Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne for Sushi, Sake & Ramen

Melbourne is a city of international flavours, but one of our favourite cuisines has to be Japanese. Whether it’s a bustling ramen bar straight from Tokyo, a zen-filled café serving traditional breakfast or luxe fine diner slicing world-class sushi, we’ve got it all. If you can’t hop on a plane when your next craving hits, pull up a chair to one of these stellar Japanese restaurants – it’s the next best thing. So chopsticks at the ready, here’s our pick of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne.  

Warabi

Warabi is a modern Omakase Japanese restaurant seating a mere 37 diners each night.

The evolving fourteen-course menu explores rotating sashimi and nigiri dishes, with ingredients including tuna, flounder, prawn, and kingfish. Watch in awe as each nigiri and other types of Japanese dishes are made in front of you and delicately placed right on front of you.

Expect a contemporary food offering, delicious sake, and a full theatrical experience as you watch the chefs work their magic.

408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Izakaya Hosaku

Prepare for a premium sushi and sashimi experience right in the heart of Melbourne CBD at Izakaya Hosaku. Delight in fresh oysters from St Helens, Tasmania, topped with zesty yuzu verjus, and savour wagyu bone marrow fried rice alongside an endless selection of the freshest sashimi, all masterfully crafted by skilled chefs. This gem is one of our favourite under-the-radar dining spots in Melbourne.

Sitchu Tip: Don’t miss the incredible value honey teriyaki chicken lunch set, and elevate your experience with their signature matchatini for a delightful twist!

9 Katherine Place, Melbourne 

Komeyui

Having transitioned from Port Melbourne to a sleek, modern space in South Melbourne, Komeyui has truly established itself as a premier sushi destination. The restaurant boasts a stunning 12-seat counter, where guests can indulge in an exquisite eight-course omakase menu featuring the day’s finest nigiri, elegantly complemented by indulgent snacks like lobster sandos and steamed crab pudding. For those seeking a more casual experience, the à la carte menu is a treasure trove of beautifully fresh sashimi, sushi, and grilled meats, all paired with an impressive selection of sake.

181 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne

Tochi Deli

At Tochi Deli in Brunswick Market, a welcoming couple serves up some of the best ocean-fresh sushi and nigiri in Melbourne, all at wallet-friendly prices. While seasonal seafood takes centre stage—think yuzu-marinated scallops, tuna belly, kingfish, and salmon—the menu also features comforting delights like miso-salmon onigiri, agedashi tofu donburi, and warming curry udon. Don’t miss the delectable sushi rolls, including salmon tartare, miso eggplant, and teriyaki mushroom rolls. 

Brunswick Market, 655-661 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Moonfishh

For a premium seafood experience, run, don't walk to Moonfishh in Albert Park, where takeaway sushi reaches new heights! Master Sushi Chef Haru Sonobe, with years of experience at top restaurants, showcases traditional yet inventive creations using the finest responsibly sourced Australian and New Zealand seafood.

Each piece of sushi is hand-selected daily from the Melbourne Seafood Market, ensuring an unforgettable sensory experience. Plus, everything is served in eco-friendly packaging, making it a delicious choice you can feel good about. Don’t miss out—this is one of the must-visit Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. 

101 Bridport Street, Albert Park

Sushi Uokin

Elevating takeaway sushi to new heights, Sushi Uokin is led by a renowned Nobu Chef, offering exquisite sushi at surprisingly modest prices. The name ‘Uokin’ means "offering the best quality fish," and they deliver just that with large sharing platters of fresh sashimi and beautifully crafted Maki and Nigiri rolls. Don’t miss their signature roll, featuring fresh salmon, cooked prawns, and asparagus, all drizzled in a secret homemade sauce. With fantastic vegetarian and vegan options like spicy mushroom maki, there's something for everyone at this sushi hotspot.

639 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn

Kenzan

A longstanding institution, Kenzan is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne – they’ve been slicing market fish and pouring sake for almost 40 years now. The years haven’t dulled their knives or their exactingly high standard of sushi, served here as nigiri by the piece, in picture perfect maki rolls, chirashi bowls or beautifully arranged sushi and sashimi plates.

