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Restaurant

Japanese Cuisine Kappa

36 The Mall 36 The Mall, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Recommended by 0 people

Updated

Find Japanese Cuisine Kappa

36 The Mall 36 The Mall, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Directions ↗
+64 3 441 1423
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Japanese Cuisine Kappa

Tucked onto a second floor in The Mall, Kappa delivers an authentic izakaya refuge with fresh seafood and direct counter cooking. Up the stairs, warm timber and soft paper lamps set a relaxed, intimate pace far removed from street bustle. Grab a stool to watch the chef prep dishes right in front of you—slicing sweet salmon belly sashimi, steaming fresh sake clams, and frying crisp blue cod tempura with zero excess oil. Regulars lean hard into the savory grilled miso eggplant and char-grilled skewers, pairing the meal with a cold Kirin or hot sake.

  • Chef-Front Cooking: Guests at the counter can watch dishes prepped fresh right in front of them by the chef.
  • Standout Seafood & Tempura: Crisp blue cod tempura, sweet salmon belly sashimi, and sake-steamed clams showcase fresh seafood.
  • Intimate Second-Floor Space: A quiet second-floor room with paper lamps, wood textures, and limited tables creates an authentic izakaya feel.
  • Must-Try Miso Eggplant: Rich, savory grilled eggplant that diners frequently order in multiples.
RestaurantJapaneseRestaurant

What's On at Japanese Cuisine Kappa

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Guests Choose Japanese Cuisine Kappa

Discover what makes dining at Japanese Cuisine Kappa a memorable authentic Japanese experience in Queenstown.

  • Fresh, Expertly Crafted Dishes

    Diners enjoy meticulously prepared authentic Japanese staples like fresh sashimi and crisp blue cod tempura made with precision.

    Blue cod tempura is very fresh and juicy.

    eric Xu

  • Standout Miso Eggplant and Specialties

    Specialty dishes like sweet and savoury grilled miso eggplant are prepared skillfully and stand out as dining highlights.

    Eggplant miso was incredible. Worth a shot and not a Queenstown tourist trap.

    Camon Williams

  • Chef-Prepared Counter Dining

    Guests experience the culinary mastery of watching dishes crafted directly before them in an open counter setting.

    owner made dishes in front of me, food is very fresh

    eric Xu

  • Traditional Izakaya Atmosphere

    Tucked upstairs away from Queenstown's bustle, the dining room offers the warm, unhurried feel of a traditional izakaya.

    Very much like the traditional Japanese izakaya and very authentic Japanese food.

    Clare Sim

  • Nostalgic Comfort from Japan

    Flavours, textures, and classic recipes bring back vivid, comforting culinary memories of dining in Japan.

    The meal felt like a nostalgic, comfort food experience in that the dishes were familar and the taste brought back memories of Japan.

    ralph tjoa

  • Warm and Thoughtful Hospitality

    Warm, attentive hosts and personal gestures from the chef create an environment where diners feel genuinely looked after.

    From the moment we walked in, we were treated to impeccable service and an ambiance that reflected both warmth and authenticity.

    Shiva M

Signature Japanese dishes prepared fresh to order

  • Miso Eggplant

    Eggplant miso was incredible.

    Camon Williams

  • Blue Cod Tempura

    Blue cod tempura is very fresh and juicy.

    eric Xu

  • Sashimi Platter

    Definitely the best sashimi we’ve had so far in Queenstown!

    Nyah Meldrum

  • Tonkatsu

    Tonkatsu was very crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

    zzz

Other favorites

Izakaya starters, noodle dishes, and traditional specialties

  • Clams

    clams are very good

    eric Xu

  • Edamame

    edamame

    Piggy Eatalot

  • Soba Noodles

    We had the soba noodles. I don't know what they put in that broth but the place deserves 5 stars for that alone!

    Ali

  • Grilled Kingfish Wings

    We had the grilled kingfish wings ($20), recommended by my Japanese friend. I grew up eating fish but never was keen on fish heads- but definitely enjoyed this dish.

    Clare Sim

Beyond the menu

Personal hospitality, thoughtful kitchen accommodations, and chef-led details that elevate dining in Queenstown.

  • Front-of-Diner Preparation

    Guests dining at the counter can observe the owner and chef prepare fresh dishes directly in front of them, combining authentic cooking technique with personal attention.

  • Celebratory Toast with the Chef

    For couples celebrating milestones such as honeymoons, the chef has been known to warmly mark the occasion by sharing champagne at the table.

  • Attentive Dietary Accommodations

    The kitchen actively accommodates gluten-free and dairy-free requirements with broad menu flexibility and dedicated gluten-free soy sauce.

  • Custom Off-Menu Noodle Preparation

    Demonstrating flexible hospitality, the kitchen accommodated off-menu requests by preparing fresh udon and soba for visiting parents craving noodles.

Before you head over

Helpful recommendations for planning your visit to Japanese Cuisine Kappa

  • Reserve Ahead for Limited Seating

    Due to limited seating in this intimate second-floor space, booking a table in advance is strongly recommended to avoid waiting or missing out.

  • Finding the Upstairs Entrance

    Look for a subtle street-level sign along The Mall, then head up the stairs to find this hidden second-floor dining room.

  • Ask About Dietary Accommodations

    Diners with gluten or dairy restrictions can request tailored options, including dedicated gluten-free soy sauce and chef-assisted preparations.

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