Restaurant
Japanese Cuisine Kappa
36 The Mall 36 The Mall, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Find Japanese Cuisine Kappa
36 The Mall 36 The Mall, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout 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.
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
Most popular items
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I make a reservation in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended due to limited seating and popularity. While walk-ins may occasionally find a table or counter spot, the restaurant can book out quickly.
How do I find the restaurant?
The restaurant is located upstairs on the second floor off The Mall, marked by a small entrance sign before heading up the stairs.
Are there gluten-free and dairy-free options available?
The kitchen accommodates both gluten-free and dairy-free dining needs, offering multiple options along with gluten-free soy sauce.
What signature dishes are most recommended to order?
Crowd favorites frequently highlighted by diners include the miso eggplant, fresh sashimi platters, and blue cod tempura.
Explore more places in Queenstown
Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Queenstown.
Similar places
More places for the flavours and food you enjoy.
- Ramen Ramen by TanoshiQueenstown · Japanese, Ramen, Restaurant
Discover more in Queenstown
Explore another side of the city's food and drink.
- The Locker Room Sports BarQueenstown · Beer, Sports Bar
- NESTQueenstown · New Zealand, Restaurant
- Atlas Beer CafeQueenstown · Craft beer, New Zealand, Pub, Bar
- Sherwood QueenstownQueenstown · New Zealand, Restaurant
- Caribe Latin KitchenQueenstown · Latin American, Restaurant
- Sunfire QueenstownQueenstown · New Zealand, Restaurant, Grill
- Altitude Brewing Tap RoomQueenstown · Craft beer, Brewery, Bar
- Grub ClubQueenstown · Fast Food, Food truck, Cafe
- The BathhouseQueenstown · British, New Zealand, Restaurant
- Little BlackwoodQueenstown · Cocktail, Cocktail Bar
- Ferg's BarQueenstown · Cocktail, Brunch, Bar, Cocktail Bar
- The Boat Shed CafeQueenstown · Brunch, Bistro, Cafe
- odd saintQueenstown · Brunch, Restaurant, Cafe
- Rātā RestaurantQueenstown · New Zealand, Restaurant
- AyrburnArrowtown · New Zealand, Restaurant, Wine Bar
- AostaArrowtown · Italian, Restaurant
- The Remarkable CookieQueenstown · Cookie, Bakery, Cafe
