The Best Japanese Restaurants in Canberra

Sometimes all life calls for is a really good bowl of miso soup and donburi. And an all-you-can-eat sushi train. And ramen. Really, any excuse will do when it comes to Japanese food. Our national capital may be a small city, but it packs a punch when it comes to options. We've got plenty of Italian and loads of Mexican joints but today it is all about Japanese. Read on for the best Japanese restaurants Canberra has to offer. 

Lazy Su 

Lazy Su is another modern take on Japanese cooking. Located on Canberra’s foodie strip, Lonsdale Street, this restaurant is Hello Kitty meets high-end cuisine. With dishes such as kimchi fried rice, tea-smoked duck pancakes and wagyu cheesesteak spring rolls, expect the unexpected at Lazy Su! 

1/9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon 

Raku 

For some serious Insta-worthy food photos visit Raku. Chef Hao Chen is a master with the sushi blade, which is evident when your food is placed before you. Located in the heart of the city, stop in at Raku for a cheeky lunch break or take your time with a leisurely dinner. More good news: their Japanese whiskey collection is off the charts good. 

148 Bunda Street, Canberra City 

Mu Omakase 

Mu Omakase is a newcomer to Canberra’s fine dining scene and is already gaining a solid rep as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Canberra. Here, you’re seated at the counter and chefs serve up a very tasty degustation menu based on whatever’s freshest and in season that day. The sake menu is also fantastic and the interior is intimate and moody. 

1 Constitution Avenue, Canberra City 

Akiba 

Akiba is one of Canberra’s coolest dining destinations. Their famous kingfish sashimi, Japanese fried chicken, gyoza and ramen keep the people flocking. Get a bunch of share plates for the table or indulge in larger plates for yourself (we won’t judge). Their drinks menu is extensive and their cocktails are to die for. 

40 Bunda Street, Canberra City 

INKA Canberra 

INKA, a Japanese/Peruvian fusion restaurant, is one of the newest additions to Canberra's Japanese dining scene. In the 1900s when the Japanese migrated to Peru, the cultures came together and birthed a new cuisine: Nikkei. INKA encompasses just that within the walls of its stunning restaurant. Expect to find dishes like Peruvian sashimi, maguro tataki, Nikkei ceviche and a range of other mouth-watering fusion eats. 

148 Bunda Street, Canberra City 

OMI 

There are plenty of restaurants dedicated to ramen, udon and sushi, but rarely in Australia will you stumble across a venue that specialises in Wagyu rice bowls. OMI does just that and the result is some kind of 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. This Japanese restaurant is as authentic as they come. You can choose to dine seated on the ground (true Japanese style) or sit up at the sushi bar or tables. 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 in Canberra, you’ll have to head out to Belconnen. Ramen O is definitely worth the trip, though; here, the ramen is nothing short of spectacular. The tonkotsu-style (pork bone) broth is based on the owner and head chef’s family recipe and everything is expertly made – the owner also worked in some of Australia’s best Japanese restaurants, including Nobu. If you’re Southside, make sure to visit the new Woden venue. 

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

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