Johin’na recognized as one of the nation’s best new restaurants of 2026

Reviewed by: Pat Byington

Reading time: 3 minutes

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The lobby of Johin’na has a prominent light-up sign of the restaurant logo, two aquariums and Japanese parasols lining the ceiling. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

Yelp has recognized a rising star in Birmingham’s food scene as one of the best new restaurants of 2026 across the country.

Johin’na was named the best new restaurant in Alabama and it was recognized among the top 25 new restaurants in the entire U.S.

The restaurant first opened their doors on 2nd Avenue N in August 2025. The upscale spot combines bold global flavors, Southern soul and a sleek, modern aesthetic that makes it equally suited for date night, birthdays or just a well-earned night out.

Why was Johin’na selected?

Yelp turned to community reviews to help finalize this year’s list. And those reviews pointed to several stand out dishes on Johin’na’s menu including:

  • Collard Green Gyoza
  • Bham Roll
  • Southern Fried Chicken Karaage
  • Teppanyaki-grilled ribeye

“Executive chef Ashley Jackson and her sister, Amber Diamond — daughters of owner Shun Love — are wowing diners with their izakaya-style (small-plate) Japanese dishes, which have a fun, unexpected infusion of Southern flair.”

Yelp

The reviews also pointed to the restaurant’s Sunday brunch options and a chef-led omakase experience which requires reservations.

Of course, if you’ve been to Johin’na, you’ll know there is one feature that is hard to miss: the LED-lit cherry blossom tree in the main dining room.

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The focal point of Johin’na is the Sakura Room, a massive light-up tree in the center of the dining room. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

How you can try Johin’na

If you haven’t made it downtown to try it for yourself, we recommend making a reservation to secure your table. The restaurant also has valet parking.

Some of our favorite things on the dinner menu include:

  • Kimchi fried rice
  • Crispy squid
  • Kyoto Heat Roll
  • Spicy garlic edamame

Pretty much everything on the menu has been highlighted by Yelp community reviews so you probably can’t go wrong if you want to just try a little bit of everything.

“Chef Amber suggested the Ecchi Martini with tequila and it was the perfect cocktail. We started things off sharing the Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Collard Green Gyoza, [which] was a pleasant surprise and my fave. We ordered the [Peach-Glazed] Salmon Teriyaki, Short Ribs, and I had the [Hot Stone Miso] Cod. My only complaint is I wanted more!”

Jessica J., Yelp featured review

Here’s what you need to know before visiting:

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Caleb Turrentine
Caleb Turrentine
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