Melbourne Japanese Restaurant Guide

rice-workshop

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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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

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

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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

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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

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

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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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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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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