Butakun in Newcastle upon Tyne

Exceptional. As someone who loves a good quality sushi experience this place was great with good service. I also had the ramen which was excellent! Well done

The food here is really good, and the service was attentive. The atmosphere in the restaurant needs some work though. There was no music on at all, which was jarring and made it feel like eating in a library. Please put some background music on!

Pricier than other Japanese restaurants in Newcastle but I really enjoyed my sashimi platter - everything was super fresh and delicious

First timer coming here, probably the last. I have went to many places in Japan for various ramen, chicken, beef and donburis, and eaten at a lot of Asian places in Newcastle, consistently ramen and chicken, so I can distinguish what is good and consistently made well. Never knew Butakun existed so I reserved a spot as the reviews had highly acclaimed positive reviews. I ordered myself a Tori Paitan ramen (鶏白湯ラーメン) and normal Chicken Kaarage (鳥か荒げ) and after being served, they both looked phenomenal by the presentation. Crispy batter on the kaarage with the broth of the ramen being very flavorful looking. Tasting the ramen at first was very refreshing of that chicken broth taste, the noodles were higher quality. However, the chicken cuts were almost flavorless, despite how tender and high quality it is, put a let down on the ramen as it was not balanced well with the flavors and seemed inconsistent. The chicken kaarage was a big let down. The battering done on the chicken was very airy and different to what I’d expect, but then the chicken inside is well tender but so flavorless, the batter had more flavor than the chicken meat. In addition, the batter didn’t go well with the chicken overall. The atmosphere was fine, nothing else to run home by. Service was great, very straight forward and obliged by Challenge-25 laws for serving alcohol.

Absolutely loved this place, the service really stood out as great 😁 excellent food as well, we loved everything

Exceptional food and service. Not yhe cheapest but quality was very high. Will definitely be returning for our next celebration meal.

Food was delicious! The service was quick and polite, good Japanese tunes played over the speaker, great drinks and authentic Japanese whisky served here.

Absolutely incredible meal, will definitely be coming back

Food is very delicious and fresh. Look for Kaye she is very welcoming.

Great food & wine. The server and bartender were so sweet & friendly.

Went for a celebration meal and food was genuinely some of the best Japanese I've ever had, massive selection and the drinks selection was lovely! Atmosphere is fairly nice and chilled out, with lovely service, particularly from Kaye who made us feel so welcome! Will definitely be coming back in the future for the tonkatsu!

We were two families of 4 and every one of the 8 of us ate well. The sashimi, the maki, the sushi, the soup, the chicken & rice dish, the tempura... everything was amazing. All the dishes arrived quickly and tasted amazing. The service was first class. The plum wine was very good quality! We had a fantastic experience and we will certainly go back!

Amazing experience! Food were delicious. Service was excellent. Despite we had late dinner and kitchen nearly closed, they able to deliver best service and delicious Food. Our waiter Bryan is deserved a recognition 👏 super friendly, able to accommodate our request. Definitely will come back and recommend 👌 👍

Very nice place. Amazing desserts as well!!

Amazing experience! Food are super delicious. Service above and beyond. We've been well looked after. Our waiter, Bryan deserved a recognition 👏. Despite a late reservation, and kitchen nearly closed, but we had the most amazing service and food were quickly served. Best sushi in town. Recommend place 👌

Fantastic food, great atmosphere and really friendly service. Highly recommended

Pros: - The food was great. Best Japanese that I have had in Newcastle so far. Cons: - Perhaps due to how empty it was, the staff were having a rather loud laugh together. Not that big of a deal, though. - The bill came with, what I can only assume is, the tip automatically included in it. In a tipping culture I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people overlook this inclusion and add another tip on top. Perhaps not that big of a deal?

Lovely meal. We had Ramen and Unagi Don with some sushi to start. I'm not a Japanese expert but the meals were delicious with large quantities.

Delicious food and lovely staff!

My friend and I have been here twice and we adore it!! The food is so delicious and so much choice, the atmosphere is lovely and relaxing, the staff are so friendly and everything about it is amazing! We usually moan about places but can't find anything to moan about this place, 100/10 :)

We had a ramen each and they were very tasty and not too salty. We tried the wasabi prawn sushi, which wasn't spicy at all and was very soft and fresh. The mixed tempura was very hot and crunchy. All of it was really tasty. Plus a genmaicha each. Great value too.

I had the pork ramen and my friend had the chicken Katsu donburi - the portions were really great, the flavours were great and the service was excellent. The star of our experience was the lovely, beautiful and kind waitress, Kaye. Her energy was incredible and she made us feel so comfortable and really added to our dinner 💞 Thank you kaye, hopefully we will see you again!!

Better than Nori but also more expensive. Miso is far tastier at this price point.

We were visiting Newcastle for the day to meet up with friends we’ve not seen for a while so coming here was their call - and we’re very happy they did. An expansive menu of entirely delicious things to chose from however, we opted for the Kimchi Hiyayakko and Spicy Geso Karaage to start, followed by a Hakozen 9 piece Bento Box apiece for our main. Every component, expertly prepared and presented and utterly lip-smackingly delicious. A selection of delicious treats in an immaculate space all washed down with sparkling sake. Felt very decadent. Thank you. We will be seeing you again.

Great food, reasonably priced and really friendly service! I was very impressed by the amount offered on the menu and the quality of the food when it arrived

Thought we'd try something new and definitely not disappointed. Food was excellent, service impeccable and the friendliest staff ever. Can't wait for next time.

Wonderful food and service here. Popped in on a Sunday afternoon, it was dead quiet and the food and service was exceptional. Had the set A meal so we could try a bit of everything and it was delicious. Would come here again.

Amazing, authentic Japanese food! The sky dragon sushi roll was delicious and they have a good selection of Japanese beers too. Would highly reccomend and I will come again.

Best Japanese restaurant in town. Fresh, quality food, lovely staff and good atmosphere.

Great food and service, suitable for friends or family, something for everyone . We had both ramen bowls and sushi, both were excellent

I’ve visited at Butakun last week with friends. We’re order tonkotsue ramen, salmondonburi, and also sushi set. Most of food are good and atmospheres is very nice! For the services from staff are merely not bad but not too good. In my opinion, ramen is too light and not intense enough but shushi is very nice!!! The price is quite expensive but It seems like to worthwhile for the quality of food here. Next time, I’ll try another ramen because that ramen Its may not my ramen style of taste. Totally, not too much impressed but doesn’t mean no any favoritism.

Staff were friendly and attentive. Food was fantastic. We had a couple of bento selections and shared them. Would 100% recommend. 1st time here but we’ll be back.

Absolutely brilliant restaurant! the food is amazing, made fresh and the staff are super friendly and helpful. Couldnt recommend this place enough! If you're stuck on what to order i had the tonkotsu ramen and it was to die for. Enjoy x

Fantastic spot. Great service and some unbelievable dishes. Try the ginger sake shot.

Very good sushi choices and friendly service. Highly recommended!

AMAZING with allergies! I am one of those annoying people who have a list of allergies as long as your arm, but this place was amazingly helpful! All I did was ring ahead, tell the person who took my order and they were soo helpful. They even added more of the things that I am allowed to have, to compensate the ingredients they had to remove from the dishes due to my allergies. I had the Pork Ramen, fried chicken (spicy) starter, octopus balls and the chicken Ramen. All were OUT OF THIS WORLD! The people working here are the definition of friendly. The venue was beautiful and comfy, and of course amazingly clean. Thank your very much Butakun.

Authentic, delicious Japanese food with a Sake menu to die for!! Loved the service and trying something new. Brian and the team are excellent hosts and will make you feel like queens. Thank you 💚

Sushi really good, nice and fresh. Ramen not bad, soup lacking a bit of flavour. A bit disappointed in the tempura though, batter a bit thick and soft, so not crunchy when you bite in. Still will be back to try other things.

Wonderful food and service - the sushi was incredibly fresh.

Beautifully authentic japanese food. Since going go Japan last year, I have been trying to find somewhere to relive the food we ate. The ramen broth was tasty, the chicken cooked perfectly and the tempura crunchy. The staff were attentive and kind. It is a bit pricey, so wouldn't be going all the time. But is worth it for how food the food is.

Great food in a relaxed environment. Ramen and sushi are both top notch. Great spot to dine as a group or solo. There’s great benches against the windows where you can grab some food and watch the world go by as you eat.

Had the geso karaage and spicy tori paitan ramen. Pricy, but the portions and the quality of the food are definitely worth it. Staff are fantastic, location is perfect and the place itself is beautifully decorated and quiet. Just what I needed.

My first time here with my friend, but it will not be my last! Incredible food, presented beautifully! Tasted so good! Good range of food, and the staff are second to none. I couldn’t recommend here more!

This was my second visit to this brilliant restaurant and it was just as amazing this time as the last! This time I invited a friend, who was equally impressed 👍 The food is absolutely delicious! Some of the best food I’ve eaten in a while (with the exception of my first visit last month), and the spinach salad with sesame dressing is one of the best things I have ever eaten! The staff are very polite, friendly and efficient and the restaurant itself is very clean and comfortable.

Food overpriced. Food quality was ok but have had better for a lower price in other restaurants. Felt sorry for the waiter and waitress. They looked overworked and under staffed. The manager wasn’t helping them. She wasn’t busy and could have helped her staff out. When we asked her for help she shouted one of her staff over instead of her. Her staff were already rushed off their feet. She wasn’t welcoming or friendly at all. She looked like she couldn’t be bothered. Came across lazy and unapproachable. Wasn’t very friendly. Will not be returning. Save your money, there are far better places to go instead.

This place is a hidden gem I can't recommend it enough the authenticity of the food is its signature price point is good aswella great place to eat and meet the ambiance is fab

Fantastic Japanese food. Highly recommended. Very authentic.

Always excellent food and good prices. Staff are always nice. Highly recommended.

First time eating here on Saturday, as someone with celiac disease I was prepared to question the staff on the food but they told me everything that I needed to know without me asking. They knew which parts of the meal would be swapped, how it would impact the dish, everything. For folks with severe food intolerances/autoimmune disorders this is wonderful, and puts my mind at ease. The food was lovely, I was expecting some veg but even without that the salmon was cooked perfectly and was seasoned so well. It was just a tasty dish. If gluten free folk are looking for a place to eat that can put them at ease and still provide a range of options this is a good place.

Wonderful restaurant and experience--food was fantastic and delivered promptly, service was spectacular and atmosphere was cozy. Mainly ordered from sushi and sashimi options and found them fresh and well presented. Sake and tea were also very nice. Very much recommended! Thank you for a lovely evening!

Food was delicious and warmed the soul.

Have been three times, each time it was lovely. Great service and great food And the lovely lady serving us complimented my shirt so all in all: 10/10 would recommend.

Amazing place with authentic and delicious food! We visited after having been to Japan to relive our food experience and we were not disappointed, wonderful sushi and ramen, very excited to make a return trip. One of, if not 'the best' Japanese in Newcastle.

Costs 14.80 chicken ramen and it’s honestly horrendous everything looks like it came pre packaged and nothing made from scratch and they definitely just shoved everything in a machine it’s honestly the worst eggs I had in my life your better off eating instant noodles than coming here trust me.

The staff is very knowledgeable about the food @ Butakun, friendly and honest. Super happy with the overall experience. For more zesty flavours and bite, must try the Spicy Ramen rather than the Tonkasu Ramen.

