Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne 2023
Japanese food is one of the most popular cuisines in Melbourne. Here are our best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne.
Kisume - Flinders Lane CBD
Kisume means pure obsession with beauty and it's the whole package that impresses; indeed it's world class. We have enjoyed one soiree here and look forward to many more. A game changer in Flinders Lane. Iconic Chris Lucas has produced a distinctive restaurant different to Chin Chin et al, brimming with style and class overdrive. Kisume is a contemporary Japanese dining experience on the ground and basement levels, but its the Table at Kisume that steals the show on the first floor, a unique omakase-style dining experience seating just 12, two private dining rooms with a similar bespoke offering, plus the Chablis Bar, the first such bar in Australia. Table at Kisume is an exclusive experience of Japanese food and ambience at its best.
A touch of class.
We love the lunch Bento Boxes; out of this world. The foie gras option was a luxe touch of indulgence.
One top Australian critic told me this was the best sashimi he had ever tasted in the world. Guests can enjoy dishes that draw on the purity and exacting nature of Japanese food but are uniquely Australian (nearly 100 per cent of the menu features produce from Australia and New Zealand). Seafood is, of course, a highlight.
Robata Melbourne - Exhibition St
Japanese food delivered in a vibrant setting with a touch of eccentricity. Robata hits the high notes with its Yakitori including Chicken Meatball with cured yolk "must order" dish and the Wagyu Yakitori. Another highlight is the Seared Salmon. Mains excel including the Mount Macedon Cornfed Duck, and the cocktail game is strong including the spicy Kara-Garita.
Ishizuka - Bourke St CBD
Ishizuka Japanese kaiseki restaurant beautifully ties together design and the dining experience and features a kaiseki style of dining. The menu is top notch and is constantly evolving bringing in seasonality and access to the finest of produce.
The ultimate bento box? You can enjoy this limited edition (at time of writing) bento box using the freshest ingredients at home!
There's an intimacy about Ishizuka as it only serves 16 diners at night. A basement restaurant that is somehow conservative and radical at once. Even before entering the dining room, Ishizuka’s sense of place and occasion come to the fore with a large backlit lantern egg greeting diners, sweeping them in and signalling the narrative about to unfold. The interior is epic but muted, dignified, almost filmic, suffusing the restaurant with texture, tone and a sense of mystery.
One of Melbourne's best restaurants, let alone best Japanese restaurants.
Bincho Boss - CBD
Bincho Boss is a fabulous casual style Japanese izakaya restaurant that brings innovation and flair without the high end prices.
Tasty Smoked duck breast was delicious melt in your mouth, a feature of the Bincho concept, enhanced with an exceptional sauce.
Multi award-winning Executive Chef, Tomotaka Ishizuka and Head Chef, Keiji Ishida are the bosses of the kitchen. Both were previously at Kisume, so they bring a wealth of Japanese knowledge and authenticity to Bincho Boss. With this sort of pedigree it's no wonder the menu hits the high notes. The bincho factor comes into play in that a bincho is about grilling over high quality charcoal in their earthen konro grill.
Salmon sashimi is super fresh and a compelling dish.
Turkey meatballs were an unexpected highlight, perfect with sake.
Sreamed prawn dumplings were delicate and burst with flavour.
The highlight for me is the Salt crusted wagyu which comes with a touch of theatre as the crust is broken before you at the table. Melt in your mouth wagyu.
Bincho Boss is an absolute gem and one of the best Japanese dining experiences in Melbourne.
Sake - St Kilda Rd Southbank
Saké Restaurant & Bar has been a favourite in Southbank. The World Loves Melbourne has enjoyed fine meals at Sake in both Melbourne and Sydney. Check out our Best Sushi in Melbourne. We enjoy the vibe in the Flinders Lane restaurant; modern Japanese cuisine in a modern atmospheric environment.
An icon that brings fine Japanese dining with a sake bar, cocktails and creatibe banquet menus.
Authentic Japanese with a touch of style.
