Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne 2023
Wa Kenbo has captured the imagination since it burst onto the scene in 2018. The food does the talking, as there is little signage or fanfare surrounding this gem away from the main strip in Fitzroy. What critics are heralding is the use of produce from Chef Kenji Ito's private garden to feature in dishes, as well as the fine technique and element of fusion done well. 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 .
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. fancy sushi restaurants 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.
From sushi and ramen, to izakaya and sake bars, Melbourne has a full gamut of spots to get your fix. All budgets welcome, whether you’re after a cheap eat or a fine dining experience, you can find it in our guide to best Japanese restaurants Melbourne has to offer for 2022. To find high-end kaiseki dining in Melbourne you’ll need to visit acclaimed chef Tomotaka Ishizuka’s ultra exclusive, hidden basement restaurant. Seating just 16, all guests are served the 11-dish tasting menu in which luxe ingredients, exceptional technique, and art gallery-level plating shine in complex yet restrained dishes.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
It pays homage to traditional Japanese dishes while also introducing some contemporary elements. Enjoy a chef's menu for dinner, and be sure to pair it with one of the bespoke cocktails or with a glass of Japanese whisky. What if belly-warming food could be also wholesome and healthy, satisfying without tasting soporific? Leave it to Neko Neko, a cosy little eatery cooking homestyle vegan and pescatarian Japanese for which it has amassed a loyal following.
It may be ubiquitous and showy, compared to the other spots in this list, but there’s no mistaking that Nobu is amongst the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. Japanese food will never be a trend in Melbourne, thanks to how delicious it is. It is desirable in winter when noodle soups and ramen are the order of the day, and in summer when cold, fresh bites like sushi and sashimi are all you want to eat. These are the city's finest places to enjoy sushi, sashimi, sake and so much more. Whether you want to dip into a cosy inn-style café or hobnob with the glitterati at Melbourne's stable of very fine Japanese diners, you'll find what you're looking for here.
Izakaya Den also has a selection of Japanese beers and traditional sake for customers to pair with their food. With its small wooden door that bears a small sign, this tiny tempura house is easy to miss. It is run by sushi chef Shigeo who is a master of Japanese cooking. I’ve been to many Japanese restaurants in Melbourne but Kisume is definitely the best Japanese restaurant in Melbourne for the authenticity, food taste, as well as ambience.
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. If you love the slurp and comfort of noodles, see our recommendations for the Best Places for Ramen in Sydney. We open our look at the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne with a high-concept gem. You will be hard pressed to find a cuisine that combines such differing and varied combinations of flavours. And this is one of the things what makes this cuisine so popular.
Whatever your motivation for wanting to learn Japanese, I highly recommend Nunawading Japanese School. As soon as you walk through the classroom door you are greeted by the teachers who engage you with their enthusiasm and immediately put a smile on your face. Even when the learning is challenging, the positive environment is encouraging and supportive. Chef Shigeo Nonaka brings you on an award-winning Japanese culinary journey for bold diners. Shoya fuses local produce, flavour composition and relaxed atmosphere to effect. The vibe here is perfect for that catch up or romantic soiree.