Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne

by OpenTable Team

Updated November 09, 2023

From sushi and gyoza, to yakitori and ramen, discover the best Japanese restaurants Melbourne has to offer. You’ll find everything from your local favourites to upscale fusion spots.

Credit: Ichiro Izakaya Bar

Warabi

4.8

4.8 (105)

$101 and over

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

A contemporary Japanese dining experience, Warabi emphasises seasonal ingredients and elevated beverage pairings in an Omakase setting, celebrating the Kappo style of cuisine philosophy.

The Kappo dining experience at Warabi is a set menu that changes at the discretion of the head chef, whose detailed focus is on preparing courses based on the availability of the finest seasonal ingredients. A casual yet refined dining experience, Kappo directly translates to ‘cut and cook' and celebrates the chefs' craftsmanship and precise preparation techniques.

The multi-course 'Impression' menu is guided by the chef and changes daily, where the energy of dishes reflects the seasons and highest quality of ingredients available.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 28, 2023

Service was excellent! Staff were both observant and knowledgeable. Food was average.

Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy

4.2

4.2 (1587)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Fitzroy

About the restaurant

Ichi Ni Nana, is a modern style Izakaya experience spread across multiple levels along the iconic Brunswick Street offering delectable Japanese dishes with a modern twist (such as our must try Ebi Mayo). The venue also comprises an amazing beverage list of Japanese inspired cocktails, the best Japan has to offer in sakes and whiskies and a comprehensive wine list covering local and international regions.

Our friendly and professional team will take you on a guided tour through a Japanese experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating your next visit. Whether it’s an intimate dinner in one of our hand crafted booths or a group celebration, Ichi Ni Nana has an abundance of breathtaking indoor and outdoor areas (including a courtyard with a retractable glass ceiling which can be enjoyed rain, hail or shine), to suit any occasion.

Top review

RachelO

Dined on Jan 1, 2023

Really great food! Very fast service, even though restaurant was very busy. Highly recommend.

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Experience

$55 Banquet Menu

Experience

$75 Signature Banquet Menu

Ichi Ni Izakaya - St Kilda

4.3

4.3 (1225)

$41 to $100

Japanese

St Kilda

About the restaurant

Melbourne’s premier Izakaya experience. Ichi Ni has taken it’s place alongside neighbouring St. Kilda institutions with it’s unique design and central location. Providing a casual and lively dining atmosphere, Ichi Ni offers an extensive menu complimented with unmatched views overlooking Port Phillip Bay.

The Izakaya style restaurant is a visual feast that has combined modern dining with a traditional twist. Multi level seating, private booths and year round heated decking ensure each visit is as original as the first.

Ichi Ni accommodates a full and traditional Japanese menu that caters to all tastes – yakitori, sushi, sashimi and Japanese tapas. You won’t have difficulty finding the perfect drop to go with your “Tabemono” either… an extensive beverage menu offers sake, cocktails, fine wines and a range of Japanese beers to compliment each meal.

Top review

KevinP

Dined on Nov 21, 2023

The food was delicious, the restaurant itself was lovely and the view was very nice, staff were extremely friendly and helpful. We ordered a lot of different options to share and they were all presented beautifully and tasted just as good as they looked. Would recommend.

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Kicho Japanese Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (390)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Black Rock

About the restaurant

Located next to a beautiful beach, we are a vibrant and cozy place to enjoy modern Japanese cuisine from our enthusiastic and companionable team members.

We accept reservations online for up to 5 guests, with a seating time of 2 hours. We encourage guests after a reservation for 1-5 diners to make their bookings online. 15 minutes grace time to all bookings. Please note that our online booking system reflects real time availability at the restaurant.

For groups of 6 guests or more, please contact our reservations team on 03 958 942 96 or info@kicho.com.au. Please note that groups of 6+ guests are required to dine on a set menu.

We take enquires for large group booking or catering requirements.

Dietary requirements are welcome and can be accommodated with advance notice. We recommend you let us know at the time of booking to ensure we can meet your needs.

