It’s no secret that I’m completely obsessed with Japanese cuisine. There’s something almost magical about how it brings salty, sweet, sour and umami into perfect balance.
Some dishes are rich and comforting, while others are bright and zesty. And then there are those moments—like the first bite of perfectly crisp karaage smeared with citrusy yuzu mayo or a melt-in-your-mouth piece of agadeshi tofu swimming in a heavenly dashi broth—that feel like a full-blown Ratatouille (yes, the Disney film) moment: fireworks, colours, the whole shebang.
Whether it’s a soul-warming katsu curry or a plate of sashimi that looks (almost) too pretty to eat, Japanese food is a full sensory experience. You’ve already explored the Gold Coast’s best ramen, matcha and Japanese cafés—but now, it’s time to dive into something slightly more serious.
So grab your chopsticks, because here are 15 of the very best Japanese restaurants on the Gold Coast, from North to South.
The Gold Coast's Best Japanese Restaurants At A Glance
Northern Gold Coast Japanese Restaurants
GOTO Japanese Restaurant
9 Lawson St, Southport QLD 4215
A true gem right in the heart of Southport, GOTO feels like stepping straight into Japan. The chefs here don’t just prepare food—they craft experiences, and you can taste their passion in every bite.
Their omakase offering is, in my opinion, an absolute must-try, and watching it all unfold at the bar is almost half the magic. The sashimi melts in your mouth, the tempura is perfectly crisp without being oily, and the hospitality is classically Japanese: warm and genuine. This is refined, heartfelt Japanese dining done right.
Izakaya UMAKAMON
Shop 7/3063 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Tucked away in the bustle of Surfers Paradise, Izakaya UMAKAMON is all about flavour with a side of theatrics, set beneath paper lanterns. The sizzling charcoal grill on the side of the table, the perfectly marbled beef tartare, and the deeply satisfying pork tonkatsu all make for an unforgettable experience.
It’s casual yet classy, and the balance between traditional comfort food and clever modern touches really hits the spot. Don’t leave without trying their karaage chicken with yuzu chilli mayo—it’s dangerously good.
Amimoto Japanese Restaurant
24 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
If you know, you know—and once you do, you’ll never walk past Amimoto Japanese Restaurant again. Hidden in Lido Arcade, this tiny hole-in-the-wall is helmed by a true master, Fujino-san, who brings impeccable knife skills and authentic poise to every dish.
Whether it’s melt-in-your-mouth sashimi or a steaming katsu curry, the flavours are rich, bold, and straight out of Japan. Blink and you’ll miss it, but once found, it’s impossible to forget.
Yamagen
7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: Yamagen | Supplied
Yamagen is the funky izakaya tucked beneath QT Gold Coast, offering a playful yet polished take on Japanese dining. The share plates are innovative, the sashimi is a highlight, and the cocktails are strong enough to keep you lingering long after your last bite.
Their omakase is an experience in itself—executed with finesse and passion. Go for the food and the extensive whiskey collection, stay for the great vibe, and whatever you do, don’t skip the wagyu skewers.
Mr Kojima
1/62 Thomas Dr, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Mr Kojima strikes that rare balance between laid-back coastal charm and refined Japanese technique—one of those places that feels just right, whether you’re celebrating something special or catching up with friends over delectable shared plates and equally good drinks.
Personally, I love coming here with a group. The menu is made for it—think crispy prawns, miso-glazed eggplant, and beef tataki that practically melts on your tongue. Oh, and the cocktails are not to be missed. I still dream about the lychee saké-tini.
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KEMURI
3/124 Pappas Way, Carrara QLD 4211
What began as a beloved market stall has grown into one of the Gold Coast’s most treasured neighbourhood gems. KEMURI is modern izakaya dining with a local twist, where Hiro and his team serve up bao, gyoza, ramen and rice bowls bursting with flavour—all made using local, pesticide-free ingredients.
The vibe here is just as nourishing as the food, with warm, welcoming service that makes you feel instantly at home. Picking a standout is nearly impossible (though the bao could win awards on its own). Safe to say, KEMURI more than earns its spot among the Gold Coast’s best Japanese restaurants.
Kiyomi
Lobby Level The Star, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD 4218
If you’ve had the pleasure of dining at Kiyomi before, then you’ll know that it’s a full-sensory experience. Tucked away in The Star Gold Coast, the mood lighting, refined cocktails, and razor-sharp sashimi all scream modern Tokyo luxe.
The wagyu skewers are the stuff of dreams, the corn (yes, corn) might just change how you feel about vegetables forever, and don’t even get me started on the Mooloolaba prawn toast. It’s stylish, chic, and deserves to be on every serious foodie’s list.
