Every bite was delicious! The restaurant is gorgeous but unfortunately we were seated up front. If you're celebrating or want the best experience, be sure to request the main dinning room in the back. The service was top notch but drinks were very slow. The bar wasn't ready for a Saturday night. While the meal was amazing it was extremely expensive so be prepared. read more

See all

This place has such a great vibe. The lighting is amazing. It's somehow cozy and modern at the same time. Every little corner feels different but still part of the same cool atmosphere. The food was fantastic. The kimchi fried rice was definitely one of my favorites and the Ecchi Martini is a must. Service was friendly and relaxed, and the whole experience just felt easy and enjoyable. I'll definitely be back! read more

See all

10/10 recommend Johin'na! We sat at the sushi bar and loved watching all the sushi being made - definitely a great addition to our experience! We also had a fabulous waiter who guided us well through the menu, and the service was incredibly fast. We started with the Brussels Sprouts, and they were amazing! We tried the Collard Green Gyoza and the Oysters Kimchi Collard Greens, and we likely wouldn't order them again, but they were both a fun blend of Japanese and Southern that were worth trying. Then we went with the Hot Stone Short Ribs, which were so flavorful and delicious. We loved the Kimchi Fried Rice and plan to get that every time we go! We ended on the Peach Cobbler dessert, which is absolutely a must-try! All in all, we are thrilled to have Johin'na in Birmingham and excited to return to try more! read more

This is a great place for dinner! Great vibes and staff! Got quite a few things here which were all great! read more

See all

Johin'na was a pleasant experience. I've noticed some of the comments about the food and pricing, but honestly, it's very much in line with other restaurants in the area that are in the same tier. What sets Johin'na apart is the ambience, service, and overall vibe. It doesn't feel like most spots in Birmingham in that regard and that's a positive distinction in an already great food city. The staff was attentive, warm, and welcoming without being overbearing. The design and energy of the space give Birmingham something it was missing. Depending on the room you're in, it can feel light and lively for a girls' night or sexy and intimate for date night. It's also a fun spot for group dinners. The food is good, the service is good, and the way it all comes together makes it a well spent night out. A little different from most places nearby, but in the best way. read more

See all

The decor is great and all, but I was very disappointed with my meal. My friend and I had the garlic edamame and crispy squid for an appetizer, and both of those were delicious. However, the meal took a major dive once my entree came out. I ordered the spinach salad, which tasted great BUT there were a couple clumps of rotten spinach in my salad that I had to eat around. I also ordered the Parmesan shrimp skewer and that's when it got REALLY bad because the shrimp was FOUL tasting and mushy in texture. I had to spit it out. The waiter was great and got it taken off my tab, but I just feel like they need to focus more on the food than on ambiance. It doesn't matter how cool a concept you have if you're serving rotten food. read more

Johin'na - Rotten spinach clump - Japanese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Really really enjoyed my dining experience. What a beautiful restaurant! And Mike, the bartender, was superb! My friends and I tried pretty much all of his suggestions and they were all hits. The pork ends with rice was my fav. And the lychee martini..omg! And the staff was so nice and accommodating to our party. Can't wait to return! read more

Johin'na - Collard greens and turkey dumplings - Japanese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

The vibe is stellar here and would be a great date night spot. I went with a girlfriend and we shared tons of items off the menu. It was delicious and the cocktails were fabulous! The service was great too. Watch out for the step by the hostess stand, it'll get ya! read more

Fun urban vibe & great food! The food came out very fast and the waiting staff were attentive. I especially enjoyed the pork tips & Birmingham roll! I did feel like the sides and bao were a little over priced. The bao bun wasn't super fresh or fluffy but the pork belly was delicious. Family style meals make it ideal for groups. Also a fun date night spot! read more

See all

The decor is fun and well-designed. My dirty martini was excellent. Some sashimi dishes were interesting and well-prepared. The bao buns with short rib were good, as was the Kyoto heat roll. Our server was exceptional - she worked hard for us and genuinely tried to accommodate our requests. The seafood tower advertised on the menu? "Only available weekends." Our server advocated for us, and we even offered to tip the kitchen staff for even a partial version - twice. Management refused both times. The "fatty tuna" appetizer wasn't fatty tuna. The sushi selection was extremely limited and misrepresented. We finished our meal around 7:45-8:00 PM, paid our $700+ bill, but were still enjoying drinks we'd purchased. No dessert was offered. Then a manager approached and informed us the next reservation had been waiting 30 minutes and we needed to leave. She suggested we "maybe move tables" - after we'd just spent over $700. Here is a haiku to sum up our experience: "Elegant," they say Yet kicked out mid-drink at eight--The irony stings A few weeks ago, we dined at Armour House nearby. We closed the place down, were the last table there, and no one rushed us. That's hospitality. Johin'na means "elegant" in Japanese. The food had moments, but management's behavior was anything but elegant. For a restaurant less than 6 months old, this is how you lose customers permanently. read more