Supernormal - CBD
Supernormal delivers when it comes to entertaining your international guests, in ticking all the boxes. We visited Supernormal on a Saturday night with our Canadian friends and expectations were exceeded. Check out our Best Restaurants in Melbourne.
Supernormal is about Andrew McConnells favourite dishes from trips to Asia, notably Shanghai and Hong Kong. The menu is set up well for groups - just share dishes from small to large offerings and you can cover a lot of ground. Start with the Raw bar and the Snacks and appetisers. The Tuna, ponzu & tagarashi above was a killer start with clean fresh flavours.
We were keen to try out a broad spectrum of the menu and should have gone for the great value set menu, but we opted to choose our own dishes, ordering several of each proving more expensive. Kimchi, cabbage & radish was a satisfying journey into kimchi. My mother in law is fastidious about kimchi having travelled much to Asia and won't rave unless she has to. Thumbs up were given to this tantalising appetiser.
Supernormal boasts a raw bar, a cool concept in itself. Smoked beef, mustard leaf, clam mayonaisse was a triumph of taste and texture with cream, crunch and silky beef. By now our Canadian friends and my mother in law were impressed with the class and broad taste profile at Supernormal. Andrew McConnell translates his Asian adventures into this one great culinary adventure at Supernormal.
The famous New England Lobster Roll could not be denied so we ordered several of these. Generous portion of lobster and a killer sauce and sweet brioche, is a cacophony of flavour. Andrew McConells take on this New York snack was developed for his Golden Fields restaurant in St Kilda (now Luxembourg) and he sold 60,000 of them there. And he says he's sold 18,000 more of them since opening Supernormal. Chart topper dish.
Supernormal served up rewarding Prawn and chicken dumplings, chilli and vinegar sauce, with 6 in a serving. The skin was slightly sticky and the fillings first class. The chilli and vinegar sauce is a must, and I found myself spooning sauce all over the dumplings.
Supernormal has picked up on some trends in Melbourne, bringing its own twist. What I love is that it's a unique offering in Melbourne, not a copy of another, or indeed predictable. This is exciting modern food built on traditional roots and stories. Fried chicken has been a Melbourne obsession and Supernormal served up a teriffic compelling rendition.
Supernormal largely caters for shared dining and the Slow cooked Szechuan lamb, spring onion pancake, coriander paste was a highlight. The slow cooked lamb was delectable but it was the sauce that arrested attention. And we love a good spring onion pancake.
The ambience at Supernormal is of a buzzing restaurant with an element of quirk. This is not an ostentatious fit out by any means. Almost a sophisticated cafeteria feel about it. The bar is sleek and modern and the tables pleasant enough, but the ceiling and pillars suggest a once humbler setting. Exposed brick and polished concrete floor. Can we call it semi industrial?
Supernormal has been captivating since it opened. Next time we might launch into a few numbers in the downstairs karaoke bar. Highly recommended.
Minamishima - Richmond
Minamishima is about sushi fine dining, with a set menu to show you what the chef can do... Sushi is showcased with delicacy and skill of a master.
At the heart of the omakase offering from sushi master Koichi Minamishima lies not only 25 years of experience, but also an increasingly rare culinary art form. The World Loves Melbourne loves the goal - to fill each diner with joy through the art form of sushi.
Tucked down a one-way street in Richmond is Minamishima, the most intimate Japanese dining experience in Melbourne. Omakase involves placing faith in the integrity of the chef. There is no a la carte menu; this is a journey through a progression of courses with the utmost focus on texture, balance and appearance – as decided by the chef.
Minamishima's omakase is produce-driven, focusing on raw ingredients as they come into season. There are two dining options. At the sushi bar a seasonal entree is served to whet the appetite, followed by sushi presented to the diner one piece at a time. Broth and a traditional dessert follow.
In the dining room and private area that can accommodate up to eight people, the focus extends to the cooking method, from steamed through to grilled. Sushi is also presented but in harmonious groupings, via traditional table service. Sake and wine pairings are also available.
