Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne

by OpenTable Team

Updated November 09, 2023

From sushi and gyoza, to yakitori and ramen, discover the best Japanese restaurants Melbourne has to offer. You’ll find everything from your local favourites to upscale fusion spots.

Credit: Ichiro Izakaya Bar

Warabi

4.7

4.7 (105)

$101 and over

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

A contemporary Japanese dining experience, Warabi emphasises seasonal ingredients and elevated beverage pairings in an Omakase setting, celebrating the Kappo style of cuisine philosophy.

The Kappo dining experience at Warabi is a set menu that changes at the discretion of the head chef, whose detailed focus is on preparing courses based on the availability of the finest seasonal ingredients. A casual yet refined dining experience, Kappo directly translates to ‘cut and cook' and celebrates the chefs' craftsmanship and precise preparation techniques.

The multi-course 'Impression' menu is guided by the chef and changes daily, where the energy of dishes reflects the seasons and highest quality of ingredients available.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 28, 2023

Service was excellent! Staff were both observant and knowledgeable. Food was average.

Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy

4.3

4.3 (1680)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Fitzroy

About the restaurant

Ichi Ni Nana, is a modern style Izakaya experience spread across multiple levels along the iconic Brunswick Street offering delectable Japanese dishes with a modern twist (such as our must try Ebi Mayo). The venue also comprises an amazing beverage list of Japanese inspired cocktails, the best Japan has to offer in sakes and whiskies and a comprehensive wine list covering local and international regions.

Our friendly and professional team will take you on a guided tour through a Japanese experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating your next visit. Whether it’s an intimate dinner in one of our hand crafted booths or a group celebration, Ichi Ni Nana has an abundance of breathtaking indoor and outdoor areas (including a courtyard with a retractable glass ceiling which can be enjoyed rain, hail or shine), to suit any occasion.

Top review

Hannah

Dined on Oct 26, 2024

The $75 set menu is insane! Such good value for money and everything is delicious. Staff are friendly and attentive, we had Kurtis who was a dream!! Will definitely be coming back !

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Experience

$95 Premium Banquet Menu

Experience

$75 Signature Banquet Menu

Experience

Christmas at Ichi Ni Nana - Premium Banquet Menu

Kicho Japanese Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (476)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Black Rock

About the restaurant

Located next to a beautiful beach, we are a vibrant and cozy place to enjoy modern Japanese cuisine from our enthusiastic and companionable team members.

We accept reservations online for up to 6 guests, with a seating time of 2 hours. We encourage guests after a reservation for 1-6 diners to make their bookings online. 15 minutes grace time to all bookings. Please note that our online booking system reflects real time availability at the restaurant.

For groups of 7 guests or more, please contact our reservations team on 0411 306 208 or info@kicho.com.au. Please note that groups of 7+ guests are required to dine on a set menu.

We take enquires for large group booking or catering requirements.

Dietary requirements are welcome and can be accommodated with advance notice. We recommend you let us know at the time of booking to ensure we can meet your needs.

15% surcharge will be applied on Public Holiday

Top review

BRIANNE

Dined 2 days ago

Great value for money set menu - food was fresh and delicious!

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4.5

4.5 (180)

$101 and over

French / Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Akaiito inspires a unique Japanese culinary experience like no other. Welcome to our exclusive unique dining experience led by our team who will take you on a Japanese-inspired culinary journey through the art of a modern omakase.
Be immersed in a world of exquisite flavors, expertly prepared seasonal dishes, and impeccable presentation, all while sitting comfortably at your own table. To celebrate Akaiito’s 5-year anniversary, we’re excited to offer a special 4-course menu featuring some of our most popular and signature dishes from over the years. We’re bringing back these favorites exclusively

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Oct 13, 2023

It is good place and calm place night out. We enjoyed a lot each time here

Chocolate Buddha

4.7

4.7 (2788)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Chocolate Buddha undertook an AMAZING renovation in 2019 by Maddison Architects. We have a 22 seater SUSHI TRAIN open Wednesday to Sunday lunches 12 - 3pm and Wednesday to Saturday Dinners 5 - 8pm it includes an EXPRESS train which delivers hot food ordered via a tablet. We offer QR menus at each table for ease of ordering, splitting bills and menu with pictures and descriptions. This type of ordering is optional so always let us know if you prefer to order with us. See you soon @ Chocolate Buddha

