Chopsticks Poised: The Best Japanese Restaurants in Perth

You don't need to travel far in Perth for a cultural fix or to indulge in Japan's refined flavours. Nor do you need to splurge at Nobu for some of the best Japanese food in Perth. From the freshest sushi to the best bowl of ramen, Perth has an array of excellent Japanese restaurants that offer an authentic and immersive Japanese dining experience. Irasshaimase!

Azabu 

Get your A5 Wagyu fix at newly-minted Azabu. That being said, Perth’s newest Japanese restaurant in Northbridge offers a refined dining experience that goes well beyond its exceptional graded beef, flown in directly from Japan. The menu is a celebration of premium Japanese cuisine, featuring a range of exquisite dishes like salmon, kingfish, and tuna sashimi, alongside delicate carpaccio and other delights. The expertly crafted cocktails—such as the cherry blossom-infused Innerbloom and the zesty Tokyo Mule—perfectly complement the flavours on offer. With its chic ambiance and a focus on quality, Azabu sets a new standard for Japanese dining in Perth. Book a table and savour the elegance of this standout destination.

153 James Street, Northbridge

James Parker Sushi & Sake

Say kon'nichiwa to James Parker Sushi & Sake, a contemporary sushi izakaya where tradition meets trend. This Japanese restaurant in Perth offers a vibrant dining experience that never misses a beat, tucked within a sophisticated dining room adorned with wooden accents, Dive into an array of exquisite hand rolls, noodles, and tempura dishes, crafted with the freshest ingredients to tantalise your taste buds.

Inspired by the essence of traditional Japanese dining, James Parker's menu is designed for sharing, ensuring each dish is served steadily to enhance your culinary journey. With a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional fare, it's a top pick for the best Japanese dining in the city.

2/182 James Street, Northbridge 

Swan Sushi

Swan Sushi, formerly Kou Sushi, charms diners daily (except Tuesdays) with its fresh seafood and authentic Japanese fare. Though small, it shines with standout dishes like velvety miso eggplant, crispy chicken karaage, and elegantly presented salmon and scallop shell. The grilled nigiri, sushi, and sashimi highlight top-quality seafood, while the unagi don delivers a savoury delight. Don't miss the Futomaki Big Roll and Grilled Spicy Salmon Roll—both generously packed with flavour. With dishes crafted with care, Swan Sushi is a must-visit in Perth.

Sitchu Tip: Arrive early as it operates on a walk-in-only basis to avoid long waits.

shop 6b/49 Great Eastern Highway, Rivervale 

Kiri

Kiri, once a modest takeaway in Shenton Park, has evolved into a charming dining haven under the guidance of a husband-and-wife team. Embracing their Kyoto heritage, the restaurant features minimalist, seasonally changing decor that reflects its origins.

Specialising in Kyoto cuisine, Kiri offers expertly sliced sashimi, sizzling seared wagyu with ponzu and soy, and delicately smoky fish from a Japanese grill. For a truly immersive experience, a traditional kaiseki degustation is available with prior notice.

While Kiri doesn't hold a liquor license, you’re welcome to bring your own sake. Alternatively, authentic green tea is served, complementing the refined menu. Kiri masterfully combines tradition with a modern Australian twist, providing a unique and elegant dining experience.

142 Onslow Road, Shenton Park

Bentori 

If you want impeccable Japanese in Perth, head to Victoria Park. This beautiful and worldly 'burb has a whole host of impressive Nippon eateries, and one that stands tall is Bentori. Be lured in by their traditional teishoku sets, hearty donburis (the unagi one is especially delicious), tenzaru soba and crispy tempura options.

The best part - it's an affordable dining option - and BYO too - with the most welcoming hospitality this side of Tokyo. 

257A Albany Highway, Victoria Park

Hinata Cafe 

Fremantle has a truly wonderful homage to Japanese kissatens in Hinata Cafe - offering up one of the finest expressions of a traditional Japanese breakfast (grilled fish, pickles, vegetables, soup and rice).

But that's not all. Did you know that Hinata also serves up dinner three days a week? Open Wednesday through Friday by reservation only, this 'sunny spot' transforms into an after dark ground zero for home-style omakase dishes that'll nourish from within. The gorgeous hospitality, cute and cosy aesthetic and ambient Japanese jazz tunes don't hurt, either. Make sure to try their shaved ice for dessert - we love their uji matcha and strawberry milk flavours. 

We recommend adding this spot to your breakfast and dinner bucket list ASAP. 

