Best Asian Restaurants in Novi Michigan

Novi, Michigan is a wonderfully diverse city of Metro Detroit with approximately 24% of its population being of Asian descent, so it’s no surprise that it has some of the best Asian restaurants in the area.

Whether you’re craving hibachi, sushi, or traditional Asian fare, Novi provides some excellent, mouth watering options for both dining in or taking out to enjoy at home that should be on everyone’s bucket list.  

China Cafe Asian Bistro 

Located on the corner of 10 Mile and Novi Road is China Cafe Asian Bistro. A testament to the American dream, owner Kelly Chang grew up in South Korea and having such a passion for Asian cuisine, always dreamed of opening his own restaurant. In 1996, Kelly and his wife Susana, opened China Cafe, bringing their dream to life while providing some of the highest quality Asian food to the Novi community. With his commitment to fresh and innovative food served with genuine hospitality, Kelly frequently updates the menu to provide guests with a one of a kind dining experience.

When visiting China Cafe, guests can choose from two options for their dining experience.  Choices are dining in the China Cafe for a more traditional experience with a full menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts, or visit the Jia Lounge located right next door, which features specialty cocktails and a slimmed down menu with different, more shareable items. Our favorites to try here include the Walnut Shrimp, Beijing Street Side Shrimp, Drunken Noodles, and Five Pepper Chicken. Whatever you decide on for your meal, don’t skip out on the Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Salted Caramel Ice Cream from the Jia Lounge.

Genji Novi 

Genji Novi is located off of Novi Road on the north side of I-96 next to West Oaks Shopping Center and Fountain Walk. We should start by saying that since the time of filming our video, Genji has announced that they are temporarily closed until further notice, but we can’t help but include them on this list in hopes that they will soon reopen their doors. 

Genji Novi is a Japanese Steakhouse (specializing in hibachi, teppanyaki & sushi) is part of Pi's Companies, which began in 1985 with a traditional Chinese restaurant and has now expanded to six Asian restaurants throughout Michigan. Many who visit hibachi grills do so for the entertainment value as much as the amazing quality of the food - and Genji is one of the best in the business. Their cooks are both chefs and entertainers and the quality of their food shines through in every bite. The atmosphere inside Genji is also worth noting, as it makes a perfect place for a romantic evening, corporate dinners, or just a fun night out with friends and family. They also offer carefully crafted cocktails, a lunch sushi buffet and halal meat options. It’s no surprise they were the recipients of the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award in 2022 and we truly hope they open again soon. 

Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar  

While Genji is currently closed, there is another equally excellent option just a couple of minutes away, Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. Wasabi is located on Grand River Ave to the west of Meadowbrook Road and after a brief closure during the pandemic we were super excited to see this business return. 

Wasabi’s menu differs from Genji and in addition to the amazing hibachi options, offers a wide variety of choices including an extensive sushi selection, hot appetizers, tempura, teriyaki, noodle stir fry, donburi, curry, dessert and an array of drinks. They also have a children's menu, which is great for families as hibachi can get expensive depending on what options are chosen. Wasabi is slightly more casual than Genji, but still a great choice for a fun date night or pretty much any occasion. They also have an event space called the Wasabi Sushi Lounge, which can be rented out for family or corporate functions, that can accommodate up to 300 guests, has a full bar and a dance floor - DJ not included. Keep an eye on Wasabi’s website and social media pages as well, as they frequently run specials and coupons that can be used when visiting.

Ajishin 

Also located on Grand River Ave and nearly next door to Wasabi is Ajishin Sushi and Noodles. Opened in 1996, the owner of Ajishin comes directly from Kyoto, Japan, bringing authentic Japanese cuisine to tables in Novi. Due to the shortage of supplies and labor, Ajishin is currently only offering take-out, but they surely should not be overlooked.

Known for their quality ingredients used and generous servings at reasonable prices, Ajishin provides a well rounded menu including sushi, chirashi bowls (bowl style sushi), udon, cold soba, curry rice and grilled fish. With separate hours for lunch & dinner and a 4.6 star rating coming from over 1,400 reviews on Google, Ajiishin dishes out some incredible flavors that keeps regulars and first timers alike coming back for more. 

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar 

Adding something a little different than we typically include on our favorites lists, we found this chain style restaurant worthy of inclusion if not for the concept and experience alone. Welcome to Kura Revolving Sushi Bar. Located on Novi Road just south of I-96, Kura offers over 140 menu items and features a conveyor belt winding passing by each table carrying sealed sushi plates where patrons can reach out and select their own meal. They also offer hot selections including soups, udon and ramen that can be ordered via touchscreen from your table that will likewise be delivered by conveyor belt. Don’t leave without trying their dessert either - their Japanese Soy Milk Donut is outstanding! With a promise of serving only natural and healthy meals prepared with fresh, premium Japanese ingredients and all sushi plates being priced at just $3.30 each, Kura is definitely worth a visit. If Novi is a bit far, Kua has a second location in Troy, MI.

One World Market 

No stranger to our Novi lists, for some of the best sushi in Novi, One World Market Japanese Grocery & Sushi is a favorite for locals and for good reason. Located on the south side of Grand River between Novi and Meadowbrook Roads, One World Market was originally established in 1997 as a Japanese Market (currently the largest Japanese grocery store in the state) with the intention of serving expats that had relocated to the area for work. They later added a sushi bar in the back of the market that offers a wide variety of options, as well as bento boxes. All items are made fresh daily and orders are available for pick up, or can be made in person while you wait. There is a small dining area as well for those who wish to dine onsite. If you’re planning an event, One World Market also offers several party trays that are sure to be a hit. 

Shiro Restaurant 

Last and certainly not least on our list is Shiro Restaurant. Located on West Nine Mile Road just east of Novi Road, Shiro is a Japanese restaurant with a French flair, creating a unique menu - in a very unique setting. Rumored to be haunted, Shiro calls home what was once the White House Manor, a two-story elegant mansion built in 1929 that was home of Charles and Harriet Rogers. It was called this due to the fact that it was built from profits of Rogers’ company, White House Milk Products. One feature of the manor is a grand staircase that Rogers dreamed of one day having a daughter who would walk down the staircase on her wedding day. Years later his daughter and fiance eloped the night before their wedding and Rogers unfortunately died not long afterwards. It is said that to this day both Charles and his wife haunt the manor, with Charles’ ghost reportedly enjoying moving plates, glasses, silverware and other utensils, with many visitors over the years saying to have seen his entity throughout the building. Owners Howard Yang and J.W. Shin spent eight months and over $500,000 renovating the mansion into what is now Shiro, and carrying on the tradition, Shiro hosts many weddings, receptions and special events at the property.

While some visit Shiro to say their vows, or for a possible encounter with Charles, most simply come for an incredible meal, selected from the menu full of traditional Japanese cuisine, creative sushi rolls and Western style dishes prepared to perfection. Inside of Shiro, the main floor is decorated to give a traditional Japanese feel with conventional seating and private tatami rooms where diners sit on Japanese floor chairs (no shoes allowed), while the upstairs is fashioned more like a French Baroque style restaurant. Open for both lunch and dinner, Shiro’s extensive menu is available for dining in or carrying out, although we highly recommend making reservations and dining in at this historic Novi restaurant.

With many excellent dining choices located throughout Novi, it’s hard to go wrong with finding a spot for great eats. However, their selection of outstanding authentic Asian restaurants stands apart from many other Metro Detroit cities. The next time you get a craving we hope you enjoy one of the establishments from our list. Enjoy!

To learn more about Novi and to view a list of homes currently for sale visit our page HERE.

For info and locations on each of the above restaurants please see the interactive map below: