Get ready to discover and devour your way through the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne!
While there are plenty of incredible experiences to have in Japan, you can enjoy a slice of Japanese dining right in Melbourne. From traditional sushi bars to innovative fusion eateries, the city offers an exquisite journey through Japan’s rich gastronomic heritage that transport diners straight to the heart of Tokyo and beyond.
Whether you’re craving the delicate artistry of sashimi, the comforting warmth of ramen, or the savoury delight of tempura, we’ve found the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne, where every meal is a celebration of flavour, craftsmanship, and cultural immersion.
Photographed by jirayu koontholjinda. Image via Unsplash.
Ichi Ni Nana
With a number of beautiful spaces within the restaurant including a courtyard with a retractable glass ceiling and plenty of greenery, this is definitely the spot to gather your friends for a delicious drink and some quality share style snacks. Ichi Ni Nana’s menu is more modern in comparison to the more traditional eateries – which is why we think they’re one of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. Here you can indulge in various dishes like sushi, sashimi, robatayaki, yakitori, tempura and gyoza. The drinks list includes various sake’s, Japanese spirits and a slew of creative cocktails using infusions like lemongrass vodka.
Photographed by TY Lim. Image via Shutterstock.
Ippudo
For those craving a bowl of richly flavoured ramen, look no further than Ippudo. This Japanese ramen chain is renowned for their signature tonkatsu broth and rich variety of flavours, making is an essential eat for ramen lovers across Melbourne. Shiromaru Motoaji and Akamaru Shinaji ramens are standouts on the menu, delivering a heart-warming feeling with every sip of the bowl. With a concise menu and relaxed atmosphere, visit Ippudo for one of the most satisfying broths in Melbourne.
Located right in the heart of Collins Street, Kenzan is a beloved Melbourne Japanese restaurant that is been adored for generations since it opened in 1981. Kenzan proudly serves authentic Japanese cuisine that honours the cooking traditions of its home country. Think fresh sashimi platters, shabu shabu, and pan grilled salmon in teriyaki in both a la carte and chef’s menus. That impeccable artisanship and an eye for perfectionism is also carried in the traditional furnishings that confirm Kenzan as one of the best fine dining Japanese restaurants in Melbourne!
Photographed by bodiaphvideo. Image via Shutterstock.Kenzan
One of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne, Kisume is a showcase for the quality and precision of Japanese cooking. Discover three levels of dining excellence at this award-winning Japanese eatery, including the sushi counter, restaurant and intimate bar that are perfect for any occasion. For those wanting to really engross themselves in this culinary delight, treat yourself to The Chef’s Table ($265pp), an intimate, multi-course offering that’ll put you in the hands of their Master Chef for a one-of-a-kind experience that constantly evolves with the seasons.
Photographed by Paulo Doi. Image via Unsplash.Kisume
Photographed by sasazawa. Image via Shutterstock.
Mensousai Mugen
Since opening in 2014, Mensousai Mugen in Melbourne’s CBD has developed a forte for their iconic Tsukemen. Also known as dipping ramen, Tsukemen is served with separate bowls for simmering broth and cold noodles as the thick noodles are dipped in, letting you savour each noodle one at a time. With a minimalistic and stylish interior, ramen lovers can truly appreciate what matters most at Mensousai Mugen: the sensational and sophisticated flavours of fresh ramen. One of the most unique Japanese dining experiences, book an evening at Mensousai Mugen.
Photographed by Josie Withers. Image via Visit Victoria.
Minamishima
For those seeking the finest sushi experience in Melbourne, Minamishima is the place to be. This intimate Japanese restaurant, helmed by sushi master Koichi Minamishima, offers an omakase-style menu that showcases the freshest seasonal ingredients. With two dining areas: the counter sushi bar that accomodates just two guests and, the dining room for gatherings of three and above. Despite of where you’re seated, guests will be charmed by the exceptional attention to detail and the overall serene atmosphere. Also one of the Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Melbourne, Minamishima delivers an authentic and unforgettable sushi experience.
Photographed by Kyle Head. Image via Unsplash.
Nobu
We present you with Nobu, the world’s most recognised fine dining Japanese restaurant which is a must on any Melbourne foodies list. Fusing Japanese cuisine with South American flavours, Nobu is renowned for its delectable mix of cold and signature hot dishes. A few favourites include the Yellowtail Sashimi with jalapeno’s and the Black Cod Miso, offering succulent flavours and excellent attention to detail. Nobu Melbourne also offers teppanyaki in a private dining setting, making this fine dining Japanese restaurant essential to any gastronomic trip through Melbourne!
Shinbashi Yakiniku is a standout Japanese restaurant in Melbourne, celebrated for its authentic and high-quality yakiniku, or Japanese barbeque. Your order — whether high-quality Japanese scallops, tender pork belly and Australian wagyu beef — is grilled to perfection, ideal for a shared dining experience with friends and family. The restaurant’s ambiance, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort, is the perfect space to unwind after a hectic workweek. As one of the best Japanese BBQ eateries in Melbourne, prepare for a feast at Shinbashi Yakiniku!
Photographed by Gabriel Forsberg. Image via Unsplash.Shinbashi Yakiniku
Image via Visit Victoria.
Shujinko Ramen
Excellent ramen 24/7. That’s the promise at Shujinko Ramen, one of the best ramen shops in Melbourne. Serving soul-warming bowls of authentic Tokyo ramen to nightcrawlers and early birds alike, the narrow venues offer big flavours to everyone who makes a stopover. And with several locations across the CBD, you’re never too far from a time and place to enjoy an exquisite ramen at Shujinko Ramen in Melbourne!
Yakikami, one of Melbourne’s most awarded Japanese restaurants in the heart of South Yarra, is a must-visit for anyone in the mood for a night out. The interior is marked by modern, sleek, and traditional decor across several distinct rooms with their own unique atmosphere and menu. Whether the General Dining, Yakitori Counter or Sushi Kappo Omakase Room, each space has been hand-crafted to enjoy a sensational sashimi platter or chicken ramen with friends and family. So enjoy a night at this refined Japanese restaurant in 2024!
Photographed by Derek Duran. Image via Unsplash.Yakikami
For more East Asian dining, spend an evening at The Top 8 Chinese Restaurants in Melbourne 2024. And wash down your sushi at the 7 Best Wine Bars around Melbourne.
