Want to relive that Japanese holiday, or get your eye in before you head overseas? You're in luck, because Melbourne is full of top-tier Japanese restaurants.
Whether you’re craving freshly made sushi, bowls of steaming ramen, sizzling teppanyaki, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, or flavourful donburi, there’s no shortage of authentic Japanese restaurants in Melbourne to dive into.
From classic ramen joints like IPPUDO to upscale omakase experiences at KOMEYUI, Melbourne’s Japanese food scene is unmatched... except for, you know, Japan.
Melbourne’s Best Japanese Restaurants At A Glance
- Jump To Our Fave Japanese Spots Overall
- Jump To The Best Japanese Fine Dining
- Jump To The Best Omakase
- Jump To The Best Ramen
- Jump To The Best Sushi
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Ready to explore the finest options? Here's our hot takes for 2025's best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne.
Best Japanese Spots Straight Up
These Japanese spots are so good they defy categorisation. Whether you’re after a cheap and cheerful feed or fine dining omakase experience, these are the best of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne:
Supernormal
180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Supernormal | Supplied
Supernormal is Andrew McConnell's Pan-Asian crown jewel and home to the most famous lobster roll in Melbourne. The Supernormal menu is changing all the time, but it spans across the Asia region with techniques steeped in Japanese culinary tradition. Designed to be shared, get yourselves a serving of duck bao, a whole snapper with burnt butter sauce, wild watercress and shaved kombu, some beef tartare, and whatever else you can fit in. Expect to spend $80–$130pp for a generous feed, plus extra for drinks. Or, take the hassle out and order a multi-course banquet starting at $85pp. If you head in for a weekday lunch, you’ll be privy to Supernormal's awesome lunch specials, which right now includes their oh-so-popular ramen. The bone broth takes two days to create, so you know this one packs a punch.
Kushiro
175 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Image credit: Kushiro | @hellopablodiaz
The menu at Kushiro is fueled by Omakase techniques led by an Izakaya spirit. Know you’re in good hands with executive chefJan Chung who’s CV includes several Michelin-starred establishments. After you've taken the time to choose your own chopsticks as presented by the wait staff, expect dishes like scampi tartare with lobster bisque panna cotta, 12-hour roasted short ribs, and a rendition on a creamy risotto. If it's your vibe, check out the raw menu; oyster shooters, an array of delicious raw fish and the tartare are all great options for starting your feast. At Kushiro, dinner will set you back around $80-100pp including drinks. It’s a spot best enjoyed with friends so you can order ... well, everything. This is very much a contender for the best Japanese Melbourne has to offer.
Teppanyaki Inn
182 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Teppanyaki Inn | Website
For more than four decades, Teppanyaki Inn has held its place as Melbourne’s premier destination for theatrical dining. Pioneering Japanese teppanyaki in Australia, they’ve mastered the art of the open grill, delivering an unparalleled experience of culinary theatrics right before your eyes. Seriously, nab a seat by one of the grills and lean into the experience—you won’t regret it. Theatrics aside, the food is fresh and some of the most mouth-watering nosh this side of the hemisphere. Our hottest tip is to order the Moreton Bay bugs appetiser, it comes out on a steaming hot plate with an array of delicious vegetables. If you’re out for a lunch time bite, the teppanyaki tenderloin lunch set comes in at a modest $57 while dinner sets start at $89. Book a seat at Teppanyaki Inn ASAP.
Tamura Sake Bar
1/43 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
How about some jazz alongside your Japanese meal? Nestled on a corner block on Fitzroy’s Gertrude Street is the cosy Tamura Sake Bar. Opened by Fumi Tamura (a sake sommelier) and his wife Takako back in 2019, this place is moody, intimate and absolutely worth the hype. This restaurant bar slings amazing craft sake and tasty Japanese food to the tune of spinning vinyl. To put it simply, it’s very cool. Picture a dimly lit interior, beautiful wooden tables and Japanese-inspired trinkets lining the walls. You really can’t go past the sake flight to sample a selection of their finest tipples, but the dishes also go down a treat with a classic highball or shochu. Try the Japanese fried chicken (JFC), a katsu sando or the spicy momo. And if you’re there for lunch, one of the Tamura lunch sets is the way to go.
