It can’t be denied that Japanese cuisine is omnipresent; its rich, yet delicacy has for long been displayed and expressed through a variety of dishes that makes the mouth waters for more. The popularity of Japanese food increases with time, marking up countless numbers of Japanese restaurants in malls and even along the streets of America. In big cities like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New York, Japanese lunch boxes and bento sets offered at numerous restaurants that aren’t the traditional, authentic Japanese restaurants would even be considered common. But what makes a good Japanese restaurant? What is authentic Japanese food?

Explore the following Japanese restaurants that offer crafted, delicate dishes with the pure colors of Japanese tradition poured into every menu, extremely mouth-watering sushi and sashimi served along with the Japanese Sake drink and crafted beers that will keep you fascinated and in awe of the elegance and beauty you can feel through authentic Japanese cuisine.

Sakedokoro, Washington, D.C.

Sakedokoro Makoto is a highly traditional restaurant that tops the list of ‘favorites’ and has earned the ‘likes’ from the majority of Japanese residing in the state. It is known as a medium-sized restaurant, with its architectural structure made of fine wood, only allowing their guests to dine in with provided Japanese slippers or the so-called ‘Getas’. To get the best experience dining here at Sakedokoro, it is highly recommended to first make a reservation beforehand and ask for their tasting menu, where the chef would send his own creations according to what he feels would suit the season right. There are available a la carte dishes you can order from, but signature dishes will never disappoint. All dishes they serve here are deeply compacted with varying flavors coming out from all ingredients, making this place a true, authentic Japanese restaurant worth visiting. They are closed on Mondays and Sundays, open on Tuesdays to Thursdays at 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm on Fridays, and 6 pm to 9.30 pm on Saturdays.

Tetsu, Las Vegas

If you’re a big fan of Chef Masa Takayama, Tetsu is a place you can’t miss. Offering guests with the most ultimate, and interactive dining experience, Chef Masa teams up with Teppanyaki chefs who are highly skilled and passionate to come up with creations that will flourish diners with the true Japanese flavors. Dishes will be served according to specific requests made by the diners, turning an ordinary dining night-out into a traditional, eye-widening Japanese food dine-in experience one can never forget. The masterpiece of this restaurant features a large table located in the center of the dining room, where finest ingredients, quality seafood, vegetables, and meat are displayed. Diners will have the opportunity to select their own choice of proteins and tell the specialists what portions they would like to have the latter in. Top dishes like Filet Mignon and Center Cut Lamb Chop are accompanied by Yakisoba noodles and Kobe Garlic Fried rice. If you’re also a sweet tooth, Masa’s Truffle Ice-cream and Yuzu Sorbet will keep you smiling non-stop.

Sushi Yasuda, New York City

This place is famous for its supreme quality seafood dishes served along with the authentic Japanese vinegar-moistened rice and the best Nigiri served on wooden trays just like the old, ancient Japanese restaurants. Make a reservation to enjoy dining here at Sushi Yasuda, as you will be welcomed by two famous chefs; people call them: Tatsu and Mitsu. Enjoy the sight of sushi making, the swift, elegant movements of the knives that will keep you fascinated as you wait for your orders to arrive. Savor the sweet, savory taste of Fatty Tuna as it melts in your mouth along with the exotic tastes of Purple Squid dabbed with hints of Wasabi. The best way to enjoy this restaurant with your loved ones is to make a reservation in advance and breathe in the scents of the restaurant’s unique, bamboo-structured clads that collides with the aroma of fresh seafood and cooked Japanese rice.