Melbourne’s Japanese dining scene is one of the most diverse in Australia. Whether you’re craving freshly handcrafted sushi rolls, yakitori grilled over binchotan charcoal, premium wagyu sukiyaki, or an intimate omakase experience, this city has it all. From casual neighbourhood takeaways to multi-level fine dining destinations on Flinders Lane, the options are genuinely impressive.
This guide covers the 10 best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne, researched from official websites and trusted sources, so you can find the right dining experience for your taste, occasion, and budget.
10 Top-Rated Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne
Wabi Sushi
- Locations: Richmond (268 Bridge Rd) | Prahran (206 Commercial Rd) | Hawthorn (642 Glenferrie Rd)
- Type: Casual sushi takeaway and dine-in
- Best for: Everyday fresh sushi, poke bowls, sushi platters
Wabi Sushi is Melbourne’s go-to neighbourhood sushi spot, with three conveniently located stores across Richmond, Prahran, and Hawthorn. Everything is freshly handcrafted in-store daily, no frozen, no mass-produced shortcuts. Their chefs hand-shape each piece of sushi, nigiri, hosomaki, and maki roll to order, keeping the quality consistent across all locations.
The menu spans a wide range: classic and signature sushi rolls, sashimi, poke bowls, hot bowls, and karaage bites. Crowd favourites include the Cream Cheese Salmon Crunchy Roll, Cooked Tuna Avocado Roll, Salmon Nigiri, and the Chicken Katsu Poke Bowl. For groups or events, their Wabi Sharing Platter (40 pieces, $49) is a popular choice. They also offer custom catering and sushi party trays for offices, birthdays, and functions.
Wabi Sushi stands out for its authentic Japanese flavour, affordable everyday pricing, and the convenience of three Melbourne locations. Vegan and vegetarian options are available across the menu.
Contact Details:
- Richmond: +61 404 255 487
- Prahran: +61 3 8395 3618
- Hawthorn: +61 452 137 502
- Email: info@wabisushi.com.au
Izakaya Domo
- Type: Izakaya bar and eatery
- Best for: Shared plates, yakitori, sake, casual evening dining
Tucked into a heritage alleyway at the GPO’s Postal Lane, Izakaya Domo channels the lively spirit of a Japanese yokocho, the narrow, lantern-lit bar streets found throughout Tokyo and Osaka. It’s a hidden gem in Melbourne’s CBD that delivers an authentic izakaya experience in a warm, convivial atmosphere.
The menu is built around the shareable small-plate philosophy that defines izakaya culture. Expect sashimi platters, fresh sushi, sizzling yakitori skewers, wagyu tataki, and a range of Japanese comfort dishes. Drinks are a highlight too, with crisp Japanese beer, smooth sake flights, and refreshing highballs available all evening. Signature dishes include the Salmon Don and a selection of robata-style grilled skewers.
Contact Details:
- Address: GPO Postal Lane, Shop 28/350 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Email: contact@izakayadomo.com.au
IKKAI – Sukiyaki, Izakaya & Donburi
- Type: Japanese restaurant specialising in wagyu sukiyaki and donburi
- Best for: Premium wagyu sukiyaki, donburi rice bowls, intimate dining
IKKAI positions itself as a culinary passage to Japan’s heart. Rooted in a genuine passion for Japanese gastronomy, this Hardware Street restaurant focuses on three key pillars: sukiyaki, izakaya small plates, and donburi. The common thread running through all three is an unwavering commitment to premium wagyu beef.
The sukiyaki at IKKAI is a must-try. Thinly sliced wagyu is simmered in a rich broth of soy, sugar, and mirin, served alongside fresh vegetables and tofu, a precise balance of savoury and sweet that earns consistent praise from diners. The donburi bowls are equally impressive, featuring proteins like wagyu beef, chicken, and tempura over perfectly steamed rice with layered, umami-rich sauces. Izakaya-style small plates round out the menu, with tempura and yakitori among the highlights.