Tokyo Tina
66A Chapel Street, Windsor
Image: Tokyo Tina | Supplied
For over ten years, Tokyo Tina has been a staple of Windsor. What was once an old bong shop on Chapel Street is now the home of some of the best Japanese food in Melbourne. Tokyo Tina is an absolute vibe. Think bottomless bingo lunch every Saturday, a karaoke room, and most importantly incredible food. There’s a number of set menus on offer (starting at a very affordable $68) which allow you to sample a whole range of little dishes featuring things like hibachi grilled striploin, kingfish sashimi and kimchi fried rice. There’s a banging vegan set menu as well, and no matter your dietary preferences you can always vouch for the à la carte option. It's probably wise to book ahead, but the team welcomes walk-ins. Stop in from 5-6pm on weekdays for some cheeky drink deals and a selection of tasty bites. If you have an upcoming function that needs some pizzazz, Tokyo Private is the venue’s super aesthetic private dining room which seats up to 24 people and includes free karaoke.
Niku Ou
Various Locations
Image credit: Niku Ou | Supplied
Kobe beef is renowned as the top wagyu in the world. It's one of the rarest and most expensive types of beef you can find. And if a craving strikes, there’s only one place in Victoria you can get it: Niku Ou. It’s the only restaurant in Victoria and one of the only places in Australia that’s licensed to sell Kobe beef. So it’s not surprising that it takes centre stage at Niku Ou. If you feel like being a bit lavish, opt for their $228 gold leaf wagyu sandwich, or have your wagyu grilled on the Japanese barbecue right at your table. Niku Ou uses smokeless charcoal grills imported from Japan, so you know it’s authentic. Don’t fret if wagyu isn’t it for you, although there are 10 different cuts for you to choose from. The bento, sushi, sashimi and soups are all absolutely on point as well. For those who want the Niku Ou experience at home, you can order their beef to cook up for yourself here.
Best Japanese Fine Dining In Melbourne
These are the crème de la crème of Japanese dining. Whether you’re carefully curating a Hallmark moment, have something big to celebrate or are just in the mood to treat yourself, here are the four best Japanese fine dining spots you need to check out:
Ishizuka
Basement, 139 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Image: Ishizuka | Supplied
Melbourne’s finest Japanese diner, Ishizuka is an intimate spectacle, serving up elaborate, thoughtful and tantalising banquets, tucked away on a basement level down a lane off Bourke Street. The subterranean nature of the restaurant lends itself perfectly to the quiet, orderly and gastronomic kaiseki that awaits. For those not in the know, kaiseki is the pinnacle of Japanese haute cuisine. Elaborate dishes, complex flavours and an ethereal presentation, often in different layers, heights and serving vessels. It’s quite the to-do. The tremendous sense of theatre and elaborate, yet satisfying fare makes Ishizuka perfect for special occasions and wow dinners, and with their seasonal menu there’s always a reason to head back. Their kaiseki starts at $315 with matched alcoholic beverages for $250, while a non-alc pairing runs only $80—fair play for a restaurant that’s earned itself two hats in 2025. For more of Melbourne's best restaurants, head over here. There’s only 16 seats in this Japanese restaurant, and every seat has an incredible view of the magic, so don't worry about where you are, just relax and enjoy. Oh and there’s just one request for guests: don’t go too heavy handed on the cologne due to the delicate flavours in the food.
Minamishima
3 Lord Street, Richmond
Image credit: Minamishima | Supplied
With three hats in 2025, Richmond’s Minamishima maintains its well-deserved reputation as one of Melbourne’s best Japanese restaurants. With over 30 years of experience in Japanese cuisine and in preparing A-grade sashimi, the restaurant stands as the culmination of Chef Koichi Minamishima's life-long dedication to cuisine. Each plate is meticulously prepared using only the finest ingredients—it’s a true testament to Japanese tradition and excellence in cuisine. Picture watching on while your nigiri is precisely sliced, shaped, torched and brushed. There's only one set Omakase menu at Minamishima, and it'll set you back $295pp. It’s on the pricier side but this is definitely a destination restaurant, one that’s best saved for a special occasion. Book well in advance, as seats fill up weeks and sometimes months ahead.
