Melbourne's love affair with Japanese cuisine runs deep - and we have been considerable time working through the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. We are not talking about a handful of reliable ramen shops and sushi trains. We are talking world-class omakase counters, charcoal robata grills stoked with binchotan, transformative saké journeys, wagyu that melts before it even reaches the back of your tongue, and modern izakayas that would hold their own in Tokyo or Osaka without blinking.
I have been eating at Melbourne's Japanese restaurants for many years and what follows is my honest, first-hand guide to the best of them right now - from the most refined omakase experiences to the casual neighbourhood gems that deserve far wider attention.
Updated June 2026
Quick Guide: Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne
| Restaurant | Specialty | Location | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kura Robata & Saké | Robata, saké journey | Brunswick East | 5/5 |
| Kisume | Omakase, sashimi, fine dining | CBD | 5/5 |
| Minamishima | Sushi omakase | Richmond | 5/5 |
| Ishizuka | Kaiseki | CBD | 5/5 |
| Robata Melbourne | Robata, wagyu, sashimi | CBD | 4.75/5 |
| Bincho Boss | Charcoal izakaya | CBD | 4.75/5 |
| Yamagen | Contemporary izakaya, sushi | CBD | 4.75/5 |
| Shyun Sumibiyaki | Yakitori, charcoal grill | Carnegie | 4.75/5 |
| Nobu | Japanese-Peruvian fusion | Crown | 4.75/5 |
| Supernormal | Modern Asian, share plates | CBD | 4.75/5 |
| Hakata Gensuke | Tonkotsu ramen | Carlton | 4.5/5 |
| Mr Miyagi | Japanese fusion, fun dining | Windsor | 4.5/5 |
| Kenzan | Traditional sushi | CBD | 4.5/5 |
In This Guide
- 1. Kura Robata & Saké — Best Robata & Saké Journey
- 2. Kisume — Best Fine Dining Japanese
- 3. Minamishima — Best Sushi Omakase
- 4. Ishizuka — Best Kaiseki
- 5. Robata Melbourne — Best Modern Robata CBD
- 6. Bincho Boss — Best Casual Charcoal Izakaya
- 7. Yamagen — Best Contemporary Izakaya CBD
- 8. Shyun Sumibiyaki — Best Yakitori
- 9. Nobu — Best Japanese Fusion
- 10. Supernormal — Best Modern Asian Share Plates
- 11. Hakata Gensuke — Best Ramen
- 12. Mr Miyagi — Best Fun Japanese
- More Great Japanese Restaurants
- Tips for Dining at Melbourne's Japanese Restaurants
- FAQs
1. Kura Robata & Saké, Brunswick East ⭐ 5/5
Best Robata Dining & Saké Journey in Melbourne
Kura Robata & Saké in Brunswick East is one of the most distinctive and deeply rewarding Japanese dining experiences in Melbourne — and after our most recent dinner there, I'd go further and call it one of the best restaurants in the city, full stop. It is built around two things done with genuine mastery: robata-yaki cooked over binchotan charcoal, and an extraordinary saké journey that may completely change the way you think about saké.
The name says everything you need to know. Kura means cellar in Japanese, and there is something of a treasure house here — a remarkable collection of food-friendly saké ranging from almost delicately light expressions through to richer, more complex and savoury styles. This is not the harsh, one-note saké of common misconception. In the hands of the extraordinary Michelle, who guides guests through each pairing with infectious knowledge and genuine warmth, saké becomes something revelatory. Head Chef Ken leads the kitchen with precision and creativity, and watching the chefs work the robata grill is theatre in itself — premium ingredients kissed by binchotan charcoal, imparting smoke and depth without ever overwhelming what's beneath.
We began with Sydney Rock Oysters paired with a creamy Gibier saké — an opening pairing that set the tone for the evening immediately. The Beef Tataki with Sauvage saké that followed was one of the finest tatakis I have had in Melbourne: clean, elegant, the saké lifting the dish in a way that felt completely natural. Queensland Red Prawn Sashimi with Seafood Junmai arrived silky, refined, and stunningly presented — three words that could describe almost every dish that came after it.
