The 7 Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne

Melbourne has earned a reputation as a culinary haven, and its vibrant dining scene includes an impressive array of Japanese restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. Whether you’re craving expertly crafted sushi, sizzling teppanyaki, hearty ramen, or delicate kaiseki, the city’s Japanese eateries offer an immersive experience blending tradition and innovation. In this guide, we’ll explore the 7 best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne, showcasing establishments where you can indulge in authentic flavors, artistic presentations, and unforgettable ambiance. From quick bites to fine dining experiences, these restaurants promise to delight your senses while accommodating diverse preferences and price points.

Authentic sushi and sashimi crafted by skilled chefs.
Interactive teppanyaki experiences with live cooking stations.
Rich and comforting bowls of ramen with customizable toppings.
Traditional multi-course kaiseki menus for special occasions.
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options inspired by Japanese cuisine.
Pairing menus featuring sake, Japanese whisky, and craft beers.
Seasonal dishes showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Price range: Casual dining ($15-$40 per person) to fine dining ($100+ per person).
Services such as takeaway, delivery, and private dining options.

1. Superhiro
2. Don Don Francis St
3. Momo Sukiyaki & Shabu Shabu

4. Kenzan Japanese Restaurant
5. Omi Group
6. Ishiya Japanese Stonegrill
7. Dohtonbori

Number of companies

5578

Verified reviews

4,43

Average rating

Contact

1. Superhiro

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,0/5

211-213 Swanston St, 3000, Melbourne

Japanese restaurant

Why we chose them

SUPERHIRO is a cozy Japanese restaurant celebrated for its flavorful and authentic Japanese cuisine. Nestled in Melbourne, this snug venue offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for casual dining or special gatherings. With a menu curated to deliver a delightful taste of Japan, the restaurant invites guests to indulge in its carefully crafted dishes. Walk-ins are always welcome, ensuring an accessible and hassle-free dining experience, and reservations can be made for those planning ahead.

Open seven days a week, SUPERHIRO prides itself on delivering exceptional service and high-quality fare. The restaurant also provides convenient delivery options through popular apps, catering to those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home. Its commitment to authenticity and attention to detail makes it a standout choice for anyone craving Japanese flavors in a cozy setting. Whether dining in or ordering out, this venue promises a memorable experience for food enthusiasts.

Contact

2. Don Don Francis St

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,5/5

2 Francis St, 3000, Melbourne

Japanese restaurant
Restaurant

Why we chose them

Don Don Francis St. stands out as a Japanese restaurant offering a delightful mix of authentic flavors and efficiency. With over six years of experience, the establishment has honed its ability to serve a variety of delicious dishes that cater to the daily nutritional needs of its customers. Known for its affordable pricing and short waiting times, this unfussy venue has mastered the balance between quality and convenience, making it a go-to spot for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts.

Committed to creating an enjoyable dining experience, Don Don Francis St. continues to prioritize customer satisfaction by focusing on the essentials: great food, quick service, and an inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re craving classic Japanese dishes or looking for a quick yet fulfilling meal, this restaurant ensures every visit is a memorable one. Their years of expertise and dedication to meeting customer needs make them a valuable addition to our directory.

Contact

3. Momo Sukiyaki & Shabu Shabu

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,3/5

115 Little Bourke St, 3000, Melbourne

Japanese restaurant
Hot pot restaurant
Restaurant
Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu restaurant
Shabu
shabu restaurant
Steamboat restaurant
Sukiyaki restaurant

Why we chose them

Momo Sukiyaki & Shabu Shabu is an authentic Japanese hot pot restaurant in Melbourne, offering a unique and interactive dining experience. Specializing in traditional Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu, the restaurant serves a large pot of flavorful broth accompanied by premium ingredients such as thinly sliced A5 Wagyu beef, pork, fresh seafood, and assorted vegetables. Diners can cook these ingredients at the table and enhance their meal with customized dipping sauces for an unforgettable culinary adventure. The distinction between Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu lies in their broths; Sukiyaki features a sweet, thick soy-based consistency, while Shabu Shabu offers a lighter, savory profile that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Known for its cozy and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant provides a luxurious dining experience with an all-you-can-eat menu that showcases authentic Japanese flavors. Perfect for sharing with friends or family, guests can indulge in premium Wagyu, fresh seafood, and traditional hot pot dishes. By combining high-quality ingredients, personalized sauces, and a hands-on approach to cooking, this establishment stands out as a must-visit destination for lovers of Japanese cuisine and hot pot dining. Its unique offerings make it a prime addition to our directory, highlighting its dedication to authentic flavors and memorable shared experiences.

