Looking for the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne? Well, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you are after sushi, ramen, tempura, sashimi, unagi, yakitori or udon noodles there are plenty of excellent exponents of these dishes within the city.
From fine dining venues that offer exceptional service to small owner-operated joints that showcase dishes taken from family recipes, here are 18 of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne.
Visit any of these places and you will be treated to the exquisite flavours, textures and aromas of this outstanding Asian cuisine.
Izakaya Den
Although it’s located right in the heart of the CBD you might not be aware of Izakaya Den as it is hidden within a basement in Russell Street.
However, once you go there it is a place you will never forget thanks to the outstanding quality of its food.
Known for its classic mains and izakaya-style tapas, this is the kind of place where you’ll struggle to choose between several terrific options. The menu changes seasonally but the food is so authentic, you’ll think you’ve been transported to Tokyo, Osaka or Sapporo.
While the service can be a little slow by Melbourne standards the atmosphere is terrific. You also get to enjoy any of their terrific range of sake or cocktails while you wait.
Address: 114 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9654 2977
Trading Hours: Mon – Thu 12 pm – 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm – 11 pm, Fri 12 pm – 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm – 12 am, Sat 5:30 pm – 12 am
Tokyo Tina
Don’t be surprised if you have to queue up to get into Tokyo Tina because this hip venue in Windsor is always busy.
Once seated, it’s not difficult to see why because not only is the setting charming and the ambience buzzy, the food is top notch too.
Defined by the city in which it is based, but inspired by the sights and street food of Japan the restaurant has been serving hungry locals since 2015.
Their creative menu features several bao and bun options, as well as a number of rice, noodle and larger main dishes.
Try the kingfish sashimi and prawn katsu, both of which are delightful, whilst the hibachi grilled striploin provides a little piece of heaven on your plate.
Address: 66A Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
Phone: 03 9525 2774
Trading Hours: Sun – Tue 12 pm – 10 pm, Wed – Thu 12 pm – 10:30 pm, Fri – Sat 12 pm – 11 pm
Eazy Peazy
If you are into yakitori, then you can’t go wrong at Eazy Peazy.
Located in Richmond, their menu features a sumptuous assortment of dishes like aburi salmon, hibachi corn and tamari grill calamari, that will blow your mind.
Also specialising in kushiyaki and other share-plate style dishes, the restaurant is known for its pretty cool drinks list too.
Boasting a decor that is minimalist and sleek in design, the atmosphere at the venue is also casual and relaxed.
Address: 108 Swan Street Richmond VIC 3121
Phone: (03) 9965 1977
Trading Hours: Mon – Wed 5:30 pm – 11 pm, Thurs – Sun 1 pm – 11 pm
Wabi Sabi Salon
For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, then Wabi Sabi Salon is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne for you to visit.
Set within a space that brings to mind the intimate nooks you find down many a back street in Tokyo, this accomplished Collingwood venue prides itself on delivering big flavours at affordable prices.
Using the freshest of local ingredients they can find, this eatery is a crowd favourite amongst vegans, vegetarians, as well as those with gluten or dairy intolerances.
Known for its delicious sashimi and bento boxes, the restaurant presents a low-key setting that includes a traditional woodsy interior decor and a charming, leafy outdoor dining area.
Address: 94 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Phone: 03 9417 6119
Trading Hours: Mon – Tue 12 pm – 3 pm & 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Wed – Thu 12 pm – 3 pm & 5:30 pm – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 12 pm – 3 pm & 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Shoya
If the words ‘Japanese degustation’ are enough to get you into a tizz of anticipation then Shoya is the place for you.
Set across no less than six levels, this total dining and entertainment venue covers everything from fine dining and omakase dinners to delicious fresh sushi and succulent grilled meats.
You’ll even find karaoke, as well as bars that are stocked with a big range of sake, cocktails, beers and wines.
But it’s the 10-course degustation menu that really steals the show at this award-winning venue. With five different options available, including the ‘Chef’s New Age’ Omakase’ and the ‘Shoya PoseidÅnā Omakase’ being among the most popular offerings.
If you want to impress a client or treat your staff, their 6-course business lunch is a real winner too.