The Hokkaido Scallops with Cloudy Saké was the standout pairing of the night — the gentle sweetness of the scallop and the texture and gentle complexity of the cloudy saké elevated each other beautifully. It was a perfect, almost textbook demonstration of just how food-friendly saké can be when matched with intelligence and care. The "One of Everything" nigiri selection delivered exceptional quality throughout — Ora King Salmon, Spencer Gulf Kingfish, Hokkaido Scallop, Unagi, Prawn, and Ikura Gunkan — and a seasonal special of Kagoshima A5 Wagyu Striploin Nigiri with soy-cured egg yolk, braised seaweed and yakiniku sauce was an outright luxury: an unforgettable single bite.
From the hibachi charcoal grill came a superb selection of robata skewers — Firefly Squid miso butter glazed, Unagi with house-made nikiri sauce, and an outstanding Black Opal Wagyu Tsukune with sansho pepper. Each skewer arrived alongside a more savoury, sea-noted saké fermented with seaweed — a pairing that showed just how nuanced this journey could become. Then the Black Opal Wagyu Scotch Fillet MS7+ with sansho peppercorn arrived — richly marbled, cooked to perfection over binchotan charcoal, paired with a further savoury saké that extended even to chocolate. One of the finest wagyu dishes I have enjoyed in Melbourne.
The dish of the night, however — and this says a great deal given the competition — was the Glacier 51 Toothfish, three-day miso marinated, caramelised to a deep golden finish, buttery and deeply savoury with incredible texture. If you order nothing else at Kura, order this. Alongside it, the Pickled Cherry Tomato Salad — deskinned in a three-step process, with shiso, tofu and sesame purée — and the Woodfired Broccolini with sesame goma-ae, seaweed furikake and chilli crisp were deceptively simple and superbly executed. Vegetables here are not an afterthought.
The cocktail program deserves its own moment: the Miso Butter Old Fashioned — four days infused with caramelised miso butter, Suntory whisky and barrel-aged bitters — is one of the most satisfying drinks in Melbourne. Dessert brought a Miso Apple Tart and Chocolate Caramel Sobacha, a considered and memorable close to a remarkable evening.
Kura has elevated significantly since my previous visit yet remains completely approachable — this is not a restaurant that demands reverence, it is one that rewards curiosity. If you think saké is harsh or only belongs alongside sushi, Kura is the restaurant that will change your mind. A Brunswick East gem and one of Melbourne's most complete and exciting Japanese dining experiences right now.
| Address | Shop 1, 22-30 Lygon St, Brunswick East |
| Best For | Robata-yaki, saké journey, wagyu, premium seafood |
| Don't Miss | Glacier 51 Toothfish, Wagyu Scotch Fillet, Hokkaido Scallops & Cloudy Saké pairing |
| Vibe | Modern, sleek, intimate — elevated yet approachable |
| Website | kuramelbourne.com.au |
| TWLM Rating | 5/5 |
2. Kisume, Flinders Lane CBD ⭐ 5/5
Best Fine Dining Japanese in Melbourne
Kisume means pure obsession with beauty — and it shows in everything. This is world-class Japanese dining on Flinders Lane, a game changer that stands apart from anything else Chris Lucas has created. Contemporary Japanese dining occupies the ground and basement levels, but it is The Table at Kisume on the first floor that demands attention — an intimate omakase-style experience seating just twelve, alongside two private dining rooms and the Chablis Bar, the first such bar in Australia.
