Sushi and sashimi are more than just food—they’re an art form. The delicate slicing, the balance of flavours, and the sheer freshness of the ingredients transform a simple meal into an experience. Whether you're a purist who savours sashimi in its raw perfection or you love creative takes on traditional nigiri, these restaurants serve some of the finest sushi and sashimi masterpieces around.
Set in the heart of Maroochydore, Soka elevates Japanese dining with a refined charcoal-grilled experience that transports you straight to Japan’s culinary capitals. This Ocean Street destination is all about sophisticated simplicity, with a modernist aesthetic that complements its premium selection of Japanese wine, beer and sake. The atmosphere is a seamless blend of ambient lighting, gentle jazz, and the alluring aroma of expertly grilled meats and seafood.
Sushi lovers can dive into seared tuna loin, infused with the brightness of yuzu coconut and the crisp contrast of nori. Grilled skewers showcase the depth of Japanese charcoal cooking, with options like scallop drizzled in miso garlic butter. For heartier appetites, the Scotch fillet with wafu sauce, garlic chips, and shichimi spice is a must-try. Finish on a sweet note with coconut sorbet, lychee, and raspberry granita—a refreshing finale to a rich and balanced meal.
Masu Izakaya – Burleigh Heads, QLD
Burleigh Heads’ Masu Izakaya is where Japanese tradition meets the laid-back coastal vibes of the Gold Coast. This contemporary izakaya invites diners to linger over shared plates in a space adorned with neon lights, a lush greenery wall, and an intimate selection of banquettes and tables. Whether you choose to people-watch with a cocktail in hand or settle into the moody interior, every meal here feels like an occasion.
The menu delivers a balance of fresh and flavourful sushi alongside heartier izakaya staples. Start with kingfish carpaccio, delicately enhanced by yuzu soy, finger lime, and pickled fennel. Then move on to the showstopper—black cod marinated in saikyo miso, served with steamed rice and broccolini in a fragrant yuzu dressing. If you’re after something even more indulgent, the glazed pork ribs with yakiniku sauce, sesame seeds, and garlic-laced broccolini make for a stunning contrast of sweetness and umami.
For an elevated omakase and fusion experience, Jizakana in Cammeray sets the bar high. This modern Japanese eatery specialises in fresh sushi and sashimi, delivered in an atmosphere of elegance and serenity. With its blond wood interiors, exposed brick, and softly glowing cane pendant lights, the setting is just as refined as the food.
Jizakana is home to Sydney’s famed one-metre sushi platter—an extravagant showcase of the freshest seafood, expertly prepared. Lobster sashimi, Wagyu sushi with caviar, and paper-thin slices of delicate sashimi highlight the restaurant’s dedication to quality. Beyond raw fish, the robata grill offerings are equally compelling, with standout dishes like saikyo miso-cured black cod and beef sukiyaki with shiitake mushrooms and a soft egg. This is the place to go for a sushi feast that feels truly special.
Overlooking the Coral Sea, Terasu in Townsville delivers an energetic take on Japanese dining inspired by the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Located on the ground floor of the Ardo Hotel, this stylish venue blends bold flavours with stunning waterfront views, making it an unmissable spot for sushi lovers. The restaurant’s signature cocktails, like the Tokyo Glow with sake, ginger liqueur, and yuzu jelly, set the stage for a vibrant dining experience.
The menu is packed with inventive Japanese small plates, including tempura soft-shell crab with ponzu and wasabi tartar, or crispy fried duck bao with hoisin sauce. But the highlight here is the impeccably crafted sashimi platter, featuring a selection of the freshest seafood, including silky salmon, delicate tuna, and decadent poached crayfish with mixed seaweed and bursts of yuzu pearls. For an experience that balances modernity with traditional craftsmanship, Terasu delivers in every bite.
From charcoal-grilled skewers to one-metre sushi extravaganzas, these restaurants prove that sushi and sashimi are more than just meals—they're an art form. Whether you're after an indulgent omakase or a sashimi platter by the sea, these spots serve up some of the most masterful Japanese creations. Time to grab your chopsticks and indulge.
