Our favourite Japanese restaurants in Melbourne

This is never truer than on a weekend morning, when a traditional Japanese breakfast delights the brunch crowds. Grilled salmon, tamago egg , rice and potato salad with a bowl of miso will set you up for whatever the day may throw at you. And, afterwards, you can peruse Cibi's beautifully curated collection of Japanese homewares. As the newest venture of the San Telmo Group, who already operate Pastuso, Asado, Palermo and of course San Telmo, the Robata Japanese Grill has already created quite a buzz as the newest hot restaurant in Melbourne. Taking creative inspiration from the Blade Runner sequel, Izakaya Den 2029 on Russell Street easily stands out as one of the most unique Japanese restaurants on our list. As the imaginative relaunch of the original Izakaya Den, you will still find some of their old favourites on their menu along with new bold dishes.
Sit at the U-shaped bar or share the communal bench with other diners while you enjoy individual atmosphere of this Japanese bistro. If you're looking for some sushi atop a white tablecloth, then Ocha is your best bet. Located in the heart of Hawthorn, fancy sushi restaurants Ocha is refined, elegant and unforgettable. Traditional techniques are combined with sublime imaginative touches to make for a truly memorable meal. Don't be surprised if your sushi arrives at your table like it's been turned inside out or upside down.

Also, masterfully-sliced sashimi and sake, in a fit-out that resembles a scene straight from the streets of Tokyo. Sake and '80s throwbacks flow freely in this neon-lit eatery. It breaks the mould with nori tacos, ramen gnocchi and a list of fun cocktails infused with Japanese flavours.
It’s right up there on Eatability’s Death Row Meal short-list!. To acknowledge how special it is, you get to try it one piece at a time. That way you are sure to fully appreciate the attention to detail.

Is the epitome of ramen spots and it’s one you have to add to, then subsequently check off, your list. Chicken ramen is in no short supply, but they’ve also got a veggie soba which is topped with sauteed tomato and fried mushrooms. Find IPPUDO on Artemis lane in QV—just follow the ramen aromas, or the crowds of people that flock to this institution of a Japanese restaurant. Is Andrew McConnell's crown jewel and home to the most famous lobster roll in Melbourne. Yakimono is the brainchild of owner Chris Lucas, who spent three years living and working in Japan and exploring their late-night izakaya bars.
For lunch, you can get sashimi and nigiri specials with miso and salads. Otherwise, share a platter with friends or choose from the sushi menu. The name of this upscale Japanese restaurant stems from the words for rice and knot , with the combination signifying the connection and unity felt through a shared meal. And if you're after traditional, authentic and high-quality Japanese cuisine without having to board a plane, allow your tastebuds to be whisked away to the archipelago with dishes by chef Motomu Kumano. The hushed, reverent atmosphere here is  well suited to owner-chef Koichi Minamishima's awe-inspiring knife skills. He works with both local seafood and fish flown direct from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo to produce his peerless sushi.
At Shoya, customers can expect a plethora of traditionally prepared and creatively presented dishes. The team at Shoya is constantly evolving the menu and pushing boundaries, combining a variety of the finest and freshest ingredients with new techniques – ultimately to create out-of-this-world dishes. No meal is the same; the beauty of omakase is that the experience is shaped by the chef and their guests. There are no menus or à la carte options; Aoi Tsuki’s skilled chef creates individualised, season and produce led degustations – and you get a front-row seat to savour the skill. Indulge your Saké obsession at home with classics such as Hiramasa Kingfish, Popcorn Shrimp and sensational nigiri and sashimi, all hand-made to order by our expert sushi chefs.

This place has excellent chicken katsu, great bento boxes, and delicious appetizers. Highly recommend both the chicken katsu and the vegan ‘chicken’ katsu. I love what I do and love to connect with my guests through the food I create. Respecting tradition and honouring my heritage and experience is very important to me!
Mains excel including the Mount Macedon Cornfed Duck, and the cocktail game is strong including the spicy Kara-Garita. 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 . Ruslan  is a Melbourne dad who loves coding, travel and flying drones.

In 2006, Shoya received the One Hat Award in the Age Good Food Guide, one of the most prestigious restaurant accreditations in Australia. Shoya has also been selected as the Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne, 7 times in a row, from 2006 to 2013. Stylish yet informal, spacious yet intimate by design, Saké Hamer Hall boasts a range of beautiful spaces for functions and group occasions. Placed in our upstairs, you’ll have the best view in the house as our Robata Chefs and Sushi Masters prepare and present each dishes from the open show kitchen. The best Japanese restaurant in Melbourne CBD is Izakaya Den which is located on Russell Street, and Kisume which is located in Flinders Lane next to another top choice – Supernormal.
Sushi Hon is in a prime location in Melbourne’s Emporium, so if you find yourself in the city with the kids, pop in for some Japanese offerings that are a far cry from regular food court fare. At Sushi Hon you and the kids can ride the sushi train, grab a bento box or enjoy the à la carte menu. If it’s fried dumplings and norimaki they’re after, check out our list of some of Melbourne’s most kid-friendly Japanese restaurants. From the wow factor of all-you-can-eats to the chugga-chugga of sushi trains, these perfect eateries are sure to please even the fussiest of little palates.
Nestled along Flinders Lane is where you’ll find Kisumé, another restaurant that stands out as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. Utilising fresh Australian produce, this three-levelled restaurant specialises in familiar and traditional Japanese cuisine, as well as their own unique interpretations. Suzuran is the leading Japanese grocer and purveyor of the finest sushi and sashimi take-away in Melbourne. Whether you are cooking up a Japanese feast or for everyday cooking, you will find a comprehensive range of Japanese ingredients as well as snacks, drinks, beers and sake.

This place is popular, so if you're planning to visit on a Friday or Saturday night, be prepared to wait. Specialising in traditional sushi, Kenzan has been plating up old school style dishes of grilled eel and bluefin tuna belly long before Melbourne began its love affair with sushi. Their lunch menu offers a selection of fresh, thinly sliced sashimi, pan-grilled salmon brushed with teriyaki sauce, and lunch boxes featuring prawn dumplings, sushi rolls and miso soup. The izakaya ‘works’ because it can produce ‘familiarity’ as an exotic effect. As  Chris observes, there are some aspects in the newly emerged dining style that allow a connection to the dominant market.