The Best Japanese Restaurants in Canberra

Sometimes, life calls for a good bowl of miso soup and donburi. Or an all-you-can-eat sushi train. Or ramen. Any excuse will do when it comes to Japanese food.

Our national capital may be small, but it packs a punch with food options. There are plenty of Italian and Mexican joints, but today, it is all about Japanese.

Read on for the best Japanese restaurants Canberra has to offer. 

KOTO

The venue is a work of award-winning art, and the high-quality food matches the gorgeous space with flavour-packed dishes that go well beyond your standard sushi rolls at KOTO.

Every aspect has been considered and meticulously designed, from the gravel landscaping, to represent Lake Burley Griffin, to the authentic Japanese dining experience highlighting the country's traditions.

1 King George Terrace, Parkes

Lazy Su 

Lazy Su is a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine. Located on Canberra’s food strip, Lonsdale Street, this restaurant is Hello Kitty meets high-end cuisine.

With kimchi fried rice, five-spice duck pancakes and wagyu cheesesteak spring rolls, expect the unexpected at Lazy Su! 

1/9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon 

Raku Dining

In the heart of the city, stop in at Raku for a delicious lunch break or take your time with a leisurely dinner. Masters of the sushi blade, prepare to be amazed by perfect slices of sashimi when your platter is placed before you. More good news: their Japanese whiskey collection is off-the-charts-good. 

148 Bunda St, Canberra City 

Mu Omakase 

At Mu Omakase you’re seated at the counter and chefs serve a tasty degustation menu based on the freshest seasonal produce available that day. The sake menu is fantastic, and the interior is intimate and moody - perfect for date night. 

1 Constitution Avenue, Canberra City 

Tokyo Canteen

By day, Tokyo Canteen delights with a dynamic menu of modern Japanese cuisine, creatively infused to craft a flavourful experience.

As night falls, Tokyo Canteen morphs into a haven for ramen enthusiasts, offering meticulously crafted bowls. While obtaining a table during the limited evening hours can be challening, the reward is worth it.

38 Eyre Street, Kingston

Akiba 

Akiba is one of Canberra’s coolest dining destinations, with the lively restaurant taking inspiration from the food halls of East Asia.

Their famous kingfish sashimi, Japanese fried chicken, gyoza and ramen keep the people flocking, and the live fuel of wood and charcoal means the flavours are out of this world.

Order share plates for the table or indulge in larger plates for yourself, we won’t judge. 

40 Bunda Street, Canberra City 

INKA Canberra 

In the 1900s when the Japanese migrated to Peru, the cultures came together and birthed a new cuisine: Nikkei and INKA is Canberra's answer to this fun fusion cuisine. Expect Peruvian sashimi, maguro tataki, Nikkei ceviche and mouth-watering fusion eats. 

148 Bunda Street, Canberra City 

OMI 

There are many eateries dedicated to ramen, udon and sushi, but rarely in Australia will you stumble across a venue that specialises in Wagyu rice bowls.

OMI does, and the result is wonderful. Every element of the bowl is crafted to perfection from the beef to the salted egg yolk, the Japanese rice to the mentaiko. Welcome to your new addiction! 

Shop EG08, 84 Bunda Street, Canberra 

Iori Fine Japanese Dining 

Any true Canberran knows about Iori Japanese Restaurant, with this spot being as authentic as they come. Here, you can choose to dine seated on the ground (true Japanese style), at a table or by the sushi bar.

From fresh sashimi and seafood tempura to agedashi tofu and beef udon, Iori has nearly every Japanese dish you can think of. 

Sydney Building, 41 East Row, Canberra City 

Ramen O 

If you’re looking for the best ramen and gyoza in Canberra, head to Belconnen. Trust us - Ramen O is worth the trip. The tonkotsu style (pork bone) broth is based on the owner and head chef’s family recipe expertly made. What's more, the owner has worked in some of Australia’s best Japanese restaurants - including Nobu - so you know you're in for a treat. 

1F/54 Benjamin Way, Belconnen and G09/35 Furzer Street, Phillip

Once you've feasted at the best Japanese restaurants in Canberra, see a little more of the wonderful city! Check out the best markets in Canberra, or if you're after a tipple or two, check out the best bars in Canberra.