We have been here and look forward to returning many times. The lunch Bento Boxes were out of this world — the foie gras option a luxe touch that felt entirely at home in this setting. A top Australian food critic once told me this was the best sashimi he had ever tasted anywhere in the world. Nearly 100 per cent of the menu features Australian and New Zealand produce, and the result is food that feels simultaneously deeply Japanese and unmistakably of this place.
| Address | 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD |
| Best For | Omakase, sashimi, special occasions, fine dining |
| Don't Miss | The Table at Kisume omakase, lunch Bento Box |
| Website | kisume.com.au |
| TWLM Rating | 5/5 |
3. Minamishima, Richmond ⭐ 5/5
Best Sushi Omakase in Melbourne
Tucked down a quiet one-way street in Richmond, Minamishima is the most intimate Japanese dining experience in Melbourne — and for lovers of sushi at the highest level, it is essential. At the heart of the omakase offering from sushi master Koichi Minamishima lies not only twenty-five years of experience, but also an increasingly rare culinary art form: the goal to fill each diner with pure joy through the discipline of sushi.
There is no à la carte menu. Omakase involves placing complete faith in the integrity of the chef — a journey through courses with absolute focus on texture, balance and appearance as decided by Minamishima himself. At the sushi bar, a seasonal entrée opens proceedings, followed by nigiri presented one piece at a time. Broth and a traditional dessert complete the experience. Saké and wine pairings are available and, at this level of cooking, worth every cent.
| Address | 4 Lord St, Richmond |
| Best For | Sushi omakase, special occasion dining |
| Bookings | Essential — books out weeks in advance |
| Website | minamishima.com.au |
| TWLM Rating | 5/5 |
4. Ishizuka, CBD ⭐ 5/5
Best Kaiseki in Melbourne
Ishizuka is a kaiseki restaurant that beautifully ties together design and the dining experience in a way few Melbourne restaurants — Japanese or otherwise — manage to achieve. The menu is top notch and constantly evolving with seasonality and access to the finest produce. Only sixteen diners are served at night, and that intimacy is felt from the moment you arrive.
Even before entering the dining room, Ishizuka's sense of place and occasion assert themselves: a large backlit lantern egg greets guests, sweeping them in and signalling the narrative about to unfold. The interior is epic but muted, dignified, almost filmic — suffusing the space with texture, tone and a sense of quiet mystery. A basement restaurant that is somehow conservative and radical at once. One of Melbourne's best restaurants, let alone best Japanese restaurants.
| Address | 45 Bourke St, Melbourne CBD |
| Best For | Kaiseki, intimate special occasion dining |
| Covers | 16 diners only — book well in advance |
| Website | ishizuka.com.au |
| TWLM Rating | 5/5 |
5. Robata Melbourne, Exhibition St CBD ⭐ 4.75/5
Best Modern Robata in the CBD
Robata Melbourne stands firmly among the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne — a refined yet elemental approach to charcoal-led cooking that highlights the depth and elegance of Japanese technique. We have visited several times and it has consistently impressed: flame-cooked food done with real skill, exceptional service, and attractive modern energy that makes it right for almost any occasion.
The experience is defined by exceptional ingredients treated with restraint — from delicately handled sashimi and nigiri through to richly marbled wagyu, every dish shaped by balance rather than excess. The menu draws on classic Japanese influences while embracing a modern Melbourne sensibility, resulting in food that feels both authentic and contemporary. What sets Robata apart is consistency: clarity in flavour, confidence in execution, and a deep understanding of how texture, smoke and umami interact across the menu.
| Address | Exhibition St, Melbourne CBD |
| Best For | Robata grill, wagyu, sashimi, date nights |
| Read More | Our full Robata Melbourne review |
| TWLM Rating | 4.75/5 |
6. Bincho Boss, CBD ⭐ 4.75/5
Best Casual Charcoal Izakaya in Melbourne
Bincho Boss is a fabulous casual Japanese izakaya that brings real innovation and flair without the high-end price tag — and with pedigree that would justify charging far more than it does. Multi award-winning Executive Chef Tomotaka Ishizuka and Head Chef Keiji Ishida were both previously at Kisume, which tells you everything about the standard of Japanese knowledge and technique in this kitchen.