A more high end Japanese restaurant but definitely a must visit. We go only a few times a year as a very special treat. This most recent visit was to celebrate a birthday. Not only was the food amazing but the service was by far the best I have ever received. Our waitress kay had remembered members of my party from their last visit which was over a year ago. She also gave us a slice of matcha cheesecake and some plum sake to celebrate the birthday. She was ever so lovely and I have never felt more taken care of.

Solid Japanese food. Great service and nice atmosphere.

Absolutely loved it! Everything was delicious and the staff were amazing. Will definitely be back!

Superb food. Very attentive and friendly service staff. Interior ambience and decor throughout is excellent. My favourite ramen spot in Newcastle.

Authentic Japanese cuisine in town. Enjoying the japanese food you defo have it with sake not cocktail.

Ramen is not thick enough and I felt still very hungry after eating it. Typically, a proper ramen makes you feel satiated. I guess that is the way to make customers order more side dishes or desserts, which are very expensive by the way. A pint is £7.

I visited yesterday evening alongside my husband and his parents to celebrate my husband's master's graduation. The staff were all professional and helpful with one gentleman - possibly the manager - being particularly attentive and warm. We had water delivered to our table moments after we were settled into our seats. The food was piping hot, fresh and delicious. The atmosphere was bright but relaxing. The seating area was beautifully presented with staff regularly maintaining the front of house area and even the bathrooms looked and smelled fresh and clean, which sadly is often where some establishments let themselves down. If there are any points of constructive feedback I can offer it's to perhaps to widen the main course veggie/vegan options listed on the menu. Although when asked a tofu curry was offered, made and thoroughly enjoyed. We all had a genuinely lovely experience celebrating at Butakun, we all left with full stomachs and happy hearts. Thank you for taking such good care of us. We hope to return again soon!

Great food, perfect for groups, had high chair and utensils for children, friendly staff 👍

Loved ,loved the food here! Must go here if you are looking for good Japanese food. We left with our stomach full and happy. Generous portion of food and very helpful staff.

As there aren’t many Japanese restaurants in the city I have wanted to try here for awhile. I was very happy with the food selection and taste. We had a variety of starters which were crispy and fresh and the mixed tempura was great served correctly with tentsuyu. Agedashi tofu was delicious and perfectly soft highlighting delicate tofu flavor. For sushi the quality was pretty good, I had a salmon roll and toro nigiri. The toro had excellent mild/fatty taste with no fishiness. I would go here for more sushi again. I also appreciate that they give the option to serve sake hot. Overall I’m glad there is a Japanese restaurant with Japanese menu, no pan-asian monolith menu.

Amazing Japanese food in town. Probably the best out of the ones in town, and taste close to what you get in Japan. Service is very attentive too. The umeshu brought back a lot of memories from our holiday. We will be back.

Ordered the omakase set and the food was only average. Very disappointing for what you pay. Felt like you were eating a very average piece of sushi but just served in a very nice plate. The waiter also looked clueless and a took a long time to get the bill although the restaurant was at low capacity. Would not recommend.

Ever since I've been to Japan I have been looking for a real authentic Japanese Restaurant. Butakun is by miles the best, most authentic Japanese Restaurant in the UK I've been to! Epic Japanese food 😋👌

Great staff, lovely food, really enjoyable. Will go again. Enjoyed the miso shiru, tori katsu and the spicy ramen.

Very friendly staff here and nice food. Not as good as in Japan, but the best ramen I've had in Newcastle so far. Good fried chicken too.

Had spicy tonkatsu ramen. Was delicious and staff were super helpful.

Went for our monthly date night as we are both fond of japanese/asain food. Everything was really good. Wonderfully decorated, well presented and delicious food and great selection of sake which I loved. The Chilli Squid was a highlight. Only bad side was the waitress who spilled water over the table, apologised and then left us to clean it up. But that aside, great place and will return.

Great service and very delicious sushi and ramen. One of our favourite restaurants in Newcastle hands down!

Absolute top. Tonkatsu ramen was so flavourful I will come for more!