Mr RYU - Balaclava
Mr RYU is impressive with its high quality and affordable Japanese cuisine in Balaclava. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to experience an "omasake" selection of dishes including the lunch set box Teishoku. Mr RYU is located in a busy strip of Carlisle Street in Balaclava, a well known foodie precinct. We feel Mr RYU stands out with a touch of class and one of the best value for money options in Melbourne.
Tacos dreams at Mr RYU with two kinds of delicious tacos; Spicy tuna taco and a Prawn nori taco.
A highlight of the Teishoku was the fresh quality Salmon sashimi, as well as tender Chicken katsu with obvious high quality cut of chicken, tangy Miso soup, refreshing pickled daikon, generous bowl of rice, a surprise element of Onsen egg cooked at 65 degrees, and finally a superb a sexy Green tea panna cotta.
Japanese gyoza are plump, juicy and delicious at Mr RYU.
Pork katsu sando is a standout, and one of the best in Melbourne. Bread crumbed and a generous 200g pork loin cooked to perfection, with tang of mustard and BBQ sauce, this is a superb dish for a reasonable price. The thick pork loin has a good amount of fat and is juicy, perfect against the soft white bread.
A joyous Japanese dining experience at excellent prices.
Gaijin Japanese Fusion - South Yarra
Gaijin Japanese Fusion is a popular affordable Japanese restaurant in South Yarra that is full of soul and character and impresses with its playful top notch cuisine. Gaijin serves up Japansese cuisine with a twist. The World Loves Melbourne was invited to sample the menu, particularly six standout dishes that have stood the test of time.
The word "gaijin" means "outsider" or "foreigner" - we wondered if this applies to the fusion cuisine. In any case Gaijin is open for dinner seven days a week, and is developing a presence in the CBD serving lunch.
The menu is extensive at Gaijin, at times playful with the fusion, and is unique in Melbourne. Try to find a list of places that are Japanese fusion (I can only think of a few). Gaijin shows flair and is happy to bring on the spice, with several dishes featuring its own spicy mayo. Gaijin also offers an "all you can eat" special from Monday to Thurday that has proved popular, featuring sushi and sashimi.
Sushi is king at Gaijin. Gaijin impresses with the Big Bang dish, surprising due to the level of fusion, featuring crab stick enoki mushroom and cream cheese rolled in salmon slice then baked with spiced mayo. This dish was one of my favourites of the night. The inclusion of cream cheese was unusual but worked wonderfully. The balance of flavours is perfect with a hit of mushroom and salmon and the cream cheese bringing it together. The spicy mayo sets the dish off. A stunner.
Quality of produce is top notch and it won't break the bank.
Gaijin is one of the few restaurants I know with a relatively low staff turnover and consistency in the kitchen and in service. These chefs have been with the restaurant for several years and its given Gaijin some excellent momentum. The locals love this place and Gaijin often satisfies requests for functions, celebrations and even baby showers!
Gaijin continued with the crunch and the spice with the Crunchy spicy salmon special. 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. I could really get into this crunchy theme.
Gaijin is an attrative restaurant that is welcoming with warm colours and minimalist decor including select artwork, gold curtains at tables by the window, and a Hello Kitty doll. At night the ambience is intimate with candles.
Gaijin is a restaurant we fell in love with and is a fun excellent dining experience at affordable prices. Highly recommended.
Nobu - Crown
Ok so it's been a little while since I've visited Nobu in Crown. Come here to experience the influence of the legendary master chef Nobuyaki Matsuhisa. The World Loves Melbourne visited Nobu for a special dinner wanting to impress interstate visitors, and we were amazed by the coming together of Peruvian and Japanese fusion. We know there are other Nobu establishments elsewhere in the world, and The World Loves Melbourne was taken by the one in Dubai. Robert De Niro connections are impressive. Although many celebs are to be seen here...
