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Johin’na is a high-end Japanese restaurant in downtown Birmingham, AL, blending traditional Japanese flavors with Southern hospitality. From robata and sushi to oysters and cocktails, we deliver a bold, immersive dining experience where culture, cuisine, and vibes meet.
Hours
| Tuesday | 4–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–10 PM |
| Thursday | 4–10 PM |
| Friday | 5–11 PM |
| Saturday | 5–11 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–3 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2002 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 202-3409
Website: https://www.johinnabhm.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
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Reviews
Raya Laephuang, Ed.D
I took myself to Johin’na after hearing so many great things and seeing the beautiful photos online. I made an early reservation on a Saturday. Right as I walked in, I was pleasantly greeted and well complimented by the hostesses (and later by some of the staff ). I was seated at the front room sushi bar. There was a slight delay before the waitstaff came to take my drink order. Although, it was fairly busy, so I wasn’t overly disappointed.
I ordered the yellow tail sashimi and the Kyoto roll. The flavor complex was amazing. I also got the malbec, great pairing. I wanted to explore more of the menu, but I had to head to an event. I will surely be back.
*My only drawback from the experience was I wish I could have sat at the bar with the beautiful tree aesthetic. Maybe next time.
… moreI ordered the yellow tail sashimi and the Kyoto roll. The flavor complex was amazing. I also got the malbec, great pairing. I wanted to explore more of the menu, but I had to head to an event. I will surely be back.
*My only drawback from the experience was I wish I could have sat at the bar with the beautiful tree aesthetic. Maybe next time.
Charles Jones
I really enjoyed my experience at Johin’na. The aesthetics and decor are absolutely beautiful and set the tone as soon as you walk in. Everything feels intentional and stylish without trying too hard. On top of that, the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which always makes a big difference.
The food was delicious across the board. Everything we ordered was flavorful and clearly well prepared, making it worth the visit for the food alone.
The only downside was the timing. Even with a reservation, it took longer than expected to be seated. Once we were seated, the food did not all come out at the same time, which made the experience feel a bit disjointed.
Overall, Johin’na is a great spot with amazing ambiance, great service, and really good food. With a little improvement on pacing and coordination, it would be an even better experience.
… moreThe food was delicious across the board. Everything we ordered was flavorful and clearly well prepared, making it worth the visit for the food alone.
The only downside was the timing. Even with a reservation, it took longer than expected to be seated. Once we were seated, the food did not all come out at the same time, which made the experience feel a bit disjointed.
Overall, Johin’na is a great spot with amazing ambiance, great service, and really good food. With a little improvement on pacing and coordination, it would be an even better experience.
Paige Miller
Everything we tried, we loved! We tried the eggs Benedict, karage chicken and waffles, shaved parmesan and truffle spinach salad, donuts, and the Johin’na burger. Only miss we had was the syrup on the chicken and waffles was spicy so beware! Other than that, AMAZING! Our server Caren was great! She was very attentive and personable! Was on it with the ordering and drinks. All the workers were awesome. Totally recommend!!!
… moreAndrea Turk
Went for a birthday dinner and the atmosphere was amazing. Service was great as well, the food came out fast. Food was good, I love the fried rice because it had some heat to it. Steak was seasoned very well, but the Brussels needed a little sweetness.
The pork tips were good and savory… pasta was good too just needed a little more for the price.
Wish they had the peach cobbler wontons instead of the apple- it needed ice cream instead of the marshmallow base.
… moreThe pork tips were good and savory… pasta was good too just needed a little more for the price.
Wish they had the peach cobbler wontons instead of the apple- it needed ice cream instead of the marshmallow base.
La Va Darby
Me and one of our staff member came here for our very first time and I must say: Bravo!!!. This is our top restaurant and will be bringing back the rest of our team. My business partner said this will be our spot. We loved the hospitality that was shown to us and the young lady told us to come back for brunch. Loved the bathroom and the ambiance. We will be back!