The bincho concept centres on grilling over high-quality charcoal in their earthen konro grill, and it shows in every dish. The smoked duck breast was delicious — melt-in-your-mouth texture enhanced by an exceptional sauce. The salmon sashimi is super fresh and a genuinely compelling dish. Turkey meatballs were an unexpected highlight, perfect alongside saké. And the showpiece: the salt-crusted wagyu, which arrives with a touch of theatre as the crust is broken at the table, revealing melt-in-your-mouth beef beneath. Bincho Boss is an absolute gem and one of the best-value Japanese dining experiences in Melbourne.
| Location | Melbourne CBD |
| Best For | Charcoal izakaya, groups, casual Japanese dining |
| Don't Miss | Salt-crusted wagyu, smoked duck breast |
| TWLM Rating | 4.75/5 |
7. Yamagen Melbourne, CBD ⭐ 4.75/5
Best Contemporary Izakaya in the CBD
Yamagen Melbourne is one of the city's most polished and immersive Japanese dining experiences, combining contemporary izakaya energy with elevated sushi craftsmanship inside the luxury QT Melbourne precinct. The menu is anchored by premium sushi and sashimi — pristine Australian seafood handled with Japanese precision — alongside charcoal-grilled dishes, robata skewers, and refined small plates designed for sharing.
The cocktail program is sophisticated and inventive, blending Japanese ingredients with modern mixology, while the saké list is one of Melbourne's most curated. The room is moody, stylish and intimate — ideal for date nights, business dinners, or any occasion that calls for serious atmosphere alongside serious food.
| Address | 6 Portland Lane, Melbourne CBD (QT Melbourne) |
| Best For | Sushi, robata, date nights, special occasions |
| TWLM Rating | 4.75/5 |
8. Shyun Sumibiyaki, Carnegie ⭐ 4.75/5
Best Yakitori in Melbourne
Shyun Sumibiyaki in Carnegie is widely regarded as one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants in Melbourne, delivering a traditional izakaya experience anchored in the art of charcoal grilling. At the heart of the menu is sumibiyaki — premium ingredients grilled over binchotan charcoal — with yakitori skewers that are expertly cooked and seasoned with precision. The dining room channels the energy of a Tokyo neighbourhood izakaya, and it is a place genuinely built for sharing.
Beyond the grill, the menu extends into sashimi, tempura, donburi and hot pot, offering a well-rounded exploration of traditional Japanese cuisine. What sets Shyun apart is its unwavering focus on authenticity over trend — there is nothing performative here, just excellent food executed with care and consistency.
| Location | Carnegie |
| Best For | Yakitori, charcoal izakaya, authentic Japanese |
| TWLM Rating | 4.75/5 |
9. Nobu, Crown Melbourne ⭐ 4.75/5
Best Japanese Fusion in Melbourne
Come here to experience the influence of legendary chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. We visited Nobu for a special dinner wanting to impress interstate guests, and the fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine delivered exactly the sense of occasion we needed. You walk down into an ambience of sophistication — a lavish, well-appointed fit-out with mood lighting that impresses from the first minute.
The signature black cod miso — prepared for days, marinated and glazed — is a tender, extraordinary dish. The wagyu rib eye with red pepper miso and anticucho sauces packed a memorable punch. And dessert: the bento box presentation with gold leaf and a hot chocolate fondant paired with green tea ice cream was a combination of flavours that worked beautifully together. Perfect food, perfect company, and a restaurant that still makes demands on your wallet but delivers on every one of them.
| Address | Crown Melbourne, Southbank |
| Best For | Japanese-Peruvian fusion, special occasions, impressing guests |
| Don't Miss | Black cod miso, wagyu rib eye |
| TWLM Rating | 4.75/5 |
10. Supernormal, CBD ⭐ 4.75/5
Best Modern Asian Share Plates in Melbourne
Supernormal is Andrew McConnell's love letter to his favourite dishes from travels across Asia — Shanghai, Hong Kong, Japan — translated into one of Melbourne's most exciting and enduring restaurants. We visited on a Saturday night with Canadian friends and expectations were exceeded at every turn.