Contact

4. Kenzan Japanese Restaurant

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,6/5

Shop 54-55/56 Flinders Ln, 3000, Melbourne

Japanese restaurant

Why we chose them

Kenzan Japanese Restaurant has been a cornerstone of authentic Japanese dining in Melbourne since 1981, offering an exceptional culinary experience in the heart of the city’s CBD. Known for its dedication to traditional cooking methods, this establishment provides an expansive dining area, including a welcoming sushi bar and elegant Japanese tatami rooms for private gatherings. With a menu that features exquisite sushi, sashimi, and an extensive a la carte selection, diners can enjoy a genuine taste of Japan complemented by a thoughtfully curated selection of wine, sake, and other beverages. The restaurant’s warm ambiance and attentive staff ensure a memorable dining experience for business professionals, families, and locals alike.

At the core of the restaurant’s success is a team of eight highly skilled Japanese chefs, led by a master head chef with decades of experience in both Japan and Australia. Known for their meticulous attention to detail, the chefs prioritize the use of the freshest premium ingredients, ensuring every dish is crafted to perfection. Signature offerings include traditional lunch sets, sushi, sashimi combinations, and specialty dishes like Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu, which are prepared tableside. Whether dining in or placing a takeaway order, patrons can expect excellence in every aspect of their meal, making this restaurant a standout choice for those seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Contact

5. Omi Group

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,4/5

L01 Shop149A, Cnr La Trobe and, Swanston St, 3000, Melbourne

Japanese restaurant

Why we chose them

OMI Melbourne Central offers a distinctive Japanese dining experience in the heart of Melbourne CBD, specializing in premium wagyu rice bowls. The restaurant sources its wagyu beef from top-tier local suppliers across Victoria and Tasmania, ensuring the cattle are raised with meticulous care to carry the prized “soft” gene for a buttery texture and low melting point. The menu is expertly curated by Chef Ikuei Arakane, an acclaimed Japanese Iron Chef known for his leadership in award-winning Australian restaurants such as Taxi Dining Room, Koko, and The Glass House. Guests are invited to savor an array of irresistible flavor combinations crafted by OMI’s in-house culinary team, delivering a taste of wagyu excellence that sets the restaurant apart.

Recognized by The Age as the Best Japanese Restaurant in Victoria, OMI Melbourne Central has earned a reputation for its commitment to quality and innovation. Part of the OMI Group, which won the Australian Emerging Franchisor of the Year award in 2022, the restaurant showcases a dedication to culinary excellence and sustainable sourcing. Its location within Melbourne Central adds convenience to the unforgettable dining experience, allowing patrons to indulge in authentic Japanese flavors amidst the vibrant city atmosphere. With a focus on both tradition and creativity, OMI Melbourne Central is a standout choice for wagyu enthusiasts and lovers of Japanese cuisine alike.

Contact

6. Ishiya Japanese Stonegrill

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,6/5

152 Little Bourke St, 3000, Melbourne

Japanese restaurant

Why we chose them

Ishiya Japanese Stonegrill offers a distinctive dining experience in the heart of Melbourne’s Chinatown, blending the classic steakhouse concept with authentic Japanese cuisine. Guests are invited to grill premium Australian steak, Japanese Wagyu, and locally sourced seafood on their personal 400°C volcanic stone, ensuring each bite is cooked to perfection. Complemented by innovative Japanese flavors and a curated selection of fine wines from Japan and local regions, the restaurant delivers a harmonious fusion of tastes that delights both the palate and the senses.

This plush eatery is renowned for its intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal venue for romantic dinners, business meetings, or celebratory gatherings. The menu’s creative presentation and high-quality ingredients elevate the dining experience, while the attentive and welcoming staff ensure each visit is memorable. With its unique stonegrill concept and emphasis on genuine connection through food, this Japanese restaurant has established itself as a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional culinary adventure.

Contact

7. Dohtonbori

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,6/5

147 Bourke St, 3000, Melbourne

Japanese restaurant

Why we chose them

Dohtonbori offers a unique dining experience in Melbourne’s CBD, specializing in interactive Japanese cuisine. Known for being Australia’s first DIY Teppanyaki and Okonomiyaki restaurant, it invites guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant art of Japanese cooking. With a teppan grill built into each table, diners can choose to cook their own meals or let professional chefs take over. Signature dishes include Okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese pancake made with cabbage and a variety of meats or seafood, as well as Teppanyaki, where the fun of grilling blends seamlessly with the flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is perfect for groups and families looking to combine delicious food with a memorable culinary experience.

The friendly atmosphere and engaging dining style make this Japanese restaurant a standout choice for those seeking something different. Whether you’re exploring Melbourne’s bustling city center or hosting a group event, the restaurant’s interactive concept ensures that every visit is both entertaining and satisfying. With its focus on quality ingredients, warm hospitality, and hands-on cooking, it transforms dining into an exciting shared experience. Dohtonbori brings a fresh perspective to Japanese food, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and adventure seekers alike.