15% surcharge will be applied on Public Holiday

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

We had a very nice evening and great that I, not eating anything from the sea, was given other choices. Much appreciated. Food was great so was the service. The five of us all will come back. Cypriaan Poulus.

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4.8

4.8 (179)

$101 and over

French / Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Experience the epitome of fine dining with the 'Kojin' 7-course degustation menu, designed for discerning connoisseurs. Indulge in exquisite dishes featuring Botan Ebi, Dry Aged Beef, and confit Duck Leg, complemented by rare ingredients like Sake Marinated Ikura and Smoked Ocean Trout. The culinary journey continues with delicacies such as Spanner Crab Chawanmushi, Alfonsino with Sea Urchin and Saffron, and MB9+ Wagyu Striploin with Truffle Jus.
To tantalize your palate further, enjoy Guava Sorbet and a selection of Petit Fours. Elevate your dining experience by adding the Kaviari Caviar from France for a truly unforgettable meal.

Top review

NinjaBatty

Dined on Aug 26, 2023

Had a great 7 course meal. My wife thought it was really good with every dish really tasty and well presented. I considered it one of the best meals I have had in years. Gluten free options were well catered for but make sure to let them know in the booking

Chocolate Buddha

4.7

4.7 (2453)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Chocolate Buddha undertook an AMAZING renovation in 2019 by Maddison Architects. We have a 22 seater SUSHI TRAIN open Wednesday to Sunday lunches 12 - 3pm and it includes an EXPRESS train which delivers hot food ordered via a tablet. We offer QR menus at each table for ease of ordering, splitting bills and menu with pictures and descriptions. This type of ordering is optional so always let us know if you prefer to order with us. See you soon @ Chocolate Buddha

Top review

TunyaJ

Dined 3 days ago

Service was Outstanding, Lucas made the experience so upbeat, fun but most importantly honest and kind. He is a valuable asset to the restaurant. Hugo was attentive and provided lovely service

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4.6

4.6 (110)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Windsor

About the restaurant

With a love for Japanese pop culture and nightlife, Golden Gai is inspired by the noisy and creative back alleyways of Shinjuku, Golden Gai, Tokyo, Japan. From our menu to the walls, we’ve added our own personality anywhere we can.
As Melbourne’s very own Golden Gai, our doors are open to anyone and everyone who is looking for a late night hang out, hungry for Japanese fusion, drinks to celebrate or wanting to be transported to Japan for a little while.

Top review

Helldo

Dined on Oct 13, 2023

Delicious food! Great ambience! Fantastic service! I'll be going back!

Tetsujin

4.4

4.4 (244)

$40 and under

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Capturing the essence of Tokyo with sushi train, Japanese barbeque and a bar, all under one roof.

Top review

Mameo

Dined on Jan 1, 2023

Staff were very busy but Alex was nice and explained the menu well. If you have 3 or more drinking beer, definitely get the $50 Tetsujin lager. Better value.

Ichiro Izakaya Bar

4.6

4.6 (204)

$40 and under

Japanese

Burwood

About the restaurant

Seeking to combine the best of both worlds, we have combined the familiar flavours of Australian dining with traditional Japanese Izakaya dishes, in order to create the tastiest food we can for you. We also have a lovely range of Japanese sake and beer for you to compliment your food, if you're keen to experience Izakaya like they do in Japan.

Top review

MarianJ

Dined on Nov 22, 2023

Service with care. Food was very fresh, beautifully presented, and delicious.

Chotto Motto Collingwood

4.7

4.7 (258)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Collingwood

About the restaurant

A one of a kind Japanese restaurant featuring hand made Japanese dumplings served with our famous Crispy Chilli Oil as well as other Japanese classics such as Chicken Karaage, Agedashi Tofu & more! The venue is coverered wall to wall in Showa Era Japanese vintage antiques, a super fun an unique environment.

Top review

Fiona

Dined on Nov 23, 2023

Love the kitschy surroundings filled with quirky Japanese vintage knick knacks, delicious gyozas, matched with wonderful service.

