The 5 Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne That’ll Make You Come Back Again and Again
Finding the best Japanese restaurant in Melbourne can feel like a delicious but endless treasure hunt because our city is packed with incredible dining options. It’s a paradise whether you’re chasing traditional flavours or looking for a cozy date spot.
Sure, we all love grabbing crispy chicken wings or hitting up classic Chinese restaurants on the weekend. But sometimes you just crave that perfect bowl of ramen or some sizzling wagyu.
Now, without further ado, meet our recommended spots around town that serve up unforgettable meals and incredible vibes!
How much does dining at a Japanese restaurant cost in Melbourne?
Dining out at a Japanese restaurant in Melbourne can range anywhere from a quick $15 lunch to an elaborate $268 premium feast per person.
| Dining Style | Average Price Per Person |
| Casual & Quick Bites | $15 to $30 |
| All-You-Can-Eat | $43 to $51 |
| Set Menus & Izakaya | $55 to $135+ |
| Premium Omakase | $200 to $270+ |
1. IKKAI – Sukiyaki, Izakaya & Donburi
Website: https://ikkai.com.au/
Address: 113 Hardware St.
Contact: +61 3 9639 6021
Hours: Mon – Sun 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
IKKAI brings the warmth of traditional hot pots and a variety of casual plates together under one roof, creating a unique dining experience in the city centre.
As a certified destination for top-tier Kagoshima Kuroushi, they serve some of the finest premium beef available in town.
You’ll surely appreciate the incredibly convenient lunch bowls. The generous shared dinner options also make it a vibrant spot for evening gatherings.
That said, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. First, the seating layout is quite cramped, which may impact comfort, especially during busy periods.
Portion sizes also tend to run on the smaller side, considering the premium price point.
Lastly, if anyone in your group requires gluten-free options, be aware that the kitchen can’t accommodate these dietary restrictions at all.
Ikkai is a must-try
Ikkai is hands down the best Japanese restaurant I’ve tried so far in Melbourne 🇯🇵✨
Amazing flavours, top-quality ingredients, and everything tastes so authentic. Simple, refined, and absolutely delicious.
If you love real Japanese food, Ikkai is a must-try. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- JR Obliosca | Google Review
The hot wagyu dip into egg so melted in your mouth
This is the first Japanese restaurant I’ve ever tried in Melbourne and it was perfect dinner. The hot wagyu dip into egg so melted in your mouth🤤 the staff are so kind, helpful and very hostile. A must try when you visited Melbourne.
- Nadia Permata Sari | Google Review
2. Robata Melbourne
Website: https://robata.com.au/
Address: 2 Exhibition St.
Contact: +61 3 9989 3575
Hours: Sun – Thur 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Fri – Sat 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Stepping inside Robata Melbourne feels like walking straight into a futuristic Tokyo nightscape because of their cinematic neon lights and buzzing energy.
The entire culinary concept here centres around traditional robatayaki, which involves charcoal grilling over an open fire to lock in smoky flavours.
Their massive menu covers everything from quick yakitori to dry-aged steaks, making it perfect for a pre-theatre meal.
We’ve tried sitting right by the open kitchen, and watching the chefs grill premium skewers over the glowing coals was an absolute highlight!
However, the bento boxes sometimes lack that deeply authentic Japanese punch. The pours are noticeably small, too.
Also, the service can feel a bit dismissive if you bring up an issue with your order during a busy dinner rush.
The food was as good as any high end restaurant we visited in Japan
This amazing Japanese restaurant was only 50m from our hotel and near the MCG where we were going to see a concert. What a find for us , the food was as good as any high end restaurant we visited in Japan , friendly welcoming service, and an extensive food and drinks menu . We opted for “The Director’s Cut “ set menu which was totally delicious and a great mix of fresh seafood and tasty wagyu steak. Also tried some exotic cocktails and craft beers.All up a 5 star experience
- Tony Blake | Google Review
The best Japanese food you’ll ever have in Australia
my favourite restaurant on the planet. amazing service, amazing atmosphere and the best Japanese food you’ll ever have in Australia. Served by Liam J every time I’ve been here, the loveliest server you’ll ever have!
- Ayla Gail | Google Review
3. OMI 380
Website: https://www.omiwagyu.com.au/
Address: 376 Lonsdale St.
Contact: +61 4 3466 3380
Hours: Mon – Thu & Sun 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, Fri – Sat 10:00 am – 1:00 am (Last Order Mon – Thur & Sun: 9:00 pm Fri – Sat: 12 am)
If you’re looking for an award-winning dining destination, OMI 380 proudly holds the title of Best Japanese Restaurant 2023 in Victoria.
