Teriyaki of Japan in Chattanooga: Counter Service and Lunch Sets in the North Shore
Teriyaki of Japan is a counter-order Japanese restaurant in Chattanooga that specializes in made-to-order teriyaki bowls, ramen, and donburi over rice, with a secondary focus on sushi rolls. The restaurant operates as a casual, quick-service spot rather than a full-table establishment, positioning it as a faster alternative to sit-down Japanese dining in the city.
What Teriyaki of Japan actually serves
The menu centers on protein-and-vegetable combinations served over steamed rice or noodles. Teriyaki chicken, beef, and salmon are the core proteins, paired with standard vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots. The kitchen also offers yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) and udon in broth. Sushi rolls round out the offerings, though they are secondary to the hot-food focus. All items are prepared in front of the counter, with customers able to watch the grill work.
Pricing and lunch value
Teriyaki bowls range from $10 to $13 depending on protein; lunch sets, served during midday hours, bundle a bowl with a side (typically gyoza or edamame) and soup for roughly $12 to $15. Individual sushi rolls cost $5 to $7 each. These prices position Teriyaki of Japan as moderately priced for Japanese food in Chattanooga, lower than full-service sit-down restaurants but higher than fast-casual chains. Lunch sets represent the best value if available during your visit.
How it compares to other Chattanooga Japanese restaurants
Teriyaki of Japan occupies a middle ground between fast-casual and traditional dining. Compared to Toku Ramen, which emphasizes slow-cooked broths and sits in the Fine Arts District with a more dining-focused atmosphere, Teriyaki of Japan is faster and less specialized but broader in menu scope. Neither location requires reservations. If you prioritize ramen depth and are willing to spend 15 to 20 minutes for broth development, Toku works better; if you want a quick teriyaki bowl at lunch with minimal wait, Teriyaki of Japan is the stronger choice. Both serve sushi, but Teriyaki of Japan treats it as an option rather than a centerpiece.
Who this place suits and who it does not
Teriyaki of Japan works best for lunch breaks, quick dinners on weeknights, and solo diners or small groups. The counter format and lack of table service mean no lingering or extensive socializing. It suits people who value speed and customization of temperature and vegetable quantity. It does not suit groups larger than six without some crowding, anyone seeking an upscale dining experience, or diners who want ramen as a serious culinary focus.
First visit navigation
Walk in and order at the counter. Most customers select a pre-set bowl or decide between proteins and vegetables; the staff can advise on portions and heat levels. Grill time is typically 8 to 12 minutes. Take a seat at the counter or small tables while your food cooks. Drink options are usually limited to sodas and bottled water, not alcohol. Expect to spend 25 to 35 minutes total from order to plate.
Hours, location, and parking
Teriyaki of Japan is located in the North Shore area. Hours typically run 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, though lunch service peaks between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Parking is available in the surrounding lot or street spots; the restaurant does not have its own dedicated lot. Confirm current hours before visiting, as Japanese counter restaurants sometimes adjust for holidays or staffing.
Teriyaki of Japan fills a straightforward niche in Chattanooga's Japanese food landscape: efficient, affordable, and accessible lunch and dinner for people who want cooked Japanese food fast, without needing reservations or waiting for a table.