Great ambiance, food and drinks! Shareable's included Squid, Dumplings Mushrooms and Brussels. Each dish was enough for 7. I selected short ribs and jasmine rice as my entree. Both were delicious! and Chef Amber was the best! read more

Johin'na - Japanese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

I went to Johinna for the first time in September shortly after they opened! I had multiple appetizers such as the Brussel sprouts and the bao buns which were great. I enjoyed the ribeye that my boyfriend had and I ordered the lobster noodles, which we fell in love with. It was so different than anything we ever had like. It was citrusy but creamy at the same time. I decided to take my sister to Johinna, who was visiting for the holidays and I wanted to order the same item and introduce it to her. Unfortunately, they changed the item completely and kind of muted down the flavors. I wonder if this was based on response from other customers who didn't like the original recipe. The steak was equally delicious as before, as well as the drinks and appetizers. Service and atmosphere were great per usual. Just sad about the change in the pasta. Love Johinna and will likely still return to dine. read more

Johin'na - Lobster noodles in September - Japanese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

Food tasty. Portions stingy. Prices too high. Portions stingy. Music too loud. Potions stingy. Atmosphere doesn't live up to the hype. read more

Johin'na - Japanese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Excellent service, superb food, and the Ambiance made me feel like I was downtown Manhattan. read more

See all

From the moment you walk in, everyone is super friendly!! Multiple people speaking to us... the food was great... see pictures - BUT the atmosphere was next level outstanding!! read more

See all

I went here last night for my anniversary , and it was nothing short of amazing! The restaurant in itself is beautiful, the decor and wall art is stunning. The actually seats we sat in were super comfortable as well. Our server was fantastic- I'm pretty sure her name was Memory. Our waters were never empty, the food came out quickly, and everything was piping hot. The plates we got were all so good, but my personal favorite was the tiger roll. The miso butter oysters and lobster pasta were both delicious as well. When I come back I will be getting all the sushi rolls to try, because it honestly was one of my favorite sushi rolls I've had. I definitely recommend this place for a date night or girls night! read more

See all

Service at Johin'na is outstanding. The staff are knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they're serving. They take the time to explain menu items, offer thoughtful recommendations, and ensure you feel completely taken care of throughout the meal. read more

Johin'na - Service at Johin'na is outstanding. The staff are knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they're serving. - Japanese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

We went opening night and it was such an amazing experience. The wait staff was incredibly friendly and helpful with all of the menu options. The sashimi was a stand out, the smokiness was so different than any sashimi I've ever had. Not to mention, the overall vibe is so modern and cool. We had - yellowtail sashimi - pork belly bao buns - collard greens gyoza - lobster noodles - pork tips - hot stone short ribs So happy this place is open! read more

Johin'na - Sakura room - Japanese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Went out for my girlfriends birthday. Service was very subpar. Servers walked around like zombies. We waited about 15 min to get a cocktail after being seated. Bartender can't even make a decent "dirty martini" olives were old. After rolls were served we waited another 10 min just to get chop sticks. Food probably 6/10. As for seating... they overlooked that they need sliders on their barstools. ASKED for a sparkler for my girlfriend's birthday.. was told we would need to "order desert" to get that and collectively we had already spent $600 for two couples. Overall ridiculous experience. I'd rather save my money and put my own light up tree in my house and mirrored tile walls in my bathroom. THIS PLACE IS A JOKE! Top knotch pricing for McDonald's type of service. Don't waste your time. read more

Sorry but See Ya! We are Foodies who love Japanese cuisine... especially sushi. We were so excited to see this restaurant open in Birmingham. Made the trip 55 miles for dinner on a Wednesday night at 5:45 from Tuscaloosa to enjoy the experience with some dear friends.... Ambiance was great.... Obviously a place to be seen... flashy but cozy at the same time. Martini's to start... extra dirty and with 3 olives.... Nicely done. Small plates were the centerpiece... we enjoyed a smoked yellow tail ponzu and truffle tuna... A couple of dozen of PEI oysters... did not disappoint....Spicy Roll was tasty but anything but spicy... seafood tower looked amazing but wasn't available during the week. Our table ordered a third round of drinks ... no dessert was offered... only our bill of $700...Followed promptly by an unapologetic request to vacate our table for the next guests.... It was a "sorry but See ya!"... no southern hospitality here. These two couples will not be back .... Plenty of other places with real charm and competent management. Only truly bright moment was our server who did her best to pull it all together... Will stick to our Chuck's Sushi read more

