From cheap and cheerful takeaway joints, teppanyaki bars and sushi trains to relaxed izakaya-style eateries and total omakase opulence, there’s some serious ground to cover when it comes to eating Japanese food in Perth/Boorloo.
We are lucky to be able to enjoy both traditional Japanese cuisine and some more inventive, fusion-style Japanese eats too. Whether you’re looking for something quick and comforting or want to go all out on a carefully selected sake-paired menu, here are Urban List's top picks—the best Japanese restaurants in Perth.
Jump to:
- Best Japanese In Perth CBD And Surrounds
- Best Japanese North Of Perth
- Best Japanese South Of Perth
- Best Japanese East Of Perth
- Best Japanese West Of Perth
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Central
James Parker Sushi And Sake
2/182 James St, Northbridge WA 6003
Image credit: James Parker Sushi And Sake | Nancy Hanna
From the moment you glide through James Parker’s dramatic timber-framed entry, you’ll know you’ve levelled up from your usual sushi run. This is Japanese dining at its fanciest and yes, the bill might sting a little, but trust us, it’s worth every dollar.
The sashimi platter is the real showpiece here—an edible artwork that’ll have you reaching for your phone before your chopsticks. The drinks list is equally swoon-worthy, with sake flowing in every style (hot, cold, cloudy, dry) plus a splash of umeshu for those with a sweet tooth. Want to go full baller? Book the omakase and let the chefs run the show.
INSIDER INTEL
- You'll drop anywhere from $45-$88 on sashimi alone, so save this one for a milestone moment
Papi Katsu
Lower Level/125 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Hidden in a neon-lit basement on St Georges Terrace, Papi Katsu is where elevated Japanese dining meets late-night party energy. Sesh Mafia (the team behind Shui, Margot's and Lupe's Cerveceria) are at it again, this time fusing slick interiors, loud tunes and some of the best Japanese-inspired plates in town.
I recommend going to Omakase and letting chef Shane Middleton flex. You’ll be rolling through dishes like BBQ marron, scampi topped with finger lime pearls, and sashimi so fresh it practically winks at you. Cocktails are just as big a draw. Choose a drinks package if you’re feeling organised, or just wing it and work your way down the list.
INSIDER INTEL
- Start with the Papi Slipper, a neon green take on the classic cocktail
- This is more fun than fine dining, great date-night-gone-wild or boozy-dinner-with-the-gan
Zypher Lounge
414 Murray St, Perth WA 6000
Though I haven't been clubbing in Japan, I imagine that stepping into Zypher Lounge is a little like being teleported to Tokyo's hottest venues. Ex-Nobu chef Evan Bang is at the helm, with a stacked menu of seriously indulgent Asian-fusion plates. There are a few nods to Nobu's greats, but they've been given the Zypher edge. Think lobster tacos, prawn and black cod gyoza, and truffle teriyaki tenderloin.
From behind the bar, expect cocktails inspired by Tokyo's vibrant districts, plus an impressive roster of Japanese whiskies, sake, and fine wines. As the evening heats up, the space morphs from sleek dining room to buzzing lounge, complete with live entertainment and a DJ from 9 pm
INSIDER INTEL
- Be prepared to get up and dance after dinner, this place turns from plates to party real quick
- Order the miso yaki black cod and thank me later
Ginza Midai
Ginza Nana Alley, 100/104 Murray St, Perth WA 6000
Hidden down Ginza Nana Alley in Perth’s bustling five-venue Japanese precinct, Ginza Midai feels like a secret slice of Japan in the city. This reservation-only oden-style spot has only 12 seats, meaning you'll be cozying up next to your neighbour and interacting directly with the chef.
Oden is a comforting Japanese winter dish—think slow-simmered broth brimming with fish cakes, tofu, vegetables and other seasonal goodies—and at this spot, it’s taken to an art form. Chef Midai Hatakeyama has mastered one of the most flavoursome broths I've ever tried and uses a selection of fresh WA ingredients that pay homage to his roots in Japan. Pair it with a sake tasting flight and you’ve got one of the most unique Japanese dining experiences in Perth.
INSIDER INTEL
- Seafood this fresh and artfully plated doesn't come cheap, expect to pay $56 for two pieces of sushi
Yakitori Washokudo
Ginza Nana Alley, 100/104 Murray St, Perth WA 6000
Another gem of the Ginza Nana Alley is Yakitori Washokudo, an authentic yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) restaurant with an adventurous menu full of bold flavours. You can get just about every part of the chicken here, but for the less adventurous, the ol' BBQ wing is pretty damn tasty. And whilst yakitori is traditionally chicken, you can also get your hands on smoky charcoal grilled meats and melt-in-the-mouth seafood. Simply divine.