KOMEYUI
181 Ferrars St, Southbank
Image: KOMEYUI | Supplied
KOMEYUI is *chefs kiss*. It’s a top contender for best Japanese restaurant in Melbourne with some of the highest quality omakase in town. The executive chef and owner, Mr Motomu Kumano, grew up in a small Japanese fishing town called Shiraoi and started cooking at the age of 16. His original Port Melbourne restaurant was so popular that the chef moved to a larger space in Southbank in 2020, and even opened a Brisbane venue in 2023. If you're keen to splurge, the seven-course Chef’s Table omakase comes in at $220 or $280 with matching sake. It includes crispy mochi and sake steamed abalone, seasonal nigiri, duck breast in soy-infused dashi as well as roasted banana ice cream with miso caramel and a savoury nori-infused madeleine for dessert. The à la carte menu features plenty of sushi and sashimi of course, using seafood sourced locally from Victoria and Tasmania, as well as premium tuna imported from Japan. If you’re a nigiri aficionado, you’ll know that while the fish is important, the rice is equally so. Here it’s cooked to perfection using a Hagama, a traditional Japanese cast iron rice cooker. Stopping in for lunch? You can’t go past the epic bento box for $55.
Kazuki’s
121 Lygon Street, Carlton
Image credit: Kazuki | Instagram
Seven years ago, Chef Kazuki Tsuya and his partner Saori relocated their establishment Kazuki’s from its former Daylesford home to Lygon Street and the city of Melbourne collectively did a little happy dance. It’s been hatted by Good Food for ten years, and has been awarded two hats for the past two years. That’s to say, Kazuki’s is one heck of a restaurant. Kazuki combines French techniques with Japanese flavour. The restaurant embodies the essence of ‘Omotenashi’, which refers to an intuitive, compassionate and refined approach to both cuisine and hospitality, so you can expect to not only have a unique dining experience but also be greeted with a very warm welcome. Expect to spend $190ppfor a five-course tasting menu or $230pp for the seven-course tasting menu. For the wine pairing, you can choose between the ‘Classic’ option for $150pp or the ‘Fancy’ option for $250pp. As well as an absolutely stunning wine list which has a focus on the local regions of Victoria, the team at Kazuki’s have curated a selection of sake, whiskey and spirits (some of which they say are very rare and specialised). Book well in advance as there are only 26 seats, and they’re popular.
Best Omakase In Melbourne
In what’s got to be one of the greatest culinary phrases of all time, Omakase directly translates to “I leave it up to you”. It’s a menu-free dining experience in which you have direct interactions with the chef who chooses what to serve you. If you ask us, it’s something everyone should try at least once but in all likelihood you’ll want to be going back again and again. Here are the top four spots for the best Omakase in Melbourne:
Warabi
408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Warabi | Supplied
Situated within the W Melbourne, Warabi is an omakase-style diner with a refined interior and a long seated bar overlooking the kitchen—giving you a look into the Japanese craft in action. Under the culinary direction of Head Chef Hajime Horiguchi, the menu follows a 'Kappo' (cut and cook) style of Japanese food featuring multiple courses all based around seasonal ingredients and precise cooking techniques. They currently have an excellent midweek sushi omakase experience on offer. For $185 per person, Hajime Horiguchi will take the reins on your meal and dish up some 13-courses of perfected sushi. Bookable every evening on Tuesdays to Thursdays right over here. For sake enthusiasts, there’s a diverse selection curated to showcase the distinct brewing styles from Japan’s various regions, as well as beer, cocktails, wine and spirits. Need more convincing? Warabi has scored two Good Food Hats in the past two years. These days we're getting around hotel restaurants in Melbourne, but before rocking up to Warabi, keep in mind that hotel restaurants come with a dress code and a vibe.
Aoi Tsuki
384 Punt Road, South Yarra
Image credit: Aoi Tsuki | Griffin Simm
Once a sushi delivery service during lockdown, Aoi Tsuki has transitioned into a sleek 12-seat omakase, so it's no-brainer that this hatted restaurant has landed on our list of best Japanese restaurants. There are no à la carte options, making it a true omakase diner. No two meals or experiences are the same. The menu changes from evening to evening, and season to season, with the likes of eel, steamed abalone and sashimi varieties all making an appearance. No detail is overlooked at Aoi Tsuki. Chefs Tei Gim and Jun Pak know how important every element of the meal is, especially the sushi rice. While of course the fish is vital, they say they’re “truly devoted” to the rice and making sure it adds all the right flavours and textures to your meal. Lunch will cost you $135 per person while dinner will set you back $245 per person. And given the nature of this omakase restaurant, the menu can’t be altered so assess dietary requirements before you book.
