Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne 2023

Here you can order a banquet of fresh oysters, wagyu nigiri, aburi salmon maki sushi or teriyaki corn ribs, aka miso duck. All these dishes are designed to be shared amongst good company and washed down with one of Binhco Boss’ curated cocktails, maybe treat yourself to a Roku Yuzu-infused Negroni. Andrew McConnell has plenty of beloved restaurants dotted across Melbourne, from Gimlet to Cumulus Inc, but it’s Supernormal that’s still one of his fascinating venues.
I recently  finished the beginner level 1 at Nunawading Japanese School and have loved my experience. Having classes over zoom never felt like a hindrance, and every class was challenging and enjoyable. sushi taco I've learnt japanese on and off, but found the way it's taught here was very practical and made it easier to remember. The teachers and staff are friendly, knowledgeable and approachable.

Traditional Japanese dining is art here, and Minamishima has fast become a Japanese restaurant Melbourne locals are understandably fiercely proud of. Australia’s second largest city is constantly locked in competition with Sydney for a claim to the country’s finest Japanese food. And depending on who you ask, the battle is so incredibly one-sided it would be laughable to suggest that the harbour city deserves anything more than a participation medal. The jury is out on that one – Sydney has some ridiculously good Japanese spots – but Melburnians are certainly spoiled for choice.
We love the "counter culture" concept with sushi featured on occasion, with skillful Executive Chef Kentaro. The World Loves Melbourne is a big fan of the signature black cod miso, cod that has been prepared for days, marinated, and glazed with miso. The wagyu rib eye with red pepper miso, ponzuy and anticucho sauces, also packed a punch and was happily shared. Gaijin continued with the crunch and the spice with the Crunchy spicy salmon special.
This restaurant’s name translates as ‘a pure obsession with beauty’. When you see the wonderful dishes on offer within this jaw-dropping venue, you’ll fully understand why. So make sure that you book well in advance to enjoy this special experience. Opening in 1994 in Kew and operating as a small restaurant seating just 30 guests, Ocha gained a loyal following and eventually moved to the refurbished Bee Hive complex in Hawthorn, providing arti...

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.
All the familiar fare is available such as hot and cold entrées, mains, sushi & sashimi. We also take pride in serving Nabe Ryori , Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu, cooked in front of you at the table. Seasonal specials are also on offer, highlighting the freshest produce our chefs can source.

Head to the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne for Christmas dining this year. Feast on sushi train, bento sets, rare Kobe beef and sake on tap. In a suburb full of good Japanese food, this sushi bar and eatery stands out from the pack.
Gogyo is owned by IPPUDO, a Japan-based chain that have been doing ramen back in Japan for years, so you know you're in good hands when you order a bowl of the good stuff. Minamishima in Richmond serves the omakase of Chef Koichi Minamishima. He’s got 30 years’ experience in preparing A-grade sashimi and in 2022 Minammishima is still one of the best. You get one piece at a time, made lovingly with incredible attention to detail. We don’t throw around terms like ‘Melbourne’s best sushi’ lightly, but we’re doing it here. The menu at this new-wave  Japanese diner is far from traditional, but the flavour-punching dishes stay true to the simplicity of Japanese cuisine.