The Most Iconic Mezes You’ll Find in Japan’s Seafood Restaurants

Japan is renowned for its exquisite seafood cuisine, boasting a remarkable variety of mezes that embody the essence of the ocean. These small dishes, often enjoyed alongside sake or beer, play an essential role in the dining experience at Japanese seafood restaurants. Here are some of the most iconic mezes you’ll find that celebrate Japan’s rich maritime culture.

Sashimi
Sashimi is arguably one of the most iconic seafood mezes in Japan. This dish features thinly sliced raw fish, often served with soy sauce, wasabi, and garnishes like shiso leaves. Varieties such as tuna (maguro), salmon (sake), and yellowtail (hamachi) are popular choices, showcasing the freshness and quality of the ingredients.

Sushi
While sushi is primarily known as a main dish, certain forms like nigiri and maki can be enjoyed as mezes. Sushi consists of vinegared rice combined with various seafood, vegetables, and sometimes fruit. Opt for a sushi platter to sample an array of flavors, from classic tuna rolls to unique regional specialties.

Ikura
Ikura, or salmon roe, is a delightful addition to any seafood meze platter. These glossy orange pearls burst with flavor, offering a salty taste that pairs beautifully with rice. Served atop a little rice or alongside sashimi, ikura adds a luxurious touch to any meal.

Edamame
While not seafood, edamame is a staple that often accompanies seafood dishes in Japanese restaurants. These young soybeans, lightly salted and served in their pods, are a nutritious and delicious snack that complements the more robust flavors of seafood.

Nasu Dengaku
Nasu Dengaku is a dish featuring grilled eggplant glazed with sweet miso paste, often served as a warm meze in seafood restaurants. The smoky flavor of the grilled eggplant, combined with the savory-sweet miso, creates a delightful contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.

Hotate (Scallops)
Grilled or seared scallops are a popular seafood meze that highlight the natural sweetness of the shellfish. Often served with a drizzle of soy sauce or ponzu dressing, hotate is a must-try for seafood lovers seeking a delicate yet flavorful experience.

Takoyaki
Takoyaki, though originally from Osaka, has become a beloved snack throughout Japan. These small, round balls filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, and green onions are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Drizzled with takoyaki sauce and topped with bonito flakes, they make for an irresistible seafood meze.

Yakimeshi (Seafood Fried Rice)
Seafood fried rice, or yakimeshi, often incorporates fresh catch from the day, including shrimp or squid. Prepared with sesame oil, soy sauce, and garnished with green onions, this hearty dish rounds out any meze selection perfectly.

Grilled Fish
A simple yet flavorful offering, grilled fish, such as mackerel (saba) or horse mackerel (aji), is commonly served as a meze. The fish is typically seasoned with salt and grilled to perfection, presenting a deliciously smoky flavor that pairs well with a side of grated daikon radish.

Japan’s seafood restaurants offer a diverse range of mezes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also reflect the country's rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal or a fine dining experience, these iconic dishes are a must-try for anyone looking to savor the flavors of the sea.