Great food and service. Love the atmosphere.

Great food, great service thank you :)

Excellent quality of food. Skilful and elegant presentation. Highly recommended.

The food was incredible. Not sure on Yuzu juice but all good. Staff were excellent as well

I had an amazing experience during my first visit to this restaurant. The establishment impressed me with its exceptional cleanliness. I decided to try the volcano salmon donburi, while my partner opted for the salmon in teriyaki sauce. Both dishes exceeded our expectations and were truly exquisite. It was an exciting opportunity for me to savour these flavors for the first time.

Hands down the best ramen I’ve ever had and I have been travelling for years around the world you must try the spicy tonkotsu!!!! SOOOOO GOOD

Wow, this place is amazing! The food was cooked and served quickly and tasted delicious. My partner and I both had perfect dishes and were very full and satisfied from our food. The staff were so friendly and the water to our table was a nice touch on a hot day. We will definitely be returning to try more dishes from the menu.

Food so good (sushi & takoyaki 10/10). Atmosphere great, staff are very friendly and accommodating too. Even got a glass of wine on the house. 100% recommend for best sushi in Newcastle

Amazing selection of exquisitely prepared, fresh, delicious sushi. A completely luxurious experience and a great memory to share with friends.

Bonnie, clean venue, with friendly (if a bit inattentive) staff, but with average food for the price you pay. The tantan tonkotsu ramen is over £15, a pint of Asahi is £7, and with an app and a service fee you're looking at spending at least £30 per person, and for only a half-decent meal imho. The place looks more upscale, but food-wise it doesn't hold a candle to Chilli Padi, Thai House Cafe, or Ngon, which are all relatively nearby, (though admittedly none of those are *Japanese* restaurants, but pan-Asian, Thai, and Vietnamese, respectively)! I was hoping I'd find a new ramen place I'd love, but alas, the search continues...

The food is not fresh. It came lukewarm with some being cold in the middle. Does not match the price you pay.

Nice service, but poor food quality, sadly. Food that shouldn’t have been cold (like Takoyaki) was indeed cold, or lukewarm at best — clearly reheated in a microwave. Definitely not worth the price. Ambience isn’t the best either. Disappointed.

The dish drives me insane 🫶🏼. Soooooooo goood and tasty. The food worths the price. I love it so much!

Had an amazing dinner here. Their ramen is authentic, the soup is so tasty, and sushi are great too. Staff are very friendly and the whole place is so clean. Love it and highly recommend it to anyone who likes Japanese food. Probably the best Japanese restaurant in Newcastle.

Pretty cool place. Earth sushi & chicken ramen are amazing!

Really good food and lots to choose from. Lovely atmosphere and friendly staff.

A lovely relaxed experience. They accommodated for having a child, keeping some of the sauces separate. Asked about dietary requirements. Served a very delicious lunch. Would recommend

Visited easily a dozen times in a month. Incredible food, very friendly staff!

Lovely place in all fields, from food, decoration and stuff. Definitely a must go.

I had a wonderful time and the service was top, they came around and offered to refill the drinks very frequently. The food was incredible too and fairly priced.

authentic Japanese food in newcastle, slightly on the pricey end

lovely restaurant, great service, kind waiters, amazing food :)

We went to Butakun for the first time this evening and it was very nice! Food was great, staff were very friendly and the restaurant is very nice inside. Highly recommend ☺️

The ramen was full of flavor ❤️

We had a delicious and authentic bowl of Japanese ramen with all the trimmings and with extra pulled pork!. Also, the carafe of cold Meijou sake went down a treat on such a sunny day. Service and atmosphere was perfect and would highly recommend. My lunch partner on this day was Japanese and she felt as enthusiastic about the meal as me, and also happy that a resturant such as Butakun is now present in Newcastle.

Probably the best Japanese place I’ve been in the UK. The vibe is chill and authentic. Ramen and tea taste incredible.