Melbourne Japanese Restaurant Guide

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Gaijin Japanese Fusion

Gaijin offers a refreshing twist on traditional sushi. Where else can you get rolls like the Baked Dynamite or Spider Vs Dragon? There’s also a tapas menu with lighter fare, like the Salmon Tartare, and more substantial dishes like Beef… Read More

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Sushi Hotaru

The well-known Sydney sushi train restaurant’s Melbourne branch. Always busy, there’s an unbroken stream of customers from lunch through to dinner. Perhaps it’s because most sushi platters are $3. Dishes like Seared Salmon and Seared Scallop are especially popular, as… Read More

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Aoba Japanese Cafe

Opened seven years ago in Malvern, Aoba’s authentic flavours and homely atmosphere have made it a local favourite. Chef Taguchi boasts 20 years’ experience and produces nearly everything himself. The bento boxes are the go – particularly the Aoba Box… Read More

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Rice WorkShop

Since opening its flagship store in Chinatown in October 2013, Rice Workshop has enjoyed rapid expansion. Aiming to serve donburi, or rice bowls with various toppings, almost as fast as vending machines do, Rice Workshop wants to keep its food… Read More

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Wagaya

Accessed via the Chinatown-side elevator in the MidCity Arcade, Wagaya feels just like a Japanese izakaya. With its spacious interior and booth-style tables, it’s perfect for couples and groups of friends, and with its karaoke room and balcony, Wagaya is… Read More

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Mr. Ramen San

Mr. Ramen San is a popular ramen house in MidCity Centre, Chinatown, featuring authentic Kyushu-style tonkotsu soup (as well as five other soups) and for summer, a unique chilled Salad Ramen, the only one of its kind in Melbourne.

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Burwood Teppanyaki House

Now an established part of the Burwood scene, this chic restaurant offers up Teppanyaki in the usual boisterous Western style. The chefs happily chat to guests, cheering as they toss food at them, and keep the evening entertaining. Those after… Read More

Rolls

Rolls

Taking great care in the sourcing and freshness of his ingredients, Rolls owner Kikuchi-san makes sure his food is as delicious as it is safe to eat. And while the focus is, obviously, on sushi rolls, there is a wide… Read More

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Fukuryu Ramen

Hidden in Corrs Lane, Fukuryu claims to be “the gold standard in ramen” and the reviews back it up. Its Signature Tonkotsu headlines, but others, like the Vegetarian Miso, squid ink-coloured Black Dragon and super-spicy Red Dragon are great, too…. Read More

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Shimbashi Soba & Sake Bar

Melbourne’s only hand-made soba noodle restaurant, Shimbashi uses freshly-milled Tasmanian buckwheat to form its signature ngredient. Now in its second year of operation, the expanded menu offers treats like Salmon Salad Soba and Pork Belly Salad. Lunch sets are around… Read More