Top review

Veronica

Dined 2 days ago

So much flavour, with plenty of options to suit everyone's taste. Even a kids menu. Bento boxes looks delicious too. Will have to come back for seconds. Staff were all very friendly and accommodating

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Seared Wagyu Yakiniku Hotplate

Golden Gai

4.6

4.6 (116)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Windsor

About the restaurant

With a love for Japanese pop culture and nightlife, Golden Gai is inspired by the noisy and creative back alleyways of Shinjuku, Golden Gai, Tokyo, Japan. From our menu to the walls, we’ve added our own personality anywhere we can.
As Melbourne’s very own Golden Gai, our doors are open to anyone and everyone who is looking for a late night hang out, hungry for Japanese fusion, drinks to celebrate or wanting to be transported to Japan for a little while.

Top review

JohnW

Dined on Jul 17, 2024

Attentive service, excellent food love the decor. Very quiet night.

Tetsujin

4.4

4.4 (243)

$40 and under

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Capturing the essence of Tokyo with sushi train, Japanese barbeque and a bar, all under one roof.

Top review

Mameo

Dined on Jan 1, 2023

Staff were very busy but Alex was nice and explained the menu well. If you have 3 or more drinking beer, definitely get the $50 Tetsujin lager. Better value.

Ichiro Izakaya Bar

4.8

4.8 (217)

$40 and under

Japanese

Burwood

About the restaurant

Seeking to combine the best of both worlds, we have combined the familiar flavours of Australian dining with certain range of traditional Japanese Izakaya dishes, as well as some unique creation of our own for local regular in order to create the tastiest food we can for you.

We also have a lovely range of Japanese sake and beer for you to compliment your food, if you're keen to experience Izakaya like they do in Japan.

いらっしゃいませ

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Apr 13, 2024

The food was delicious, and the vibe was very low-key/no-fuss. Looking forward to coming back.

Chotto Motto Collingwood

4.7

4.7 (318)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Collingwood

About the restaurant

This Collingwood gem is a one of a kind Japanese restaurant famous for hand made Japanese dumplings served in Crispy Chilli Oil! The venue is coverered wall to wall in Showa Era Japanese vintage antiques, a super fun an unique environment.

Top review

oliver

Dined 5 days ago

this place makes for a great after work drink or as a fun place for a group to spend the night. the atmosphere is fun and very Osaka inspired and during the summer its a comfortable and chill vibe with great shearing plates and great cocktails.

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Experience

Feed Me Menu

Ototo

3.7

3.7 (371)

$41 to $100

Asian

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Discover a hidden gem beneath the city streets at our contemporary Asian restaurant. Located underground, our venue boasts a full bar and an exquisite menu that promises a fusion of flavors. Delight in the Chef's Tasting Menu, a curated selection of favorites. Savor dishes like Kingfish Sashimi with truffle ponzu, or popular wagyu tataki. Dumpling enthusiasts can relish our diverse range, while main courses feature delights such as 48-Hour Black Angus Short Ribs and Signature 14-Day Dry Aged Duck. Don't forget to pair your meal with creative cocktails from our bar. Complete your journey with decadent desserts like Chocolate Fondant and Pandan Creme Brulee.

Top review

Angus

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing night and we loved the food and wine along with the music

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4.6

4.6 (279)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

The menu is our take on Authentic Modern Japanese food, using seasonal Australian produce. Many signature items featured in our menu are cooked over Binchō-tan, a type of charcoal traditionally used in Japanese grilling.

Experience the atmosphere, enjoy our delectable food, drink like a boss. Whether it’s a Victorian Pinot Noir or a Japanese whisky, there’s always something great to pair with our dishes.