The warm, cosy interior blends modern and traditional Japanese design elements. Reservations close four hours before the sitting time, so planning ahead is recommended.
| Specialty | Highlight Dishes |
| Sukiyaki | Premium wagyu, seasonal vegetables, mirin broth |
| Donburi | Wagyu donburi, chicken teriyaki donburi, tempura rice bowls |
| Izakaya plates | Yakitori, tempura, selected small plates |
Contact Details:
- Address: 113 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Email: info@ikkai.com.au
OMI 380
- Type: Multi-concept Japanese dining destination
- Best for: Wagyu donburi, matcha, Japanese baked goods, sake, gelato
OMI 380 is Melbourne’s most expansive modern Japanese dining concept, a 600-square-metre flagship that brings together five distinct culinary experiences under one roof: Wagyu, bakery (Bēkarī), matcha, gelato, and sake. It opened on Lonsdale Street as the OMI group’s premier multi-sensory destination, and it delivers on every level.
At the Wagyu station, the menu spans signature donburi bowls, premium A5 wagyu cuts, izakaya-style sharing plates, and hotpots. The kitchen is guided by the principles of Iron Chef Ikuei Arakane, who has led award-winning restaurants including Taxi Dining Room and Koko in Melbourne. OMI wagyu is sourced from Victorian and Tasmanian suppliers and cattle raised to carry the ‘soft’ gene, prized for its low melting point and buttery texture.
The Bēkarī counter serves authentic Japanese baked goods, Melon Pan, Shio Pan, Shokupan, alongside reimagined Western pastries like canelés and croissants. The matcha station covers everything from traditional lattes to signature creations like the Matcha Daydream, while the gelato section offers East-meets-West scoops with various matcha intensity levels.
Contact Details:
- Phone: +61 434 663 380
- Address: 380 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Email: hello@omigroup.com.au
Izakaya Miyazaki
- Type: Premium izakaya and yakiniku restaurant
- Best for: A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, binchotan-grilled yakitori, omakase, private dining
Tucked beneath Russell Street in the CBD, Izakaya Miyazaki is one of Melbourne’s most celebrated Japanese restaurants, and one of its best-kept secrets. The subterranean setting creates a moody, intimate atmosphere that transports diners to a Tokyo-style basement izakaya, complete with sliding shoji doors, lantern lighting, and an open kitchen where the theatre of preparation is always on display.
The menu is built around ingredients of exceptional provenance. A5 Miyazaki Wagyu is imported directly from Japan’s most celebrated wagyu region, raised by the Miyachiku cooperative and renowned for its fine marbling, tenderness, and delicate sweetness. Seafood, including fresh uni and seasonal sashimi selections, is sourced weekly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. Yakitori is grilled over premium binchotan charcoal, and the shabu shabu and sukiyaki hot pots are executed with precision.
Six private dining rooms are available for groups of two to twelve, each enclosed by shoji screens and softly lit, a genuine rarity in Melbourne’s CBD. The unique kimono dining experience adds a cultural dimension to celebrations and special occasions. The sake list is among the most extensive in the city.
| Menu Experience | Details |
| Feed Me Menu (Mon–Thu dinner) | 5 courses, $88 per person |
| Yakiniku Set Menu | A5 Wagyu 350g, table-side grilling, $218 per person |
| Weekend All-You-Can-Eat Lunch | Wagyu tataki, nigiri, sushi rolls, hot plates |
| Private Dining | 6 rooms, 2–12 guests, shoji screens, kimono experience available |
Contact Details:
- Phone: (03) 9888 8333
- Address: Basement 3/114 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Robata Melbourne
- Type: Japanese grill restaurant (robatayaki-style)
- Best for: Charcoal-grilled skewers, binchotan cooking, izakaya fare
Robata takes its name directly from the Japanese word for fireside cooking, robatayaki, and the charcoal grill is the beating heart of this Exhibition Street restaurant. Located in the iconic Herald & Weekly Times building and designed by award-winning architects Ewert Leaf, Robata is a one-hat-awarded restaurant that has established itself as one of Melbourne’s most distinctive Japanese dining experiences.
The restaurant was created by the team behind San Telmo, Asado, Pastuso, and Palermo, bringing their deep expertise in charcoal and flame cooking to Japanese cuisine. Head Chef Lily McGrath leads the kitchen, bringing a love of Japanese technique and fire cooking to the robatayaki grill. The menu draws inspiration from Japan’s izakaya tradition, with skewers, seared and grilled proteins, and precise Japanese flavours at the core.
Highlights from the menu include chicken meatball skewers with house-made tare and egg yolk sauce, tonkatsu with Borrowdale pork and red miso, seared salmon with Japanese mustard miso, and a black sesame and green tea parfait for dessert. The drinks menu features sake, Japanese-inspired cocktails including the Yuzu Bellini and Robata Negroni, and carefully selected wines. Open seven days a week from 12 pm.