INSIDER INTEL
- There's Sapporo on tap, because it wouldn’t be Japan without it
- Feeling snacky? You can get a yakitori skewer, a plate of edamame and a tap beer for just $15 on weekdays
Zensaki Japanese Canteen
250 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Whenever I find myself in the city needing fast, fresh and affordable lunch, Zensaki is my go-to. From piping-hot ramen and delicious donburi bowls to fresh sushi rolls and perfectly packed bentos, there's always something on the menu that'll cure my cravings.
The space itself is a hidden little oasis amid the St Georges Terrace rush of hungry corporates and tourists, with a large communal table down the centre if you're not grabbing your Japanese to go.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for solo lunches or a quick catch-up with a colleague
- Don't let the long lines snaking down the street fool you—it moves quickly and you'll be ordering before you know it
Taka’s Kitchen
150-152 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000
Image credit: Taka's Kitchen | Elle Borgward
The OG Perth Japanese joint Taka’s Kitchen might’ve aged over the years, but there’s a reason it’s still popular. The food is consistently good—fast, fuss-free, and ridiculously affordable—making it the perfect spot when you need a quick Japanese fix without faffing about.
Decades of loyal locals keep coming back year after year, and very little has changed in that time. Since day dot, Taka's has been serving simple, delicious Japanese dishes at lightning speed and prices that won’t break the bank.
INSIDER INTEL
- There's free, all-you-can-drink, self-serve green tea on tap
- It might just be the most affordable and satisfying lunch on Barrack Street
Bonsai
30 Roe St, Northbridge WA 6003
Like a perfectly pruned bonsai, Bonsai on Roe Street has a whole lot of care and consistency. Step inside and you're rewating with tall ceilings and moody lighting in a space that feels both sleek and inviting.
If you’re looking for a slightly more upscale Japanese fix in Northbridge, this is the spot. Delicious food, great service and mood lighting to boot, it’s a vibe.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for date night or a catch-up with mates
Tosaka Ramen
305 William St, Northbridge WA 6003
Image credit: Tosaka Ramen | Instagram
If you’re a ramen fan who doesn’t mind a little bit of garlic—actually, make that a lot of garlic—you’re going to want to slurp your way through a bowl or two of Tosaka Ramen's creamy and rich black garlic tori paitan.
Tori paitan is the chicken-based cousin of the pork-based tonkotsu ramen broth we’ve all come to know and love, and Tosaka has three delightful varieties of this good stuff packed with chicken chashu, spring onion, boiled eggs and more.
INSIDER INTEL
- Upgrade your bowl to the largest size for just $2 extra
- There's usually a 15-minute wait (minimum) for a table, but the juice is worth the squeeze
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Sumiya Gin
447 William St, Perth WA 6000 and 101 James St, Northbridge WA 6003
If you’re a fan of hands-on Japanese dining—think Korean barbecue but with A5 Japanese import Wagyu cooked over a hibachi charcoal grill—you’re going to be power walking to Sumiya Gin.
This hole-in-the-wall Japanese joint will have you cheffing up a storm, with a wagyu platter loaded with different cuts of meat ready to be smoked, grilled and devoured right at your table. All I can say is thank god they’ve got two locations now because the demand for their god-tier bento boxes and barbecued goods was getting out of hand
INSIDER INTEL
- They have a Japanese butcher, Tokyo Wagyu, right next door to their William St spot so you can stock up and bring the magic home
- You can try your luck with nabbing a walk-in table, but reservations are the way to go
- BYO wine!
Hifumiya Udon Noodle
Shop, 2, Ground Level, 100/104 Murray St, Perth WA 6000
Image credit: Hifumiya | Elle Borgward
Owned by a native of Kurashiki, the birthplace of bukkake udon—a delicious, cold udon dish with a variety of toppings and a dashi-based sauce—this place is a must-visit in the city. The experience is authentically Japanese, just like their noodles, with simple timber decor and heart-warming service that makes you feel right at home. On a cold day, the spicy miso pork udon is the answer to all my problems, and in summer, I'm going back to those refreshing cold udon bowls.
INSIDER INTEL
- There's almost always a queue but hang in there, it moves quickly
- This is Perth's OG noodle house and without doubt one of the best
Main Street Ryu
83 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000
Image credit: Main Street Ryu | Instagram
Main Street Ryu is serving Japanese fusion with serious punch. There's Japanese tapas (including the irresistible cauli popcorn with a curry tempura coating), nori tacos, a raw bar and refreshing cocktails.
