Melbourne Japanese Restaurant Guide

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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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Kenzan

One of Melbourne’s first traditional Japanese restaurants, Kenzan remains a customer favourite, thanks to its continuing commitment to quality. From tempura to teriyaki, shabu-shabu to sukiyaki, the food is consistently well-reviewed and served by professional, yet friendly, staff. The surrounds… Read More

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Izakaya Chuji

Melbourne’s oldest, Izakaya Chuji offers over a hundred different dishes and all at reasonable prices. You can wash them down with a variety of sakes and shochus, with more available from the neighbouring Nihonshu sake bar. The popular sushi counter… 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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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

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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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Mugen Ramen and Bar

Mugen’s thick, hand-made noodles and strong, dashi-flavoured soups make it a real standout. The recommended Tsukemen comes in 280g or 360g sizes and is served with either a warm or chilled soup to dip your noodles in, depending on the… Read More

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Tempura HAJIME

Owner-chef Yoshihara-san brings 20 years of experience in Osaka and Melbourne to his sushi and tempura dishes. A true Japanese-style hole-in-the-wall, Tempura Hajime has only 12 seats along a counter and dishes only use seasonal ingredients. The traditional cooking methods… Read More

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Shujinko

Shujinko means hero or heroine in Japanese, and that’s because Melbourne’s first 24-hour ‘Tokyo Tonkotsu’-style ramen restaurant wants to make you the star. Its motto is, “Put your heart into the noodles and your love into the soup” and as… Read More