18 Best Japanese Restaurant In Melbourne 2024

Are you looking for the best Japanese restaurant in Melbourne? Well, check out this guide to find out the top restaurants for Japanese cuisine in Melbourne that serve authentic food. Read further to find out more. 

Step into the culinary delights of Japan at the Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne. Indulge in an authentic dining experience featuring exquisite sushi, sashimi, and traditional izakaya dishes.

Immerse yourself in the art of Japanese cuisine and savor the flavors of Japan right in the heart of Melbourne.

Which is the best Japanese restaurant in Melbourne? 

I’ve checkout out several Japanese restaurants in Melbourne but Kisume is the best Japanese restaurant in Melbourne for the authenticity, food taste, as well as ambience. 

   

Kisume restaurant features three levels of dining rooms. The chef’s table gives customers an opportunity to experience the skills and techniques of the masterchef. The table has twelve seats and offers guests a multi course menu. This intimate setting is priced at $225 per person. Kisume also offers guest private dining options for events.

Here is a list of some of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne for you to try.

Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne: Quick Summary

Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne	Must Try Dishes	Location
Kisume	Fatty tuna belly nigiriJapanese style oysters sabayonCrispy pork and kimchi gyozasScallop nigiriKingfish sashimi	Flinders Lane
Kazuki’s	Nori crisp with salmon roeHapuka in yuzu beurre blanc with avrugaPickled musselsChicken liver macaron	Carlton
Wabi Sabi Salon	Bento box	Collingwood
Ishizuka	Poached daikon with foie grasSashimiBento boxesWagyu beef	Bourke Street
Minamishima	SashimiSushi	Richmond
Tempura Hajime	Tempura	South Melbourne
Kenzan	Sushi SashimiSukiyakiShabu shabu	Collins Street
Nobu	Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and black cod with miso	Whiteman Street
Supernormal	Lobster rollRamenShanghai dumplings	Flinders Lane
Ichi Ni Nana	Sushi GyozaTempuraRamen and DonSake	Fitzroy
Izakaya Den	Grilled octopusAgedashi tofuSalted edamame	Russell Street

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Best Japanese Restaurant In Melbourne Near Me

Kisume

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for sashimi

Kisume is the best Japanese restaurant in Melbourne for sashimi. The restaurant features three levels of dining rooms.

The chef’s table gives customers an opportunity to experience the skills and techniques of the masterchef. The table has twelve seats and offers guests a multi course menu. This intimate setting is priced at $225 per person. 

Kisume also offers guest private dining options for events. These can be booked in advance and include the chef’;s table, a private Kuro dining room and chablis bar. Kisume is one of the restaurants with Omakase in Melbourne. 

Another appealing aspect of this exquisite restaurant is the Chablis Bar that lies beyond the Winewall. It holds the largest collection of Chardonnay in the world. 

Besides this, they also serve a range of cocktails, sake, whiskey, and a variety of wines .

Location: Flinders Lane 

Best Dishes: Fatty tuna belly nigiri, Japanese style oysters sabayon, Crispy pork and kimchi gyozas, Scallop nigiri, Kingfish sashimi 

Address: 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000

Related: Best Japanese Restaurant In KL

Kazuki’s

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for Omotenashi tradition

Based on the Japanese tradition of Omotenashi, Kazuki’s was first established in 2011 by Chef Kazuki Tsuya and his partner Saori. 

Kazuki’s offers its guests a quintessential menu that is packed with unique flavours. The menu features dishes that are the perfect blend of Japanese traditions and fresh Australian produce. 

Location: Carlton

Best Dishes: Nori crisp with salmon roe, Hapuka in yuzu beurre blanc with avruga, Pickled mussels ,Chicken liver macaron

Address: 121 Lygon Street, Carlton VIC 3053

Related: Best Japanese Restaurant in Singapore

Wabi Sabi Salon

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for bento boxes

Wabi Sabi Salon is one of the more affordable options on our list. This cozy little restaurant is sure to take you back to the streets of Tokyo with its delicious food and ambience. 

