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
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 arrive at James Parker’s stunning timber framed entry, you know you’re in for something very special and uniquely Japanese. Order from their share style menu, which is loaded with super fresh sashimi and a tonne of top-grade sake, then relax and enjoy—the wait staff will keep food coming to your table steadily over the course of the meal so you’re never left wondering what’s next.
Zensaki Japanese Canteen
250 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
With a variety of delicious dishes perfect for quick weekday lunches, Zensaki is a bit of an inner-city oasis. From soups and sushi to bento boxes and donburi, the food here is quality and can be enjoyed at Zensaki’s peaceful dining table. It’s the perfect midday inner-city escape for hungry corporates.
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, incredibly fast and no-fuss, and the prices are extremely friendly on the pocket. With an outpost in the city as well as one at the Old Shanghai Markets in Freo, Taka’s is definitely king when it comes to convenience.
Bonsai
30 Roe St, Northbridge WA 6003
A smart venue with tall ceilings and dim lights, Bonsai is all about authentic Japanese cuisine served up with modern flair. 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.
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. For a guaranteed good time, you can also go ahead and upgrade your bowl to the largest size for just $2 extra.
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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 dining—think Korean barbecue but with A5 Japanese import Wagyu cooked on a Japanese charcoal grill—you’re going to be power walking to Sumiya Gin. All we 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. Prefer to cook up at home? Check out their special Japanese butchers, Tokyo Wagyu, next door to their William St spot.
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 your problems. In the hotter months, we’ll be going back to those refreshing cold udon bowls.
Aisuru
208 William St, Perth WA 6000
One of the original fusion sushi joints to hit town, Aisuru is still going strong years on at its William Street outpost. With aisuru meaning ‘to love’ in Japanese, it’s little surprise that the food here is meticulous and full of passion. The open kitchen allows you to watch your food being prepared right before your eyes; and on that, we recommend the Philli Roll and the Dragon Roll, but if you aren’t that adventurous the Japanese classics are holding strong here too.
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. Along with their irresistible cauli popcorn, nori tacos and street fighter-inspired cocktails, you need to try their volcano ramen—it’s an absolute must for seafood lovers and heat freaks. Word of warning, this is a popular spot (especially on weekends) so you’ll wanna book ahead.
Rojiura Curry Samurai
4A Shafto Ln, Perth WA 6000
Rojiura Curry Samurai is the only place in Perth specialising in Hokkaido soup curry. Don’t miss out on their 17 Vegetables Soup Curry, featuring 17 different kinds of vegetables all in the one dish. Pair your meal with a glass of Hokkaido wine or beer for a genuinely authentic experience.
Edosei
64 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000
Image credit: Edosei | Instagram
The real star at Edosei is their unique Kawara Soba—green soba noodles served on a grilled roof tile, topped with melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef, chopped green onions and a thinly sliced omelette. Originating from Shimonoseki city in Yamaguchi, this is the only spot we’ve found in Perth serving the Japanese specialty so it’s a worth a vist for this dish alone.
North Of Perth
Ha-Lu
4/401 Oxford St, Mount Hawthorn WA 6016
This whole ‘Japanese tapas’ idea appears to be a thing. Offering up modern Japanese share-style food and a decent drinks list, Ha-Lu is a great option if you’re looking to try a variety of Japanese-fusion flavours over one meal. The menu is extensive and offers some absolute bangers like the tuna toro onsen egg with wonton crisps and the pork belly Kaku-ni, which is slow-cooked pork in a pool of light soy jus. They’re also dishing up some of the best-pan-fried gyoza going around.
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 A LOT at Tsukaya. In Mount Hawthorn, you’ll find this quiet achiever (West Aussie Good Food Guide top 100 alumni) dishing out the best wagyu tataki you can get your chopsticks on. While the restaurant is small (that's how you know its GOOD good.), the flavours are huge. We’ll still be thinking about the crispy pork belly and the miso cod, and everything else we ordered for a long, long time. If we mention their gyoza on our death bed—heck, I wouldn't be surprised.
Arata Japanese Dining
Shop7/732 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.
Nine Japanese Bistro
227 Bulwer St, Highgate WA 6003
Image credit: Nine Japanese Bistro | Instagram
This relaxed and intimate BYO restaurant typifies relaxed fine dining, with set menus only showcasing modern, colourful dishes. Nine Japanese Bistro is making things easy with your choice of a two, three, four or five-course set menu, with the additional book-in-advance option of a mouth-watering six-course omakase (chef’s selected menu) for just $100. It’s a perfect ‘special occasion’ restaurant well worth a look in.
OEC Sushi Japanese Cafe
75 Regents Park Rd, Joondalup WA 6027
This no-fuss northern suburbs gem has been delighting locals for over seven years with its phenomenal takeaway and dine-in eats. Don't miss their Tokyo Plate Volcano Roll and Chirashi Poke Bowl—the fresh seafood is seriously good.
Super Tetsudo
200 Karrinyup Rd, Karrinyup WA 6018
Image credit: Super Testudo | Instagram
What's not to love about a sushi train, especially when there's also a bullet train offering up made-to-order delights quicker than you can say arigato gozaimasu. Super Tetsudo is dishing up everything from traditional gyoza and nigiri to Japanese tacos all from its neon sign laden confines.