Contact Details:
- Phone: (03) 9989 3575
- Address: 2 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Email: info@robata.melbourne
Kenzan Japanese Restaurant
- Type: Traditional Japanese fine dining
- Best for: Authentic sushi, sashimi, tatami room dining, long-standing Japanese traditions
Kenzan is one of Melbourne’s oldest and most respected Japanese restaurants, serving authentic Japanese cuisine since 1981. Named in honour of the renowned Edo-period potter Ogata Kenzan, celebrated for his impeccable artisanship and perfectionism, the restaurant embodies those same values in every dish it serves.
Located in Collins Place and holding a Chef Hat award, Kenzan is a genuine institution. The interior features mood lighting, wooden fixtures, and warm neutral tones that create a relaxed, refined setting away from the Collins Street bustle. The restaurant employs eight Japanese chefs led by a head chef with over 14 years of experience in Japan, and sushi chefs are specifically recruited from Japan to maintain the highest standards of preparation.
The menu covers exquisite sushi and sashimi, including imported tuna belly, alongside a full à la carte selection. Starters such as steamed prawn dumplings and grilled butterfish with special miso set the tone; mains like pan-grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce and rice deliver classic Japanese comfort. Private tatami rooms are available for those wanting a fully traditional dining experience. Shabu-shabu is a popular highlight. Closed Sundays and public holidays.
Contact Details:
- Phone: 0396548933
- Address: 45 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Kisumé
- Type: Japanese fine dining (multi-level)
- Best for: Omakase, premium sushi, fine dining, Chablis wine pairings
Kisumé is in a league of its own among Melbourne’s Japanese restaurants. This three-level Flinders Lane destination, created by hospitality powerhouse Chris Lucas, fuses the purity of traditional Japanese culinary technique with bold, contemporary presentation. It was named Australia’s hottest restaurant and Victoria’s best new restaurant in 2017, and it has maintained its standing as one of the finest Japanese dining experiences in the country.
The restaurant encompasses a ground-floor sushi counter, The Table restaurant, a Chablis Bar on the top level, and private dining. The sushi bar offers an accessible entry point, where guests can watch masterful chefs build sashimi, nigiri, and omakase bites up close. For a more formal occasion, The Table serves an extensive à la carte menu or a chef’s table omakase degustation for groups of twelve.
Signature dishes span fatty otoro nigiri, spanner crab chawanmushi, wagyu meatballs with truffle mayo, and King George whiting with karasumi. The wine list is exceptional, featuring one of the largest collections of Chablis in the Southern Hemisphere, a pairing philosophy that championed Chablis with raw fish long before it became fashionable. Open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday and dinner seven days a week.
Contact Details:
- Phone: (03) 9671 4888
- Address: 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
- Email: bookings@kisume.com.au
Yamagen Melbourne
- Type: Modern Japanese izakaya
- Best for: Robata-grilled dishes, rare Japanese whisky, sake, contemporary izakaya dining
Yamagen arrived in Melbourne in February 2026, bringing its award-winning modern Japanese izakaya concept from the QT Gold Coast to QT Melbourne’s Portland Lane. Led by Culinary Director Adam Lane, who has worked in hatted restaurants and Michelin-recognised kitchens including Nobu and Tetsuya’s, and Head Chef Yosuke Hatnaka, Yamagen represents a confident new chapter in Melbourne’s Japanese dining scene.
The menu reflects this precisely, snapper sashimi with truffled tosazu and yuzu sesame, sashimi tacos with warm sushi rice and yuzu avocado, spicy Queensland spanner crab with crispy rice and ikura, and wagyu beef tenderloin with wasabi butter. Aburi-style preparations, robata charcoal grilling, and sharp knife-work from the open kitchen create an immersive dining theatre.
The bar program is equally noteworthy. Yamagen holds one of Melbourne’s largest rare Japanese whisky collections, with over 120 labels including the Yamazaki 25-Year-Old and Hakushu 1981 Kioke Shikomi Single Malt. The sake selection covers 45 varieties, and the cocktail list leans heavily on Japanese ingredients, yuzu, matcha, umeshu, and shiso. Yamagen has received the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, a reflection of its exceptional beverage program.
