Kinji Japanese Restaurant
+64 3-359 4697+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Tue
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Wed
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Thu
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat
5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$35.00 – $63.00
CUISINES
Japanese, Sushi, Asian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Details
PRICE RANGE
$35.00 – $63.00
CUISINES
Japanese, Sushi, Asian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service
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4.5
306 reviews
Excellent
232
Very good
58
Average
9
Poor
4
Terrible
3
40batty
Rolleston147 contributions
Jul 2024 • friends
As other reviews have said very much feel of canteen rather than restaurant. Waitress told us if we just wanted mains , there could be a lengthy wait so with that and some of the group being quite hungry most of us ordered entrees as well. Most of us were happy with what we got though 1 was not able to eat her starter (tempura prawns) as they had a taste of ammonia. These sent back to the kitchen and did not pay for these. The mains actually came out quite quickly after this. I had prawn dumplings and then a spicy hotpot of vege, seafood and tofu which was really good. At seeing a previous review to make sure to leave room for the creme brulee we did just that. It was disappointing with neither the texture nor the taste being anything more than mediocre.
Written 11 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spring t
North Pole80 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
Was visiting Christchurch recently for the first time, and was looking for somewhere to enjoy Japanese food. Based on the reviews here, I thought Kinji was worth trying out.... Managed to book online only a few hours before arriving, thinking it would be hard to get into and sure enough, it was completely packed when we arrived, which is always a good sign that the food is decent. Inside, however the atmosphere and layout borders on school canteen style seating, so not the authentic Japanese vibe I was hoping for.
Tried a few entrees to share... While the edamame was disappointing, and we have had better mixed sashimi elsewhere, the tempura prawns and fried chicken were delicious. We even ordered the tempura vegetable as their method of cooking was very good.
And finally, we ordered a bottle of wine with the meal, but were a little annoyed to be told if we didn't finish it, we couldn't take it with us...Never heard of that anywhere I've eaten before.
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jet59000186988
6 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
The big problem we have eating at Kinji is that the $80 sashimi platter (feeds up to 4) is so incredible we never try anything else on the menu.
Very simple fit out and little street appeal, but the atmosphere is relaxed, the service excellent and the food out of this world. They have a great sake selection too.
Big Tip: Leave room for the Creme Brule
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo-Anne Cole
Timaru7 contributions
Feb 2023 • solo
Spectacular, authentic Japanese food. Outstanding service, freshest sashimi, beautifully composed dishes from a chef who truly knows his craft. I keep coming back for more, every time I'm in Christchurch.
Written 21 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Getaway57036835168
2 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
I never get tired of Kinji - the best Japanese in Christchurch.
I read people saying it's not posh, but if you have visited incredible hole in the wall restaurants in Japan, you'll know that it's the food that matters.
If you need posh go somewhere else. This is a cozy neighborhood place that all sashimi/sushi fans in Christchurch know and love
Talk to the servers - they are friendly and knowledgeable about what's good.
One word - Omakase Sushi Platter - well that's three words but it's unbelievable.
Written 30 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inverness1966
Christchurch202 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We just spent $170 at this restaurant. The wait staff never asked why the food was barely eaten. The deep fried squid is excellent but this is where it ends. The wasabi tuna tasted revolting as did the squid with Brussel sprouts. The beef in miso was also inedible. How could staff not see that food was not being eaten. The salmon sashimi was thickly cut and far too warm. The green tea tiramisu was incredibly bland and like eating a plate of nothing. It is quite beyond me that this restaurant rates so well!!!!
Written 23 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Auckland & Beyond Tours
Auckland20 contributions
May 2021 • couples
A background about myself: I'm a passionate traveller & I have travelled all around the world trying dishes from internationally rated chefs from all around. For the last 10 years I have been regularly visiting Christchurch for work and on every visit I have always chosen Kinji.
Kinji has always been the most amazing dinning experince. From the fresh ingredients, tasty meals, authentic Japanese dishes, friendly staff and most importantly his personal welcome on every visit.
Kinji's restaurant is owned by Kinji who is also the chef. His restaurant is always fully packed with customers (all year round) so make sure to pre-book. On every visit Kinji himself will welcome you in and thank you for your visit on your way out. You can see him through the small window working hard in the kitchen with his team.
Kinji used to have a restaurant in downtown Christchurch which got damaged by the earthquake so he moved out to the subberbs. His loyal customers followed him and now it is hard to even find a chair empty in his restaurant.
I love your work Kinji. You are an inspiration & your food and restaurant is the best worldwide not just in NZ.
Written 4 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara W
1 contribution
Jan 2021 • family
We consistently visit this restaurant, and leave feeling happy every time, and thought that it was only fair to leave a review about our experiences. The food here is amazing, and attention to detail immaculate. Carrying the Japanese presentation mannerism of ‘eating with your eyes first’, every dish is presented beautifully and the food is always made to the highest of standards. The food is always perfectly seasoned and cooked, arriving hot and fresh every time. Given how busy the restaurant always is, the chiefs ability to deliver food with minimal wait (given the amount of customers) is truely amazing. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and bubbly, going above and beyond to make our experience the best it can be. The head chief actually personally came out to talk to us and check how our meal was going which was greatly appreciated as it demonstrated how much he cares about his product and ensuring that everything was being enjoyed. The selection of dishes and drinks is expansive and made to the highest of qualities. The food is very traditional style, and compliments Japanese cuisine perfectly, making it feel as if you could very well be eating in a restaurant in Japan. We always enjoy coming here, and will continue to do so well into the future. Probably the best Japanese restaurant in the city, we recommend to anyone coming to Christchurch! :)
Written 22 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Imukat Arabo
Auckland178 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
I’m based in Auckland, but every time I fly over to Christchurch, I always come here for dinner.
