Take a trip to Tokyo (without leaving the city) with our guide to Sydney’s best Japanese restaurants.
Ah, Japan. The land of incredible seafood, top-notch noodles, and some of the world’s best fried chicken. Whether you’ve visited Tokyo before or have it on your bucket list, there’s nothing quite like the unique and diverse flavours of Japanese cuisine. If you’re looking for the best of just that, check out our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney.
Oborozuki, Circular Quay
Oborozuki is set against Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour Bridge, blending seamlessly into the harbourside scene. Known globally for their Japanese culinary excellence, Oborozuki presents a 10-course menu featuring highlights like Blacklip Abalone with bonito stock, Tasmanian Lobster with rice crackers and ebi miso, and Freshwater Crab with foie gras, scampi miso soup, and house pickles. Taking you from cold to hot dishes, this is a Japanese culinary adventure not to be missed in the heart of Sydney. Find out more here.
Rekodo, Barangaroo
Transport yourself to Tokyo’s nightlife at Rekodo, where vinyl tunes serenade your senses all night long. The culinary mastery takes centre stage when you dine at the chef’s table, where you can witness the magic unfold before your eyes. Savour the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu, traditional Taiyaki waffles, and Okonomi-temaki. And when it comes to libations, the cocktails are nothing short of extraordinary, boasting Japanese-inspired flavours like yuzu and sake. Find out more here.
Kuro, Sydney CBD
Kuro, located in the CBD’s heart, offers a tantalising tasting menu that beautifully blends Japanese flavours with Australia’s finest produce. Since its inception in 2019, Kuro has solidified its reputation as one of Sydney’s top Japanese dining destinations. Within its 40-seat setting, Kuro exudes luxury, featuring marble tabletops, brass accents, and Japanese-inspired elements, such as Kyoto pottery and Kintsugi craftsmanship (the art of mending with gold). It creates an elegant ambience, setting the stage for a refined Japanese culinary experience. Find out more here.
Ora, Waterloo
Ora is transforming Sydney’s dining scene with its progressive offering on Dank Street. Boasting a traditional omakase experience, modern Japanese dining and a late-night lounge with DJs every weekend, settle in for an evening of dining and drinking across three distinct offerings. The scene is set from the moment you enter through a revolving door with a dimly lit space, dark finishes, pendulum lamps and a long marble bar. Executive Chef Nobuyuki Ura (from Hatted restaurant Sushi E) plays on the simplicity of Japanese cuisine, showcasing the best seasonal produce found across Australia, only complimented by staple Japanese flavours. Find out more here.
Kazan Dining, CBD
When you craving fresh nigiri, umami-rich flavours like miso or hibachi grilled meats, we highly recommend a visit to Kazan Dining at 25 Martin Place. Chef Shinya Nakano is at the helm of the kitchen bringing his experience from Nobu and Kisume in Melbourne. The Kyoto-trained sushi chef has been given full rein to create a modern interpretation of classical Japanese cuisine across the menu. He combines authentic cooking techniques, premium ingredients and exquisite presentation. Find out more here.
Nobu, Barangaroo
Nobu is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, which showcases the culinary artistry of world-renowned chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. The restaurant’s elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, combined with stunning harbour views, makes it one of the most sought-after dining destinations in the city. Find out more here.
Mashi No Mashi, Pyrmont
The Star provides the backdrop for the mouthwatering offering featuring the world-renowned premium-grade ramen and gyoza. The Sydney counterpart to the Mashi No Mashi empire showcases a bespoke offering signature to its locale – an Izakaya menu of ultimate Japanese comfort foods. The Sydney-specific Izakaya dishes include highlights such as the Wagyu Cha Siu Bao, a beautiful piece of flavourful Ozaki wagyu beef slice, served with mushroom jam and wasabi between a soft and warm steamed bao. Find out more here.
Besuto, Quay Quarters
Classy yet sultry: Besuto (translation: “best”) offers traditional Japanese Omakase that takes your taste buds through a tantalizing experience, thanks to a trio of talented chefs, Hirofumi Fajita, Tomi Bjorck and Joel Best. The degustation menu promises a joyful gastronomical journey, where you’ll find traditional and innovative Japanese culture and food. Included in the 20 courses are unique dry-aged fish from Josh Niland’s Fish Butchery. Additionally, Besuto offers a selected list of Japanese whiskey. Find out more here.
Bay Nine Omakase, The Rocks
For those that enjoy the finer things in life like artisan sushi, seafood platters and waterfront dining experiences, Bay Nine needs to be on your radar. The new 40-seater Omakase restaurant has opened in Campbell’s Cove bringing a unique Japanese dining experience to The Rocks. Find out more here.
Chaco Ramen, Darlinghurst
Looking for the perfect place to slurp a delicious bowl of authentic ramen? Darlinghurst’s Chaco Ramen needs to be at the top of your list. Available for dine-in or takeaway, enjoy hot bowls of fat soy ramen with Chashu pork or Yuzu scallop ramen (with the option to add on extra noodles, top with extra protein or finish with a side of gyoya). Find out more here.
Cho Cho San, Potts Point
For a modern take on Japanese eats, look no further than Cho Cho San. This Potts Point favourite offers everything from a raw bar to izakaya-style snacks, as well as a decadent Cho Cho San Feast set menu ($95 per person). Find out more here.
Kid Kyoto, CBD
Enjoy Sydney’s rebellious Japanese Izakaya, Kid Kyoto in the heart of the CBD. Expect a twist on traditional Japanese dishes that have been infused with incredible Australian native ingredients. Pretend you’ve escaped to the laneway bars of Tokyo at this must-see Japanese restaurant. Find out more here.
Kuro, CBD
For a sleek Japanese fine dining experience, head to Kuro in the CBD. Experience the best of Japanese techniques and flavours at this refined inner-city restaurant. This is the perfect spot for an intimate date night or to celebrate a special occasion. Find out more here.
Tetsuya’s, CBD
Indulge in refined Japanese dishes at Tetsuya’s Restaurant on Kent Street in the CBD. Book in and sample their degustation menu, showcasing seasonal flavours paired with classic French cooking techniques. Find out more here.
Sokyo, The Star
Experience some of the best local produce and refined culinary techniques at Sokyo at The Star. Under the direction of Executive Chef Chase Kojima, expect an imaginative menu of sashimi, temoure and melt-in-your-mouth meat. Find out more here.
Toyko Bird, Surry Hills
It might be a small bar, by Tokyo Bird still earns a spot on our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney. Whether you’re searching for top-notch Japanese whisky, perfectly crafted cocktails or delicious yaktori skewers, you’ll find it all at Toyko Bird. Find out more here.