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Experience

Chotto Motto Carte Du Fixé Set Menu

Ototo

4.1

4.1 (255)

$41 to $100

Asian

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Discover a hidden gem beneath the city streets at our contemporary Asian restaurant. Located underground, our venue boasts a full bar and an exquisite menu that promises a fusion of flavors. Delight in the Chef's Tasting Menu, a curated selection of favorites. Savor dishes like Kingfish Sashimi with grapefruit and Yuzu-Kosho, or the bold Sichuan Bang-Bang Chicken Noodle Salad. Dumpling enthusiasts can relish our diverse range, while main courses feature delights such as 48-Hour Black Angus Short Ribs and Signature 14-Day Dry Aged Duck. Don't forget to pair your meal with creative cocktails from our bar. Complete your journey with decadent desserts like Chocolate Fondant and Pandan Creme Brulee.

Top review

RDapp

Dined on Nov 18, 2023

Great food, great wine list and really loved the venue

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4.7

4.7 (278)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

The menu is our take on Authentic Modern Japanese food, using seasonal Australian produce. Many signature items featured in our menu are cooked over Binchō-tan, a type of charcoal traditionally used in Japanese grilling.

Experience the atmosphere, enjoy our delectable food, drink like a boss. Whether it’s a Victorian Pinot Noir or a Japanese whisky, there’s always something great to pair with our dishes.

Top review

HannahF

Dined on Mar 14, 2023

We booked this restaurant for my partners birthday. The food was amazing!! Definitely the perfect treat meal. They even put a little candle in our dessert which was a really nice touch.

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4.5

4.5 (261)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Richmond

About the restaurant

Eazy Peazy brings the best of modern Japanese cuisine to the heart of Melbourne. With a focus on informal izakaya style dining, the menu is centred on the hibachi and has at its heart traditional Japanese fare of yakitori, karaage, and other share-plate style dishes.

Top review

Eddievip

Dined on Nov 22, 2023

The food is amazing and the staff are great. The chef and the team are gracious and kind to our request, too. They are also accommodating to one specific dietary requirement one from our group has. Overall, the place, the chef, and the rest of the team are amazing.

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Popular dish

EzPz Cauliflower Bites

4.7

4.7 (69)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Northcote

About the restaurant

We demonstrate 'the basic' Japanese cuisine through the importance of: Freshness, Health conscious, Creativity, Seasonal produce, Innovation and OMOTENASHI spirit. (Omotenashi is the Japanese culture of treating a guest. It blends a welcoming spirit with warmth, understanding, and above all respect.) We use local ingredients to express our 'basic Japanese cuisine'. We offer traditional Japanese flavours combining modern cooking methods.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

Fantastic food, everything came out in good time and was delicious. Took my vegan partner, the vegan options were excellent - some of the best eggplant I’ve ever had.

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Experience

IROHA 's OMAKASE set menu $68

Musashi Ramen

4.5

4.5 (55)

$40 and under

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

WELCOME TO MUSASHI IZAKAYA
"Musashi" is located on 181 Russell st, Melbourne, VIC.

IZAKAYA is a drinking establishment with foods and people drink and share foods. People often call IZAKAYA a Japanese tapas bar. Yes at IZAKAYA, drinking is a must and you find what to eat with drinks. We wanted to show people the joy of sharing and enjoying drinks with friends. So we named our restaurant IZAKAYA because we wanted to establish this IZAKAYA category aside from regular Japanese restaurants.

So IZAKAYA iko! (“Let’s go to IZAKAYA!”)

Top review

JonF

Dined on Oct 24, 2023

Love Musashi Ramen. The broth is good, and the ramen is actualy ramen. Highly recommended!

Misoya Sake Bar

4.5

4.5 (64)

$40 and under

Japanese

Brunswick

About the restaurant

Japanese Ramen and Sake Bar. Miso is a paste made from fermented soy beans and barley or rice malt. It is traditional Japanese seasoning and used in a range of dishes from soups, to glazes, to dips and pickles. Miso is high in protein and contains a range of vitamins and minerals including B12, B3, E, K, iron and calcium. About miso ramen: In 1923, Chinese immigrant chef Mr Wang started work at the Takeya Café near Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan. He developed his own noodle and soup dishes that would appeal to the Japanese palette. His dishes were so successful that they were copied and in 1951 Ramen Alley in downtown Sapporo became nationally famous. Misoya Ramen: Misoya has developed its own miso ramen with a thick miso soup made from chicken and vegetable stock in consideration of Australian tastes and preferences. Egg noodles and fresh seasonal vegetables result in a ramen that is bound to please and will make you want to come back for more.