Staff are all lovely, friendly, attentive but not too much and professional. You can easily see they are well trained.
Their foods are just scrumptious. I’m from Japan, and I would say this restaurant is the only restaurant in New Zealand, where we can find “authentic” Japanese cuisine. Not westernised, not urbanised. You can enjoy Japanese foods that Japanese people want in Japan.
If you go to Christchurch, or live in Christchurch and love Japanese food, you must go!!
𓀠 𓀡 𓀠 𓀡 𓀠 𓀡 𓀠 𓀡
普段オークランドに住んでますが、クライストチャーチに行くときは必ず晩ご飯を食べに行きます。
スタッフは皆さんフレンドリーでよく気が利き、でも行き過ぎず、そして接客のプロ。よくトレーニングされてるのが分かります。
ご飯はもう一言で表すなら最&高。僕、日本出身なんですが、「本物の」日本食が食べれるのはニュージーランドでここだけ。西洋化というか、モダンな感じではなく、日本人が日本で食べる日本食をここで味わえます。
もしクライストチャーチに行く機会があれば、それかもしお住まいであれば、是非行ってください!!
Written 29 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarEspy
Spokane34 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
We had dinner at Kinji last night and it was absolutely fantastic. All of the sushi/sashimi was so tasty and fresh! Some of the best we’ve had, if not the best, and we have had a lot of sushi in several countries and around the US! Local oysters were also delicious and fresh and the matcha tiramisu was unique and also delicious! Reasonable prices too. Definitely worth a visit if you like fresh simple sushi!
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Compass674075
Christchurch4 contributions
May 2020 • none
We went to Kinji last night to celebrate the birthdays of of my husband and twin sons. Apart from Sakimoto in town, Kinji is the other place in Christchurch that we would go to for a special occasion.
I lived in Japan and used to go there regularly for about 20 years so I am very familiar with the subtle flavours of Japanese food. The specials menu at Kinji uses seasonal produce so there is something new to look forward to every time we go there. This is on top of the regular menu of delicious classic Japanese dishes like sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki and teriyaki salmon which are always prepared with meticulous attention. It is easy to see that the chef takes great pride in his work. It is hard work being a chef yet he always has a smile on his face in the kitchen. The staff is always unfailingly polite when we go there.
For the best Japanese dining experience, it’s handy to go with someone who is familiar with Japanese food. The miso and sake marinated white wharehou seasonal special was outstanding and so was the marinated mackerel sashimi. Most local dinners would probably not have have chosen these exceptional dishes as mackerel in NZ is considered an inferior fish although its highly valued both in Japan and in Europe.
When I made the booking I mentioned that it was a triple birthday. The birthday boys were all touched by the green tea tiramisu cake for each of them. Each cake had a candle and Happy Birthday written on the plate with berry sauce.
Well done Kinji, it’s always a pleasure to be in your restaurant.
Written 23 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
owlesey
Rolleston985 contributions
Nov 2022 • friends
This is a place that you must book any night of the week. First time at a Japanese restaurant and the food was very good. Best thing we did as a group is get a mixture of different dishes to share. Nice staff. I recommend the Japanese gin drink.
Written 15 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyler S
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • family
Sixth night into a road-trip around the South Island and was absolutely blown away by this place! Hands down the best restaurant the south has offered us! I honestly didn’t expect to find a restaurant to match my favourites up in Auckland, but Kenji has me needing to book more trips down this way to come back. The food was brilliant, could not fault a single dish. Always came out hot and full of flavour, despite the restaurant being super super busy. Food was to die for! Would definitely recommend the wagyu nigiri or deep fried eggplant. The presentation of the food was outstanding and it was clearly evident the level of attention and care that goes into each dish. Staff were so kind and lovely, going above and beyond to make our experience the best it could possibly be. Definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for top quality food. Very authentic flavours, reminding me of my time living in Japan. Fish is actually hand picked by the chef himself who goes to the market to find only the top-quality fish. Was told that a certain type fish was not on the menu tonight because it hadn’t met his requirements and thats proof enough in itself to how quality the level of food is.
Amazing and can’t wait to come back!
Written 6 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steph
New Plymouth11 contributions
Nov 2021 • family
Busy little restaurant. Fast service. Friendly staff. We had an array of dishes and left not a drop behind. The venison tataki was delectable and the sashimi was fresh and decent sized cuts!
Written 24 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maggie Lehmann
Waiheke Island6 contributions
Nov 2022 • family
I am super impressed with this little Japanese restaurant. Super friendly staff, super fast and very yummy and fresh food. The eel & omelette Sushi role is insanely tasty, just wow! Absolutely loved it and would come to Christchurch just for sushi again
Written 22 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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