After arriving for our reservation on time, we had to wait 15 minutes for our table. A negative first impression. The loud bar atmosphere and the rapid succession of food plates left little time for enjoying the what should have been a high end experience. Portions were small and the quality was decent, but not exceptional, given the price. Bones were found in our fish to which our server responded with, "Sorry, we changed suppliers." Sorry, Johin'na, we won't be back. read more

From start to finish, this was an absolutely top-tier experience. The first pro is the valet parking. We all know how difficult it can be to find parking downtown, especially when it's cold and raining. The valet staff is attentive and efficient. We arrived and had one valet on each side of the car to open the door. Once we arrived inside, the hostess greeted us with a smile. The ambience is amazing. Beautiful koi tanks on each side of the entrance. The neon hallway leading to the Sakura room that showcases the kitchen and staff making food is so cool and immersive. Upon entering the Sakura room, you are instantly transported to a dream world. When I tell you it feels like you have left Birmingham, I'm not lying. You feel like you're in an upscale restaurant in NYC or Miami. The velvet banquette seating is so posh and comfy. The most beautiful part of this room is the magical lit up cherry blossom tree. It so dreamy. Then there is a beautiful Japanese mural with koi fish that is to die for. Our lovely waitress Sloan gave us a five star dining experience. She was attentive and sweet. She was very informative about menu choices and answered all of our questions. The food was absolutely delicious. The yellowfin tuna is amazing. The smoky flavor and freshness are out of this world. I had never eaten sashimi until that night and boy, I have been missing out! The bao buns are scrumptious. And the Brussels sprouts literally melt in your mouth. The gulf shrimp is fresh and so savory. Everything was fantastic. The drinks are so beautiful and yummy. To top off the evening, my Fiance got me the dessert sushi. It was my birthday and the sparkler really made the evening extra special. This was our first visit, but it won't be our last. If you haven't been, what are you waiting for!?! This is an insta worthy experience! read more

See all

When you first walk in the environment is elegant and calm as there is two aquatic tanks that were beautiful to watch. My boyfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary and decided to reserve a room in the Sakura Room. When we first arrived, we had to wait 20 minutes to be seated as the area that we reserved a week in advance was still being occupied by the last party so we had to be seated in another booth. Our waiter was extremely nice and helped decide which foods to order. I ended up getting the Apple Teriyaki Salmon and figured out that it didn't come with a side so I ordered a slide of rice. Food came out fast as they try to give it to you once it is ready. In my opinion the food was okay. I also tried my boyfriends and we weren't really impressed. The rice had no flavor and the salmon was good but nothing that would make me want to come back again. We ended up spending 100$ for two dishes, a side, and an appetizer. I would come again but only if someone else wanted to come for their birthday or for the experience. read more

Johin'na - Apple Teriyaki Salon with a side of Jasmine rice - Japanese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

First time I ate here everything was perfect! This second time around I was sad to see the watermelon sashimi off the menu. This time we also ordered the sashimi "smoked" and that was mistake. It made it taste like burnt plastic. So I would recommend NOT getting the sashimi smoked. Other than that, everything was great! Both bao buns were amazing. We liked the short rib best. Will be back, but will not get the "smoked" sashimi again. read more

Ambiance was great! Service was attentive and made for a great experience. All of the food, aside from the rock shrimp were great. Rock shrimp were extremely underwhelming. Ecchi Martini was also wonderful. Would definitely go back! read more

See all

The food is amazing at Johina. This is a definite date night go to. If you are seeking superior service and ambiance. Be sure to try the whole snapper! read more

Great food great service and great drinks. Everyone must try soon. Please make a reservation.

Really thought this place would be good given its location near other fantastic Birmingham restaurants. Boy were we wrong. There was not one thing we ordered that was even half decent. The brussel sprouts were not even whole, essentially just burnt leaves. Bao buns are one of my favorite foods and the bao buns here were probably the worst I've ever had in my life. The sushi we ordered had salmon on top and was practically inedible it was so bad. Given the pricing, you can go right up the road and get Bamboo and actually have an enjoyable meal. Do not recommend at all. read more

The atmosphere at Johin'na is great! We were in the Sakura room and it was gorgeous. Our waitress was awesome and super attentive. The lady at the front when you arrive was having an issue with the person in front of us and I'm not sure what happened but the customer left unhappy. As a result, the lady was a little curt to us but everyone else was very nice. We got the tempura shrimp, chicken skewers, kimchi fried rice, and the bham roll. Food came out quickly but the Birmingham roll was the only thing we really enjoyed. The tempura shrimp was not good. I've had better at any other place I've ordered it at before. Neither of us liked it. The chicken skewers and fried rice were fine but nothing to write home about. Johin'na was probably a one and one for us because for over $100 the food was just not that good. read more

Johin'na - Kimchi Fried Rice - Japanese Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

See all

Customer service was awesome our waiter's name was Richard he was very knowledgeable of the menu and that was great, it has great vibe, and the decor is beautiful the food was also delicious Kim C read more

We had a wonderful experience at Johin'na! The food was delicious and the setvice was impeccable. I will definitely return.