… moreChris
This visit was one of culinary AND visual delights! Upon entering, you are flocked by fish tanks on either side of the entrance which opens to a tastefully sleek host area. Every part of the restaurant was thoughtfully designed to reflect the infusion of the modern Japanese cuisine down to being greated by all of the waitstaff in passing to our table.
A brief note to the reader – this restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Birmingham. With that said, I would strongly suggest that the reader utilizes the parking deck located next to the restaurant.
I was informed by our waiter, Dorian, that the brunch offering is new. My guest and I were quickly able to make a brunch reservation on the same day (this is not the norm). I would suggest making your dinner reservations a day or two before as spots fill quickly. There are several dining rooms located in the establishment. I chose the Sukura room, their largest dining room. This room has a massive Japanese cherry blossom tree as it’s focal point flocked by an elegantly designed bar area. My guest and I were seated in one of the plush booth areas which allowed us a spectacular view of the entire dining area (photos included with this review).
As for the food, it was AMAZING! I ordered the Johin’na Burger without the jam and egg and my companion ordered the Truffle Steak and Eggs. The burger was the perfect size and extremely savory and brimming with juices on every bite! The bun was perfectly toasted giving a nice hearty crunch with each bite. The burger was accompanied by crispy potatoes. Normally, any meal’s sides are there in a ‘supporting role’, but the potatoes were fried to crispy perfection! They were seasoned very well and not overly greasy. Each perfect potato morsel delivered an abundance of flavor with a crisp first bite and simply melted on your palette for a nice, smooth finish. I, personally, enjoyed the potatoes just as much as the burger! My companion enjoyed their meal as well. The requested temperature of the steak, well done, was perfectly executed without compromising moisture or the texture of the meat. This was such a great experience! This reviewer is definitely looking forward to returning to sample the dinner offerings!
… moreA brief note to the reader – this restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Birmingham. With that said, I would strongly suggest that the reader utilizes the parking deck located next to the restaurant.
I was informed by our waiter, Dorian, that the brunch offering is new. My guest and I were quickly able to make a brunch reservation on the same day (this is not the norm). I would suggest making your dinner reservations a day or two before as spots fill quickly. There are several dining rooms located in the establishment. I chose the Sukura room, their largest dining room. This room has a massive Japanese cherry blossom tree as it’s focal point flocked by an elegantly designed bar area. My guest and I were seated in one of the plush booth areas which allowed us a spectacular view of the entire dining area (photos included with this review).
As for the food, it was AMAZING! I ordered the Johin’na Burger without the jam and egg and my companion ordered the Truffle Steak and Eggs. The burger was the perfect size and extremely savory and brimming with juices on every bite! The bun was perfectly toasted giving a nice hearty crunch with each bite. The burger was accompanied by crispy potatoes. Normally, any meal’s sides are there in a ‘supporting role’, but the potatoes were fried to crispy perfection! They were seasoned very well and not overly greasy. Each perfect potato morsel delivered an abundance of flavor with a crisp first bite and simply melted on your palette for a nice, smooth finish. I, personally, enjoyed the potatoes just as much as the burger! My companion enjoyed their meal as well. The requested temperature of the steak, well done, was perfectly executed without compromising moisture or the texture of the meat. This was such a great experience! This reviewer is definitely looking forward to returning to sample the dinner offerings!
Who Is She
This review was honestly tricky to write because my overall experience wasn’t a full 5 stars but our bartender/server Mike absolutely deserves them. The 5 stars are for him and him only.
From the moment we sat down, Mike gave service I have truly never experienced before.
He was:
Attentive
Engaged
Patient
Knowledgeable
And genuinely invested in our experience
He checked on us consistently without hovering, went back to the kitchen multiple times to help us understand dishes better, answered every question with detail, and gave honest recommendations that showed he actually pays attention to what guests like. The level of care and professionalism he showed was immaculate. He is the reason I would come back.
The ambiance is beautiful clearly designed for photos. The tree is stunning, but I do wish they had a dedicated photo area. People were taking pictures right in front of the tree, which made things a bit awkward for guests who didn’t want to be in someone’s background. The space itself is aesthetically pleasing, very trendy, and you can tell they invested heavily into the look.