Sushi On
1135 Burke Road, Kew
Image credit: Sushi On | Supplied
After honing his skills at renowned establishments such as Kisumè and boasting over two decades of culinary expertise, Jangyong Hyun has taken on the role of head chef at Sushi On, so you know you’ll be eating well. With two Good Food Hats in 2025, this refined omakase Japanese restaurant in the east suburbs prides itself on a humble and simple menu, catering to a maximum of 12 diners per sitting. A set omakase dinner consists of 22 courses, including 14 pieces of sushi, and comes in at $245 per person. Lunch includes 16 courses and costs $149pp. Not sure if it’s worth the hype? This omakase restaurant is Ruby Dining's James Cornwell's most memorable meal in Melbourne, if that helps. Reservations are released one month in advance, so keep an eye out here. To taste Jangyong Hyun’s creations without the price tag, head to Sushi On Little Bourke—his recently opened cafeteria-like sushi experience in Melbourne CBD.
Yakikami
150 Toorak Road, South Yarra
Image credit: Yakikami | Supplied
Located on Toorak Road in South Yarra, Yakikami presents itself as a lavish escape for premium cuts of wagyu beef, flame-grilled Nomad chicken Yakitori and top-shelf sake. Spanning 350 sqm of sleek marble flooring, this 70-seat diner boasts a dedicated Yakitori bar with charcoal Josper (Hibachi) grills that churn out skewers of chicken, seafood and vegetables. For a more intimate omakase experience, there’s an eight course chef’s table catering to 10 diners. Or you can opt for a more vibrant experience, by booking a spot at the 17-seat yakitori counter. Alternatively, go for the à la carte menu and relax in the general booth dining area. The top-end omakase experience at Yakikami costs $285 per person, with a wine and sake pairing coming in at an extra $150. For lunch, you can’t go past the Hikiniku Lunch which includes a set of wagyu hamburgers with a delectable range of sides for $35.
Best Ramen In Melbourne
There’s nothing more wholesome and hearty than a big bowl of noodle soup, and when it’s of the Japanese variety (especially ramen) you just know it’s going to be packed with flavour. We’re lucky to have countless options here in Melbourne, so head over here for the full list of best ramen in Melbourne or get a little taster below:
IPPUDO
18 Artemis Lane, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: IPPUDO | Supplied
It’s one you have to add to, then subsequently check off Melbourne's best Japanese restaurant round-up, IPPUDO stands out as the quintessential ramen destination. Located on Artemis Lane in QV, finding IPPUDO is as simple as following the pungent aroma of ramen or joining the throngs of patrons who flock to this institution. While ramen options abound, IPPUDO offers a unique twist with their veggie soba, featuring sauteed tomato and fried mushrooms. And if you’re looking for the best vegan ramen in Melbourne? The Nirvana Ramen won’t disappoint. On the starters front, the spicy goma q (aka pickled cucumber) is an unlikely hero. For $50 you’ll comfortably fill up two people at IPPUDO, unless you go on the first Wednesday of the month when you get a bowl for a cheap $10. Sure there might be a line, but that’s half the fun, right?
Hakata Gensuke
Various Locations
Image: Hakata Gensuke | Supplied
Founder of Hakata Gensuke, Mr Yoshimura, is a household name in Japan, constantly pursuing innovations in ramen. He’s held the title of Ultimate Ramen Master twice in his life. So with stores dotted around Melbourne, it’s no surprise that Hakata Gensuke is responsible for some of the best ramen in Melbourne. Originating from Hakata in Japan, or more commonly known as Fukuoka to western nations, Hakata Gensuke serves up several traditional ramen recipes. These dishes range from the lighter char-siu style across to the real spicy stuff. Speaking of spicy, are you up for a challenge? Try the punchy Yatai Godfire ramen (in case you were wondering, it’s damn hot). If you’re keen for a bargain, head to Hakata Gensuke for lunch Monday through Friday for their $25 lunch special, which includes a bowl of ramen, a side and a drink.
Mr Ramen San
Various Locations
Image: Mr Ramen San | Supplied
Mr Ramen San is one of the oldest Hakata-style ramen joints in Melbourne, and certainly some of the best ramen in Melbourne. This eatery is known for its 24-hour tonkatsu broth and next-level house made noodles. They offer up different ramen variations such as spicy chicken ramen, seafood ramen, family-style hotpot with pork broth and most impressively, an entirely vegan ‘Charsu’ ramen. You’ll find the original Mr Ramen San tucked away in the belly of Mid-City Arcade, usually with a line outside (but don’t worry, it moves fast). They’ve recently opened up a second venue on Little Bourke Street, which usually has a shorter line but also a bit less atmosphere, so pick your proverbial poison. Bringing your appetite? Extra servings of noodles are completely free at Mr Ramen San, so long as you finish your entire meal. Top it off with a lychee beer and you’ll be off to the races.