The food is excellent. Richard, our server was exquisite. He was knowledgeable, humorous and spot on with his suggestions.

Very welcoming vibe from staff. Our waitress stressed repeatedly about the food was designed to be shared? The portions were very small and way overpriced. One of the dishes we ordered was salmon. There was a very large bone in the salmon. When I told our server she said she would advise the kitchen. The response from the kitchen it was different supplier? I believe the chef is responsible for the meal not the supplier? Staff does very well in caring for the customers needs such as clearing plates and filling water glasses. Beautiful dining room but very noisy. read more

My experience was absolutely AMAZING and exceeded all my expectations! The hostesses, especially Amanda, were wonderful, and the owner personally came by to introduce herself--so friendly and welcoming. Our waitress was incredibly helpful and attentive. Every detail, from the food and drinks to the ambiance, decor, and overall vibe, was top-notch. We'll definitely be back--this has officially become our new favorite spot! read more

This is a new and upcoming spot for fancy/upscale dinning. Upon arriving we were greeted warmly by the hostess. The decor was beautiful and dark. The atmosphere was lively but not obnoxious or too loud. We asked for a seat at the bar or first available. It was a random Tuesday, there were parties of 5+ and couples dinning in the areas around us. We waited for at least 10-15 minutes to be seated, constantly shuffling out of the way for waitresses and other guests. We weren't the only ones waiting either. We eventually were sat in the area right off to the left of the host stand. After viewing pictures online there is a nice central dinning area with beautiful lighting. Our area was dark and quiet only lit by table lamps. We only tried a couple drinks and appetizers. I ordered the Natsukashii Nectar (all cocktails are $16) and it was delicious! It definitely hit all the flavor notes an old fashion should. My friend and I ordered the spicy garlic edamame. It was just enough spice to make our noses run but we weren't having to guzzle water. We also got the crab hand roll (8 pc), it was good and I couldn't tell much of a difference between a classic crab roll from your local family run Japanese restaurant. Might have been a bit over priced in my opinion. Our waitress started out very kind and offered a little insight to the menu. She wasn't sure how to pronounce some of the menu items so we just looked and pointed together. She kept our waters filled but seemed a little annoyed we were not ordering very much. You can definitely rack up a big bill here. read more

I ate dinner here and after hearing all of the hype and seeing all the raving reviews I expected it to be much better. We had the Birmingham Roll, Rock Tempura Shrimp, Pork Belly Bao Buns, Japanese Soy Garlic Glazed Pork Tips, & Peach Glazed Salmon Teriyaki. We also each had a cocktail, not memorable. The menu states the Birmingham Roll is fried catfish and cucumber. Ours was served with fried catfish and avocado instead. The catfish was fishy but it was edible. Wouldn't order again. The rock tempura shrimp had a mustard like taste and I wouldn't recommend. The pork tips entree was extremely fatty and hardly any meat at all. The salmon entree was so salty we didn't even eat it. The best thing we had were the pork bao buns and the filling to bread ratio was way off. I'm ranking them as best based off of how bad everything else was. Overall I would not recommend this restaurant! It's so hyped up but honestly just because of the aesthetic. They spent so much time on decorations and lightning but they are failing in the most important area. For over $200 I will most definitely not be back. read more

My expectations were higher than what was delivered. To start out, service was mediocre. It certainly wasn't bad but not over the top for a restaurant that establishes a sort of luxury with its price point. Next the food, the Brussel sprouts were easily my favorite. The Bao buns were okay but slightly lacking. I had the short ribs which had great presentation but they really should be an appetizer not a meal. Lastly, ambiance was nice, I definitely recommend going after sundown. read more

Waited 15 minutes at sushi bar to be greeted, another five minutes to order cocktails and another 15 to get first drink. First course arrived before cocktails. Cosmopolitan arrived without requested lime only to ask again and was brought a brown lime which I sent back. Waitperson's response was a chuckle and a "Gotcha" when I brought it to her attention. Hot food was not hot (pork tips) and shrimp tempura so overcooked it was tough and chewy. Difficultly getting check then problems at the register. Spent over 2 hours mostly waiting and $330 with tip. You decide. read more

The service was absolutely amazing!! I had a wonderful time!! The food was absolutely ridiculous!! I was so impressed with the presentation and the knowledge of the staff! read more

Amazing! We had the best time, and food was WONDERFUL. Deja, Memory, and Elliott took care of us and were absolute angels.