45 Collins Street, Melbourne 

Hinoki Japanese Pantry

If you’re looking at quality for value, some of Melbourne’s best sushi is found in an unassuming little Japanese grocery on Smith Street. Hinoki’s super fresh sushi counter spins out countless rolls, bentos and sushi platters each day, with selections that go beyond your run-of-the-mill salmon and avo. Their unconventional but extremely delicious creations include seared scallops with hollandaise sauce and a girthy futomaki roll stuffed with prawn, eel, pickled radish, gourd, shiitake mushroom, cucumber, omelette and codfish flakes.

279 Smith Street, Fitzroy

Aoi Tsuki

Dive into a seafood extravaganza at Aoi Tsuki, a charming 12-seater omakase gem nestled along bustling Punt Road in Toorak. This unassuming spot is anything but ordinary, thanks to two talented Korean chefs from top restaurants like Shoya and Nobu. Twice a night, they whip up 20 or more courses of exquisite Japanese dishes, featuring ocean delights like abalone, sea urchin, and melt-in-your-mouth bluefin tuna.

Don’t miss the theatrical blowtorched wagyu with shimmering foie gras that will leave you craving more. Pair your meal with a curated sake list or a refreshing yuzu sake cocktail. Aoi Tsuki is one of those Japanese restaurants in Melbourne that promises an unforgettable culinary adventure with every bite. 

384 Punt Road, South Yarra

Shusai Mijo

For an unforgettable Japanese fine dining experience, head to Shusai Mijo in Fitzroy, where Head Chef Jun Oya presents a captivating Kappo-style omakase. Watch as he crafts eight incredible courses right before your eyes, featuring a variety of sashimi and nigiri that will delight your taste buds.

Seasonal upgrades and a drinks package are available, allowing you to sip on exquisite pairings as you indulge in dishes like Sakizuke with persimmon, snow crab, and Tasmanian ocean trout, along with melt-in-your-mouth premium wagyu. Finish on a high note with a chestnut Mont Blanc and strawberry Sudachi sorbet.

256 Johnston Street, Fitzroy

Bansho 

Located in Armadale, Bansho beautifully combines Art Deco-inspired interiors with a menu that fuses French and Japanese cuisines. The name "Bansho," meaning "all-encompassing," reflects its commitment to culinary excellence.

Led by Executive Chef Tomotaka Ishizuka, known for his work at Ishizuka, Koko, and Kisume, the menu showcases traditional techniques and modern innovations. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of small bites and main courses, expertly crafted to highlight the best of both culinary traditions.

Bansho also features separate sushi and sashimi menus, alongside a thoughtfully curated drinks list of local wines, French selections, and Japanese sakes. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for unwinding.

Sitchu Tip: Their plant-based sushi offerings are a must-try!

960 High Street, Armadale

Minamishima

If you’ve got a pretty penny to spend, there’s arguably nowhere in Australia doing finer sushi than this luxe, intimate diner tucked away on a quiet Richmond street. Here, they only serve omakase, or ‘chef’s choice’, a daily changing procession of deftly sliced, shaped, torched and brushed nigiri, presented piece by piece. The knife skills of sushi master Koichi Minamishima have been honed for over 30 years, resulting in his ability to create tastes and textures in sushi you’re unlikely to forget. 

4 Lord Street, Richmond

Yakikami

For an unforgettable fine dining experience, treat your loved one to the premium Niku Kappo Wagyu Omakase at South Yarra's Yakikami. This 70-seat restaurant offers both a casual yakitori-style eatery and the exclusive, mood-lit Josper Room. With seating for just 10 guests, you'll witness culinary masters Koji and Soichi craft a 12-course wagyu degustation menu like no other in Melbourne. Each dish is expertly prepared, cooked, and explained at the counter-set dining table, ensuring an educational and exquisite experience. With its captivating ambience, extraordinary cuisine, and impeccable service, Yakikami is a Japanese dining experience you won't forget.

150 Toorak Road, South Yarra 

Leonie Upstairs

Leonie Upstairs is the new go-to Japanese restaurant in Melbourne, and it's perfect for catch-ups or no-brainer date nights over premium sake and artfully-crafted temaki sushi, balancing chill with charm. An unassuming entrance leads to a warm and cocooning space, all lounge-y sake bar vibes that provide an elevated and alternative feel to mid-week date nights. Expect an ‘omakase’ suite of twelve signature temaki sushi, or enjoy creating a do-it-yourself temaki set. Walk in for a relaxed bite, or linger for a more fine dining experience, steeped in sake and followed by something sweet. This reimagining of Japanese dining in Melbourne will have you coming back time and time again. 