Top review

HannahF

Dined on Mar 14, 2023

We booked this restaurant for my partners birthday. The food was amazing!! Definitely the perfect treat meal. They even put a little candle in our dessert which was a really nice touch.

Eazy Peazy

4.6

4.6 (299)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Richmond

About the restaurant

Discover the Essence of Japanese Cuisine in Richmond at Eazy Peazy. Our menu, inspired by traditional Japanese, features a diverse selection of dishes perfect for sharing. At the heart of our dining experience is the Hibachi Grill, where flavours come to life, cooked over charcoal for that true Japanese taste. Explore our unique offerings and find out why we're a beloved Japanese dining destination in Richmond.

Top review

ThereseV

Dined on Nov 16, 2024

This is my favourite Japanese restaurant, been here multiple times since it first opened and loved it. Most definitely love the happy hour menu, good value for your money. Can’t wait to dine again.

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Feed Me "Express" Lunch

Musashi Ramen

4.5

4.5 (66)

$40 and under

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

WELCOME TO MUSASHI IZAKAYA
"Musashi" is located on 181 Russell st, Melbourne, VIC.

IZAKAYA is a drinking establishment with foods and people drink and share foods. People often call IZAKAYA a Japanese tapas bar. Yes at IZAKAYA, drinking is a must and you find what to eat with drinks. We wanted to show people the joy of sharing and enjoying drinks with friends. So we named our restaurant IZAKAYA because we wanted to establish this IZAKAYA category aside from regular Japanese restaurants.

So IZAKAYA iko! (“Let’s go to IZAKAYA!”)

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Oct 25, 2024

By far the best food I’ve had and the service was great the staff really went above and beyond

Misoya Sake Bar

4.8

4.8 (88)

$40 and under

Japanese

Brunswick

About the restaurant

Japanese Ramen and Sake Bar. Miso is a paste made from fermented soy beans and barley or rice malt. It is traditional Japanese seasoning and used in a range of dishes from soups, to glazes, to dips and pickles. Miso is high in protein and contains a range of vitamins and minerals including B12, B3, E, K, iron and calcium. About miso ramen: In 1923, Chinese immigrant chef Mr Wang started work at the Takeya Café near Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan. He developed his own noodle and soup dishes that would appeal to the Japanese palette. His dishes were so successful that they were copied and in 1951 Ramen Alley in downtown Sapporo became nationally famous. Misoya Ramen: Misoya has developed its own miso ramen with a thick miso soup made from chicken and vegetable stock in consideration of Australian tastes and preferences. Egg noodles and fresh seasonal vegetables result in a ramen that is bound to please and will make you want to come back for more.

Top review

Jason

Dined 1 day ago

Best Ramen around. I love the creamy chicken broth ramen. Great atmosphere too

Hachi Kichi

4.6

4.6 (11)

$40 and under

Japanese

Brighton

About the restaurant

Located in Brighton, Hachi Kichi Japanese Restaurant is a relaxed and charming spot serving some of the best Japanese cuisine in Melbourne. Situated just off the Nepean Highway on Bay Street, the quality of the dishes here is second-to-none. The space itself is cosy and charming with a bold neon sign and plants adorning the exposed brick walls, making it perfect for date night or a meal out with your best friends. As for the menu, there’s a selection of fresh sushi, gyoza, kushi yaki skewers, ngiri, sashimi and traditional Japanese mains. It’s a Brighton local favourite for good reason and should be high on your list, that’s for sure. Reservations are recommended.

Top review

JudyS

Dined on Apr 2, 2022

Good service & food delicious

Komuni

4.7

4.7 (21)

$40 and under

Japanese

Ringwood

About the restaurant

Fusion Japanese restaurant in light and bright atmosphere. Well appointed drinks list that complements our Japanese cuisine. Watch our Japanese chefs cook you lunch or dinner in our open kitchen. Try our house made Gyoza or our Kara age fried chicken. Host your special event with our private dining area that cater up to 35 guests.

Top review

Rhonda

Dined on Oct 5, 2024

This is a lovely, friendly, restaurant. The food was amazing and the service excellent. I highly recommend it.

