11 Of The Best Spots For Onigiri In Sydney
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
Don't be deceived by onigiri—these simple triangles of rice can pack big flavours in their hand-held forms. Some come wrapped in a sheet of nori for convenience and crunch, and other onigiri are flame-torched before serving.
Sydney has a bunch of eateries serving this beloved Japanese comfort food that's (usually) budget-friendly, and perfect as a snack or a full meal. With neighbourhood cafes, fully stocked convenience stores, and elevated modern Japanese restaurants, these are Urban List's picks for the best onigiri in Sydney.
Itadakimasu Onigiri & Bar
2/113-115 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Itadakimasu Onigiri & Bar | Instagram
Right next door to cult sando slingers Sandoitchi, the team has opened a second act—and this time, rice is the headline. Itadakimasu Onigiri & Bar has taken over a narrow Oxford Street shopfront and turned it into a Japanese onigiri and wine bar that moves with the day.
By late morning, the counter is lined with neatly wrapped onigiri, each one shaped to order using premium Japanese rice selected for its texture and fragrance. Fillings span the classic to the playful: tuna sharpened with yuzu, grilled scallop, unagi with tamago, crispy prawn, even an Okinawa-inspired “taco” combination layered with cheese, corn and crunch.
Insider Intel
- The set menus are where the kitchen stretches out. Inspired by regions across Japan, they bring together warm onigiri, katsu (think whiting fillets or eggplant topped with creamy egg salad), miso soup loaded with pork or tofu and vegetables, sesame-dressed greens and house pickles.
Mogu Mogu
Various Locations
Image credit: Mogu Mogu | Instagram
Mogu Mogu is a must-visit for onigiri enthusiasts in Sydney. This cute eatery focuses exclusively on the delightful rice balls, offering 12 flavours starting at $4.50 including onsen egg, teriyaki salmon, and yuzu pork belly.
Insider Intel
- On top of the standard offerings available from the cabinet, you can upgrade with made-to-order onigiri topped with bougie bits like torched Wagyu beef or grilled eel—perfect for pairing with one of their elite matcha lattes.
Tokyo Lamington
277 Australia Street, Newtown
Image credit: Tokyo Lamington | Instagram
Tokyo Lamington isn't just about sweets; the Inner West cafe and bakery has expanded its menu to include delicious onigiri alongside its famed lamingtons.
Each onigiri is crafted using Koshihikari rice—which is considered the best rice for sushi and similar bites for its superior texture and umami notes—and premium nori sheets.
Insider Intel
- Tokyo Lamington's flavours include bacon and egg; beef, ginger and soy; and sake salmon from $7.50.
Parami
Shop 101/21 Alberta Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Parami | Instagram
Parami is a Tokyo-style corner cafe dedicated to the art of onigiri, producing over 200 on weekdays and 400 on weekends.
This café uses Koshihikari rice from Toyama prefecture and offers enticing flavours such as salted salmon and mustard leaf, Spam and egg, and chilli chashu.
Insider Intel
- Parami also does other Japanese treats like mochi, jiggly purins (creme caramel-like puddings) and yuzu lemonades.
Conveni8 Japanese Asian Grocery
303 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD
Conveni8 offers an impressive selection of onigiri in the heart of Sydney starting at just $2, with flavours like grilled eel, pickled plum, and the classic tuna mayo.
Insider Intel
- Onigiri often sell out here, so plan on swinging in before lunch time.
Brewtopia
79 O'Connor Street, Chippendale
Image credit: Brewtopia | Instagram
Putting a delicious Japanese-inspired spin on the standard cafe culture at their Chippendale location, Brewtopia's menu offers onigiri in a couple of forms. You can get plated onigiri dishes in varieties like soft shell crab, seared Wagyu beef, fried prawn, or grilled eel presented beautifully with fresh accompaniments.
Insider Intel
- You can still opt for the usual hand-held snacks to take away, if that's more your speed.
Otogo
1/56 Bay Street, Ultimo
Image credit: Otogo | Instagram
Affordability meets quality at Otogo, where chef Mitsuhiro Yashio uses premium Haenuki rice in onigiri starting at just $3.30, and the gorgeous traditional Japanese stone courtyard provides an inner-city escape.
Insider Intel
- Flavours include miso-grilled salmon and tuna with Kewpie mayo, and you can dress them up at the free sauce station, or grab a lunch set of two onigiri and a piece of karaage chicken for just $10.40.
Domo 39
5/2 May Lane, St Peters
Image credit: Domo 39 | Instagram
By the team behind much-loved Japanese cafes Cool Mac, Kurumac and Poketto, Domo 39 is a Japanese convenience store-inspired spot with a variety of onigiri flavours.
Popular picks include grilled salted salmon, ginger pork, and mentaiko which you can pick up alongside rice bowls, Japanese desserts, and bento boxes.
Insider Intel
- Their seasonal soft serve flavours are worth a stop on their own.
TenTo
3/8 Hill Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: TenTo | Instagram
TenTo is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food and drinks menu, which now includes onigiri, with a daily-changing flavour offering with the likes of spicy tuna or chicken available.
Insider Intel
- Enjoy with a matcha or black sesame latte in their bright courtyard space, modern dining room, or to take away.
Café Maru
448 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest and 108 Kent Street, Sydney CBD
Café Maru serves handcrafted onigiri using 100% Akitakomachi rice. Their flavours stick to the classics, like yakiniku beef, grilled salmon, chashu pork and tuna mayo all priced at $4.50.
Insider Intel
- The CBD location is hidden inside a nondescript office building, and you can also find their onigiri at their Japanese convenience store, Miso Mart in St Leonards.
Main image credit: Domo 39 | Instagram
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