Best Japanese Speciality Restaurants in East Melbourne

Discover the best restaurants in East Melbourne

Explore must-try spots, new openings, and hidden gems.

Price

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Regions

City CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City South

Areas

CollingwoodFitzroyGlen IrisHawthornMelbourne CBDSouth Yarra

Top Rated

CharmingGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for happy hourGreat for outdoor dining

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

10 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Kentaro

4.4

Awesome(23)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Melbourne CBD

Booked 10 times today

Welcome to KENTARO, a Japanese omakase restaurant that transports diners to the intimate charm of Japan’s hidden side streets. Here, we offer an authentic and immersive dining experience that celebrates the art of Japanese cuisine. Under the guidance of our talented producer chef, whose extensive background includes esteemed Melbourne establishments such as Shiranui, Shoya, and Marble Yakiniku, as well as international experience in culinary hubs like Singapore and Tokyo, Kentaro elevates Melbourne's dining scene to new heights. Join us for a unique journey where tradition meets innovation in every exquisite creation.

2. Ishizuka

5.0

Exceptional(48)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Melbourne CBD

Booked 8 times today

Awarded two hats at the 2025 Good Food Guide Awards, Ishizuka is renowned for its contemporary interpretation of Kaiseki—an elevated and intricate culinary art form, practiced exclusively by Japan’s most expert culinary master Katsuji Yoshino. Each Kaiseki meal is a multi-course journey that celebrates the integrity of seasonal ingredients, with a balance of flavours and textures that are as artistically presented as they are meticulously crafted.Designed by esteemed architecture and design practice Russell & George, Ishizuka was awarded Restaurant of the Year at the 2019 Frame Awards in Amsterdam, International Winner in the Australia & Pacific Restaurant category at the prestigious Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in London, and Restaurant Design of the Year at the 2018 Eat Drink Design Awards in Melbourne.

3. Yakikami

4.5

Awesome(20)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese speciality • South Yarra

Booked 19 times today

Discover the world of Japanese cuisine at Melbourne’s best Japanese restaurant, Yakikami. Sip & dine in our modern, sleek and traditional interior with three distinct experiences: Josper Room, Yakitori Counter & General Dining.The Yakikami ExperienceEach experience has its own unique ambience and menu offerings, inviting you to unwind and explore on a memorable journey of Japanese cuisine in the heart of South Yarra.

4. Wabi Sabi Salon

4.4

Awesome(50)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Collingwood

Booked 2 times today

Wabi Sabi Salon in Collingwood is a stellar destination for authentic Japanese Speciality cuisine, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary dishes. Praised as "our favourite accessible Japanese in Melbourne," this charming eatery never fails to impress with its delicious offerings like the renowned Chicken Katsu Curry and exquisite teishoku sets. The restaurant's interior exudes a nostalgic Showa-era ambiance, transporting diners to a cozy, retro Japan. Guests rave about the "fantastic food - never disappoints" and the "lovely place with great food that was reasonably priced." Whether it's the tantalizing tan tan ramen or the delightful yuzu lemonade, Wabi Sabi Salon promises a memorable and satisfying dining experience.

5. Shusai Mijo

4.8

Exceptional(20)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Fitzroy

Booked 2 times today

Shusai Mijo, nestled in the heart of Fitzroy, offers an exquisite journey into authentic Japanese cuisine with its remarkable omakase set menu. Renowned for presenting "perfect sushi omakase experiences," the establishment seamlessly marries Australian and Japanese ingredients, delivering a unique and delightful fusion. Highlighted by the extraordinary A5 Wagyu, each dish is a testament to the chef's masterful skill and dedication, ensuring a culinary journey that is both harmonious and exciting. Diners are invited into an atmosphere of warmth and elegance, where "food becomes art." The impeccable service and thoughtfully curated sake pairings elevate each visit to an unforgettable dining experience.

