Their menu consists of mouthwatering dishes such as crispy pork and kimchi gyozas, kakiage prawns with mushroom and asparagus, and foie gras with grass-fed beef tenderloin splashed with yakiniku soy sauce. As a strong contender for the best sushi in Melbourne, Kisumé’s scallop nigiri and kingfish sashimi are an absolute must-try for anyone’s first visit. Upon walking through their doors, you’ll instantly be immersed in their fusion of fine dining, art and design. Surrounded by bold works from photographers including Nobuyoshi Araki and Polly Borland, their Chef’s Table and private Kuro dining room provide a contemporary experience that encapsulates the essence of traditional Japanese dining. Settle in for an evening of Japanese soul food from Shujinko Ramen.
Whether you’re after a quick bowl of ramen; a sublime omakase or kaiseki experience; a rowdy yakitori bar; or a boozy subterranean izakaya filled with sakes and rare whiskies, there’s a Japanese restaurant here for you. While owner-chef Kenji Ito clearly praises traditional Japanese cooking techniques, he often demonstrates a bold move beyond those highly finessed boundaries. Miso and coconut milk braised rabbit served with a marrow raviolo, seared scallop and preserved lemon. All these unconventional dishes have appeared on Sake the Wakenbo menu over the years, building up a fine reputation for harmonious crossings between Japanese and Western palates. Kisume has multiple dining experiences in the one venue, all tied together with the kind of classy, muted minimalism that perfectly communicates the no-fuss approach to fine food and even finer wine. The exquisite 18-course Chef’s Table experience is the heart of this offering, ever-evolving but always laser focused on expressing Japanese perfection by way of the freshest Australian seafood available.

Let Quandoo help you decide… For high-end, authentic sushi and an extraordinary dining experience check out Minamishima on Lord Street in Richmond. If you fancy cocktails and Japas in a cool setting, pay Hihou on Flinders Lane a visit, accessible only by a secret doorbell. For the best gyoza you’ll taste outside of Japan, head to Kumo Izakaya in East Brunswick. And for cheap and cheerful sushi that will fill you right up, you have to try Hinoki Japanese Pantry in Fitzroy.
Not only is the raw salmon inside the sushi but is also placed on top for double effect. Again the Gaijin spicy mayo is unique and brings a wonderful spicy dimension. Served with wasabi and ginger on the side, I loaded up on spice and heat and loved the experience.
A hand roll of Moreton Bay bug tempura is passed to each diner by the chef, in a gesture that breaks the fourth wall in a delicious fashion. Everything – the timing, the presentation, even the plates and vessels – is highly considered and breathtakingly beautiful. A large, colourful restaurant with a menu that touches on nearly every aspect of Japanese cuisine.

In every case, the produce is the main story, the restaurant its reverent stage. Delicate zensai , simple but beautiful sashimi and elegant desserts – perhaps yoghurt jelly dressed with Cointreau – are part of the parade. Whether you come in for lunch or dinner, you and your guests will experience a wide range of Japanese delicacies, in a comfortable and modern setting. Japanese Pantry offers a large selection of authentic Japanese ingredients, snacks, drinks and other food related products. As well as Japanese pantry basics such as mirin, soy sauce, dashi, we also stock unique Japanese ingredients sought after by chefs and gourmet home cooks alike.
Chef Kazuki Tsuya (formerly the Chef’s Hat awarded Kazuki’s Daylesford, now Sakana), and his partner Saori, transported Kazuki’s from its former home in Daylesford to Lygon St several years ago. Kazuki’s is based in the tradition of ‘Omotenashi’, which refers to an intuitive, kind and distinct Japanese approach to hospitality. The restaurant offers both a set tasting menu and à la carte menu , so whether you’re ravenous or curious is irrelevant—they’re both sure to satisfy. You can now get sushi, saké and some truly insane fusion food, right here in Melbourne. Everyone's got their favourite neighbourhood Japanese spot, but in our view, these are the best. As with all izakayas, the food menu is designed to pair well with drinks.

Acclaimed US designer Tony Chi created interiors at Koko that reproduce the soothing effects of a Japanese water garden. Step inside Koko and experience a divinely peaceful, refined atmosphere that allows you to sit back and appreciate the complex simplicity of the fine dishes. Experience the serene ambience created by internationally renowned designer, Tony Chi amidst the tranquil surrounds of a Japanese water garden at Crown’s signature teppanyaki restaurant, Koko. Tempura Hajime's Owner chef Shigeo has been a chef for over 25 years.
Delectable tastings of pickles and rice, miso soup and salad surround heroes like grilled fish or eggplant. Sandos and toasties round out the menu, along with matcha cupcakes and cheesecake. Drool over the full list of takeaway options on their website. Mr Miyagi is a playful and eclectic Japanese restaurant in Windsor that delivers on food savvy and brings loads of technique to the table. Mr Miyagi is appealing for all but is yr old heaven, with choice music, funky cuisine with a twist and chic wait staff traversing the floor attending a patronage of young and trendy.
And yet, Japanese remains one of Melbourne’s most widespread and popular cuisines, which says a lot about its unique appeal. There are numerous high-end restaurants where master sushi chefs expertly ply their craft with multi-course experiences in sleek surrounds, but the casual, mid-range category is where Melbourne really excels. Ceramic donabe rice cooker, everyday and close to our heart. Donabe ceramic pot invites ingredients are friend to share the happiness of home cooking. In line with current government restrictions, we will be serving takeaway, pickup and delivery until we get the all-clear to welcome you back into our home.

A basement on Russell Street seems like the perfect place to nibble on Japanese tapas-style dishes, right? The long bar and small tables lining the walls make it feel like a cocktail bar-cum-Japanese restaurant — but hey, we're not complaining about that. Some of the Den favourites include the den chicken, sweet corn kakiage, tuna tataki and the grilled pork belly. Or, for the cooler months, go for the udon and a glass of sake.
Their Head Chef and founder Shigeo Nonaka has achieved a long list of awards for Shoya, including winning Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne from 2006 to 2013 – which is a pretty good indicator of what to expect. Their menu features a constantly evolving selection of dishes and ingredients that push the boundaries and play with century-old techniques, delivering the purest and most delicate flavours. Consisting of three levels including a sushi bar, fine dining area and traditional tatami seating, Shoya on Market Lane is driven by their passion for delivering contemporary, authentic and traditional Japanese fine dining.

You’ve already seen its sibling Ichi Ni Na Na make the cut, but why not visit the whole family? If you dream of dining in an open sushi kitchen but can’t afford the flights, St Kilda’s Ichi Ni Izakaya might just be able to make that fantasy a reality. While it’s a little fancier than most—think traditional motifs and red cloth decorating the walls—it sticks with the traditional bar-snack approach, making it one of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne for a solo sushi session. Grab a stool, some chopsticks, and get ready for some of the freshest sashimi and crispest beers around.
Tokosan is more a casual fun style of Japanese dining, and has opened it's doors in Melbourne following the huge success of Toko in Surry Hills Sydney. The Prahran and South Yarra "creatives" are giving it the thumbs up. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to experience this modern stylish Japanese cuisine.