A private twelve-seat omakase room is available for bespoke dining experiences, complete with tailored beverage pairings and handcrafted Japanese blades on display.
Contact Details:
- Phone: +61 3 8636 8839
- Address: 6 Portland Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
AOI TSUKI
- Type: Omakase sushi restaurant (12-seat counter)
- Best for: Intimate omakase dining, seasonal seafood, special occasions
AOI TSUKI is one of Melbourne’s most talked-about omakase restaurants — a compact, 12-seat counter in South Yarra where two highly skilled chefs deliver a seasonally driven, produce-led degustation of 20 or more courses, entirely without a printed menu. The name translates to “blue moon,” and the experience lives up to that sense of rare occasion.
Founded by chefs Tei Gim and Jun Pak, whose combined experience spans Kisumé, Nobu, Shoya, and Kenzan, AOI TSUKI began during Melbourne’s lockdowns as a premium omakase-to-go delivery service before finding its permanent home on Punt Road. The philosophy has remained consistent: the chef shapes the experience, guided by what the season and the best available produce dictate that day. No two sittings are ever quite the same.
The seafood focus is exceptional. Guests can expect premium cuts like bluefin tuna (including otoro belly with caviar), King George whiting, Hokkaido scallops with miso cream, squid dusted with lime zest, and seared paradise prawns.
Non-seafood highlights include wagyu paired with foie gras shavings and braised octopus in sweet soy. Dishes are served in a relaxed, interactive style, chefs engage directly with diners, explaining each course and creating a warm, convivial atmosphere that strips away the stiffness sometimes associated with fine dining.
Contact Details:
- Address: 384 Punt Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
- Email: info@aoitsuki.com.au
How to Choose the Right Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne
Melbourne’s Japanese restaurant scene covers a wide spectrum, from casual sushi takeaways to refined omakase dining rooms. Choosing the right one depends on a few key factors:
- Dining occasion: For a quick, affordable weekday lunch or family dinner, a neighbourhood sushi restaurant like Wabi Sushi is ideal. For a special occasion, anniversary, or client dinner, Kisumé, Izakaya Miyazaki, or Yamagen offer a more elevated experience with dedicated service and premium ingredients.
- Cuisine style: Japanese dining is not a single category. Consider what you’re in the mood for:
| Style | What It Offers | Best Options |
| Sushi & sashimi | Fresh fish, nigiri, maki, omakase | Wabi Sushi, Kisumé, Kenzan |
| Izakaya | Small shared plates, yakitori, drinks | Izakaya Domo, Robata, Yamagen |
| Wagyu & hot pot | Sukiyaki, shabu shabu, yakiniku | IKKAI, Izakaya Miyazaki, Kenzan |
| Modern Japanese fusion | Creative dishes, innovative pairings | Kisumé, Yamagen, OMI 380 |
| Multi-concept | Wagyu, matcha, bakery, gelato | OMI 380 |
- Budget: Entry-level options like Wabi Sushi and Izakaya Domo are accessible for everyday dining. Mid-range options include IKKAI and Kenzan. Premium experiences at Kisumé, Izakaya Miyazaki, and Yamagen reflect the quality of their sourcing and culinary team.
- Location: Most of the restaurants on this list are in Melbourne’s CBD or inner suburbs. Wabi Sushi’s three locations across Richmond, Prahran, and Hawthorn make it the most accessible for locals. CBD options like Kenzan (Collins Street), Izakaya Miyazaki (Russell Street), and OMI 380 (Lonsdale Street) are well-placed for city workers and visitors.
- Private dining needs: Izakaya Miyazaki offers six private dining rooms. Yamagen has a dedicated twelve-seat omakase room. Kenzan has traditional tatami rooms. If you’re organising a corporate dinner, celebration, or group event, these are worth considering in advance.
Whether you want casual sushi or an elevated omakase experience, considering these factors makes it easier to find a restaurant that fits your plans.
Why Choose Wabi Sushi for Japanese Dining in Melbourne?
Among all the Japanese restaurants in Melbourne, Wabi Sushi stands out for one simple reason: it makes genuinely fresh, handcrafted Japanese food accessible every single day.
Everything at Wabi Sushi is made fresh in-store daily, no frozen produce, no mass-produced shortcuts. Each sushi roll, nigiri, hosomaki, poke bowl, and hot dish is prepared by hand using quality ingredients and traditional Japanese techniques. That commitment to freshness is evident in every bite and is the reason locals across Richmond, Prahran, and Hawthorn keep coming back.
