The international trend of Japanese cuisine is booming, and Milan as well can't resist the faraway, delicate and light flavours of freshly made sushi. Be it in its most authentic and unspoilt version up to creative interpretations, combining the tastes of Japan with international influences and aromas embracing the old-but-new concept of "fusion" cuisine Milan boasts countless Japanese restaurants to satisfy every taste whim. Considering that maybe your stay in the city is limited, we've rounded up 3 of the best Japanese restaurant you can't miss while in Milan.

A map of these venues follows

1. Iyo - Michelin-starred experience

Located just steps away from Corso Sempione into a sophisticated and elegant ambience, Iyo can pride itself of the acknowledgement of first Japanese restaurant recipient of a Michelin-star. At Iyo the cuisine is fully inspired by Japan and its centuries-old tradition, though re-interpreted and enhanced with a creative twist by expert sushiman Haruo lchikawa working side-by-side with chef Michele Biassoni. Besides the must-try selections of sushi, sashimi, tartare and tempura, all made with the use of always fresh fish and top-level ingredients, highlights include hot “sakana or niku ryori” – fish or meat based hot dishes – conjuring up precious produce such as lobster or wagyu meat and innovative cooking techniques. Larger groups of guests are advised not to miss the special “omakase” selection, an eight-course menu with dishes selected by the chef. A selection of around 800 wines and a good choice of sake, with different varieties to accompany different dishes completes each Michelin-starred culinary experience.

Address: via Piero della Francesca, 74

GPS: 45.48674, 9.15944
Phone: 02 45476898
Public Transport: M5 (purple line) Cenisio or M5 (purple line) Domodossola
Open Tue 7.30pm-11.30pm; Wed-Sun 12.30pm-2.30pm and 7.30pm-11.30pm. Closed on Monday.
www.iyo.it

2. Kisen - Japanese with a twist

Since its inception in 2005, Kisen has distinguished itself for the accurate design of its spaces, where each piece of furniture and detail, from lighting to tableware is set to recall the most traditional Japanese ambiences. The two Kisen restaurants in Milan feature the same attention to architecture and to the quality of the ingredients, sourced daily from Milan’s fish market. The food selection prepared by the Osaka-born chef is based on the concept of “Feeling Excellence” allowing guest to savour authentic and top-quality flavours from the Far East; the rich selection of ten raw fish tartares featuring precious ingredients such as mother shells or innovative pairings – like beetroot chips on a bed of cuttlefish rice –  does not go unnoticed. Other must-try delicacies include gunkan, thin-sliced carpaccios, a tasty maki selection mixing and matching tradition with innovation and over 12 temaki: make sure you try the ones with foie gras, sake or the Milanese-style saffron rice temaki.

a – Address: via Gian Giacomo Mora, 9
M2 (green line) Sant’Ambrogio
Phone: 
02 36525697
b – Address: via della Moscova, 10
M3 (yellow line) Turati
Phone: 
333 3911343
Open Mon-Sat 12.30pm-2.30pm and 7pm-12am. Sun 12pm-2.30pm.
www.kisensushi.it

3. Hana - Contemporary Japanese cuisine

At Hana Restaurant lovers of oriental tastes can enjoy a selection of the best of Japanese food, highlighted by hints of fusion cuisine from the 60’s onward. The quality of its food is further enhanced by its atmosphere which exudes a sense of peace, thanks to its soothing decor of natural inspiration. Its original “Made in Hana Restaurant ” specialities include sushi, sashimi, gunkan and temaki recipes infused with a touch of creativity, as well as delicious tartare with ponzu sauce. The menu also features vegetarian specialities and hot dishes including noodles, ramen, tasty udon recipes combining Japanese tradition enhanced by international aromas. Discerning diners can also enjoy a skillfully-prepared “shabu shabu“, which can be savoured upon reservation only. The restaurant prides itself on a selection of several of the best Italian labels and prestigious champagnes as well as a sprinkling of wines imported from the US.

Address: via Paolo Giovio, 3

GPS: 45.46599, 9.15983
Phone: 02 48197213
Public Transport: M1 (red line) Pagano
Open Mon 5.30pm-11.30pm; Tue-Sat 12.30pm-2.45pm and 7.15pm-11.15pm. Closed on Sunday.
www.hanarestaurant.it