The menu is set up brilliantly for sharing — start with the Raw Bar and snacks. The Tuna, ponzu and togarashi was a killer opening. The famous New England Lobster Roll could not be denied — generous lobster, a killer sauce, sweet brioche: a cacophony of flavour. The slow-cooked Szechuan lamb with spring onion pancake and coriander paste was a standout main. And the fried chicken Supernormal's own compelling, technique-forward version of one of Melbourne's great obsessions. What I love most is that this is a genuinely unique offering — exciting modern food built on traditional stories, not a copy of anything else.
| Address | 180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD |
| Best For | Groups, share plates, modern Asian, casual dining |
| Don't Miss | New England Lobster Roll, Szechuan lamb, fried chicken |
| Website | supernormal.net.au |
| TWLM Rating | 4.75/5 |
11. Hakata Gensuke, Carlton ⭐ 4.5/5
Best Ramen in Melbourne
Hakata Gensuke Carlton is one of Melbourne's most iconic ramen destinations — the benchmark for Tonkotsu in this city. The signature broth is rich, creamy and deeply flavourful, simmered for hours to achieve its trademark pork-based depth. Diners customise noodle firmness, richness and toppings, making every bowl feel personal. The noodles are springy, perfectly textured and built to carry the weight of the broth. For ramen purists and casual visitors alike, Hakata Gensuke remains the address that all other Melbourne ramen is measured against.
| Location | Carlton (multiple Melbourne locations) |
| Best For | Tonkotsu ramen, casual solo or duo dining |
| TWLM Rating | 4.5/5 |
12. Mr Miyagi, Windsor ⭐ 4.5/5
Best Fun Japanese Dining in Melbourne
Mr Miyagi is a playful and eclectic Japanese restaurant in Windsor that turns formal Japanese dining on its head and serves it with flair, technique and a very good sound system. Pop art, neon splashes, exposed brick, sexy booths, polished cement floor and a long bar — this place hums even on a Wednesday night. It is 18–35-year-old heaven, but the food is good enough to attract anyone who appreciates serious craft wrapped in a genuinely fun package.
The sashimi and sushi combo is a showstopper — spherical ice, flashing lights, and a broad range covering Kingfish, King George Whiting, Salmon, blowtorched Wagyu and Calamari. The Nori Tacos are revolutionary: grilled salmon belly, vinegar rice, spicy nappa cabbage, Japanese mayo and chilli oil — the Spider Crab Taco is equally spectacular. Dishes full of technique, flair and genuine flavour. Mr Miyagi still has its mojo.
| Address | 99 Chapel St, Windsor |
| Best For | Groups, fun occasions, Japanese fusion with theatre |
| Don't Miss | Nori Tacos, sashimi showpiece, Spider Crab Taco |
| Website | mrmiyagi.com.au |
| TWLM Rating | 4.5/5 |
More Great Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne
Melbourne's Japanese dining scene is too deep and varied to be contained in a single top twelve. These restaurants are all worth your time and deserve wider recognition:
Saké Restaurant & Bar, Southbank — A long-standing favourite on St Kilda Rd, Saké brings fine Japanese dining with a serious saké bar, creative cocktails and banquet menus. We have enjoyed outstanding meals here across multiple visits. sakerestaurant.com.au
Kenzan, CBD — A Melbourne icon since 1982 on Collins Street. Come for the spider sushi — sumptuous soft shell crab — and the large sushi and sashimi platter, which is genuinely one of Melbourne's best. A super popular lunch destination that has stood the test of time. kenzan.com.au
Tetsujin, CBD — One of the most versatile Japanese venues in the city, combining a high-quality sushi train, Japanese BBQ and full izakaya menu under one bold, contemporary roof. Great for groups, great for variety.
Niku Ou, CBD — Melbourne's premier destination for wagyu-focused yakiniku dining. Diners grill premium cuts at the table over charcoal — an interactive, celebratory format perfect for groups who love great beef.
