From Japanese bars to casual eateries and fine dining restaurants – take a seat and savour through the best Japanese in Sydney!
With fine dining institutions, swanky seafood eateries and plenty of sizzling steak restaurants, Sydney is packed with a smorgasbord-like selection of hospitality establishments. But, if you’re wanting something more than Italian or classic pub fare, there’s a refreshing mix of Japanese restaurants tucked away in every nook and cranny around the city.
From Chinatown to Surry Hills, Barangaroo and beyond, we’ve curated the ultimate list of the top Japanese restaurants in Sydney of 2024. So what are you waiting for? Sip, savour and say konnichiwa!
Photographed by Jeremy Plaisance. Image supplied.
Banchō
Tucked away in Chinatown is one of Sydney’s best Japanese eateries, Banchō. More of a Japanese bar than restaurant, where Banchō stands out is there enticing selection of Japanese whisky as well as Taiwanese and Australian varieties. How does a 35-year-old Hibiki from Suntory sound? With mocktails, cocktails, wine, sake and beer all making headlines on their menu, the true standout are there four whisky flights on offer. Plus, if you’re feeling picky, check out there bar snacks including Lotus Root Chips, Pork Crackling, gyoza, Karaage Chicken and even a Matcha Cheesecake to finish.
Photographed by Jiwon Kim. Image via Destination NSW.
Ito
One of the newest Japanese restaurants to make its mark on Sydney’s cuisine scene is Surry Hills’ Ito. Led by the ESCA Group who also operate Aalia and Nour, Ito was designed to create a neighbourhood style Japanese Izakaya. With a banquet and a la carte menu on offer, Ito is the ultimate destination regardless of the occasion. Combining tradition with creativity, here you’ll find everything from Prawn and Scallop Ravioli to Quail Karaage, Agebitashi Eggplant as well as Matcha and Yuzu Ricotta Doughnuts. Plus, with a near 20-page drinks menu, Ito is the ultimate destination for Japanese style cocktails, beer, tea, wine, whisky and even sake flights.
Image supplied.
Kuro Bar & Dining
From your first coffee in the morning to your last cocktail at night, Kuro Bar & Dining has you covered with their four-in-one like venue. The Kent Street restaurant, housed in a heritage listed building, features a Brew Bar with house roasted coffee beans, a mid-range degustation setting seating 40, a cocktail bar and, not to forget, Teramoto by Kuro, a fine dining experience seating just 10 guests. The food is fresh, the cocktails are refined and, the unique details are perfectly highlighted. Beautifully designed and a must visit in 2024!
Image supplied.
Nobu
No list of the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney would be complete without the world famous Nobu. One of 47 venues in the world, scoring a Chef Hat from the Good Food Guide Awards, after one visit you’ll understand the prestige, exclusivity and sophistication Nobu exudes. Their menu is seasonal and is best described as a fusion between reimagined Japanese with Peruvian influence, executed by local chef, Harold Hurtada.
Image supplied.
Saké
With restaurants in The Rocks, Double Bay and Manly, there’s no denying that Saké is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney. Each of their three venues are elegantly styled with touches of Japanese designs flourishing the walls. Never disappointing, Saké is a flagship for authentic Japanese cuisine without the pretentious twist others may exude. Their menu is changed seasonally and it features a refreshing mix of share plates, sides and mains. Of course, if you’d rather let the team do the work for you, opt for one of their set menus to feed you. Whilst you’re here, be sure to try their gorgeous cocktails!
Photographed by Dick Sweeney. Image via Destination NSW.
Sokyo
The star of the show and rightfully so. Sokyo, located in The Star Sydney, has been around for quite some time. But, still to this day they hold up their reputation as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney. Using Australian produce, Sokyo pays homage to traditional Japanese heritage infusing it with a modern touch. The venue is bold and the menu is refreshing. With a sushi counter experience and an omakase designed offering, Sokyo also stands out with their all-day menus including sashimi, sushi and plenty of side dishes to savour.
Photographed by George Hong. Image supplied.
Tokyo Bird
Although they’re technically not a restaurant, we could not write a list on the best Japanese in Sydney without mentioning Tokyo Bird. Tucked away on Belmore Lane in Surry Hills, Tokyo Bird is a small Japanese bar specialising in whisky, cocktails, beer and sake. The drinks are dimple and focus on using Japanese ingredients such as orange umeshu to name a few. Plus, to help you wash everything down, Tokyo Bird features a delicious range of chicken, pork belly or beef yakitori. Be sure to add this one to your list, you are sure to have an enjoyable night!
Take a peking at this list of the Top 10 Chinese Restaurants in Sydney of 2024. Or freshen up your palate with a visit to one of the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Sydney.
