18 Best Japanese Restaurant Melbourne Has To Offer [2024]

Japanese Restaurant Melbourne

If you’re looking for the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 18 spots that will satisfy your cravings for sushi, ramen, and more. From traditional eateries to modern fusion joints, there’s something for everyone on this list. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next night out at one of these fantastic Japanese restaurants!

But before that, here are some key things to consider when choosing a Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne!

Key Things To Consider When Choosing A Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne

• Location: Is it located close to your home or work?
• Price Range: What is the cost of an average meal at the restaurant?
• Quality of Food: Make sure to read reviews and ask friends for recommendations before choosing a restaurant.
• Atmosphere/Ambiance: Does the atmosphere match what you are looking for in a dining experience?
• Variety of Dishes Available: Are there enough choices on the menu that can satisfy everyone’s tastes?
• Service: Is service friendly, prompt, and attentive?
• Specialty Dishes: Do they offer any unique dishes not found elsewhere in Melbourne?

Now that you know what to look for, here are the Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne!

1. Komeyui

Key Services	Japanese Cuisines
Website	http://www.komeyui.com.au/
Address	181 Ferrars St, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, Australia
Phone	03 9645 5420
Email	info@komeyui.com.au
Operating Hours	12pm-2:30pm and 5:30pm-10pm Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30am-2:30pm and 5:30pm-10pm Friday to Sunday

Komeyui originates from the words for rice (kome) and knot (yui), with the signifying the sense of connection and togetherness that comes from sharing a meal. If you’re looking for traditional, genuine, and high-quality Japanese cuisine without having to travel overseas, chef Motomu Kumano’s offerings will transport you to the archipelago. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

2. Kisumé

Key Services	Japanese Cuisines
Website	https://kisume.com.au/
Address	175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne , 3000 VIC
Phone	(03) 9671 4444
Email	bookings@kisume.com.au
Operating Hours	5pm-10pm Monday, 12pm-2:30pm and 5pm-10pm Tuesday to Friday, 12pm-2:30pm and 5pm-11pm Saturday and Sunday

The name Kisume is a Japanese term that refers to an unquenchable passion for beauty. When you look at the area, it makes sense. There’s a hot kitchen in the basement, a sushi restaurant on the first floor, and a bar/omakase space on the second floor. The team is also amazing, led by head chef Yonge Kim. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

3. Ishizuka

Key Services	Japanese Cuisines
Website	http://ishizuka.com.au/
Address	Basement B01, 139 Bourke St, Melbourne , 3000 VIC
Phone	(03) 8594 0895
Email	reservation@ishizuka.com.au
Operating Hours	5pm-12am Sunday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, 5pm-11pm Friday and Saturday

Ishizuka is a Melbourne-based Japanese restaurant that specializes in a kaiseki style meal. Seasonally and daily, the dinner menu is rotated with a revolving nightly set menu of eleven incredible dishes. And here’s where it gets interesting: only sixteen people are served each evening. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

4. Yakimono

Key Services	Japanese Cuisines
Website	http://www.yakimono.com.au/
Address	80 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 8616 7900
Email	eat@yakimono.com.au
Operating Hours	12pm-11:30pm daily

If you like your Japanese grilled to perfection, Yakimono is the restaurant for you. Chris Lucas, the owner of this new eatery that specializes in all things fire, spent three years living and working in Japan while exploring their late-night izakaya bars before opening it. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

5. Kenzan

Key Services	Japanese Cuisines
Website	http://www.kenzan.com.au/
Address	Collins Place, 45 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone	03 9654 8933
Email	bookings@kenzan.com.au
Operating Hours	12pm-2:15pm and 6pm-10pm Monday to Friday, 6pm-10pm Saturday

Kenzan was serving up slices of succulent fatty bluefin tuna belly and delicate grilled eel decades before the sushi craze took hold. To call it one of the greatest Japanese restaurants in Melbourne is little hyperbole. Simply put, Kenzan delivers traditional sushi done to perfection. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

