Melbourne Japanese Restaurant Guide

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

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

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

Nihonshu-main

Nihonshu Shochu & Sake Bar

With its relaxed atmosphere and one of Melbourne’s largest sake and Japanese beer selections, Nihonshu is perfect for after-work drinks. If you’re peckish, food can be ordered from Izakaya Chuji next door, allowing you to relax while enjoying great Japanese… 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

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

wagaya-main

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

yuzu-main

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