This restaurant is known for its brilliant lunch deals that include bento boxes, sushi and miso sets. 

Over the years, Wabi Sabi Salon has become a popular choice among vegetarians and non vegetarians for its fresh food and affordable prices.

Location: Collingwood

Best Dishes: Bento box

Address: 94 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC3066

Related: Best Japanese Restaurant In NYC

Ishizuka

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for Kaiseki Dining

Known for its kaiseki dining style, Ishizuka offers its guests fine dining at its best. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese style that is practiced by masterchefs.

This 16 seat restaurant sits in a cozy spot on Bourke street. While it is an expensive affair, Ishizuka serves up0 dishes that are worth every penny. 

Location: Bourke Street

Best Dishes: Poached daikon with foie gras, Sashimi, Bento boxes, Wagyu beef

Address: Basement B01 139 Bourke Street, Melbourne

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Minamishima

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for Sushi

Headed by Chef Koichi Minamishima, Minamishima has been serving the best sushi in Melbourne. 

The restaurant has two dining areas that customers can choose from. One is the counter seating style sushi bar for small groups and the dining room for larger groups. You’ll find the best sushi in Melbourne here.

This spectacular restaurant provides its customers with a fine dining experience and serves an omakase of nigri and Japanese cuisine that is unlike any other. It’s the best Japanese restaurant in Melbourne cbd. 

Location: Richmond

Best Dishes: Sashimi

Address: 4 Lord Street Richmond, VIC 3121

Tempura Hajime

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for Tempura Dishes

If you are a fan of all things tempura, Tempura Hajime is the place to be. It is a 12 seat tempura restaurant that has been serving some of the best tempura since it first opened. It’s the best Japanese restaurant in South Melbourne for sure. 

With its small wooden door that bears a small sign, this tiny tempura house is easy to miss. It is run by sushi chef Shigeo who is a master of Japanese cooking.

Location: South Melbourne

Best Dishes: Tempura

Address: 60 Park Street, South Melbourne

Kenzan

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for Sushi and Sashimi

Kenzan has been dishing out authentic Japanese cuisine since it first opened its door in 1981. It’s the best Japanese restaurant in port Melbourne.

This restaurant has a sushi bar with 12 seats, a private room, and a main restaurant. Customers can enjoy fresh and light dishes made with the best produce. 

Location: Collins Street

Best Dishes: Sushi, Sashimi, Sukiyaki, Shabu shabu

Address: Lower level Collins Place, 45 Collins Street, Melbourne

Nobu

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for Miso dishes

Nobu has made a name for itself in the culinary world. It has restaurants all over the world and is known for its Nikkei style of cooking. 

Nikkei is a style of cooking that incorporates Peruvian and Japanese flavours. It was introduced by masterchef Nobu Matsuhisa. It’s the best Japanese restaurant in Southbank. 

At Nobu, guests can choose from a wide array of cocktails, sake and wine to go along with their meals. With its numerous awards and reviews from some of the biggest names in the culinary world, it’s no wonder that Nobu is considered as one of the best restaurants in Melbourne.  

Location: Whiteman Street

Best Dishes: Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and black cod with miso

Address: Crown Riverwalk, Crown Melbourne 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank

Supernormal

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for Seafood

If you like Japanese cuisine with a unique twist, Supernormal is a must try. Supernormal uses flavours that are inspired by cities like Seoul, Hong Kong, and Shanghai to dish out some of the most mouth watering food. 

Andre McConnell is the mastermind behind this fantastic restaurant. The menu here is constantly changing and the food is designed to be shared. 

Location: Flinders Lane

Best Dishes: Lobster roll, Ramen, Shanghai dumplings

Address: 180 Flinders Lane Melbourne VIC 3000

Ichi Ni Nana

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for Ramen

Styled as a Japanese izakaya, Ichi Ni Nana is known for its traditional Japanese food as well as its beautiful interiors. 

Izakayas are known for serving alcoholic beverages and snacks or small eats. That is exactly what Ichi Ni Nana offers to its guests! 