19 Blinco Street, Fremantle 

Nobu

It almost goes without saying that Perth’s Nobu is up there on any list of the best Japanese restaurants in Perth. It’s one of Perth’s priciest spots, but dining at Nobu is an experience in itself. On the menu is some of the freshest sashimi you’ll ever taste, and a must-try black cod with Den miso dish that has become a cult favourite. 

Crown Metropol Perth, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood

Sanco Japanese Cuisine

Another Japanese restaurant in Fremantle (this time worth it's weight in nigiri gold) is Sanco Japanese Cuisine. From luscious helpings of fatty tuna and wild bluefin nigiri to crayfish tempura with matcha salt, large sashimi plates of the day to Chef's selection (omakase), everything here is super fresh and expertly done. A true hidden gem - and criminally underrated in our books. 

2/19 Douro Road, South Fremantle 

Izakaya Sumi 

Step inside Claremont's Izakaya Sumi and prepare yourself for a tantalising array of hearty Japanese dishes made from high quality ingredients.

From their incredibly fresh sashimi and small share plates, to larger rice and noodle mains, there are plenty of options on offer to satisfy all of your cravings. It's also perfect for larger groups and family dinners - a casual dining space providing the ideal setting to unwind. Their selection of shochu and sake are also suitably adept for kicking the fun up a notch! 

Shop 5/53 Bay View Terrace, Claremont 

Kuza Urban Japanese 

This is the place to come for incredible Japanese fusion. Kuza's selection is mouthwatering; you can ask the wonderful staff to take you through the menu - all their recommendations will have you well taken care of. Still, must-try dishes include the stunningly presented assorted sashimi, the wagyu beef tataki, oyster shots, truffle chirashi roll, karaage chicken and eggplant misoyaki

Kick off your evening festivities mingling over one of their signature craft cocktails or over the extensive range of sake, soaking in the ambience. Fresh, bold and fun - this Japanese restaurant in Perth is also a winner for your next date night. 

393 Albany Highway, Victoria Park

Katzu Katzu 

Another Victoria Park favourite is Katzu Katzu - and they're bringing Japanese soul food to your plate with their hearty array of tonkatsu. This humble dish has been taken to a new level of greatness thanks to the former Nobu chef operating out of this cosy 32-seat dining room. Chef Sean Hong is working with heritage breed pigs and house-made panko to create fried pork cutlets of a higher order, you'll be able to indulge in the finest Japanese pork cutlet in Perth at Katzu Katzu. 

Chicken, prawn and corn katsu also queue up anticipatorily on the menu, simply begging to be ordered. 

Easily the most comforting Japanese restaurant in Perth - but with high-quality leanings that will send your tastebuds direct to nirvana. 

Sitchu Tip: Try the mega 5cm thick katsudon for a unique dining experience - and the umami fries are a must for sides. 

861 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park 

Marumo 

The epitome of exclusive dining in Perth, a table at Marumo is a hot commodity.  Bookings open for this restaurant for one day every few months and sell out fast. If you’re lucky enough to score a table, you’re in for an unbelievably delicious, seasonal seven-course Omakase (Chef’s Selection) menu Japanese feast. 

22/145 Stirling Highway, Nedlands

Super Tetsudo

There’s usually a line out the front of a Super Tetsudo, and for good reason. This restaurant chain is dishing up some of the best and most affordable Japanese food in Perth, from its bountiful sushi train to the fresh and delicious made-to-order options, like Japanese tacos, gyoza and nigiri. And these guys have just opened a new ramen spot in Karrinyup, called Super Souper Ramen. Keep your eye out for the robot waitstaff! 

Carousel, Claremont and Karrinyup

Nine Japanese Bistro

By blending Japanese tradition with Australian flair, Nine Japanese Bistro challenges expectations while earning its reputation as one of Perth's most understated fine-dining experiences. With a menu evolving with the seasons, the seafood is as fresh as the menu is eclectic, namely the angel hair pasta with mixed mushroom, spiced seaweed and shiso soy, which has remained a steadfast crowd-pleaser since its opening in 2003, under the Nine Fine Food name.

Special occasions demand the six-course Omakase degustation with paired wines. The Tokutoku or Osusume degustations will certainly solve any decision-making dilemmas leaving you and your honey to swoon over the pretty dishes and each other in this intimate bistro.