Best Sushi In Melbourne
Whether you’re plucking a plate from a sushi train, grabbing a hand roll to-go or seated at a fine dining establishment, we can all agree sushi is one of the best inventions the modern world has seen. Here’s where you can find the best sushi in Melbourne:
Bossa Nova Sushi
70 Bourke St, Melbourne CBD
Image: Bossa Nova Sushi | Supplied
Bossa Nova Sushi is a mix between an inner city Brazilian-themed cocktail bar and a sushi train with some seriously high quality fish. You might be a bit confused by the reference to samba-based Brazilian music (Bossa nova) in the name of this sushi restaurant, but that’s what makes it so special. The team promises to serve up traditional Japanese food to the soundtrack of Bossa Nova tunes while you sip on caipirinhas, and if that’s not a fun concept I don’t know what is. Of course, they don’t just serve caipirinhas. There’s a list of classic cocktails, a selection of sake and a large list of half bottles of wine. And you’re not restricted to plates from the train either. There’s a limited à la carte menu that includes things like kingfish collar shioyaki and vege karé don. It’s stylish, it’s quirky and it’s delicious. This is definitely worth checking out if you’re after the best sushi Melbourne has to offer.
Tombo Den
100a Chapel Street, Windsor
Image: Tombo Den | Supplied
You'll need chopstick skills, but don't be afraid to use your fingers as well at Tombo Den, the funky fresh new Japanese diner by Chris Lucas, the genius behind Kisumé and Yakimono. The restaurant itself is wild: upstairs there's kooky AI-generated art, moody (and fluffy!) bench seating and bangin’ cocktails like spicy strawberry margaritas. The menu is super shareable with little sushi bites, sticky soy ribs done on the hibachi and served with lettuce and shiso leaves to wrap up and chomp on. There's a few set menu options starting from around $65 which will give you a little taste of everything. If there’s one non-negotiable at Tombo Den, it’s ordering the spicy strawberry margarita—there's no question that's the best way to kick off the night. And if you have room for dessert (seriously, you don’t want to miss this), the matcha ice magic topped ice cream sundae is the biz.
Nori Maki
7/235 Bourke St, Melbourne
Image: Nork Maki | Supplied
Omakase is usually associated with expensive fine dining, but Nori Maki has proven that it definitely doesn’t need to be. The team, which includes Nobu Melbourne’s former head chef Keisuke Kita, offers up an affordable Omakase sushi hand roll experience starting at $34 per person. This means you get that intimate ‘front row seat’ exposure without the hefty price tag. Nothing beats seeing the precision of the chefs with your own eyes at Nori Maki, and oh boy these perfect handcrafted rolls are so beautiful you (almost) for a second won’t want to take a bite. Don’t worry, that urge won’t last long. It’s also a great option for those who aren’t chopstick inclined, as you guessed it, you eat these rolls with your hands. Make sure you reserve a spot as there’s only 28 seats in this gorgeously intimate diner.
Elká Sushi
2/7-9 Leeds St, Footscray
Image: Elká Sushi | Supplied
Elká, an unsuspecting sushi bar in the heart of Footscray, might just be home to some of the freshest sashimi in Melbourne. Everything on the menu is made to order and if you grab a seat on the gorg marble bench, you can watch with hungry eyes as the professionals do their work. The oyster ceviche, meticulously handcrafted nigiri and chirashi bowl are massive crowd pleasers. They claim the seafood bomb donut is the real showstopper and honestly they couldn't be more right. It’s a soft fluffy donut filled with cream cheese and chive crustacean oil goodness, topped with ‘everything bagel’ seasoning infused with furikake. You could spend anywhere from $20 to $80 per person at Elká depending on your hunger levels and menu choices.
READ MORESushi Hotaru
118/200 Midcity Arcade, Melbourne CBD
Image: Sushi Hotaru | Supplied
For cheap and cheerful sushi in the CBD, you can’t go past the hidden gem that is Sushi Hotaru. Tucked away in the Midcity Arcade, it’s a good old fashioned sushi train without the trimmings but with all of the flavour. Take your pick from the plates on the sushi train which start at $4.20: hand rolls, gunkan, nigiri and little rolls. Or order freshly made from the iPads. It’s walk-ins only and there’s usually a line to get in (but it moves fast!), so factor that into your plans.
Main image credit: Tombo Den | Supplied
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