The restaurant balances out traditional Japanese cuisine along with modern takes on the classics. It is affordable and definitely a must try on our list. 

Location: Fitzroy

Best Dishes: Sushi, Gyoza, Tempura, Ramen and Don, Sake

Address: Ground Floor 127 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3075

Izakaya Den 2029

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for Izakaya Dining

Izakaya Den 2029 is definitely the most unique restaurant on our list. Staying true to its name, this restaurant can be found under the streets of Melbourne in a basement setting. 

Delicious smells waft through the air from the open kitchen as that will remind you of Japan. Headed by Chef Jarrod Di Blasi, this restaurant has an extensive menu, featuring traditional flavours of Japan. 

Izakaya Den also has a selection of Japanese beers and traditional sake for customers to pair with their food. 

The ambience of the restaurant adds to the appeal. With its dim lighting and cement interiors, Izakaya Den is an ideal spot for a quiet drink and snack. 

Location: Russell Street

Best Dishes: Grilled octopus, Agedashi tofu, Salted edamame

Address: 118 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Komeyui Restaurant

Komeyui is a Japanese restaurant located in the Southbank district of Melbourne. It is known for its upscale traditional Japanese cuisine, which is presented as either a tasting menu or à la carte.

The restaurant has a sleek and modern interior, with a focus on natural materials and minimalist design. The tables are well-spaced, and the overall atmosphere is intimate and relaxed.

The service at Komeyui is excellent. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to make recommendations. They are also attentive and efficient.

The food at Komeyui is simply outstanding. The ingredients are fresh and of the highest quality, and the dishes are beautifully presented. 

The flavors are complex and well-balanced, and the overall experience is truly memorable.

I highly recommend Komeyui to anyone looking for an exceptional Japanese dining experience in Melbourne.

Here are some of the dishes that I recommend:

• Tasting menu: This is a great way to experience a variety of Komeyui’s signature dishes. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect to enjoy items such as wagyu beef tataki, grilled black cod, and matcha tiramisu.

• À la carte: If you prefer to choose your own dishes, the à la carte menu offers a wide variety of options. Some of my favorites include the seared scallops with yuzu kosho, the grilled wagyu beef skewers, and the tempura vegetables.

• Sake: Komeyui has an extensive sake list, with something to suit every taste. I recommend trying the Junmai Daiginjo sake, which is made from the finest rice and has a smooth, delicate flavor.

Overall, Komeyui is an excellent Japanese restaurant that offers a truly memorable dining experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an upscale and sophisticated Japanese meal in Melbourne.

Yakimono Restaurant

Yakimono Restaurant is a Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Melbourne. The restaurant has a modern and stylish interior, with a large open kitchen where you can watch the chefs prepare your food. 

The menu features a wide variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, and yakitori.

I recently had the opportunity to dine at Yakimono Restaurant with some friends. We started our meal with the edamame, which were perfectly steamed and seasoned. 

For our main course, we ordered the sashimi platter, the tempura platter, and the yakitori. The sashimi was fresh and delicious, the tempura was light and crispy, and the yakitori was grilled to perfection.

We also tried the sake, which was smooth and flavorful. Overall, we had a wonderful dining experience at Yakimono Restaurant. 

The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was inviting. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great Japanese meal in Melbourne.

Shira Nui Restaurant

Shiranui is a small, unassuming Japanese restaurant located in Glen Waverley. It is owned and operated by chef Hiro Nishikura, who has been cooking Japanese food for over 20 years. 

The restaurant is known for its fresh, high-quality sushi and sashimi, as well as its extensive sake list.

The interior of Shira Nui is simple and elegant, with dark wood furniture and a minimalist decor. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs prepare their food, which adds to the experience.

The menu at Shira Nui features a wide variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles, and rice dishes. 

The fish is flown in fresh daily from Japan, and the vegetables are locally sourced. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are truly authentic.

