Melbourne Japanese Restaurant Guide

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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