A Quick Guide to the 5 Best Omakase Experiences Melbourne Has to Offer
Finding good omakase in Melbourne isn’t hard if you know where to look. My friends and I spend a lot of time checking out the city’s food scene, and we always love watching skilled chefs work their craft right at the counter.
You get to see their creativity up close, which makes it a solid option if you’re celebrating a wedding anniversary or hosting a quiet business dinner. You really just want fresh fish, experienced hands, and a welcoming vibe.
This list highlights a few specific spots that serve authentic Japanese multi-course meals. Here’s a quick look at what they do and why they’re well worth checking out.
How much does omakase cost in Melbourne?
You can expect to spend anywhere from $75 AUD for a casual lunch up to $325 AUD or more for a premium dinner.
| Dining Option | Average Price Range (AUD) |
| Lunch Settings | $75 to $145 per person |
| Standard Dinner Service | $160 to $255 per person |
| Premium & Ultra-Fine Dining | $285 to $325+ per person |
1. KENTARO
Website: https://www.kentaro.com.au/
Address: Shop 6, 242 Exhibition Street
Contact: +61449701533
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday11:30 am – 2:30 pm, Sunday to Thursday, 1st Session: 6:00 pm (no seating time restriction), 2nd Session: 7:30 pm (no seating time restriction). Friday and Saturday. 1st Session: 6:00 pm (2-hour seating, until 8:00p m)2nd Session: 7:30 pm 3rd Session: 8:15 pm
Finding a true sanctuary for Japanese culture in the city centre is a real treat. KENTARO offers an elevated culinary journey where the chef creates each course in the moment.
I sat at their gorgeous counter last month, and the precise knife work absolutely blew my mind. They rely entirely on seasonality and sharp intuition, offering a menu that blends classic techniques with a very subtle, modern Australian touch.
You can even walk in for daytime service if you just want a quick bite.
However, they enforce a strict two-hour limit on early weekend dinner slots. This tight window might feel a bit rushed if you prefer a slow, leisurely meal.
Still, the incredible flavours make it worth the visit.
Memorable dining experience
Absolutely outstanding experience!
Every single dish was incredibly fresh, beautifully prepared, and bursting with flavor. You can truly taste the quality and care in every bite. The chef even offered a few off-menu selections made from the freshest fish of the day, which were exceptional.
The staff were all so kind and attentive, and the overall atmosphere was warm, elegant, and relaxed — perfect for an omakase experience.
Everything from start to finish was flawless. Highly recommend Kentaro for anyone who appreciates top-quality sushi and a memorable dining experience.
Claire_K | Google Review
Every dish showcased the highest quality ingredients and technique
An unforgettable dining experience from start to finish. The omakase was a beautifully crafted tasting menu where every dish showcased the highest quality ingredients and technique. Couldn’t fault the ambiance and service, the attention to detail was superb. If you’re seeking an exceptional culinary journey, this place is a must-visit!
Alanna CL | Google Review
2. AOI TSUKI
Website: https://aoitsuki.com.au/
Address: 384 Punt Rd, South Yarra
Contact: 03 9969 2068
Hours: Wednesday: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Thursday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm / 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Friday & Saturday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm / 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm / 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Food connoisseurs will absolutely love AOI TSUKI, hidden in South Yarra.
The chefs here curate each experience individually using top-quality seafood imported directly from Japan. They also carefully source fresh ingredients from trusted local Australian producers.
Every single bite bursts with incredibly bright and memorable flavours. The venue even offers a fantastic selection of complimentary wine and premium sake to complete your evening.
The only major downside is their extremely strict menu policy. The kitchen simply can’t cater to vegetarians or anyone with shellfish and gluten allergies. They don’t offer any alternative dishes for these restrictions.
If you have complex dietary needs, you might have to skip this and hunt down some excellent ramen spots in Melbourne instead.
Loved everything
Wow! Great place for our anniversary and first omakase experience. Loved everything (except the sea urchin, tried for the first time and I guess we’re not into that delicacy) Only 12 seats, for a really intimate setting, and really personal service. Definitely book here!
Danielle Anderson Local Guide | Google Review
Beyond our expectations
Aoi Tsuki went beyond our expectations! The flavours, the seasoning, the friendly interaction with the chefs, the ambiance – every aspect of the experience was amazing. We are always on the lookout for great omakase in Melbourne, and we’ve found a place we will be returning to.
