the must-try Udon soup with its big, chewy noodles and flavorful broth. Also note that customers can customize meals as they like, with delicious salmon teriyaki bowls and fresh ramen noodles. California Rolls with real or imitation crab are both tasty and satisfying.
Despite some items being a bit pricey—around $18-25 for specialty rolls and $14-18 for main bowls—the large portions make it worth it. The restaurant is small and casual with simple wooden tables and warm lighting, featuring friendly and accommodating staff with zero wait times. Available for dine-in or takeout via their website.
Hana Sushi
$ | (209) 477-1667 | WEBSITE
A family-owned restaurant in Lodi, Hana Sushi has surprisingly generous portions considering their reasonable prices (it’s affordable). In addition to all the tremendous sushi you’d expect to find at bigger spots – the cherry blossom roll, the Hamachi Kama appetizer, etc. – they often have some truly shocking finds, like the valley’s best sukiyaki and the highly recommended Dream roll. Dine-in only.