I was also surprised that the crowd wasn’t as diverse, especially for a new restaurant that opened in August. Locals told us it was diverse in the beginning, so hopefully they find that balance again so everyone feels comfortable enjoying the space.
We came for brunch, and as someone new to Birmingham, I wanted to see what all the hype was about.
The Champagne Flights: Literally perfect. Beautifully done, refreshing, and balanced. One of the highlights of the brunch experience.
Our Starters:
Oysters: AMAZING. Fresh, full of flavor, and honestly some of the best I’ve had since moving down south. We tried both options!
Birmingham Roll (fried catfish + crab): Absolutely delicious. One of the best bites we had.
Crab Cake: Really good, and that mustard sauce tied everything together.
We were off to a great start.
Our Entrées
This is where things got tricky.
Eggs Benedict:
The poached egg was overcooked so it made the dish dry.
The pork sausage is served medium so if you prefer well-done, definitely specify.
He received the wrong sauce to help it from being dry (a sweet sauce instead of white gravy), so the dish ended up completely off.
Mike addressed it, but by then the plate was already ruined.
Shrimp & Grits:
The shrimp was fresh and delicious, but the dish itself felt more like tomato soup with grits mixed in. The tomato was overpowering, and I wish the grits were the star instead of being lost in the sauce. A tomato swirl was all it needed. A spoon instead of a fork would’ve made more sense because the texture wasn’t thick like traditional grits.
Chicken & Waffles:
I ordered this because I wanted something sweet, but the spicy syrup threw the whole dish off. Once we got regular syrup from the back, the waffles were a 10/10. Next time, I’ll request no spicy syrup at all. That matcha whip was super good!
I do wish brunch had more sweet options maybe French toast or a pastry that isn’t a donut.
We did witness a server stealing alcohol, which wasn’t the best look. Hopefully that’s addressed internally.
Even though the food had ups and downs, Mike’s service alone made the visit worth it. Because of him, I’m willing to return for dinner to get the full experience.
If you go, ask for Mike. He’s truly exceptional.
… moreFrom the moment we sat down, Mike gave service I have truly never experienced before.
He was:
Attentive
Engaged
Patient
Knowledgeable
And genuinely invested in our experience
He checked on us consistently without hovering, went back to the kitchen multiple times to help us understand dishes better, answered every question with detail, and gave honest recommendations that showed he actually pays attention to what guests like. The level of care and professionalism he showed was immaculate. He is the reason I would come back.
The ambiance is beautiful clearly designed for photos. The tree is stunning, but I do wish they had a dedicated photo area. People were taking pictures right in front of the tree, which made things a bit awkward for guests who didn’t want to be in someone’s background. The space itself is aesthetically pleasing, very trendy, and you can tell they invested heavily into the look.
I was also surprised that the crowd wasn’t as diverse, especially for a new restaurant that opened in August. Locals told us it was diverse in the beginning, so hopefully they find that balance again so everyone feels comfortable enjoying the space.
We came for brunch, and as someone new to Birmingham, I wanted to see what all the hype was about.
The Champagne Flights: Literally perfect. Beautifully done, refreshing, and balanced. One of the highlights of the brunch experience.
Our Starters:
Oysters: AMAZING. Fresh, full of flavor, and honestly some of the best I’ve had since moving down south. We tried both options!
Birmingham Roll (fried catfish + crab): Absolutely delicious. One of the best bites we had.
Crab Cake: Really good, and that mustard sauce tied everything together.
We were off to a great start.
Our Entrées
This is where things got tricky.
Eggs Benedict:
The poached egg was overcooked so it made the dish dry.
The pork sausage is served medium so if you prefer well-done, definitely specify.
He received the wrong sauce to help it from being dry (a sweet sauce instead of white gravy), so the dish ended up completely off.
Mike addressed it, but by then the plate was already ruined.
