Kinji Japanese Restaurant
Experience authentic Japanese dining with top-notch sashimi and a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Chef Kinji's expertise shines through every dish.
Highlights
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Kinji Japanese Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Japanese dining with top-notch sashimi and a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Chef Kinji's expertise shines through every dish.
Reserve Ahead
Due to high demand, it's highly recommended to make a reservation in advance via their website.
Seek Chef Kinji
Visit when Chef Kinji is present for an exceptional omakase experience, his signature sashimi is a must-try.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+64 3 359 4697
Address
279B Greers Road, Bryndwr, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Website
kinjirestaurant.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sashimi Perfection
Indulge in generous slices of the freshest fish, a true testament to quality ingredients and expert preparation.
Authentic Japanese Ambiance
Experience a cozy and traditional Japanese dining atmosphere that transports you straight to Japan.
Omakase Delights
Experience Chef Kinji's signature Omakase, featuring a well-balanced array of fresh ingredients and expertly crafted dishes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Ahead
Due to high demand, it's highly recommended to make a reservation in advance via their website.
Seek Chef Kinji
Visit when Chef Kinji is present for an exceptional omakase experience, his signature sashimi is a must-try.
Portion Sizes
Expect smaller, high-quality ingredient portions; consider ordering entrees if you're very hungry.
Ask the Servers
Servers are friendly and knowledgeable; ask them for recommendations on what's best for the day.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Ahead
Due to high demand, it's highly recommended to make a reservation in advance via their website.
Seek Chef Kinji
Visit when Chef Kinji is present for an exceptional omakase experience, his signature sashimi is a must-try.
Portion Sizes
Expect smaller, high-quality ingredient portions; consider ordering entrees if you're very hungry.
Ask the Servers
Servers are friendly and knowledgeable; ask them for recommendations on what's best for the day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kinji Japanese Restaurant is highly praised for its authentic atmosphere, friendly service, and exceptional quality sashimi and sushi. Diners often feel transported to Japan and rave about the freshness of the ingredients. While some found the ambiance more canteen-like, the consensus is that the food quality makes up for it. A few minor complaints include occasional dishes not meeting personal taste expectations and one instance of an off-putting taste in tempura prawns.
"I recently had the pleasure of dining at Kinji Japanese Restaurant, one of Christchurch's most highly regarded Japanese eateries, and it absolutely lived up to the hype! From the moment I walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the tone for a memorable evening.
I started with three different kinds of sashimi, and I was blown away by the freshness and quality of the fish. Each piece melted in my mouth, showcasing the chef's expertise and the restaurant's commitment to sourcing top-notch ingredients. It was easily some of the best sashimi I've ever had.
For the main course, I tried the Beef Chew Stew. While the beef was tender and flavorful, it wasn't entirely to my personal taste. That said, I could still appreciate the skill and care that went into preparing the dish.
Overall, my experience at Kinji was fantastic. The food was exceptional, the service was attentive and friendly, and the ambiance was perfect for a relaxing dinner. It's clear that the team at Kinji takes great pride in what they do, and it shows in every aspect of the dining experience.
Well done to the entire team—I can't wait to return and explore more of your menu!"
Thitiwat Rattanaphet
"We had incredibly wonderful dinner,
Service,taste,atmosphere, everything perfect and I felt like I was back in Japan.
This restaurant must be the best in NZ!
I’ll definitely come back again."
水流快斗
"Had a belated birthday celebration by having the 8-course omakase here.
We were fortunate that Chef Kinji was back for the month of May and got to enjoy his well-balanced dishes using fresh ingredients.
The first dish with fried salmon was the star for me - crispy on the outside, tender and juicy meat inside.
There was such a variety of sashimis (various types of fish) and other cooked proteins (beef, lamb, prawns and unagi).
For the price of $100, this omakase is well worth its price with the range and heartiness of the food you get. We also ordered desserts (green tea tiramisu and crème brûlée) to end our dinner on a sweet note.
Service was great and the atmosphere cosy. The restaurant was packed throughout the night with at least half the customers being Japanese (so you know it’s authentic) and everyone seems to know someone from another table, creating a friendly and homely vibe.
It was such a memorable experience and the only bad thing was that they fed us tooo much - I haven’t eaten so much in ages!
This is one of the best meals I’ve had in Christchurch. Highly recommend their omakase (go with an empty stomach) and have it while Chef Kinji is still in town!"
Carrie CT
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance through their website due to high demand.
Omakase is a Japanese dining experience where the chef prepares a multi-course meal based on the freshest ingredients available. Chef Kinji's omakase is highly praised.
Chef Kinji Hamada's signature dishes are sashimi and nigiri-style sushi. The sashimi is noted for its large slices of fresh fish.
The restaurant offers a cozy and authentic Japanese dining atmosphere. Some describe it as more like a canteen, but the food quality is consistently highlighted as superb.
While the menu primarily focuses on seafood and meat, the menu indicates some vegetarian items and a vegetarian hotpot is mentioned in a review.
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Kinji Japanese Restaurant in Christchurch offers an authentic and delightful dining experience for sushi lovers. With a focus on traditional Japanese flavors and techniques, Kinji serves a wide selection of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other delectable dishes. The restaurant’s skilled chefs ensure each dish is prepared with precision and presented beautifully.
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After the February 22 earthquake, they are forced to abandon their original location and head on to their current location at Greers road. The Japanese restaurant serves popular dishes from the culturally-rich country. Each meal is meticulously prepared by its executive chef and owner Kinji who has more than 25 years of culinary expertise.
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We chose Kinji Japanese Restaurant for its use of top-quality seafood. They source their fish across New Zealand, so they have plenty of options for bagging the freshest catch of the day. The restaurant also shines through in its traditional Japanese ambience, as well as its warm and attentive service.
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Needless to say, Christchurch is a melting pot of cultures with a few international gems in the dining scene, such as the acclaimed Kinji (279B Greers Road, Bryndwr) and Zen Sushi and Dumplings (301 Montreal Street) serving fresh and flavourful Japanese cuisine.
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If sushi is what the heart desires, Kinji is your destination. Owner-operator and master sushi chef Kinji Hamada’s signature dishes are sashimi and nigiri-style sushi. Fresh seafood served at Kinji is handpicked by the chef himself to ensure the best quality.
Japanese restaurants in Christchurch North, NZ
Kinji in Bryndwr specializes in sushi, with owner-operator and master sushi chef Kinji Hamada's signature dishes being sashimi and nigiri-style sushi. The restaurant sources fresh seafood, organic vegetables, and marbled beef locally.
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Boasting some of the freshest sashimi in town, Chef Kinji prides himself on using the highest quality ingredients. As one of the 10 best restaurants in Christchurch, Kinji promises a dining experience you won’t forget.
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Fancy a savoury Yakiniku Beef Barbecue or mouth-watering Crumb Chicken?. Well, you should go to Kinji Japanese Restaurant in Bryndwr, Christchurch!. They use fresh and organic ingredients in cooking where possible.
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Chef Kinji has 20 years' experience and sources only the freshest ingredients for the menu. Dishes include seafood, tofu, beef, and vegetables and much of the produce is organic or free range and locally produced.
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Or for a quick healthy fix, head for top-rated Kinji for Japanese-style tapas like Cajun-spiced garlic tuna, wagyu beef sushi or salmon sashimi. You can’t go wrong with either option.
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