227 Bulwer Street, Highgate

Ha-Lu Japanese Tapas

Since sharing is caring at Ha-Lu, begin your culinary journey by awakening your taste buds with lotus root chips, edamame with a hint of yuzu citrus and a specialty Aragoshi Momo Shu sake. Then delve into the tempting tapas with unbridled abandon, such as Ha-Lu's legendary Wagyu beef tataki, gyozas, sashimi, grilled duck with Madeira sauce and slow-cooked pork belly.

It's as though you've been given permission to indulge with minimal guilt since everything is so fresh and well-priced at this Mt Hawthorn favourite.

Shop 4, 401 Oxford Street, Mt Hawthorn

Furaibo Perth

Famed for their izakaya, the Japanese version of tapas, Furaibo serves over 100 dishes designed for sharing. While you can't go wrong with a sashimi platter, our picks include the signature tebasaki fried chicken cooked in a secret recipe. Their yakitori sticks include the finest Wagyu, pork belly, prawns or scallops cooked on temperatures reaching 1000° over Binchotan Charcoal imported from Japan's Wakayama prefecture.

Located in the same grand building as the refurbished Royal Hotel built in 1882 on the corner of William and Wellington streets, we suggest heading to the balcony with a cocktail in one hand and chopsticks in the other to spy on the fray below.

Raine Square, 300 Murray Street, Perth

Tosaka

If you've been wondering where to get your fix of authentic ramen in Perth, fear not. Nestled on Northbridge's bustling William Street, Tosaka will directly transport to the streets of Kyoto, with their exceptional tori paiten ramen and bowls of heaving donburi. 

You and everyone else in the know are really here for the tori paiten though. This deep, rich chicken broth is simmered for 10 hours and whipped into a foamy, creamy white cloud. It's light, but packing some serious punch. Perfectly chewy noodles, greens and silky chicken chashu complete this steaming, beautiful bowl of goodness. Add extra toppings if you like, with slow-roasted black garlic, spicy chilli shrimp sauce, corn, butter and soy-seasoned eggs on offer. 

The space itself is casual, brick-lined and permanently buzzy, with cheerful service. If you're lucky enough you'll be able to nab one of the cosy wooden booths for your next easy weeknight date night. Peruse over the sake list together, order up a side of chicken gyozas and then its all happy slurping. 

305 William Street, Northbridge 

Hiss & Smoke

Follow the smoke to Yagan Square and discover a delectable world of teppanyaki and yakitori style Japanese dining at Hiss & Smoke. It's a go-to Japanese restaurant in Perth for many, with locals flocking in for fiery baby squid and kimchi okonomiyaki, deep-fried Coral prawns with smoked paprika, Agedashi tofu and luxurious wagyu tataki with truffle butter cream, plus regular weekend specials like King George whiting sashimi. We also recommend going for the Chef's Selection of 10 skewers from the yakitori menu; trust us, you'll want to try them all. 

Yagan Square, Perth

Main Street Ryu Japanese Food X Liquor

You could certainly opt for the izakaya at this busy inner-city restaurant, or you could channel your inner warrior with the extra spicy Volcano Ramen with seafood or the sweat-inducing Tempura Black Crab. Less adventurous diners might prefer the subtle salmon belly tartare served in a nori taco, kingfish carpaccio and the decadent miso toothfish. This lively venue beckons a group of pals to indulge in the Feed Me menu over Spiced Ninja cocktails or cooling Asahi beers.

83 Barrack Street, Perth

Ekiben

Make your way to Ekiben for a seriously authentic Japanese dining experience. The casual vibes will certainly draw you in further, as will weekend only specials that include some of the freshest plates of sashimi around. It's also a cracking spot for a low-key bento box lunch, and we love their tempura vegetables (the pumpkin is a must), unagi toast and katsu sandwiches. It's one of our favourite casual Japanese restaurants in Perth. 

58 Angove Street, North Perth 

Suisen

You know a suburban favourite is good when it's been open for longer than anyone can remember in an inconspicuous location that mostly only the locals know about. It's time this tiny family-run restaurant was celebrated for its ramen, Japanese curry, donburi and sashimi.

Apart from a few offerings, everything else at Suisen is made fresh to order and the generous servings are excellent value with most dishes under $20. As the weather cools, this cosy spot is guaranteed to warm the soul whether you dine in or take away on handcrafted ramen to slurp on in the privacy of your own home.

8/57 Old Perth Road, Bassendean

Still hungry after checking out the best Japanese restaurants in Perth? Check out our edit of the best sandwiches in Perth, then take a peek at our deep dive into Perth's best seafood restaurants.