Address: 25 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9650 0848
Trading Hours: Sun – Thu 12 pm – 2:30 pm & 6 pm – 10:30 pm, Fri – Sat 12 pm – 2:30 pm, 6 pm – 11 pm
Yoku Ono Ramen + Sake
Sometimes, only a good old ramen will satisfy your hunger. On these occasions, it’s worth heading over to Yoku Ono Ramen + Sake.
Situated in Prahran, this venue is renowned for dishing up some of the best and most soul-hugging ramen in Melbourne.
Offering comfort food at its most elevated levels of enjoyment, this tiny, authentic, ramen bar is set within a quaint, understated space that accommodates wooden tables and chairs.
Their signature chicken broth might well have been slow-cooked for eight hours. But such is its delicious taste, you would have shown admirable restraint if it takes you more than 10 minutes to eat it.
Address: 6A Anchor Place Prahran VIC 3181
Phone: (03) 9521 4746
Trading Hours: Tues – Fri 12 pm – 3 pm 5:30 pm – 11 pm, Sat 5:30 pm – 11 pm
Minamishima
When it comes to omakase, few Japanese restaurants in Melbourne can compete with the gastronomic delights offered by Chef Koichi Minamishima.
An exceptional fine dining venue in Richmond, the restaurant prepares meals tableside in a sophisticated and minimalist space, with ambient lighting.
The chef’s technique is first rate and the food is exquisite. It might be a bit pricey for some, but after just one bite you’ll quickly realise you are eating something pretty special.
Address: 4 Lord St. Richmond, VIC 3121
Phone: +61 3 9429 5180
Trading Hours: Tue – Sat 6 pm – 10 pm
Little Ramen Bar
Another of Melbourne’s much-loved ramen joints is the Little Ramen Bar.
Set within the heart of the CBD in Little Bourke Street, this bustling venue has a decor of exposed brick and simple stool seating.
Its menu might be limited, but the portion size is huge. It is also extremely good value for money and is bursting with big, bold flavours that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Address: 5/346 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9670 5558
Trading Hours: Mon – Sat 11:30 am – 3 pm & 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Ichi Ni Izakaya
A stalwart in St Kilda, Ichi Ni Izakaya is renowned for its excellent range of delicious Japanese cuisine.
Another place where you might have to queue to get into it, this bayside restaurant is set on multiple levels and also features an outdoor setting.
As well as its 8-course set menu, its contemporary Japanese dine-in menu features a terrific range of gyoza, nigiri and kushiyaki.
With other main meal options including beef curry and wagyu steak, there is plenty to appeal to all tastes.
Address: 12 The Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: 03 9534 1212
Trading Hours: Mon – Wed 12 pm – 3 pm & 5 pm – 9:30 pm, Thu 12 pm – 3 pm & 5 pm-10 pm, Fri – Sat 12 pm-10:30 pm, Sun 12 pm – 9:30 pm
Supernormal
Over on Flinders Lane, within the heart of the CBD, Supernormal is not a typical Japanese restaurant, in that it also offers plenty of dishes that have a strong Chinese and Korean influence too. As well as other countries from around the world.
Here, youāll find the likes of Hunan-style beef tartare and Szechuan noodle salad sitting alongside New England lobster roll and Sydney rock oyster.
Set within a venue that features communal benches and an open kitchen the atmosphere here is always lively, though the service is usually quick.
Address: 180 Flinders Lane Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9650 8688
Trading Hours: Mon – Sun 12 pm – 11 pm
Ishizuka
Presenting haute cuisine at its finest, Ishizuka is an intimate and upscale Japanese restaurant in Melbourne that is perfect for date night.
Featuring only 16 seats, all of which are set around a central counter, this venue prides itself on offering some of the best Kaiseki you can get in the city.
Similar in concept to a Japanese degustation menu, Ishizuka showcases this time-honoured gastronomic tradition, with an exceptional range of food and wine pairings. Which changes every night to keep diners guessing.
It might be an expensive experience for some, but take it from us, the food is delicious.
Address: Basement B01 139 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 8594 0895
Trading Hours: Tues – Sun 5 pm – 10 pm
Kazukiās
An institution in Carlton, Kazuki is run by married couple Kazuki Tsuya and Saori, who own an acclaimed restaurant on Lygon Street.
Presenting diners with the choice of a two, three, five or seven-course meal that is strongly influenced by Euro-Japanese plates, the food here has been widely praised by the critics.
