From sushi trains to izakayas and omakase counters, Japanese cuisine is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you're after the precision of a sashimi platter, the comforting embrace of a bento box or the smoky allure of a robata grill, these standout restaurants have something to satisfy your cravings.
Mama Yama - Sushi Express - Belgrave, Vic
For a fast, fresh and flavour-packed Japanese fix, Mama Yama on Burwood Highway in Belgrave delivers in style. Tucked away in Belgrave Village, this laneway gem sports graffiti-style street art on the outside, while inside, sleek wooden tables, trailing greenery and softly glowing pendent lights set the scene. Here, the sushi train is always rolling, offering diners an interactive experience packed with colour and variety.
Everything is made fresh daily, ensuring each bite bursts with flavour. Hop on the sushi train for a savoury Japanese pancake drizzled with BBQ sauce and Kewpie mayo, or indulge in crispy prawn gyoza dipped in ponzu. The inside-out California roll is a crowd-pleaser, filled with crab stick, avocado, cucumber, carrot, masago and Kewpie. For something heartier, the teriyaki chicken bento box delivers a feast of steamed rice, gyoza, spring rolls, vegetable tempura and miso soup. Vegan options ensure no one misses out.
Tokyo Den Japanese Restaurant - Burwood, NSW
If your appetite knows no bounds, Tokyo Den on Burwood Road is the answer. This all-you-can-eat sensation blends traditional Japanese flavours with Sydney’s dynamic food culture, creating an irresistible dining experience. Inside, dark wood tables, red-accented walls and softly glowing lights set a sophisticated yet welcoming tone - perfect for everything from date nights to feasting with friends.
With a menu boasting more than 50 made-to-order dishes, there's no shortage of options. The charcoal hibachi selection is a standout, featuring teriyaki chicken and char-grilled squid brushed with housemade seaweed butter. The braised pork belly, slow-cooked in dashi, soy sauce, mirin and sake, melts in your mouth, while the Wagyu beef rump, served with steamed rice and seasonal vegetables, is a flavour-packed favourite.
Bringing a slice of Japan to Tropical North Queensland, Wawawa Izakaya is where modern Japanese dining meets laidback Cairns charm. The vibe is effortlessly cool, with sleek wooden tables, glossy tiles and floor-to-ceiling glass windows creating a contemporary yet inviting atmosphere.
On the plate, expect nothing less than culinary artistry. Scallop ceviche with white ponzu, plum and raspberry granita is a refreshing way to start, while tempura soft-shell crab paired with potato starch and kimchi mayo packs a satisfying crunch. The robata grill selection impresses with Taiwanese eel topped with tomato salsa and pickled mustard, while the miso-marinated duck breast - served with pickled Nashi pear, plum and sansho pepper - is a must-try.
For an elegant Japanese dining experience, Jizakana on Miller Street in Cammeray is a cut above the rest. Specialising in omakase and fusion dishes, this refined eatery is perfect for those seeking an immersive journey into Japanese cuisine. Inside, blond wood tables, exposed brick walls and soft cane pendent lighting create a tranquil setting, whether you're there for a romantic dinner, a business meeting or a long-overdue catch-up with friends.
Jizakana’s signature one-metre sushi platter is a showstopper, brimming with fresh seafood delicacies. Start your meal with delicate lobster sashimi or indulgent Wagyu sushi topped with caviar before moving on to a standout robata grill dish like saikyo miso-cured black cod. The beef sukiyaki - featuring cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, soft egg and steamed rice - is another highlight, offering a rich and comforting flavour profile.
Daikokuten - Hawthorn East, Vic
Japanese brunch is having a moment and Daikokuten in Hawthorn East is leading the charge. With its sunlit space featuring black tiles, potted greenery and blond wood furniture, this cosy café invites you to slow down and savour every bite.
The menu is as innovative as it is delicious. Start your morning with a breakfast tuna onigiri set, served alongside Kransky sausage, tamago, mixed salad, sesame dressing, pickled vegetables and miso soup. Those with a sweet tooth will love the brioche toast layered with sweet red bean, condensed milk and matcha sauce. For lunch, the signature fried chicken brioche sando - stacked with avocado, baby cos, cheese and sriracha mayo - is a must. The Forbidden Garden Poké Bowl is another standout, combining black rice, salmon sashimi, nori, avocado, pickled vegetables, edamame beans, sesame dressing and a purple sweet potato croquette for a nourishing yet indulgent dish.
From sushi trains and izakayas to omakase counters and Japanese brunch spots, these venues prove that Japan’s culinary magic is alive and well. Whether you're craving fresh sashimi, smoky hibachi-grilled meats or a comforting bowl of miso soup, there’s no shortage of exceptional Japanese dining experiences to explore.