Y14 Japanese Seafood Kitchen & Bar

4.4

4.4 (157)

$40 and under

Japanese

Sandringham

About the restaurant

We are taking bookings (Upgrading our website)!!! We are popular with the Sandringham locals, Y14 has quickly become an Buyside institution. Sat in an intimate architectural designed space surrounded by timber you'll be served home-made katsu curries, gob-smacking sushi & sashimi platters perfectly matched with local and international wines and beers.

Top review

Ryanvip

Dined on Oct 5, 2024

A nice spot for a quick meal. Cocktails are nice and everything on the menu was great

ZENZEN

4.7

4.7 (162)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Gisborne

About the restaurant

TO BOOK A TABLE OR ORDER TAKEAWAY, PLEASE VISIT www.zenzen.com.au OR email to info@zenzen.com.au

Japanese street food (‘Yatai’) in the heart of Gisborne, Macedon Ranges.
Bright colours, bold flavours | Casual and laid back dining

Top review

ErnestaC

Dined on May 26, 2023

We celebrated a family birthday at ZenZen and had the most delightful experience. The food was fresh and delicious. A lovely evening in a terrific place in Gisborne.

Ichi Ni Izakaya - St Kilda

4.4

4.4 (1281)

$41 to $100

Japanese

St Kilda

About the restaurant

Melbourne’s premier Izakaya experience. Ichi Ni has taken it’s place alongside neighbouring St. Kilda institutions with it’s unique design and central location. Providing a casual and lively dining atmosphere, Ichi Ni offers an extensive menu complimented with unmatched views overlooking Port Phillip Bay.

The Izakaya style restaurant is a visual feast that has combined modern dining with a traditional twist. Multi level seating, private booths and year round heated decking ensure each visit is as original as the first.

Ichi Ni accommodates a full and traditional Japanese menu that caters to all tastes – yakitori, sushi, sashimi and Japanese tapas. You won’t have difficulty finding the perfect drop to go with your “Tabemono” either… an extensive beverage menu offers sake, cocktails, fine wines and a range of Japanese beers to compliment each meal.

Top review

CherrieP

Dined on Feb 18, 2024

Curtis is always a delight to see! He is always prompt with service. Food is amazing and I have too many favourites! it's a shame St kilda is closed, however I'm sure Fitzroy will be just as good! Thank you for the good times

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4.8

4.8 (92)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Northcote

About the restaurant

We demonstrate 'the basic' Japanese cuisine through the importance of: Freshness, Health conscious, Creativity, Seasonal produce, Innovation and OMOTENASHI spirit. (Omotenashi is the Japanese culture of treating a guest. It blends a welcoming spirit with warmth, understanding, and above all respect.) We use local ingredients to express our 'basic Japanese cuisine'. We offer traditional Japanese flavours combining modern cooking methods.

Top review

Christos

Dined on Sep 21, 2024

Best restaurant ever!! Will miss you all so much, congratulations for creating such a unique and beautiful experience for us all over the last 9 years. xoxoxoxo

Shizuku Ramen - Hawthorn

4.2

4.2 (11)

$40 and under

Japanese

Hawthorn

About the restaurant

Shizuku is not your average Japanese restaurant. That’s partly because we serve the best ramen in Melbourne, and partly because our menu has a creative flair. Unlike other Japanese venues we also offer a serious selection of craft beer. And while we could go on about how ramen and beer is the perfect pair, there’s only one way to discover it for yourself.

Serving delicious bowls of ramen, craft beers, cocktails, japanese whisky, sake. Good tunes, great vibes!

Top review

SimonK

Dined on Jul 2, 2023

Awesome little restaurant, good vibes, awesome ramen bowls.

MONOU Japanese

$40 and under

Japanese

South Melbourne

About the restaurant

Monou Japanese Restaurant by Kenvan Team, who brought you the Kuu Japanese Cafe just down the road. Now they have opened a Restaurant. Monou is all about food and drink like what you find in Japan with a modern Australian touch.

*Please note Monou reopened in 9th of Nov 2021 with a new menu and new trading hours.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Nov 20, 2021

Really good food and service

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