Melbourne Japanese Restaurant Guide

rice-workshop

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

burwood-main

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

menya-main

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

wagaya-main

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

Chuji-main

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

aoba-main

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

yuzu-main

Yuzu Cuisine

Cheap, delicious meals for lunch and Japanese cocktails with ramen, sushi and izakaya snacks for dinner and drinks. It’s a great combination; one which invariably draws the crowds. Kick back in one of over 100 seats or park yourself at… Read More

robot

Robot

Hidden away in an alley off Flinders Lane, Robot enjoys a loyal client base. The funky interior helps with that, as do unique touches like anime screenings from 9pm on Tuesdays. Beers include Coedo and Hitachino ($14 each), as well… Read More

akatombo

Akatombo

Akatombo is only small, but that just reinforces the impression that chef Kageyama-san favours quality over quantity. No dish goes out unless he is satisfied with it, and the restaurant’s loyal following reflects that. Using local ingredients, Kageyama-san transforms them… Read More