6. Izakaya Den

Key Services	Japanese Cuisines
Website	http://www.izakayaden.com.au/
Address	Basement 114 Russell Street, Melbourne, 3000 VIC
Phone	+61 476 208 573
Email	info@izakayaden.com.au
Operating Hours	12pm-2:30pm and 5:30pm-12am Monday to Friday, 5:30pm-12am Saturday

Izakaya Den is a Melbourne phenomenon, located in a basement. For lunch and dinner, Izakaya Den is an edgy modern dining experience. The idea of Izakaya is to provide a Japanese tavern atmosphere with little meals to enjoy with cocktails. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

7. Kazuki’s

Key Services	Japanese Cuisines
Website	https://kazukis.com.au/
Address	121 Lygon St, Carlton, 3053 Vic
Phone	03 9349 2223
Email	dine@kazukis.com.au
Operating Hours	6pm-10pm Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday, 12pm-3pm and 6pm-10pm Friday, 12pm-3pm Sunday

Saori and Kazuki Tsuya moved Kazuki’s from Daylseford to Lygon Street a few years ago, bringing its long history with them. The concept of ‘Omotenashi’ is based on Japanese hospitality traditions, which emphasize a kind, intuitive approach to customer service. Whether you’re hungry or curious, Kazuki’s a la carte and set menus are both sure to satisfy. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

8. Minamishima

Key Services	Japanese Cuisines
Website	http://www.minamishima.com.au/
Address	4 Lord Street, Richmond, 3121 VIC
Phone	03 9429 5180
Email	Visit their website for more details
Operating Hours	6pm-10pm Tuesday to Saturday

The omakase at Minamishima in Richmond is served by Koichi Minamishima, who has 30 years of expertise preparing A-grade sashimi. You receive one slice at a time, prepared with great care and attention to detail. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

9. Wabi Sabi Salon

Key Services	Poke Bowl, Sake, Ramen, Sashimi, Japanese Cuisine, Available for Functions, Indoor Seating, Vegetarian Friendly
Website	https://www.wabisabisalon.com.au/
Address	94 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9417 6119
E-mail	info@wabisabisalon.com.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 3PM, 5:30PM – 10PM Mondays – Fridays | 11AM – 10PM Saturdays

Wabi Sabi Salon, located in Collingwood, makes great use of seasonal, locally sourced produce to provide exceptional taste at affordable prices. The restaurant is styled like the kind of small and homey eatery you could find on a quiet Tokyo side street. Vegetarians, carnivores, and people of all diet preferences agree that this is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. Feel free to bring a big group and order from every item on the menu, or just stop in for one of their world-famous bento boxes for lunch./m

Key Differentiators:

• The use of seasonal, locally sourced produce
• The homey style of the restaurant
• The affordable prices

Customer Testimonial:

“Looks a small restaurant from the street, but actually quiet large as there are other areas. The service was great, especially the waitress, exceptionally good ather job. Food was great as well”

John Lawson

10. Little Ramen Bar

Key Services	Ramen With Authentic Japanese Flavour, Seafood Ramen, Gyoza, Miso, Corn, Noodles, Soup, Home Delivery, Takeaway Available, Wine and Beer
Website	https://littleramenbar.com.au/
Address	369 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9670 5558
Operating Hours	11:30AM – 3PM, 5:15PM – 9PM Mondays – Wednesdays, Saturdays | 12PM – 10PM Thursdays – Fridays

The broth and noodles at Little Ramen Bar are distinctive. The sous chef expertly combines the noodles and liquid. The sous chef will garnish your bowl of Ramen. Seaweed, bamboo shoots, spring onion, nori, and an egg top the chashu tamago. They try to be generous with the toppings to avoid wasting food. Many ingredients are used to manufacture our Ramen, but they avoid shortcuts and prepare it fresh every day. They adore Ramen and will continue to perfect our recipe in order to provide the greatest. Ramen, Japanese wheat-flour noodles with broth, is their speciality.

