Experience the Pure Joy Of Dining At the Best Japanese Restaurants In Melbourne

Japanese food is all about gratification, but without stuffing yourself too much. The cuisine is created with patience and exploration, and it is presented most delicately with harmony, usually served in small bites that allow you to enjoy more without overeating.

The Japanese restaurants in the city have mastered the art of serving traditional recipes with the modernity of Australian ingredients. So, take those chopsticks and start relishing every dish at these best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne.

1. Don Don, Melbourne CBD

Located on Swanston Street, this tiny Japanese joint is buzzing with orders every day. They offer fresh food with delicious flavourings consistently. You’ll feel warm and welcoming as you enter the cosy space. Even though there are limited options, the meals are brimming with zest and deliciousness. We recommend their donburi choices including, chicken on rice, curry and sukiyaki. They never cease to amaze by the speed at which the dishes come out of the kitchen!

Contact: +61 (03) 9670 7113

2. Kisumé, Melbourne CBD

The Kisume experience is ever-evolving, and with every visit, you can feel the food getting better and better. You can pull a chair at the sushi counter to observe the chefs working wonders and hear from them about the finest food in Australia. You’ll be enchanted by the purity and integrity of the Japanese cuisine blended with Australian sensibility to provide you with an experience that highlights the best of both worlds!

Website: https://kisume.com.au
Contact:  +61 (03) 9671 4888

3. Minamishima, Richmond

If you wish to experience the real Minamishima, try the Omakase of both nigiri and Japanese food served with meticulousness, accuracy, technique and fine produce. Their dishes are inspired by the Japanese haute cuisine and take you on a sensory trip between the shores of Japan and Australia. Explore the taste and textures presented on a shining lacquered plate and feel the flavour explode in your mouth.

Website: https://minamishima.com.au
Contact:  +61 (03) 9429 5180

4. Tokyo Tina, Windsor

A trope for the transformative potential of the Melbourne restaurant scene is what Tokyo Tina can be rightly called. The place offers some of the tastiest dishes around Windsor including, epic smoked brisket ramen, chicken yakitori and pork belly. You can enjoy the bingo academy hosted every Saturday with lunch over planned with your group – an ultimate Japanese experience to remember!

Website: https://tokyotina.com.au
Contact: +61 (03) 9525 2774

5. Shujinko Ramen, Melbourne CBD

Proudly called the first-ever 24 hours Japanese ramen restaurant, Shujinko serves at many locations around Melbourne. Their ramen is famed as a Tokyo-styled Tonkotsu, pork-based broth. With more than 12 hours of patience and dedication, the chefs create a unique taste that is incomparable to any other broth. Here, you also get the freshest hand-made Gyoza and noodles, which are more than delicious. They serve the best Izakaya menu around the city with sake and beer to present you with an unparalleled experience.

Website: https://shujinko.com.au
Contact:  +61 (03) 9654 0989

6. WaKenbo, Fitzroy

As soon as you enter Wakenbo, all your worries are washed away and a sense of calm is spread over your mind. The natural motifs of water, earth and wind are brought out by the stonework, wood and brown-cream tones of the walls. The cooking is inspired by modern Japanese cuisine and worked around fermenting, smoking, parching and air-drying. We suggest the inventive menu, including Wagyu steak tartare, miso, and coconut milk braised rabbit with marrow ravioli, duck neck chorizo, along with a small warm flask of sake – just heavenly!

Website: https://www.wakenbo.com.au
Contact:  +61 (03) 9041 9495

7. Shira Nui, Glen Waverley

If you are looking for some extraordinary Japanese food to fill your tummy, Shira Nui is the place that grows on you with every visit. Take a seat at the Sushi bar and order the best Omakase fixed by the chef with his impressive sushi repertoire to feed you. If you wish to eat something else instead of the hard sushi feasts, you can opt for a humble sea urchin or Chirashizushi lunch set prepared with attention to detail bringing a delight to the senses- simply understated!

Contact:  +61 (03) 9886 7755

8. Komeyui Japanese Restaurant, South Melbourne

The flavours of Hokkaido and Osaka are brought forth to Melbourne with chef Motomu’s culinary skills. With a promise of exquisite food and supreme quality ingredients, Komeyui offers an ultimate dining atmosphere symbolizing the traditional Japanese group meal. If you are a hotpot lover, this place serves the best one in town with a tray of rice dishes (Gohan), temaki, natto, yakizakana and miso soup. Their offbeat menu restores your faith in authentic Japanese food served in Melbourne.

Website: https://komeyui.com.au
Contact: +61 (03) 9645 5420

9. Ishizuka, Melbourne CBD

A secret gem in Melbourne’s city centre Ishizuka offers a subtle Kaiseki experience. The cuisine is prepared meticulously under the guidance of the Head chef Hitoshi Miyazawa, who was awarded two hats at the 2019 Good Food Guide Awards. Feel the restaurant reflecting Japanese zenith and the flavours taking you on a voyage through time, place and season with every bite in your mouth- highly recommended!

Website: https://www.ishizuka.com.au
Contact:  +61 (03) 8594 0895

10. Izakaya Den, Melbourne CBD

Allowing you to bask in Japanese hospitality, Izakaya Den has devoted sections to the art of Japanese eating and drinking. From Sake to imported beers, you’ll find the beverages with a Japanese inclination. With a fresh take on Japanese dining and Izakaya spirit, they offer a set Izakaya menu where tuna tataki and kingfish sashimi steal the show. Most recommended for couples on a date looking to create unforgettable memories with good booze and food.

Website: https://www.izakayaden.com.au
Contact:  +61 (03) 9654 2977

So, the next time you have those cravings for Japanese food, refer to this list of hip restaurants in Melbourne before choosing a place serving authentic Japanese dining experience!

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