South Of Perth
Sanco
2/19 Douro Rd, South Fremantle WA 6162
When those Japanese cravings hit, you’ll want to uncover the hidden gem that is Sanco Japanese. It’s 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 freshest sushi, sashimi, nigiri and donburi of your life. The only issue we have with this place is that it’s pretty much impossible to decide what to order because everything is too dang good.
Hinata Cafe
19 Blinco St, Fremantle WA 6160
Image credit: Hinata | Instagram
Hinata is your go-to spot for a homely Japanese dining experience in Fremantle. Start your day with the beautifully presented Hinata Brunch Set, a traditional Japanese breakfast plate, then come back later to try their awesome new omakase dinner service on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, with a special menu that changes monthly and a dedicated kids set menu. Omakase means ‘I trust you to choose for me’, and you can one hundred per cent trust in Hinata to knock out a memorable dining experince each and every time.
Kai Japanese
4/Parry Place 4, 110 Parry Ave, Bull Creek WA 6149
Kai serves up quality Japanese cuisine from a pintsized hole-in-the-wall shop with only a few seats. Don’t let the lack of space hold you back, though—the pork broth ramen (tonkotsu) and teriyaki lunch sets here are the bomb, and all seriously good value too.
Ichirin
2/1 Dundee St, Leeming WA 6149
Image credit: Ichirin | Instagram
Ichirin has to be Perth’s most underrated omakase joint. Located south of Perth in Leeming, the neighbourhood spot consistently smashes out quality, impeccably prepared produce with top-notch sauces to top off every mouthful. Oh and a little insider tip: at Ichirin, you can request certain special ingredients for your omakase experience—just call ahead and ask. The tempura, teriyaki, and karaage will also go down a treat.
Kanta Japanese Kitchen
Unit 3/70 Langford Ave, Langford WA 6147
Some of the best value, most authentic Japanese eats in Perth can be found hidden in unassuming suburban haunts. Kanta in Langford is one of thos gems that the locals just can’t get enough of. Standouts here include the kamo steak (duck steak) and their red salmon scallop.
Dining Akashi
901 Canning Hwy, Applecross WA 6153
Dining Akashi in Applecross is the place to go when you're craving authentic tempura. Super light, crispy and perfectly seasoned—it’s truly some of the best you’ll find anywhere in Perth. Their fresh sushi rolls and regional Japanese deliughts are also damn good. Paired with the inviting ambience and attentive service, and you have all the ingredients for your next Japanese date night.
East Of Perth
Nobu
Crown Metropol Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood WA 6100
Image credit: Nobu | Instagram
The obvious choice for the most reputable Japanese food going around, Nobu has to be on your Perth dining bucket list. Grab the omakase menu that suits your hunger (or more likely, your budget), sit back and devour. The yellowtail sashimi will blow your mind as it melts in your mouth, especially if paired with one of their inventive cocktails.
Kanpai Yakiniku
280 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
For your fix of everything chargrilled, stroll straight into the new Kanpai Yakiniku. 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.
Kuza Urban Japanese
393 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
Image credit: Kuza Urban Japanese | Instagram
Kuza has nailed the twists and turns of Japanese fusion with their mouth watering eats. The wonderful staff will walk you through the menu if you’re not really sure what’s going on, but the dishes you just have to try are the karaage chicken, assorted sashimi and eggplant misoyaki. You’re welcome.
Super Tetsudo
1382 Albany Hwy, Cannington WA 6107
What's not to love about a sushi train, especially when there's also a bullet train offering up made-to-order delights quicker than you can say arigato gozaimasu. Super Tetsudo is dishing up everything from traditional gyoza and nigiri to Japanese tacos all from its neon sign laden confines.
Kishi Kitsune
3 Haynes St, Kalamunda WA 6076
With plenty of charming wood accents throughout, a trip to Kishi Kitsune 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. They don't take reservations, so you can just walk in and make yourself at home.
West Of Perth
Marumo
22/145 Stirling Hwy, Nedlands WA 6907
One does not simply walk into Marumo. Bookings open for this place only one day every few months for a reason: and that’s the utterly delicious seven-course Japanese feast that they serve up for the almost unbelievable price of just $80. It’s ‘blowout’ standard without the price-tag, complete with BYO.
Izakaya Sumi
Shop 5/53 Bay View Terrace, Claremont WA 6010
This fresh addition to Claremont will have you booking your next visit before you’ve even left your first one. The menu showcases the classics, but the best classics you’ll ever have. The scallops cooked in soy butter had our knees weak, but then again what dish named “scallop butter” is going to be bad? Their extensive fresh nigiri and sashimi menus are much less strenuous on your arteries but equally as delicious. Bookings can be made here.
Super Tetsudo
22 St Quentin Ave, Claremont WA 6010
What's not to love about a sushi train, especially when there's also a bullet train offering up made-to-order delights quicker than you can say arigato gozaimasu. Super Tetsudo is dishing up everything from traditional gyoza and nigiri to Japanese tacos all from its neon sign laden confines.
Tsunami Ko
18 Glyde St, Mosman Park WA 6012
Found behind a mysterious door on the unassuming Glyde Street, Tsunami Ko represents the peak of experiencing the spectacle of teppanyaki in Perth. If you’re lucky enough to get one of only 16 seats in the place, enjoy the teppanyaki theatrics over your omakase menu and one of their 50 different sake varieties.
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Main image credit: James Parker Sushi And Sake | Nancy Hanna
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