Key Differentiators:

• The distinctive broth and noodles
• The sous chef’s expertise in combining the noodles and liquid
• The freshness of the ingredients

Customer Testimonial:

“First time here. Went for the Tan Tan spicy ramen which was superb. Reminded me of my time in Japan. Can’t wait to go back. Two Sapporo fraught beers for $10 Quick service. Very clean.”

Jessica Gray

11. Ichi Ni Izakaya

Key Services	Japanese Cuisine, Yakitori, Sashimi Platter, Gyoza, Sake, Tempura, Sushi, Vegetarian Friendly, Outdoor Seating, Craft Beer
Website	https://ichini.com.au/
Address	127 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9417 4127
E-mail	ichini@ichigroup.com.au
Operating Hours	5PM – 11PM Tuesdays – Saturdays | 5PM – 10PM Sundays – Mondays

People love Ichi Ni Izakaya because it does such a great job of honoring two of our favorite epicurean constants: little appetizers and wine. In spite of its widespread fame, this St. Kilda restaurant manages to keep prices low while yet delivering an extensive menu of classic dishes. Place an order for some fresh sashimi and yakitori, and don’t forget to get a bottle of sake or a pint of beer to wash it all down. Simply said, indulge yourself at one of Melbourne’s most highly regarded Japanese restaurants. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The focus is on little appetizers.
• The low prices
• The extensive menu

Customer Testimonial:

“We had amazing dinner today at Ichi ni Nana. This is out first time here and we enjoyed the food so much. I love the ambience too. With an open area at the back. We will definitely come back and try the other items in the menu.”

Binx Jetajobe

12.Tokyo Tina

Key Services	No Reservations, Japanese Food, Rising Sun Cuisine, Ceviche-style Options, Brothy Bowls of Soba and Ramen, Japanese Beer, Sake and Whisky
Website	https://tokyotina.com.au/
Address	66A Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9525 2774
E-mail	TOKYOTINA@COMMUNEGROUP.COM.AU
Operating Hours	5PM – 10PM Mondays – Thursdays | 12PM – 4PM, 5PM – 10PM Fridays – Sundays

Chapel Street’s newest trendy Japanese eatery, founded in February by the same trio behind Hanoi Hannah and Saigon Sally, Simon Blancher, Paul Nguyen, and Nic Coulter, successfully blends kitsch and cute with hip and edgy. There are two eating areas within Tokyo Tina, one on the right and one in the back, plus a bar area, on the left, that provides a wide selection of drinks based on Japanese culture. While sushi is a staple of Japanese cuisine, Li’s menu concentrates on less well-known aspects of the cuisine of the Rising Sun. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The focus on less well-known aspects of Japanese cuisine
• The two eating areas
• The wide selection of drinks

Customer Testimonial:

“I don’t know who Tina is, but she took me back to Tokyo. Great quality food options, cool modern Japanese vibe. Restaurant looks quiet from the outside but is bustling within. Was there for a light lunch but will be back for a large course dinner for sure.”

Nunzio Bagnato

13. Shoya

Key Services	Japanese, Sushi, Japanese BBQ, Egg Custard, Wagyu Steak, Tempura, Sashimi, Sake, Full Bar Available, Vegetarian Friendly, Indoor Seating, Karaoke
Website	https://shoya.com.au/
Address	25 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9650 0848
E-mail	info@shoya.com.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 2PM, 6PM – 9:30PM Wednesdays – Fridays, Sundays | 12PM – 2PM, 5:30PM – 9:30PM Saturdays

