Where to Find Brisbane’s Best Japanese Restaurants

Japanese food is tremendously popular in Brisbane and it’s no mystery why! It’s wonderful to share, provides an escape-like experience, is steeped in precision and tradition…and the hospitality is second to none. We’ve wrapped up our absolute favourite Japanese dining experiences across Brisbane, the only question now is, which one will you try first?

Boom Boom Room

Yoko Dining

Established restaurateur Jonathan Barthelmess is bringing beautiful plating and bright, flavourful food to Brisbane’s foodie scene once again with his new endeavour, Yoko. Situated at the breezy Howard Smith Wharves, Yoko serves up delicious cocktails and a wide variety of meals to suit any appetite, from snacks, to sashimi, to Japanese style spicy pork udon.

2/5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City 

honto

With a concealed entrance, once you make your way through the matte black walls of honto you’ll discover an open dining space where you can watch the chefs at work preparing your meals. With unusual Japanese whiskeys and sake to choose from, expect to eat and drink well at honto. Order a few bites and share a large dish with friends for a varied and flavorsome culinary experience. 

Alden Street, Fortitude Valley 

Sake Restaurant & Bar

Sake Restaurant boasts not only five locations but is also one of Australia's most awarded Japanese restaurants! It offers upscale yet approachable dining, making it the perfect date night location or ideal for a special occasion. We recommend the omakase experience - chef’s choice!

Eagle Street Pier, Level 1/45 Eagle Street, Brisbane City

Wagaya

Tucked into the Chinatown Mall, Wagaya is a long term favourite for quality Japanese meals in Brisbane. Your meals and drinks are ordered via a touchscreen at your table, giving you the option to slowly order plates to share, or to keep the drinks coming! Whether you book a traditional room for a group, or tuck into a booth for after work dinner and drinks, you’re guaranteed to enjoy your izakaya experience at Wagaya!

TCB Centre, 1/315 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley 

Taro’s Ramen

This ramen shop has a cult-like following and with good reason! A simple and comfortable atmosphere, combined with delicious and authentic food makes a winning combination. It’s also led to four locations across Brisbane! Each part of your dish is expertly crafted from scratch, contains no MSG or artificial flavours. Taro is committed to sourcing local, sustainable and ethical ingredients, so everyone’s best interests are kept at heart. 

154 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane 

Level 2, 480 Queen Street, Brisbane 

145 Racecourse Road, Ascot

16 Old Cleveland Road, Stones Corner

Hikari

A bustling little spot on breezy, tree-lined Vernon Terrace, Hikari is loved by the Teneriffe locals. With warm service that makes you feel right at home and a menu that never disappoints - the crowds alone can testify to this! Order up some of the freshest sashimi Brisbane has to offer and pair it with a beautiful crisp wine.

55a Florence Street, Teneriffe

Harajuku Gyoza

If you’re looking for somewhere quick and casual for a post-work bite or a pre-drinks dinner, Harajuku Gyoza is a very fun time with very tasty eats! As the name suggests, gyoza is the reigning champion of the menu, but a variety of sides, salads and ‘yum bowls’ are also on offer! Don’t be shy on the sake, as it just may be served with a song and dance. 

184 Grey Street, South Brisbane

Albert Lane, 141 Queen Street, Brisbane

Izakana-Ya Okuman

As well as serving up well known traditional Japanese dishes, Izakana-Ya Okuman allows dishes popular in regional Japanese towns to shine. Owner Aiko Imasaki’s goal is to feed many people and to make them feel at home and she achieves this easily with the warm, polished timber interior and delicious menu of sushi, sashimi, ramen and much more.

Shop 6, 220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

Once you have worked your way through Brisbane's best Japanese restaurants, then you need to check out our round-up of the best restaurants in Brisbane. You can thank us later.