The flavour are big, bold and pack a punch, but I insist you try the volcano ramen: a bubbling, fiery bowl stacked with seafood and, if you're brave, enough spice to test even the loosest of heat freaks. I learnt that the hard way, though I now know the heat can be dialled up and down depending on how spicy you're feeling.
INSIDER INTEL
- This place packs out fast, so consider booking your best power move
Rojiura Curry Samurai
4A Shafto Ln, Perth WA 6000
Need a veg injection? Rojiura Curry Samurai's soup curries feature 17 different kinds of fresh, seasonal vegetables, each soaking up a rich, complex broth of your choosing. It really is a choose-your-own-adventure: you get to pick your protein base, spice level and rice portion.
My go-to is the zangi (Hokkaido-style fried chicken) with the regular chicken and pork broth and the third level of spice. The chicken is juicy, the skin is crispy, and there is no boring bites with all the different veggies thrown in. Pair your meal with a glass of Hokkaido wine or beer for a genuinely authentic experience.
INSIDER INTEL
- The soup curries are 100% gluten-free
- Portions are big—either come hungry or share your bowl with a buddy
North Of Perth
Ha-Lu
4/401 Oxford St, Mount Hawthorn WA 6016
Japanese tapas might be trending, but Ha-Lu proves it’s worth the hype. This Mount Hawthorn gem dishes up food in true izakaya style—small plates meant for sharing, grazing and indulging in a little bit of everything.
The menu teases both traditional and modern takes. Think nikujaga (deep-fried potato dumplings), melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, punchy gyoza and a cheeky twist on decadence with deep-fried camembert that’s pure, gooey heaven.
INSIDER INTEL
- The deep-fried scallops and the duck are two firm favourites
- Portions are on the smaller size (they do call it tapas, after all), so order liberally
Tsukaya
167 Scarborough Beach Rd, Mount Hawthorn WA 6016
Image credit: Tsukaya | Instagram
Y’know when you get to the last bite of a meal and you’re sad it's over? This happens to me every time I go to Tsukaya in Mount Hawthorn. It's a big call, but I think this quiet achiever dishes out the best wagyu tataki you can get your chopsticks on.
While the restaurant is small, the flavours are huge. I'm still thinking about the crispy pork belly and the miso cod, and just about everything else I ordered. If I mention their gyoza on my deathbed—heck, I wouldn't be surprised.
INSIDER INTEL
- BYO booze
Arata Japanese Dining
Shop 7/732 Karrinyup Rd, Balcatta WA 6021
Next time you’re asked to bring a plate to a party, head past Arata for one of their iconic sushi platters. Loaded with a variety of sushi rolls, all made fresh, these platters are always a hit—just make sure you call ahead to order. While you’re at it, throw on a teriyaki fish or omurice for yourself because these home-style eats are next level.
OEC Sushi Japanese Cafe
75 Regents Park Rd, Joondalup WA 6027
I’m a southside gal, but this underrated northern suburbs gem has me happily hopping in the car for brunch. Between its phenomenal takeaway options and cosy dine-in eats, OEC Sushi proves that Joondalup can punch way above its weight in the Japanese food stakes.
It's here where you can get the culinary hybrid you didn't know you needed: the sushi burger. Two fried brown rice patties replace the bread, wrapped in crunchy seaweed on the outside and a range of fresh ingredients on the inside. It’s the perfect example of OEC Sushi’s playful take on Japanese classics—familiar flavours, but served in a way that makes you sit up and take notice.
INSIDER INTEL
- Believe it or not, one of Perth's best Basque cheesecakes can be found right here in this Japanese cafe
Super Tetsudo
200 Karrinyup Rd, Karrinyup WA 6018
Image credit: Super Testudo | Instagram
What’s not to love about a sushi train—especially when it's more like a bullet train dishing up made-to-order delights faster than you can say arigato gozaimasu? Super Tetsudo serves up everything from traditional gyoza and nigiri to inventive Japanese tacos, all from its neon-lit, buzzing interior that is both fun and a little futuristic.
My favourite thing about Super Tetsudo is the robots. Always sporting a digital smile, these cute-as-a-button wired waiters deliver the a la carte dishes from the colossal menu, adding a bit of theatre to every visit.
INSIDER INTEL
- Great for the fam, kids will adore the robot servers
South Of Perth
Sanco
2/19 Douro Rd, South Fremantle WA 6162
Apologies to any South Freo locals if I'm about to give away your hidden gem. Sanco Japanese is located slightly off the beaten track (on Douro Road), but a quick walk from the main South Terrace strip will put you that much closer to tasting some of the most authentic, fresh and tasty Japanese in Perth.