Enter Shoya to experience a welcoming, pleasant, and spacious traditional Japanese setting. Shoya, one of Melbourne’s original Japanese fine dining establishments, is dedicated to maintaining its stellar reputation. Shoya’s three levels include traditional tatami seating as well as a formal dining room with a sushi bar. The magnificent calligraphy and artwork by well-known Japanese artists complement the real excellent dining experience. Diners at Shoya may savor traditionally prepared and aesthetically presented food. The Shoya team is constantly updating the menu and pushing the boundaries, combining the freshest ingredients with unique ways to create out-of-this-world delights. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The traditional Japanese setting
• The three levels with different seating options
• The focus on fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations

Customer Testimonial:

“We went here for our anniversary! What an amazing experience. We had the set menu and each dish was absolutely delicious. I would recommend having sake or their plum wines with your food. Amazing staff and great service.”

Marisa Lobo

14. Nobu

Key Services	Dine At the Bar, Reservations Recommended, Notable Chef, Japanese
Website	https://www.noburestaurants.com/
Address	Crown Riverwalk, Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9292 5777
Operating Hours	3PM – 10PM Wednesdays | 12PM – 10PM Thursdays, Sundays | 12PM – 11PM Fridays – Saturdays

A world recognised restaurant chain specializing in innovative new-style Japanese cuisine. Nobu in Crown delivers the finest Japanese cuisine in Melbourne. Nobu’s renown is unparalleled, and his restaurants are located all over the globe. This three-story eatery provides the atmosphere of a nightclub, with wood furnishings, mood lighting, and tables without linens. Begin with a cocktail on the first floor, then make your way upstairs to a table for exquisite sushi and sashimi, baby tiger prawn tempura, or beef tenderloin with wasabi salsa. Indulge in exquisite Japanese cuisine served in a picturesque environment. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The world-renowned restaurant chain
• The three floors with different atmospheres
• The focus on sushi and sashimi

Customer Testimonial:

“Excellent sushi, sashimi and cocktails. The costs do add up but it’s well worth the money! Can’t recommend enough.”

Abhilash Balakrishnan

15. Saké Restaurant & Bar

Key Services	Fine Contemporary Japanese Dining, Sake Bar, Cocktails, Creative Banquet Menus, Artful Sushi, Delicate Sashimi, Saké’s Signature Soundtrack
Website	https://sakerestaurant.com.au/
Address	100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9119 4799
E-mail	reservations@sakerestaurant.com.au
Operating Hours	5:30PM – 8:30PM Wednesdays – Thursdays | 12PM – 3PM, 5:30PM – 10PM Fridays – Saturdays | 12PM – 3PM, 5:30PM – 8:30PM Sundays

Enjoy non-traditional, exquisite Japanese food. Splurge on ultra-fresh, sustainable seafood like as Bluefin Tuna, Hiramasa Kingfish, and Glacier 51 Toothfish, or indulge in luxurious small dishes such as smoked robata meats, hand-crafted sushi and sashimi, and signature maki rolls. Japanese influences dominate the beverage menu, from house-infused cocktails to whiskey, gin, shochu, umeshu, craft brews, and over 30 varieties of sake from the Land of the Rising Sun. Open kitchens and sushi bars take center stage, with a dash of drama accompanying each dish. While seated at the counter, see the sushi chefs preparing exquisite sashimi and sushi. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The focus on non-traditional, luxurious Japanese cuisine
• The focus on ultra-fresh, sustainable seafood
• The open kitchen and sushi bar

Customer Testimonial:

“Great Japanese fine dining restaurant! ‘Take no Hana’ menu was awesome! Will definitely visit the restaurant again sometime soon.”