So you walk down the stairs into an ambience of sophistication, the fit out here is lavish and well appointed. And you are met by a super chic waiter who escorts you to your table…
For first timers it takes a few minutes to work out the menu - don't let fusion become "confusion"! Amid the general noise in the place you need to listen very carefully to your waiter who will explain the state of play. We enjoy the ambience and whole backlit thing going on... Mood lighting impressed our interstate guests – there's a great sense of occasion here. (Photo above and below courtesy of website).
The World Loves Melbourne is a big fan of the signature black cod miso, cod that has been prepared for days, marinated, and glazed with miso. A tender amazing dish. The wagyu rib eye with red pepper miso, ponzuy and anticucho sauces, also packed a punch and was happily shared.
Then for dessert the amazing bento box action with the gold leaf featured a superb Hot chocolate fondant! With the killer combination of yummy green tea icecream! The flavours work incredibly together with the sweetness of the fondue and the balancing green tea, which is not overly sweet. Had to take a photo with my smartphone (sorry, the lighting is ultra dim). Presentation at Nobu is second to none... We enjoyed perfect food and company in a sensational restaurant, albeit it will make demands on your wallet.
Izakaya Den - CBD
Japanese sensation in a basement. Open for lunch and dinner Izakaya Den is a cool uber chic dining experience. The concept of a izakaya is like a Japanese tavern with small meals to enjoy with drinks.
So I journeyed down the stairs to the basement and came upon a non-descript door with a curtain across it… Aha! This was like an episode of Lord of the Rings – would I stumble upon this treasure of a restaurant? After a while I made out the word “DEN” on the door and knew I had arrived!
I then walked in to the most amazing chic cool place in Melbourne. Long and narrow, dimly lit with cool décor and a long bar. Admire the benches and tables. Cool to have the menu projected on the wall. Enjoy the chefs doing their masterful work in the open kitchen.
While sitting there eating I was enjoying the ambience of Izakaya Den. The place was buzzing on a weekday evening. We love the "counter culture" concept with sushi featured on occasion, with skillful Executive Chef Kentaro.
Kenzan - CBD
Kenzan is a super popular lunch destination for professionals on Collins St, an icon since 1982. Come here for the spider sushi featuring sumptuous soft shell crab. Imbibe fresh sushi from the sushi bar or at the tables. If you have the opportunity order the large sushi and sashimi platter, in the conversation as one of the best in Melbourne.
The name for the restaurant has been chosen to honour the renowned Edo period potter, Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743).
Mr Miyagi - Windsor
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 18-35 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. Mr Miyagi hums and sings. It needs to be understood for what it is - that is turning formal Japanese dining on its head and serving Japanese cuisine with a twist. The World Loves Melbourne was invited as guests of Mr Miyagi to sample its dinner menu with some new options. We enjoyed the new shared dishes presented artistically and full of flavour, technique and concern for texture and balance. After establishing itself Mr Miyagi still has its mojo, and is in fact ever evolving.
The vibe here is perfect for that catch up or romantic soiree. Pop art, even a splash of neon, exposed brick walls, chic ceiling, sexy booths, polished cement floor, and long bar and naked bulbs, make Mr Miyagi fashionable. Even on a Wednesday night Mr Miyagi swings. Of course we remember Mr Miyagi from the Karate Kid movies, bringing his sage like wisdom to the younger generation.
Mr Miyagi brings the colour and vibrancy to your evening, with a touch of theatre. Spider Crab Taco is spectacular.
The Sashimi and sushi combo will blow your mindset of sashimi merely presented on a plate - with this spectacular offering featuring spherical ice, flashing lights and a broad range of sashimi including Kingfish, King George Whiting, Salmon, Blow torched Wagyu, Calamari and Fish Cakes to name a few. Of course served with wasabi and delightful pickled ginger. Again this was a play on textures and flavours.
A showstopper is the Nori Tacos. This was revolutionary. Grilled salmon belly, vinegar rice, spicy nappa cabbage, Japanese mayo and chilli oil. The combination of tastes and textures is compelling, and presentation spectacular. For us this was a great rendition of a fish taco, with technique and flair. With a hint of chilli these tacos have a bit of kick...