Shrimp & Grits:
The shrimp was fresh and delicious, but the dish itself felt more like tomato soup with grits mixed in. The tomato was overpowering, and I wish the grits were the star instead of being lost in the sauce. A tomato swirl was all it needed. A spoon instead of a fork would’ve made more sense because the texture wasn’t thick like traditional grits.
Chicken & Waffles:
I ordered this because I wanted something sweet, but the spicy syrup threw the whole dish off. Once we got regular syrup from the back, the waffles were a 10/10. Next time, I’ll request no spicy syrup at all. That matcha whip was super good!
I do wish brunch had more sweet options maybe French toast or a pastry that isn’t a donut.
We did witness a server stealing alcohol, which wasn’t the best look. Hopefully that’s addressed internally.
Even though the food had ups and downs, Mike’s service alone made the visit worth it. Because of him, I’m willing to return for dinner to get the full experience.
If you go, ask for Mike. He’s truly exceptional.
Shelby Smith
I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience at Johin’na. The service and ambience was amazing. I made a reservation for the Sakura room. Executive Chef Ashley was my waitress for the evening. She is so sweet and attentive with guests.
I tried the crab hand roll, miso shrimp, soy glazed pork tips, and the warm butter cake. All of which, I would say were excellent and flavorful. The vibe of the restaurant is so unique especially for Birmingham. I can’t wait to go back.
… moreI tried the crab hand roll, miso shrimp, soy glazed pork tips, and the warm butter cake. All of which, I would say were excellent and flavorful. The vibe of the restaurant is so unique especially for Birmingham. I can’t wait to go back.
Kimeisha C.
The vibes were absolutely immaculate! From the moment you walk in, the restaurant’s design takes your breath away – from the chic decor to the glass tile bathroom with a marble vanity (yes, even the bathroom is gorgeous).
It’s the perfect cozy spot for a date night or girls’ night out. The Japanese-inspired cuisine is incredible; every dish has its own fun, unique twist. The service was top-tier too; I loved how they staggered the dishes so you could really enjoy each one.
The kimchi rice? Top tier. The lobster pasta? A total delight. If you haven’t checked out Johin’na yet, add it to your list — it’s giving elegance, flavor, and all-around good vibes.
… moreIt’s the perfect cozy spot for a date night or girls’ night out. The Japanese-inspired cuisine is incredible; every dish has its own fun, unique twist. The service was top-tier too; I loved how they staggered the dishes so you could really enjoy each one.
The kimchi rice? Top tier. The lobster pasta? A total delight. If you haven’t checked out Johin’na yet, add it to your list — it’s giving elegance, flavor, and all-around good vibes.
Jerri Mo
My first visit to Johin’na was nothing short of unforgettable. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the breathtaking aesthetic , a perfect blend of elegance, modern southern charm, and warm sophistication. The ambiance carried an effortless beauty that made the entire experience feel both elevated and inviting.
The menu was just as impressive as the atmosphere. I tried the Southern Catfish Roll, which was flavorful, creative, and unlike anything I’ve had before. The Collard Greens Oysters were an innovative twist on a southern classic, beautifully presented and rich with layered flavors. For dessert, the Peach Cobbler presented as a Rangoon was a true showstopper — playful in presentation yet so indulgent in taste, the perfect sweet ending to the evening.
Johin’na isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Between the exquisite atmosphere, thoughtful details, and remarkable dishes, I can’t wait to return and explore more of the menu. Downtown Birmingham has truly gained a gem.
… moreThe menu was just as impressive as the atmosphere. I tried the Southern Catfish Roll, which was flavorful, creative, and unlike anything I’ve had before. The Collard Greens Oysters were an innovative twist on a southern classic, beautifully presented and rich with layered flavors. For dessert, the Peach Cobbler presented as a Rangoon was a true showstopper — playful in presentation yet so indulgent in taste, the perfect sweet ending to the evening.
Johin’na isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Between the exquisite atmosphere, thoughtful details, and remarkable dishes, I can’t wait to return and explore more of the menu. Downtown Birmingham has truly gained a gem.