The chefs here are masters of their craft, the service is genuine and unpretentious, and you can see the care and passion poured into every dish. From delicate nigiri to hearty donburi, everything feels thoughtfully prepared and effortlessly delicious.
INSIDER INTEL
- There's no alcohol, but you can BYO
- Go for the flawless set menu, only available on Fridays and Saturdays
Hinata Cafe
19 Blinco St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Hinata | Instagram
The brunch set at Hinata is one of my all-time favourite ways to start the day.It changes month-to-month, but you’re always guaranteed a perfectly balanced spread: a protein, two vegetarian sides, veggie tempura, a green salad with the most delicious dressing, miso soup, rice, and a little dessert to round it off.
Hinata translates to “sunny spot”, and the warmth from the friendly team here will brighten even the coldest Perth mornings.
INSIDER INTEL
- This cute cafe is great to work from if you need to smash out some emails over lunch
- The matcha latte is a must-try
Kai Japanese
4/Parry Place 4, 110 Parry Ave, Bull Creek WA 6149
Don't let the lack of seating, online menu, website or Instagram posts hold you back from visiting this hole-in-the-wall shop. Kai serves up quality Japanese cuisine at bargain prices, including some of the best pork broth ramen (tonkotsu) I've tried in Perth.
The dining room isn't exactly an interior designer's dream space, but it's staff are incredibly warm ad welcoming, and it's all part of the charm. If you live nearby and have a group of four or more, I'd recommend getting the goods to take away
INSIDER INTEL
- Arrive early (or later in the evening)—you can't book and the pint-sized restaurant only seats about a dozen people
- Best for catch-ups with a friend, or two friends max
Ichirin
2/1 Dundee St, Leeming WA 6149
Image credit: Ichirin | Instagram
I reckon Ichirin has to be Perth’s most underrated omakase joint. Tucked away in suburban Leeming, this neighbourhood spot consistently smashes out quality, impeccably prepared plates that are both elegant and deeply comforting.
The à la carte menu is stacked with tempura, teriyaki, karaage and other Japanese comforts, but it’s the omakase where chef Shiro Okuchi (ex-Nobu) really shines. A true master of fish, he works almost exclusively with the freshest WA catch, transforming each piece into something memorable. Needless to say, the seafood is the star of the show here.
INSIDER INTEL
- Be prepared—all Omakase bookings require two days' notice
- It's BYO, and the corkage fee is included in the $80 omakase cost
- You can request certain special ingredients for your omakase experience—just call ahead and ask
Kanta Japanese Kitchen
Unit 3/70 Langford Ave, Langford WA 6147
Another suburban strip of ships, another absolutely phenomenal Japanese restaurant. Some of the best value, most authentic Japanese eats in Perth can be found at Kanta, and Langford locals can't get enough of it.
I haven’t made it yet, but with Langford Park just around the corner, I’m already plotting a sushi-and-sashimi picnic. Next time the sun is shining, grab some share-style plates to go and feast under the trees.
INSIDER INTEL
- Don't knock the grilled beef tongue 'til you try it
- Great for catch ups with friends without blowing the budget
Dining Akashi
901 Canning Hwy, Applecross WA 6153
Applecross is full of neighbourhood favourites, but Dining Akashi is my pick of the bunch. it's the place to go when you're craving authentic tempura. Super light, crispy and perfectly seasoned—this tempura is truly some of the best you’ll find anywhere in Perth.
Their fresh sushi rolls and regional Japanese delights are also pretty damn good. Paired with the inviting ambience and attentive service, and you have all the ingredients for your next Japanese date night.
INSIDER INTEL
- Bring along your favourite tipple, Dining Akashi is BYO
- Choose somewhere else if you're celiac, you won't find any gluten-free plates here
East Of Perth
Nobu
Crown Metropol Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood WA 6100
Image credit: Nobu | Instagram
When it comes to Japanese fine dining in Perth, Nobu is the name that still carries serious weight. The omakase menus are where the magic happens—choose your level of indulgence, then let the chefs take the reins. Expect yellowtail sashimi so delicate it practically vanishes on your tongue, and that famous black cod miso you really do need to try at least once in your life (though let’s be real, you’ll be back for it).
Rally a crew so you can sample your way through the monster menu, or snag a coveted seat at the sushi bar to watch the knife-wielding masters do their thing—paper-thin sashimi slices, lightning-fast prep and the kind of precision that’ll make you rethink your home kitchen skills.
