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.
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.
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.
Best new Japanese cafes and bakeries
Operator San
A new Japanese brunch by Operator25 cafe, serving sweets, savouries, specialty coffee and drinks.
Onigiri Kitchen and Sake Bar
A beautifully designed space with a simple philosophy – to enjoy simple Japanese rice balls.
Miyama Melbourne
Celebrate the spirit of Japanese hospitality infused with the bold charm of Melbourne.
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Last updated on Fri 17 May 2024
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Sakura Kaiten Sushi II
Second outlet of the popular Japanese sushi train restaurant in Lonsdale Street.
