MELBOURNE JAPANESE RESTAURANT GUIDE

1 Mar, 2015

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

Casual Dining

1 Mar, 2015

Sushi Hotaru

The well-known Sydney sushi train restaurant’s Melbourne branch. Always busy, there’s an unbroken stream of customers from lunch through to dinner. Perhaps it’s because most sushi platters are $3. Dishes like Seared Salmon and Seared Scallop are especially popular, as… Read More

Ramen

28 Nov, 2015

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

Fine Dining

10 Oct, 2016

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

Izakaya & Bar

1 Mar, 2015

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

Casual Dining / Fine Dining

1 Mar, 2015

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

Casual Dining

30 Dec, 2015

Wasshoi

Perfect for a quick bite and refreshing drink after shopping, Wasshoi offers delicious rolls and rice bowls (amongst other Japanese delights), at affordable prices from its open-kitchen stand. All meat is charcoal grilled, with the chicken and pork twice cooked:… Read More