Sitchu Tip: Don't forget to visit the equally impeccable Hareruya Pantry below, for bento boxes and hand-crafted gelato wrapped in mochi skin. You won't regret a trip to the sunny little spot!

Level 1, 15-17 Lincoln Square, Carlton

Kisumé

No one could ever accuse restaurateur Chris Lucas (Chin Chin, Grill Americano, Baby Pizza) of being unambitious. No where is this more apparent than at Kisume, a Japanese blockbuster that spans three levels of sleek, moody dining spaces. Each has its own vibe – the basement is a vibey casual diner with a hot kitchen while the street level sports a glowing sushi bar slicing some of the freshest fish in Melbourne. However, it’s the top floor that is Kisumé’s crown jewel. Here, just 12 seats are treated to a stunning succession of nigiri and delicate seasonal dishes that are the apex of both traditional technique and cutting-edge creativity.

175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Kazuki’s

Expertly melding Japanese flavours, French technique and Australian ingredients, Kazuki’s has carved out a unique place in Melbourne’s fine dining scene. Originally located in Daylesford, owners Saori and Kazuki Tsuya made the move to Carlton in late 2018. They brought with them unforgettable cooking that uses ponzu, kombu and miso in formats that range from pastas to pithiviers. The dining room radiates zen-filled comfort, while an extensive list of sakes and special occasion wines give cause to celebrate.

121 Lygon Street, Carlton

Ishizuka

High-end kaiseki dining comes to the city at Ishizuka, thanks to acclaimed Head Chef Shin Kato's sheer culinary brilliance. This is an ultra-exclusive, hidden basement Japanese restaurant in Melbourne. Seating just 16, all guests are served the 11-dish tasting menu in which luxe ingredients, exceptional technique, and art gallery-level plating shine in complex yet restrained dishes. Come here for a masterclass in Japanese perfectionism. 

139 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Akaiito

Akaiito on Flinders Lane is a bold entry into the upscale Japanese dining scene. Their contemporary menu features luxe ingredients like ootoro tartare and grilled glacier 51 toothfish treated with expert precision, while a private dining room offers an omakase experience for the most discerning of diners. The main room is awash in dark hues and black marble, but a glance above reveals a dramatic blood red sculpture – a curling figure meant to represent the thread of fate connecting destined lovers.

349-351 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Tempura Hajime

Hajime is Melbourne’s only restaurant specialising in the art of tempura – battered and fried morsels of food that are crisp yet airy light. The intimate, 12-seater counter restaurant serves a ‘chef’s choice’ menu that puts you in safe hands, with a daily changing selection that can include sweet potato, juicy corn, plump scallops and bouncy prawn all fried to perfection in front of you. The tempura courses are sandwiched between fresh sashimi, salad and appetisers to create a balanced meal that’s incredibly satisfying.

60 Park Street, South Melbourne

Sushi Baby

Sushi Baby is any pastel lover's dream. Combine the soft blue and pink hues with the vibrant food, hand-crafted to perfection, and you've entered paradise. Watch in awe as colourful plates of sushi rolls, sashimi and other plates are laid out in front of you, and savour every bite as the flavours dance on your tongue. You can't leave without trying the nori tacos - the salmon one is so fresh and tasty!

414 New Street, Brighton

279

You won’t find anywhere more calming and wholesome to have breakfast than Japanese café 279 in West Melbourne. This is a Japanese food experience to truly savour. Here they serve musubi, triangular rice balls wrapped in nori and served with a variety of toppings, which veer both traditional (pickled plum, shiso leaf, bonito flakes, salmon and cured cod roe) and modern (bacon, dukkah, or even smashed avo). The calm, minimalist space invokes instant relaxation, with considerate touches like hot hand towels and blankets making you feel at home. Pair your musubi with exactingly made coffee, customisable miso soup made to order and desserts like matcha tiramisu, mochi donuts and sesame ice cream parfait. 

279 Victoria Street, West Melbourne

ima Asa Yoru

A Japanese-inspired restaurant located in the Nightingale Village, in the heart of Brunswick, ima Asa Yoru is serving up traditional Japanese breakfast and lunch during the day (asa) and modern Izakaya dishes at night (yoru). All paired perfectly with sake, ice cold beer and jazzy tunes.

Attached is ima Pantry, a sustainably focused and Japanese inspired grocery store and takeaway café stocking a range of grocery essentials, local artisanal products and unique Japanese pantry items. They also do a takeaway offering here, which includes housemade baked goods, pastries, toasties, Japanese okazu and onigiri, coffee, matcha and much more.

