- Restaurant
- Takeaway
Head to the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne for sushi train, bento sets, rare Kobe beef and sake on tap.
Yakinau Izakaya Japanese Restaurant
Tucked away on the corner of Queen and A'Beckett St is Yakinau. Built on traditional flavours, this Japanese BBQ blends fine dining with the spirited atmosphere of an izakaya. Think top-tier cuts of wagyu, paired with crispy karaage and ice cold Japanese beer.
Niku Shiki
Dine in, or grab and go at Niku Shiki. From delicate sushi to sizzling sukiyaki and paper thin beef wagyu, you will be spoilt for choice. Try the hot pot for your next group catch-up.Level up your at home meals with the butcher’s seafood, fresh cuts of wagyu and more.
Akaiito
If discreet fine dining with dramatic Japanese flair is on your wish list, enter the world of Akaiito. Dark and moody, lit by a rosy ribbon of light overhead, it’s tailor-made for clandestine catch-ups. Take your seat by the show kitchen to watch as the robata chefs and sushi masters prepare your eight-course set menu. From the Wagyu tartare to the robata chargrilled kingfish collar, it’s a gourmet degustation.
Onsen Japanese
Visit Tokyo in Melbourne at this cosy hidden gem. Pop-in for a quick lunch at Onsen Japanese for its signature flavour-packed tonkotsu ramen and choose the spicy version if you like a good kick. Or try 'soupless' mazeman ramen, crispy karaage fried chicken, katsu curry and more authentic bites.
Ototo
Akaiito's 'younger brother', Ototo is not to be overlooked. The comfortable dining space with booth seating is ideal for big groups of friends. Unlike Akaiito, Ototo presents a more casual vibe. Choose from a selection of Asian-inspired tapas and snacks, sharing plates, or the signature feed me menu.
Waku Waku
Melbourne's first Japanese soup curry diner is now open on Little Bourke Street. Seek out Waku Waku for this special dish from the snowy island of Hokkaido. Choose from flame-grilled chicken, Wagyu beef or vege tempura then dig into this warming dish with an aromatic broth. Feeling extra famished? Snack-able sides like bear-stamped rolled omelette and crispy karaage are also on the menu.
Mr Ramen San
Hidden in one of Melbourne’s most underrated arcades, Mr Ramen San is a cosy spot serving some of the city’s best ramen. The soup is made in the traditional Kyushu style, with pork bones in white broth. Chashu (roast pork) is char-grilled with peppercorns before serving. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
Tetsujin
Ride the lift to join Tetsujin’s Tokyo-style train. The bright tiled station takes centre stage, with the darker robata grill to the side. Tempura pumpkin nigiri and lobster inari are around $4, with assorted sashimi from $9. To make your meal complete, order a summery watermelon cocktail from Tetsuijin’s legendary bar. Find it on level 4 of Emporium Melbourne.
Dohtonbori
The first of its kind in Melbourne, Dohtonbori is a popular export from Japan specializing in okonomiyaki. Plate up fresh cabbage pancakes at the helm of your personal teppanyaki hot plate, then load it with kimchi, lobster, pork belly and more.
Sakedokoro Namara
Sake on tap, whisky highballs and a ‘hallucination cocktail’ made with mushroom infused gin. Sakedokoro Namara is one of many new hidden neighborhood gems you need to discover in North Melbourne. Pair your sake flight (or happy hour tipple) with the chef’s ‘omakase’ box. It’s nine small bites like rolled omelette, scallops, torched unagi and more.
Ichigo
With its ultra-chic aesthetic,Ichigoputs a modern twist on traditional Japanese eats. Dishes are just as pretty as the space. Especially the ichi-rashi – sashimi, caviar, pickled daikon, avocado mousse and freshly-grated wasabi on a bed of rice. Finish your sitting with a slice of strawberry shortcake and a matcha latte.
Robata
'Robata' is a centuries-old Japanese grilling technique and that's what the crew here do best. The menu is designed to be shared, so you get to try a little of everything. Order yakitori and kushiyaki skewers cooked on the charcoal grill, and fresh sashimi. Expect fun and casual dining, with neon lights and street signs cascading from the ceiling.
Mugen Ramen
What’s cooler than a tiny robot-themed laneway bar projecting anime from the ceiling? The neighbouring ramen shop with a secret basement bar. Located down Bligh Place off Flinders Lane with essentially no signage, it’s not hard to skip right over Mugen. But it’s worth a detour for their classic ramen and tsukemen (dipping ramen). Order side dishes to share and crack a few bevs downstairs.
Torissong
Never tried Teishoku? Make a beeline to Torissong and right that wrong ASAP. A curated selection of rice, pickles, soup and rotating main is served here on the daily in neat wooden trays. Opt for teriyaki lamb ribs, char-grilled eel and pork katsu. Sides include curry, runny onsen egg, sashimi and more. They even have a cute mini bento for kids under 12.
More high-end Japanese dining
Renowned for its innovative Japanese cuisine, stylish decor and city skyline views.
- Bar
- Restaurant
Yakimono is a high energy Japanese-inspired eating house.
- Restaurant
- Casual dining
Exquisite sushi and one of the city's finest wine cellars.
- Bar
- Restaurant
Indulge in an intimate ōmakase experience, rooted in seasonal simplicity.
- Bar
- Restaurant
Best Japanese cafes
Located at Docklands, this is the place for homely Japanese style food and drinks.
- Cafe
- Restaurant
A Japanese bakery and cafe with lunch specials and freshly baked pastries.
- Cafe
- Takeaway
Speciality coffee bar offering Japanese-style katsu sando, cakes and pastries at Emporium Melbourne.
- Coffee
- Cafe
Express tonkatsu shop by Ton & Co
- Restaurant
- Casual dining
Best Japanese desserts
Takeaway store selling soft and fluffy Japanese-style cheesecakes.
- Takeaway
Experience some of Melbourne's best Japanese soufflé pancakes.
- Cafe
- Ice cream
Baking fresh four times daily, Coppe Pan has your gourmet sandwich craving covered.
- Bakery
- Food and drink
A Melbourne-born, Japanese inspired pastry brand.
- Bakery
- Confectionery
Last updated on Tue 13 Aug 2024
Only In The City
See what’s on
Craving a slice of nostalgia? Kick it oldschool at these classic diners and retro eateries.
- Restaurant
- Casual dining
Find Melbourne's best new spots for drinking, dining and all-round good times.
- Bar
- Restaurant
Serving all kinds of authentic Thai food in an old Thai house.
- Restaurant
- Casual dining
See what’s on
Discover more
Find Melbourne's best Japanese cafes and bakeries serving fluffy white shokupan.
- Cafe
- Takeaway
Take a peek down unfamiliar roads as we highlight the best hidden attractions in the city.
- Restaurant
- Takeaway
Pick up more than pad thai with this ultimate guide.
- Restaurant
- Casual dining
Catch up with friends at these group-friendly local venues.
- Restaurant
- Casual dining