Lina | Google Review
3. KOMEYUI Japanese Restaurant – Melbourne
Website: https://komeyui.com.au/mel/
Address: 181 Ferrars St, Southbank, VIC 3006
Contact: 39 645 5420
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Anyone seeking rigorous culinary standards will fall completely in love with KOMEYUI Japanese Restaurant. They deliver exceptional Japanese cuisine right at a dedicated sushi counter designed specifically for the chef’s menu.
They’re quite flexible, allowing you to reschedule your reservation once for free. The team even provides a comprehensive takeaway menu from Tuesday through Sunday.
I love that booking a seat online feels incredibly safe because they use standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption.
The downside is that their Sunday service charge jumps to 10%, and public holidays carry a steep 15% fee. If you want a cheaper weekend meal, you might want to look for chicken wings in Melbourne instead.
The seasonal omakase was exceptional
Celebrated my birthday here and had high expectations for this restaurant — it exceeded them. The seasonal omakase was exceptional, and the seafood was incredibly fresh. I really enjoyed the 10 hand-picked nigiri and had such a great experience with both the food and the service. The staff were really good and attentive throughout the experience, and the main chef who served us was very nice and accommodating. One of the other chefs (a woman) didn’t seem very engaged when serving us — she only served us for two courses. Aside from that, everything was great. I would definitely come back here.
Sophia |Google Review
Totally worth the experience
I booked for the lunch omakase $160 per person and was totally worth the experience. The service is top notch and they prepared a small match cake as a birthday surprise for my partner. Their sushi was fresh and every bite brings us back to Japan. A little gem tucked in the quiet street of port Melbourne.
Yen Wong | Google Review
4. Minamishima
Website: https://minamishima.com.au/
Address: 4 Lord St, Richmond
Contact: 0466 333 915, 39 429 5180
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Marking a major personal milestone deserves an exclusive fine dining establishment like Minamishima. They present a single, premium menu served directly at the sushi counter for a highly focused culinary journey.
A close friend of mine celebrated their anniversary here recently, and they couldn’t stop talking about the flawless service. Apparently, you can enjoy one of two intimate seatings per night at the primary counter.
They also offer three beautiful private rooms that easily seat up to eight guests. Plus, the kitchen accommodates personal dietary requirements perfectly if you notify them during booking.
However, they’re strictly open for dinner service only. This completely restricts access for anyone wanting to book a high-stakes daytime business lunch. You’ll need to find another spot if you prefer eating during the day.
One of the best omakase journeys I’ve been fortunate to experience
One of the best omakase journeys I’ve been fortunate to experience – I sampled many new ingredients and taste bud reactions during this sitting.
I was also blown away by how frindly Minamishima-san was, coming over for a chat and enjoying a sake with us. ありがとうございました
ThatSquidlyGuy | Google Review
Such a memorable experience
Had the chance to try their omakase recently and it was such a memorable experience!
🍣✨ Every dish was beautifully prepared and thoughtfully presented – each course felt like a journey of flavours 😋
The service was excellent, and the attention to detail along with the explanation of each dish really added to the experience 😊
It is a great spot for a special night out. The price is reasonable for the quality and creativity offered. Definitely recommend if you are looking to treat yourself to an authentic Japanese omakase in Melbourne 😋
Jamie Pong | Google Review
5. Rōnin ōmakase
Website: https://roninomakase.com/
Address: 445 Little Collins St Melbourne
Contact: 0401 721 491
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Stepping outside traditional Japanese boundaries opens up some incredibly exciting dining options. This unique little spot called Rōnin ōmakase operates as the city’s first Korean fusion destination.
Chef Liam Lee thoughtfully reimagines classic Korean flavours using precise modern restraint and fantastic seasonal produce.
Every single course is served strictly based on his own creative vision. The meals feel warm, highly personal, and full of pleasant surprises from start to finish.
The setting itself is also beautifully quiet and deeply immersive for all guests.
Unfortunately, the restaurant heavily limits the dining space to an exceptionally intimate ten-seat arrangement. This extremely tiny capacity makes booking a table for a larger group nearly impossible. You’ll need to book well in advance if you want a seat.
Will definitely be back
Amazing omakase experience! The food was fresh, beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. The vibe was warm and relaxed, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. You can really feel the care and passion behind every dish. Will definitely be back!
YH E | Google Review
Seamless omakase journey
Ronin Omakase offers a refined dining experience from lunch through to dinner. The intimate setting, thoughtfully crafted courses, and attention to detail make for a seamless omakase journey. Polished service and a well-curated wine list elevate the experience. If you’re visiting for lunch, their “Ronin han” is highly recommended
Jun L | Google Review