1 Duckett Street, Brunswick

Papirica

This homey diner is a Smith Street sanctuary that’s popular with locals and a well-kept secret by everyone else. Undeniably of Melbourne’s finest Japanese restaurants, they’re known for their okonomiyaki, a Japanese savoury pancake packed with veg and drizzled with a cross-hatch of sauces. Papirica is run by a super-friendly Osaka expat who's always happy to guide you through the comforting menu of bowls, curries, sandwiches and cakes, with vegan options aplenty. You can even pick up some cute homewares to take home as a souvenir.

22 Smith Street, Collingwood  

Robata

This glitzy Japanese restaurant in Melbourne CBD captures the fun side of dining out. The menu is centered around robatayaki, a style of cooking in which different cuts of meat and vegetables are skewered, grilled over charcoal and paired with a dressing to enhance their flavours. Snacky and interactive, you’ll love washing down bite-sized pieces of pork belly, wagyu and chicken with Japanese beers and fruity cocktails.  Robata's venue seats over 100 guests, but the most sought after spots are at the kitchen bar, where you’ll get a close-up view of chefs working the grills.

2 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Yakimono

One of the most hyped openings of the past couple of years has been Yakimono, a futuristic Japanese grill restaurant from Chris Lucas (Chin Chin, Society). Decked out in neon lamps and iridescent glass walls, the two-storey venue evokes both Blade Runner 2049 and busy Shinjuku nights while serving an izakaya-inspired menu. The fiery open kitchen grills yakitori over charcoal to go with snacks like diced kingfish on shiso leaf and mini wagyu hotdogs, while the bar spins out bubble-tea cocktails and saké.

80 Collins Street, Melbourne

Yoku Ono Ramen + Sake

On hot summer days we make a beeline for Yoku Ono, where they make refreshing chilled ramens that won’t make you break out in a sweat. Noodles are soaked in broth to imbue them with flavour, then left to cool before being served with fresh tuna sashimi, miso scorched tofu or soft pork slices. Light, wholesome and delicious, they’re one of our top cravings during the warmer months, paired with crispy gyoza and pillowy bao.

6A Anchor Place, Prahran

Hakata Gensuke

This Japanese Melbourne institution is a steadfast shoo-in for the city’s best ramen, and their expansion into Hawthorn and Carlton hasn’t quelled the lines snaking out in front of their original CBD outpost each day.  Devotees wait patiently for bowls of their signature tonkotsu, a thick, collagen-rich pork bone soup cooked for hours to concentrate flavour. Served with springy thin noodles, tender pork chashu, wood ear mushrooms and spring onions, these are hefty bowls that’ll conquer even the most ravenous of hungers.

168 Russell Street, Melbourne

Mr Ramen San

Tucked away inside Bourke Street’s unassuming Midcity Arcade, this cosy ramen shop will transport you instantly to the alleyways of Tokyo. It’s a given that the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne are well versed in the world of ramen. And Mr Ramen San is the real deal. Vintage posters on the wall, Sapporo on tap and warm service aren’t the only authentically Japanese things about Mr Ramen San – the noodles here are the real deal. Made in-house daily, these thin, springy wheat noodles are the perfect vehicle for their silky, aromatic tonkotsu soups. Toppings range from miso-simmered beef to fresh seafood, and even vegans are looked after with a meat-free chashu.

12a/200 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Shop Ramen

This Inner-North hipster magnet has won the hearts of Melbourne’s ramen lovers with unconventional bowls spiked with everything from yuzu oil and melted cheese to hot jalapeños. In this vegetarian-friendly neck of the woods, it also stands to reason that their meatless ramen is a standout  – sunk in creamy sesame broth topped with a wholesome medley of tofu, kale, pickles, pea shoots, edamame and marinated egg. Shop Ramen is probably also the only ramen bar in Melbourne where you can order a boozy umeshu and whisky milkshake or finish your meal with a matcha ice cream pie. Now if that doesn’t win you over as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne, we don’t know what will!

329 Smith Street, Fitzroy

143 Plenty Road, Preston 

Hungry for more? It’s not just the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne that are currently curbing our food cravings. Be among the first to discover the best new restaurants in Melbourne, or feast on our guides to the best dumplings, pasta and pizza in town. If you’re feeling a little stuffed after all that, then dial it back to basics with these healthy dining spots.