I recently had the Omakase tasting menu at Shira Nui, and it was one of the best meals I have ever had. The chef carefully selected a variety of dishes for me to try, and each one was more delicious than the last. 

The fish was so fresh and flavorful, and the rice was perfectly cooked. I also enjoyed the sake pairings, which were chosen to complement the food perfectly.

The service at Shira Nui is excellent. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always happy to make recommendations. They also take great care in explaining the dishes to diners.

Overall, Shira Nui is an excellent Japanese restaurant. The food is fresh, authentic, and delicious. 

The service is excellent. And the atmosphere is intimate and elegant. I highly recommend Shira Nui to anyone looking for a special dining experience.

Warabi Restaurant

Warabi is a Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Melbourne CBD. The restaurant is known for its high-quality sushi and sashimi, as well as its innovative dishes that fuse Japanese flavors with Western ingredients.

The interior of Warabi is modern and stylish, with a focus on natural materials and Japanese design elements. The restaurant has a large open kitchen, where diners can watch the chefs prepare their food.

The menu at Warabi features a wide variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles, and rice dishes. The restaurant also has a selection of sake, shochu, and Japanese beer.

I had the opportunity to dine at Warabi recently, and I was very impressed with the food. The sushi and sashimi were fresh and beautifully presented, and the other dishes I tried were also delicious. 

I particularly enjoyed the wagyu beef tataki with yuzu kosho sauce, and the black cod with miso butter.

The service at Warabi was excellent. Our waiter was knowledgeable about the menu and took the time to explain each dish to us. He also made sure that we had everything we needed throughout the meal.

Overall, I had a wonderful dining experience at Warabi. The food was excellent, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was elegant and sophisticated. 

I would highly recommend Warabi to anyone looking for a special dining experience in Melbourne.

How did we choose the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne?

Our experts visited over 20 different Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. These restaurants were rated on authenticity, taste, and ambience. After much deliberation, the results are now in. Here is a list of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne for you to try.

Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne: FAQs

What should I order at an authentic Japanese restaurant?

Here are some popular and authentic Japanese dishes that you can order at a Japanese restaurant:

• Sushi and sashimi: These are raw fish and seafood dishes that are served with rice. Sushi is made with vinegared rice that is topped with fish, seafood, or vegetables. Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish or seafood that is served without rice.

• Tempura: This is a dish of seafood, vegetables, or meat that is coated in a batter and deep-fried. Tempura is often served with a dipping sauce.

• Ramen: This is a noodle soup that is made with a meat or fish-based broth, noodles, and various toppings. Ramen is a popular dish in Japan and there are many different types of ramen.

• Udon: This is a thick noodle soup that is made with a meat or fish-based broth, noodles, and various toppings. Udon is another popular dish in Japan and it is often served with tempura.

• Soba: This is a thin noodle soup that is made with a meat or fish-based broth, noodles, and various toppings. Soba is a popular dish in Japan and it is often served with a dipping sauce.

• Yakisoba: This is a stir-fried noodle dish that is made with noodles, vegetables, meat, or seafood. Yakisoba is a popular dish in Japan and it is often served with a sweet and savory sauce.

What are some of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne?

Some of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne are Kisume, Nobu, Ishizuka, and Minamishima. 

What are the different types of Japanese restaurants?

There are a hundred different types of restaurants in Japan. Some of the most common ones are:

• Izakaya
• Kaiseki- These restaurants serve traditional Kaiseki meals which are multi-course meals. 
• Yakitori
• Curry rice shops
• Japanese fast food restaurants
• Tonkatsu

Where can you find sake in Melbourne?

Authentic sake can be found in a number of Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. Some of the restaurants that sell sake are Izakaya Den, Ichi Ni Nana, Kisume, and Nobu.

What are some of the affordable Japanese restaurants in Melbourne?

Some of the more affordable restaurants in Japan are Wabi Wabi Salon and Ichi Ni Nana.

Top Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne

The above listed restaurants are the best eateries and bars in Melbourne that you can check out there. Hope you loved our recommendations of the Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne. Cheers!

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