Etsu Izakaya
2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image credit: Etsu Izakaya | Supplied
Etsu Izakaya is a moody, lantern-lit homage to traditional Japanese drinking houses and undeniably one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic Japanese restaurants. Hidden behind an unassuming façade, this long-standing favourite continues to captivate with incredible eats such as the meticulously plated sashimi or standout beef tartare, and a cocktail list that rivals the finesse of the food itself.
Pull up a seat at the bar, lose yourself in the drinks menu (the tea time cocktail is a must), and prepare to be utterly transported. It’s elevated dining that’s worth splashing out for.
Southern Gold Coast Japanese Restaurants
Little Itoshin
110 Mountain View Ave, Miami QLD 4220
Little Itoshin is the kind of place that chefs whisper about—the low-key neighbourhood gem with a cult following among Gold Coast hospitality insiders. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a Tokyo backstreet bar; it’s cosy, understated, and inviting.
The menu is just as transportive. Think ponzu fried cuttlefish, wasabi salmon tartare, and exquisitely fresh sashimi—each dish a clever, deeply considered expression of Japanese technique and Australian produce. Whether you're a longtime regular or walking in for the first time, Little Itoshin is always exceptional.
Anekawa
C4/50/54 Railway St, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213
Small, warm and effortlessly cool, Anekawa is a quiet achiever delivering some of the most inspired Japanese cuisine on the Gold Coast. Chef Koki’s ever-evolving menu celebrates seasonal produce and layers flavour with remarkable depth—each dish lingering in your memory long after the meal ends.
The omakase is a must, but even à la carte plates like the potato mochi or delicate sashimi are unforgettable. Just don’t get too attached—favourites come and go as the menu shifts with the seasons. The space is perfect for an intimate, delicious evening that you won’t soon forget.
Masu Izakaya
1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Masu Izakaya is a masterclass in balance—flavour, texture and atmosphere all perfectly in sync. The crunchy ginger pork belly is rich and caramelised, the tuna tartare with crispy rice sings with umami, and the handmade gyoza are delicate yet deeply satisfying.
Every dish feels both comforting and elevated, with careful attention to detail in every bite. Add in a considered sake list, expertly crafted cocktails and genuinely warm service, and you’ve got one of the Gold Coast’s best Japanese restaurants.
Oi Izakaya
shops 4 - 6, 30 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Oi Izakaya has that casual Japanese bar energy but with seriously delicious food. It’s the kind of place you want to settle in for the night with mates, good drinks and dish after dish of crispy karaage, fresh sashimi, yakitori and, of course, gyoza.
The team gets it right every time; honest, soul-satisfying eats in a buzzing setting, where the highballs go down a little too easily. Oi Izakaya also has great gluten-free and vegetarian options—karaage mushrooms, anyone? Burleigh locals already know this spot’s a winner.
Izakaya Midori
Shop 7/50 Woodland Dr, Reedy Creek QLD 4227
Plant-based and proud, Izakaya Midori is a revelation for vegans and non-vegans alike. Every dish here is bursting with creativity, from the impossibly rich vegan ramen—some of the best on the Gold Coast, in fact—to the perfectly crunchy karaage.
The staff are welcoming, the space is calm and minimalist, and the food speaks for itself. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying and exciting plant-based Japanese can be.
Wazen
1/33 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4219
Wazen is the kind of quietly excellent neighbourhood spot that regulars almost don’t want to share. Tucked away in West Burleigh, this cosy gem serves deeply comforting Japanese fare—think crisp karaage, silky prawn udon, and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly that hits every craving just right.
The vibe is warm and unfussy, perfect for a casual catch-up with friends, a relaxed date night, or even a solo dinner with sake in hand. They also have heaps of options for those who follow gluten-free or vegetarian diets. It’s not fine dining, but it is consistently delicious—and that’s exactly why it keeps people coming back.
Zipang
10/27-31 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
Zipang is everything you want in a local favourite—welcoming, reliable, and packed with flavour. The teriyaki chicken is a staple, but come by on a Wednesday for their ramen night—it’s some of the best you’ll find on the Gold Coast.
With tables spilling out on the pavement, counter seating for solo diners, and a BYO wine policy (with corkage), it’s as laid-back as it is delicious. Thoughtful gluten-free options round things out, making this cosy Currumbin spot a true crowd-pleaser.
Are you keen to keep practising your chopstick skills? Slurp your way through the best ramen joints on the Gold Coast.
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Image Credit: Hayley Williamson and Kaitlin Maree for Urban List