They focus heavily on an elevated dining experience, serving up signature premium wagyu alongside crispy karaage chicken. The presentation of each dish is beautiful.
The consistency across their different menu series also shows why they’re so popular. We think this place is a great option for a casual sit-down meal with friends or a quick, reliable lunch in the middle of a shopping trip.
Sadly, the ramen broth can taste surprisingly watery and lacks the rich depth you expect from a specialty house. To add, the overcooked noodles often stick together, making the overall meal feel a bit overpriced for the quality delivered.
My favourite Japanese restaurant
I thought we have been to too many Japanese restaurants so far and nothing could surprise us… but, this place absolutely amazed us!!!
Food is excellent. Waygu beef is the highlight. Dessert is delicious.
Customer services and environment are also perfect.
By far this is my favourite Japanese restaurant. 😍 😋
- Y Y | Google Review
This place is so modern
So so good. This place is so modern and walked in without knowing the place beforehand. I was surprised to see a Japanese bakery and ice cream, and even more surprised when I found out it’s a restaurant at the back. I only had matcha.
I got the Shiratama Uji Matcha Latte. So good. I was craving a dessert drink and this was perfect. The kochi were soft chewy and sweet, which perfectly complemented the matcha.
- Kachibol 1 | Google Review
4. Izakaya Domo
Website: https://www.izakayadomo.com.au/
Address: GPO Postal Lane, Shop 28/350 Bourke St.
Contact: +61 4 2143 1240
Hours: Mon – Wed 11:30 am – 3:00 pm / 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Thu 11:30 am – 3:00 pm / 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Fri – Sun 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
Located in an old heritage alleyway, Izakaya Domo perfectly channels the high-energy vibe of a lively Japanese street market.
The multi-level, neon-lit interior here truly makes you feel as though you’ve stepped straight into the heart of Tokyo.
When it comes to food, their menu leans into izakaya-style small plates, ideal for tasting a bit of everything alongside drinks. Sushi and sashimi are a standout, with guests raving about the freshness and delicate flavours.
However, we’ve heard from regulars that their ramen noodles can sometimes fall short in texture. Also, some non-traditional items like siu mai might feel out of place to purists.
The dishes here are really well seasoned and flavourful
Compared to some other Japanese restaurants, the dishes here are really well seasoned and flavourful. Everything tasted balanced and not bland at all.
The sashimi was especially good because it was super fresh. Not all sashimi tastes the same in every restaurant — it really depends on the freshness and the way it’s sliced, and you can definitely tell the quality here.
- Hazel Anne Agustin | Google Review
A good vibe and delicious meals
Very busy Japanese restaurant with a good vibe and delicious meals.
The teishoku set portion is huge. I am surprised it has a small bowl ramen included. I thought it was a miso soup only.
The ramen is also very flavourful and the soup is not too thick.
It’s a highly recommended Japanese restaurant in the CBD.
- Yos William | Google Review
5. KOMEYUI Japanese Restaurant – Melbourne
Website: https://komeyui.com.au/mel/
Address: 181 Ferrars St, Southbank
Contact: +61 3 9645 5420
Hours: Tue – Sun 11:30 am – 2:30 pm / 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm (TAKEAWAY: Tue – Sun – 11:30 am – 2:00 pm / 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm)
Artistry and tradition take centre stage at KOMEYUI Japanese Restaurant. Their menu draws deep inspiration from the chef’s upbringing in a Hokkaido fishing town.
They focus on the natural simplicity of fresh ingredients while pushing the boundaries of modern creativity.
They also offer diverse dining formats, ranging from premium bento boxes to an elaborate, multi-course chef’s table experience.
We got the chance to interview a regular who recently celebrated her birthday here. She mentioned that the visual presentation of each dish was absolutely stunning.
Just know that the dining sessions can feel quite rushed because the staff strictly enforces a two-hour seating limit without warning you.
The high price tag also feels a bit tough to swallow when the floor staff lacks detailed knowledge about the sake list.
Authentic Japanese restaurant with the best service
Highly recommend authentic Japanese restaurant with the best service I could get in Melbourne. I spent a very pleasant lunch experience with my wife for my birthday, and we tried their Omakase lunch menu. This is absolutely fantastic in terms of quality and value.
- Christopher Lam | Google Review
Beautiful Japanese restaurant with great food
Beautiful Japanese restaurant with great food. The chefs are very friendly and are very meticulous in the food preparation. The ambiance is spectacular with beautiful flower arrangements. Food is exceptional and creative. On the down side, the waitresses have poor command of English and frequently get our orders wrong. We frequent this place once or twice a fortnight but every time I call to make a booking, they get my name wrong.
- Ernie Tang | Google Review