INSIDER INTEL
- A mainstay in Perth’s high-end dining scene
- Perfect for special occasions
- The $120pp omakase is worth every cent
Kanpai Yakiniku
280 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
Vic Park isn't short on great eats. The suburban stretch of Albany Highway is home to dozens of incredible restaurants, and Kanpai Yakiniku is one of my favourites.
It works kinda like Korean BBQ, so come prepared to chargrill all kinds of high-quality meats at your table (no pressure). Even better, Kanpai Yakiniku’s smokeless chargrill systems use advanced smoke ventilation technology to make sure that delicious BBQ smell won’t attach itself to your clothes—all the more reason to check out this tasty new Japanese joint.
INSIDER INTEL
- It's a splurge, but the quality more than justifies it
- Great for date night
Kuza Urban Japanese
393 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
Image credit: Kuza Urban Japanese | Instagram
I wouldn't normally recommend ordering ravioli at a Japanese restaurant, but Kuza's gyokai ravioli is a revelation. The prawn filling is fresh and perfectly balanced by earthy mushrooms, all wrapped in a slightly crisp, chewy casing that holds together beautifully when lifted with chopsticks.
Kuza nails the twists and turns of Japanese fusion. The staff are wonderfully helpful, guiding you through the menu if you’re unsure, but the dishes you have to try are the karaage chicken, assorted sashimi, and eggplant misoyaki. Trust me, you’ll be dreaming about them long after you leave.
INSIDER INTEL
- Plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, including a standout tofu steak
- Cocktails are top-notch—my pick is the yuzu sour, with four mocktails on offer
- Perfect for girls’ night or any casual catch-up
Kishi
3 Haynes St, Kalamunda WA 6076
With plenty of charming wood accents throughout, a trip to Kalamunda's Kishi feels like dining in a cozy corner of Kyoto. From its banging bentos to comforting donburi bowls, everything is made in-house. And best of all, this spot caters to gluten-free diners, so nobody has to miss out.
I’d be all over the bento: a perfectly balanced box with rice, coleslaw, pickles, croquette, omelette, renkon chips, edamame, and your choice of protein. It's affordable, fresh and will leave you completely satisfied.
INSIDER INTEL
- They don't take reservations, so just walk in and make yourself at home
- Really cool atmosphere
West Of Perth
Marumo
22/145 Stirling Hwy, Nedlands WA 6907
One does not simply walk into Marumo. I learned the hard way that you'll need a clear calendar and lightning-fast fingers when bookings open because this seven-course Japanese feast is in hot demand. But it's worth every second of the scramble.
For $100 per person, you'll get next-level omakase without the terrifying price tag—and yes, you can BYO. Inside, Chef Mo orchestrates an ever-changing lineup of seasonal dishes that’ll have you planning a trip to Japan. Every dish is meticulously prepared, creatively plated and seriously satisfying.
INSIDER INTEL
- Dinners usually take around three hours, so don’t make any plans immediately after your booking
Izakaya Sumi
Shop 5/53 Bay View Terrace, Claremont WA 6010
Whenever I’m running weekend errands at Claremont Quarter, I can't resist popping in to Izakaya Sumi for lunch. This relatively new spot has quickly earned a reputation for some of the best sushi in Perth. Ordering via iPad is a breeze and the portions hit that sweet spot—generous enough to satisfy without leaving you feeling stuffed.
The scallops cooked in soy butter had me weak at the knees, but let’s be honest, anything called “scallop butter” has a high bar to meet. If you want something lighter, the extensive fresh nigiri and sashimi menus are much less strenuous on your arteries but equally as delicious.
INSIDER INTEL
- Perfect for casual dinners with friends or family
- BYO wine
- Sit at the counter to watch the chefs at work
Tsunami
18 Glyde St, Mosman Park WA 6012
Found behind a mysterious door on the unassuming Glyde Street, Tsunami delivers teppanyaki theatrics like nowhere else in Perth. There’s a beautiful dining room for izakaya-style a la carte ordering and a sushi bar where you can watch the master, Tets, at work, but the separate teppanyaki bar is where I’d be booking.
If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the 16 coveted seats at the teppanyaki table, you’re in for a full-on performance: flames dancing, plates sizzling, ingredients flying, and mind-blowing hand-eye coordination from the talented team. Pair your feast with a pour from their 50-strong sake list, and you’ve got dinner that's as delicious as it is entertaining.
INSIDER INTEL
- The teppanyaki is ideal for a fun, interactive date night
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Main image credit: James Parker Sushi And Sake | Nancy Hanna
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