Roshan Arjun Ananda

16. Tempura Hajime

Key Services	Specialising In The Art Of Tempura, Sake, Sushi, Sashimi, Prawn, Seafood, Tempura Hajime, Omakase Available, Indoor Seating, Vegetarian Friendly
Website	https://tempurahajime.com.au/
Address	60 Park St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9696 0051
Operating Hours	12PM – 2PM, 6PM – 9:30PM Tuesdays – Thursdays | 12PM – 2PM, 5:30PM – 10PM Fridays | 5:30PM – 10PM Saturdays

Tempura Hajime is a classic Tempura restaurant located on Park Street in South Melbourne with 12 seats. Shigeo, the owner chef of Tempura Hajime, has been a cook for over 20 years. In 1994, he began in his hometown of Osaka, Japan. Shigeo was the chef at the renowned Japanese restaurant Kenzan in the Central Business District before relocating to Melbourne in 2004. In 2009, he became the owner and chef of the highly acclaimed Tempura Hajime. Take a seat and let Shigeo Yoshihara to tantalize your taste buds dish after dish. This is culinary paradise. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The classic Tempura restaurant
• The focus on fresh, traditional Japanese cuisine
• The small, intimate setting

Customer Testimonial:

“Impressive, always. It never disappoint. I still remember my first visit there back in 2009. The standard remains unchanged, both taste, presentation and visual. Recommend with no hesitation.”

Ken Chiang

17. Supernormal

Key Services	Lobster Bun, Sea Bream, Chocolate Parfait, Lobster Roll, Whole Flounder, Lobster Meat, Variety of Asan Cuisine, Vegan Options
Website	https://supernormal.net.au/
Address	180 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9650 8688
E-mail	info@supernormal.net.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 10PM. Daily

Supernormal is a unique Japanese restaurant in Melbourne. Supernormal has a clean, minimalist set out, an open kitchen, and Andrew McConnell’s trademark X-factor. The Flinders Lane venue is an unusual combination of atmosphere and indulgence. Szechuan peppers and Japanese sweetness tickle the mouth. It serves dumplings, bao, and Szechuan brisket. Pull Korean BBQ hog shoulder, skewered meats, kimchi, steamy bowls of ramen at lunch, and some of the most imaginative desserts we’ve eaten in a while. Classics from Golden Fields include lobster rolls and peanut-butter parfait. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The clean, minimalist setting
• The open kitchen
• The focus on fresh, unique Japanese cuisine

Customer Testimonial:

“Was slightly sceptical of Supernormal but having tried it, I can say it’s worth the hype. Though the space is been around a while it somehow feels timeless. The menu is quite varied and everything I tried from it was very good – especially the veg dumplings and the prawns. Cocktails were also very nice.”

Quincy Malesovas

18. Eazy Peazy

Key Services	Modern Japanese Cuisine, Bar Food, Full Bar Available, Serves Cocktails, Table Booking Recommended, Indoor Seating, Sake, Izakaya
Website	https://eazypeazymelb.com/
Address	108 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9965 1977
E-mail	info@eazypeazymelb.com.au
Operating Hours	5PM – 9:30PM PM Mondays – Tuesdays| 12PM – 3PM, 5PM – 10:30PM Wednesday – Sundays

The group was founded in 2019 with the intention of transporting Kyoto’s rolling hills and sake drinking to the heart of Tokyo. The Swan Street, Richmond shop Eazy Peazy fuses Japanese and Australian styles. Sue Carr’s Eazy Peazy is an impressive achievement in interior design; it was influenced by the rolling hills of Kyoto. Everything at Eazy Peazy, from the menu to the furnishings, is harmonious with one another. The hibachi is the focal point of the menu, but they also serve yakitori, kushiyaki, and other small plates to encourage communal eating. This is why they are one of the finest Japanese restaurant Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The focus on fresh, traditional Japanese cuisine
• The fusion of Japanese and Australian styles
• The harmonious interior design

Customer Testimonial:

“Good food. They seem to grill much of what they cook… Izakaya style. This creates some amazing flavours.”

Erik Sentell

Japanese Restaurant Melbourne

Melbourne is home to some of the best Japanese restaurants in the world. Whether you’re looking for a traditional sushi experience or something more edgy, there’s sure to be a restaurant that satisfies your craving. Our list of 8 best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne will help you get started on your culinary journey through Japan.

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