Three convenient Melbourne locations mean there’s always a Wabi nearby. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, picking up a family dinner, or ordering a large sushi platter for a team event, the experience is consistent across all stores. The menu is broad enough to satisfy everyone, from traditional sashimi lovers to those who prefer a warm Chicken Katsu Poke Bowl, and vegetarian and vegan options are available throughout.
Wabi Sushi also offers competitive everyday pricing, making it one of the few places in Melbourne where quality Japanese food doesn’t come with a premium cost. Online ordering is available for both pickup and no-contact delivery across all three locations. For events and catering, the Wabi Sharing Platter and custom party trays make organising effortless.
If you’re looking for a dependable, freshly made Japanese dining experience in Melbourne, whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, Wabi Sushi delivers every time.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne’s Japanese restaurant scene is rich, diverse, and genuinely world-class. Whether you’re after a quick handcrafted sushi roll from Wabi Sushi, a yakitori session at Robata, a premium wagyu experience at Izakaya Miyazaki, or an omakase degustation at Kisumé, there’s something for every taste and occasion. The ten restaurants in this guide represent the best of what the city has to offer, each bringing its own expression of Japanese culinary culture to Melbourne’s dining landscape.
FAQs
What Is The Best Japanese Restaurant In Melbourne For Fresh Sushi?
Wabi Sushi is a top choice, with three locations in Richmond, Prahran, and Hawthorn. Every sushi roll, nigiri, and poke bowl is made in-store daily, no frozen ingredients. It’s fresh, affordable, and available for dine-in, takeaway, or delivery.
What Types Of Japanese Cuisine Can You Find In Melbourne?
Melbourne covers the full range: sushi and sashimi bars, izakaya small-plate dining, robatayaki charcoal grilling, sukiyaki and shabu shabu hot pots, yakiniku table-side grilling, donburi rice bowls, modern Japanese fusion, and omakase tasting menus.
Are Japanese Restaurants In Melbourne Suitable For Group Dining?
Yes. Many venues offer shared plates, platters, and private dining options. Wabi Sushi is a reliable choice for group catering, their sushi platters start at 40 pieces for $49 and can be customised for events of 50 or more guests.
What Is Omakase Dining?
Omakase (おまかせ) means “I leave it up to you.” There is no printed menu, the chef selects each course based on the season and the day’s best produce. It typically runs 10 to 20+ courses, served at a counter with the chef present throughout.
What Is The Difference Between Nigiri, Sashimi, And Maki?
Nigiri is hand-shaped sushi rice topped with a slice of fish. Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish served without rice. Maki is fish and fillings rolled in rice and nori, then sliced into rounds. At Wabi Sushi, all three are prepared fresh in-store daily.
Where Can I Find Affordable Fresh Japanese Food In Melbourne?
Wabi Sushi is a strong option, sushi rolls from $10–$13, poke bowls from $15.70, all made in-store daily. Three locations across Richmond, Prahran, and Hawthorn make it easy to access for a quick, well-priced Japanese meal.
Does Wabi Sushi Offer Catering And Sushi Platters In Melbourne?
Yes. Wabi Sushi caters for offices, birthdays, weddings, and corporate events. The Wabi Sharing Platter starts at 40 pieces for $49. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. Standard orders need 24–48 hours’ notice; large functions (50+ guests) require 3–5 days.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Japanese Restaurant In Melbourne?
Consider the food style (sushi, izakaya, omakase, hot pot), the occasion, location, and dietary needs. For everyday sushi without needing a reservation, Wabi Sushi across Richmond, Prahran, and Hawthorn is a practical and consistent choice.
Is Japanese Food Healthy?
Generally, yes. Japanese cuisine is built around fresh fish high in omega-3s, fermented foods like miso that support gut health, and lean rice-based dishes. Sashimi and nigiri are high in protein and low in saturated fat. Wabi Sushi’s menu reflects these principles, fresh ingredients, minimal processing, and balanced portions.
Do Japanese Restaurants In Melbourne Offer Vegetarian And Vegan Options?
Many do. Wabi Sushi has dedicated vegetarian and vegan sushi rolls, poke bowls, and sides across all three Melbourne locations, with gluten-free tamari soy sauce available on request. For omakase-style dining, it’s best to notify the restaurant of dietary requirements in advance.