Awarded one hat in the Good Food Guide, the restaurant also features in Gourmet Traveller’s list of the ’50 Best Australian Restaurants’. As well as appearing in Time Out Melbourne’s ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant Award’.
Initially set up in Daylesford in 2011, it relocated to its current location in Carlton in 2018, where it is now so popular that bookings are essential.
Address: 121 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Phone: (03) 9349 2223
Trading Hours: Mon – Sat 12 pm-3 pm & 6 pm – 9 pm, Sun 12 pm- 3 pm
Sake Restaurant and Bar
One of the most dynamic Japanese gastronomic experiences you can treat yourself to in Melbourne is at the Sake Restaurant and Bar.
Offering diners a terrific location on Southbank, this upscale venue combines innovative a la carte and set food menus, with an excellent range of cocktails and sake.
Set within a space that spans two levels and features eye-catching glass walls and stunning riverside views, their popcorn shrimp and fragrant duck breast are among two of their most popular dishes.
Address: 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004
Phone: 03 8687 0775
Trading Hours: Mon – Thu 12 pm – 3 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 12 pm – 3 pm & 5 pm – 11 pm, Sun 12 pm – 10 pm
Ocha
When it comes to Melbourne’s best Japanese restaurant, many of the locals in Hawthorn will champion Ocha.
A contemporary venue that features a plush space of counter-serve seats and white tablecloths, the restaurant is much loved for the quality, presentation and freshness of its food.
Made with ingredients sourced from all over the world, their gyozas, nabeyaki udon and yakisoba are among their tastiest dishes.
The restaurant is so popular, you’ll definitely need to make a booking here. Otherwise, you could be facing a bit of a wait for dinner.
Address: 3 Church Street Hawthorn VIC 3122
Phone: (03) 9853 6002
Trading Hours: Tues – Fri 12 pm – 2:30 pm 6 pm – 10:30 pm
Komeyui
Arguably the best Japanese restaurant in Port Melbourne, Komeyui is run by a former Kenzan chef who excels in making the classics to consistent perfection and with a touch of creativity.
Set within a sleek space, diners can choose between an Ć la carte or tasting menu, that includes a great selection of omakase and authentic Hokkaido-style speciality dishes.
Address: 396 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Phone: 03 9646 2296
Trading Hours: Mon – Sun 12 pm – 3 pm, 5:30 pm – 10 pm
Nobu
You didn’t think we would forget Nobu, did you?
No list of Melbourne’s best Japanese restaurants is worth it’s salt without a tip of the hand to these guys.
One of the showpieces of the Crown Melbourne, this restaurant is forever linked with chic and sexy fine dining.
Boasting a fabulous ambience, impressive decor, as well as a scintillating menu of Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine, their kaiseki and omakase menus deliver a true epicurean feast. Which you can enjoy with any one of the exceptional range of Australian and international wines they offer.
Address: Crown Riverwalk, Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
Phone: 03 9292 5777
Trading Hours: Sun – Thu 12 pm – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 12 pm – 11 pm
Kenzan
A popular venue in the Melbourne CBD, Kenzan was dishing up sushi years before the craze hit the city around the turn of the century.
Noted for being bright and spacious, the restaurant features a big open kitchen and several different eating areas.
It still produces top-notch sushi, but now it is equally well known for its Teriyaki and Nabe Ryori, which features heavily on its lunch and dinner menus.
Considering how busy it is the food always comes out quickly and with service that is warm, friendly and professional.
Address: Collins Place, 45 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9654 8933
Trading Hours: Mon – Fri 12 pm – 2:15 pm & 6 pm – 10 pm, Sat 6 pm – 10 pm
Kisume
Did we save the best till last? Maybe.
Kisume is a world class Japanese restaurant on Flinders Lane within the CBD. Set within three levels, diners can choose between the hot kitchen, which is located in a windowless basement, a street-level sushi bar and omakase on its top level.
Wherever you choose to dine, this sleek and slick venue exceeds all expectations with its upscale menu of Japanese dishes.
It also boasts a sophisticated wine bar and several private dining rooms for a more intimate gastronomic experience.
Address: 175 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9671 4888
Trading Hours: Sun – Thu 12 pm – 2:30 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm, Thu – Sat Sun – Thu 12 pm – 2:30 pm & 5 pm – 11 pm