Top review

Robert

Dined on Nov 18, 2023

Good food and friendly staff. Order through qr code.

Shizuku Ramen - Hawthorn

4.4

4.4 (11)

$40 and under

Japanese

Hawthorn

About the restaurant

Shizuku is not your average Japanese restaurant. That’s partly because we serve the best ramen in Melbourne, and partly because our menu has a creative flair. Unlike other Japanese venues we also offer a serious selection of craft beer. And while we could go on about how ramen and beer is the perfect pair, there’s only one way to discover it for yourself.

Serving delicious bowls of ramen, craft beers, cocktails, japanese whisky, sake. Good tunes, great vibes!

Top review

SimonK

Dined on Jul 2, 2023

Awesome little restaurant, good vibes, awesome ramen bowls.

Hachi Kichi

4.6

4.6 (11)

$40 and under

Japanese

Brighton

About the restaurant

Located in Brighton, Hachi Kichi Japanese Restaurant is a relaxed and charming spot serving some of the best Japanese cuisine in Melbourne. Situated just off the Nepean Highway on Bay Street, the quality of the dishes here is second-to-none. The space itself is cosy and charming with a bold neon sign and plants adorning the exposed brick walls, making it perfect for date night or a meal out with your best friends. As for the menu, there’s a selection of fresh sushi, gyoza, kushi yaki skewers, ngiri, sashimi and traditional Japanese mains. It’s a Brighton local favourite for good reason and should be high on your list, that’s for sure. Reservations are recommended.

Top review

JudyS

Dined on Apr 2, 2022

Good service & food delicious

Komuni

4.6

4.6 (8)

$40 and under

Japanese

Ringwood

About the restaurant

Fusion Japanese restaurant in light and bright atmosphere. Well appointed drinks list that complements our Japanese cuisine. Watch our Japanese chefs cook you lunch or dinner in our open kitchen. Try our house made Gyoza or our Kara age fried chicken. Host your special event with our private dining area that cater up to 35 guests.

Top review

JessicaB

Dined on Apr 6, 2023

Great place for a catch up with friends. Food was delicious and service was fantastic. One of my favourite places to eat.

Y14 Japanese Seafood Kitchen & Bar

4.6

4.6 (152)

$40 and under

Japanese

Sandringham

About the restaurant

We are open 7 days a week from 5pm. Tables are available on a walk-in only basis and we recommend coming in early to grab a table. We are popular with the Sandringham locals, Y14 has quickly become an Buyside institution. Sat in an intimate architectural designed space surrounded by timber you'll be served home-made katsu curries, gob-smacking sushi & sashimi platters perfectly matched with local and international wines and beers.

Top review

VickiW

Dined on Jan 1, 2020

Our favourite local restaurant! Always guaranteed a great feed!

ZENZEN

4.7

4.7 (162)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Gisborne

About the restaurant

TO BOOK A TABLE OR ORDER TAKEAWAY, PLEASE VISIT www.zenzen.com.au OR email to info@zenzen.com.au

Japanese street food (‘Yatai’) in the heart of Gisborne, Macedon Ranges.
Bright colours, bold flavours | Casual and laid back dining

Top review

KimF

Dined on May 27, 2023

Fantastic to have this street food option in our town and so delicious

MONOU Japanese

4.5

4.5 (42)

$40 and under

Japanese

South Melbourne

About the restaurant

Monou Japanese Restaurant by Kenvan Team, who brought you the Kuu Japanese Cafe just down the road. Now they have opened a Restaurant. Monou is all about food and drink like what you find in Japan with a modern Australian touch.

*Please note Monou reopened in 9th of Nov 2021 with a new menu and new trading hours.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Nov 20, 2021

Really good food and service