The best new Japanese restaurants in Melbourne

From steaming bowls of ramen to crispy katsu and world-class sushi we’ve found the best new Japanese restaurants that you need to try. 

Katsuretsu Co 

Imagine an entire restaurant dedicated to crispy katsu. Well, with Katsuretsu Co you no longer have to just imagine. The delicious tonkatsu venue has just landed in Chinatown and is serving up some of the best katsu you’ve ever tasted. Head into MidCity Arcade for a plate of tender pork or fresh seafood and dunk your way around the endless range of sauces. 

Ronin Omakase 

From a Docklands pop-up to a permanent fixture on Little Collins street, Ronin Omakase takes your taste buds on a journey of explosive flavours. Enjoy the signature otoro nigiri, adorned with edible gold dust and crowned with exquisite caviar. Try the crab, scallop and kani miso. Pair your dish with sensational cocktails.  

Mr Hugo

Melbourne has just scored an adorable new Japanese-style joint. Mr Hugo's menu features all the classics. Think hearty tonkatsu curry, steamy udon noodles and wagyu beef bowls. Finish with the hojicha hazelnut toast for a must-try sweet treat. Then sip on fun drinks like the Lemoricano – a citrusy take on the Americano.

Sara Craft Ramen 

Calling all ramen lovers! Sara Craft Ramen and Bar is a new must try on Little Lonsdale Street. Be transported to Japan with delicious flavours like duck yuzu, or the spicy tonkotsu. Choose from artisanal straight noodles or the two weeks aged wave noodles. Looking for something extra? Opt for the crab karaage, or the aburi wagyu sushi. 

Tokyo Motto 

Specialising in Japanese street food and omurice, Tokyo Motto is the ultimate casual lunch spot. Expect an array of crispy katsu, karaage chicken, vegetable tempura and more. If you’re feeling experimental opt for the spicy miso ramen topped with a soft serve ice cream cone. After 9pm the venue transforms into a late-night izakaya serving up bar snacks, crispy fried chicken and rivers of free-flowing sake, beer and Japanese-inspired cocktails. 

Waku Waku 

Authentic, hidden gem Waku Waku is the authentic and intimate dining space for your next dinner date. Dive into a bowl of winter warming Hokkaido curry soup. Or munch on some tempura prawns, fresh sashimi and karaage chicken. All dishes are packed with flavour and will have you coming back for more. 

Niku Shiki  

Dine in, or grab and go at Niku Shiki. from delicate sushi to sizzling sukiyaki, to paper thin beef wagyu you will be spoilt for choice. Try the hot pot for your next group catch-up. Level up your at home meals with the butcher’s seafood, fresh cuts of wagyu and more.