Melbourne Japanese Restaurant Guide

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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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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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Chocolate Buddha

Want to enjoy delicious Japanese food with your friends while enjoying some of the best views of Melbourne available? Chocolate Buddha is your next destination. Located in the heart of Melbourne – Federation Square – this large format eatery is… 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

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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

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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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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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Doki Doki Japanese Restaurant

Opened in April 2016, Doki Doki is modern Japanese hideaway serving great food at reasonable prices. Lunch is mainly about the sushi and donburi and is packed with students and business people, while dinner is more Japanese tapas-focused, so there’s… 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