Melbourne Japanese Restaurant Guide

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

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

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

shimbashi soba & sake bar

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

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

kenzan-main

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

MrramensanWeb

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.

hajime-main

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

fukuryu_webc.jpg

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

mugen-main

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