A photo of Chotto Motto Collingwood restaurant

6. Chotto Motto Collingwood

4.7

Exceptional(331)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Collingwood

Chotto Motto Collingwood is a captivating haven for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, offering an authentic and delightful culinary experience. Renowned for its handmade Japanese dumplings served with crispy chili oil, this restaurant truly excels in delivering a taste of Japan. The "outstanding" food, characterized by dishes like king prawn gyoza and chicken karage, has diners raving about its quality and authenticity. The decor is an enchanting tribute to the Showa Era, with vintage Japanese antiques adorning the walls, creating an eclectic and fun atmosphere. As one review highlights, it feels "like taking a trip to Japan," ensuring a memorable dining experience.

7. Sachi

4.7

Exceptional(52)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Hawthorn

Booked 3 times today

Sachi in Hawthorn offers a remarkable Japanese Speciality experience, bringing the essence of 'umi no sachi,' or treasures of the sea, to life with unparalleled authenticity. The skilled team of sushi chefs, each boasting over a decade of experience in top Japanese restaurants, crafts dishes that are both aesthetically and tastefully exceptional. “Amazing food! Such fresh fish and sashimi, and so delicately cut,” one diner raves, highlighting the exquisite quality of the seafood. With a reputation for attentive service and a “great menu with just enough options to tickle the palate,” Sachi consistently provides a delightful culinary adventure.

A photo of Sushi On Little Bourke restaurant

8. Sushi On Little Bourke

new

4.4

Awesome(0)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Melbourne CBD

Booked 2 times today

Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Sushi On Little Bourke offers a refined yet welcoming sushi experience. This exciting new venture, in collaboration with acclaimed Two Hats Chef Yong, builds on his legacy at High-end Omakase Sushi On, bringing top-quality sushi to a wider audience.Sushi On Little Bourke invites you to discover a new era of sushi, where quality meets community. A true memorable dining experience for everyone awaits at 500 Bourke.

9. Sakae En

(0)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Melbourne CBD

Booked 3 times today

Sakae En offers an authentic Japanese dining experience with an innovative menu including fresh sushi from the conveyor belt, steaming hotpots (nabe) and savoury yakiniku (BBQ).Whether you're a hotpot enthusiast or a BBQ lover, Sakae En provides a culinary journey that captures the essence of Japan.

10. Izakaya Chouchou

4.6

Exceptional(38)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese speciality • Glen Iris

Booked 1 time today

Izakaya Chouchou in Glen Iris is truly a gem for Japanese Speciality cuisine enthusiasts. With its cozy and inviting atmosphere, it offers an authentic Izakaya experience reminiscent of dining in Japan. The "Chef’s Table 8 course menu" has been praised as "superb," featuring innovative dishes prepared right before your eyes with incredible attention to detail. Diners rave about the "beautiful Japanese food" and the extensive selection of sake and other beverages perfectly paired with each dish. Customers celebrate the "exceptional cuisine and service" and note that it's "just like being in an Izakaya in Japan." Izakaya Chouchou promises a delightful culinary journey.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
May
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing food and great presentation as always. Excellent service! Thank you, Ishizuka! Highly recommended.
More info
IshizukaPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Melbourne CBD
•
5
K
Katelyn
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Exceptional food, drinks & relaxed vibe. Loved it!
More info
Wabi Sabi SalonPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Collingwood
•
4.4
R
Romnalin
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Second time at Kentaro. Food was amazing every time i went there. Definitely go back for the third time. 😊
More info
KentaroPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Melbourne CBD
•
4.4
D
Dominique
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 10 Apr 2025
Beautiful experience. Outstanding food. A real treat.
More info
Shusai MijoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Fitzroy
•
4.8
A
Angela
Central Kentucky •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 5 Apr 2025
Fantastic dining experience. The restaurant is so calm and welcoming. The food is absolutely amazing and the service is exceptional. Loved every moment and highly recommend.
More info
YakikamiPrice: Expensive• Japanese Speciality• South Yarra
•
4.5