Melbourne Japanese Restaurant Guide

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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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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

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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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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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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

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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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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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Izakaya Hachibeh

“If you make delicious food, customers will come”. So says Izakaya Hachibeh owner Saitoh-san. And they’ve been coming for almost five years now, so he must be doing something right. Being an Izakaya, it’s not just delicious food, though -… 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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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