Yakikami, South Yarra — A rising star specialising in yakitori and charcoal-grilled skewers with a modern, minimalist approach. Precise, focused, and consistently excellent.
Aoi Tsuki, South Yarra — A refined and contemplative modern Japanese restaurant on Punt Road offering seasonal tasting menus and a beautifully restrained approach to flavour. A strong choice for degustation-style dining.
Kushiro Fusion Cuisine, Fitzroy — Creative Japanese fusion with bold presentation and inventive combinations. For those who enjoy a more experimental, boundary-pushing approach to Japanese food.
Tips for Dining at Melbourne's Japanese Restaurants
Book well in advance for omakase. Minamishima and Ishizuka book out weeks ahead, and The Table at Kisume is similarly in demand. If you have a date in mind, lock it in early.
Embrace the saké journey. If you are at Kura, Yamagen, Saké Restaurant or anywhere with a serious saké list, let the staff guide you. A good saké pairing changes a meal completely — and Melbourne now has some extraordinary saké expertise.
Go beyond the CBD. Some of Melbourne's best Japanese dining is in the suburbs — Shyun in Carnegie, Kura in Brunswick East, Minamishima in Richmond. Worth the journey every time.
Trust the chef. At omakase venues — Minamishima, Ishizuka, The Table at Kisume — surrender is the point. These chefs build experiences around what is best that day. The fewer restrictions you arrive with, the more extraordinary the meal.
Charcoal is not a gimmick. At Kura, Robata, Bincho Boss, Shyun and Yakikami, the binchotan charcoal is central to why the food tastes the way it does. It burns clean and hot and imparts a depth of flavour that no other cooking method replicates. Order the grill items.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Japanese Restaurants Melbourne
What are the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne right now?
Our top picks are Kura Robata & Saké (Brunswick East), Kisume (CBD), Minamishima (Richmond) and Ishizuka (CBD) for premium dining, with Robata Melbourne, Bincho Boss, Yamagen and Shyun Sumibiyaki close behind. Each offers a completely different Japanese dining experience.
Where can I experience a saké pairing dinner in Melbourne?
Kura Robata & Saké in Brunswick East is Melbourne's standout destination for a guided saké journey alongside premium robata-yaki — a genuinely transformative experience led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff. Yamagen and Saké Restaurant & Bar in Southbank also maintain excellent saké programs.
What is the best omakase restaurant in Melbourne?
Minamishima in Richmond is the benchmark for sushi omakase — sushi master Koichi Minamishima brings twenty-five years of experience to an intimate, chef-led progression that is unlike anything else in Melbourne. Ishizuka offers the finest kaiseki experience, and The Table at Kisume is one of the city's most exclusive dining experiences.
What is the best Japanese BBQ or robata restaurant in Melbourne?
Kura Robata & Saké in Brunswick East and Robata Melbourne in the CBD are both exceptional for binchotan charcoal robata cooking. Shyun Sumibiyaki in Carnegie is the top pick for traditional yakitori, while Bincho Boss and Yakikami offer excellent charcoal grill experiences at a more casual price point.
Where is the best ramen in Melbourne?
Hakata Gensuke Carlton is widely regarded as Melbourne's benchmark for tonkotsu ramen — rich, creamy pork broth simmered for hours, with fully customisable noodle firmness and toppings.
What is omakase dining?
Omakase is a chef-led Japanese dining experience where guests are served a curated progression of dishes based on the season, the chef's discretion and the finest available produce. There is no menu — you place your trust in the chef completely. Minamishima and Ishizuka are Melbourne's finest omakase experiences.
Is Japanese food in Melbourne authentic?
Yes — many of Melbourne's best Japanese restaurants are led by Japanese-trained chefs applying traditional techniques at a high level. What makes Melbourne distinctive is the integration of exceptional local produce — Australian and New Zealand seafood, Victorian wagyu — alongside those traditional methods, producing food that is authentically Japanese and uniquely of this place.