Best Japanese Restaurants in Southbank

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

BaysideCity CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City South

Areas

AbbotsfordArmadaleBalaclavaBrunswickCamberwellCarlton

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

45 restaurants available nearby

1. Ototo

3.9

Excellent(393)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 15 times today

Ototo, nestled in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, offers an authentic Japanese dining experience that is truly unparalleled. The Chef's Tasting Menu is a "delightful variety" of flavors, showcasing dishes like Kingfish Sashimi with truffle ponzu and the succulent wagyu tataki. Diners are consistently impressed by "absolutely delicious food" and the "exceptional service" provided by attentive staff. The ambiance is warm and inviting, perfect for a cozy date night or a celebratory gathering with friends. Guests rave about the "mouth-watering" 48-Hour Black Angus Short Ribs and the exquisite cocktail selection, making Ototo a must-visit destination for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts.

A photo of Akaiito Restaurant restaurant

2. Akaiito Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(180)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 2 times today

Akaiito inspires a unique Japanese culinary experience like no other. Welcome to our exclusive unique dining experience led by our team who will take you on a Japanese-inspired culinary journey through the art of a modern omakase.Be immersed in a world of exquisite flavors, expertly prepared seasonal dishes, and impeccable presentation, all while sitting comfortably at your own table. To celebrate Akaiito’s 5-year anniversary, we’re excited to offer a special 4-course menu featuring some of our most popular and signature dishes from over the years. We’re bringing back these favorites exclusively

3. Chocolate Buddha

4.7

Exceptional(2863)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 66 times today

Chocolate Buddha, nestled in the heart of Melbourne CBD, offers an exceptional Asian dining experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike. Known for its "extraordinary" food and "gorgeous, knowledgeable staff," the restaurant has become a beloved spot for sushi aficionados. The innovative sushi train, paired with a modern QR menu system, ensures a seamless dining experience. Reviewers rave about the "fresh and delicious" bento boxes and the diverse menu catering to various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options. Chocolate Buddha's "great vibe" and "friendly service" make it a must-visit for those seeking authentic and high-quality Asian cuisine.

4. Shoya Melbourne

4.5

Awesome(57)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 14 times today

Shoya Melbourne stands out as a beacon of authentic Asian cuisine, offering an unparalleled Japanese dining experience in the heart of Melbourne. For seven consecutive years, it has been celebrated as the Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne, a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. Guests rave about the "top-notch modern Japanese" dishes, meticulously prepared using century-old techniques and high-quality ingredients from Japan and beyond. Shoya's Omakase courses and à la Carte options promise a culinary journey that's "simply incredible," where each dish is a masterpiece of artistry and flavor. The restaurant's consistent excellence makes it a must-visit destination for Asian cuisine enthusiasts.

A photo of Sushi On Little Bourke restaurant

5. Sushi On Little Bourke

(0)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 1 time 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.

A photo of Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy restaurant

6. Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy

4.2

Awesome(1727)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Fitzroy

Booked 35 times today

Step into Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya in Fitzroy and experience a true taste of exceptional Japanese cuisine with a modern flair. Diners rave about the "incredible food" that transports you back to Japan, with standout dishes like the Ebi Mayo and spicy edamame impressing every time. The ambiance, described as "relaxing and vibrant," perfectly complements the authentic flavors. The service is consistently praised as "amazing" and "impeccable," with staff going above and beyond to ensure an unforgettable dining experience. Whether for an intimate dinner or a group celebration, Ichi Ni Nana promises a "divine" culinary journey worth returning for.

7. Bincho Boss

4.6

Exceptional(287)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 10 times today

Bincho Boss is a modern Japanese restaurant that offers an authentic and refined Izakaya-style dining experience. The menu features a variety of dishes that are cooked on an earthen konro grill over Binchō-tan, a type of high-quality charcoal that produces an unparalleled flavour and aroma. Located in Melbourne city's laneway, the restaurant is inspired by the traditional alleyways of Tokyo, also known as 'Yokocho', which are known for their casual and enjoyable atmosphere. Bincho Boss's menu uses seasonal and fresh ingredients to create dishes that celebrate the flavours, textures, and colours of Japanese cuisine. The restaurant also offers a curated cocktail and drinks menu, making it the perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends or family.

A photo of Niku Ou Japanese Chargrill Restaurant restaurant

8. Niku Ou Japanese Chargrill Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(9)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 16 times today

As Melbourne’s best Japanese Yakiniku, we’re serving the finest Japanese and Australian Wagyu to Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD. We are the only Kobe Beef supplier in Victoria.Contemporary venue for Japanese grilled meats, with exposed stone walls and a sumo wrestler mural.

9. Ishizuka

4.8

Exceptional(42)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 10 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.

10. Kentaro

4.3

Awesome(16)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 20 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.

‘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

D
Daria
Tasmania •8 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Busy restaurant in the middle of federation square. The food was good but in our option a bit pricey for what it was. $32 for a salmon roll just seems a bit much. It took a while to get our table cleared after the meal so we kinda sat there with dirty dishes in front of us for a while. No one came up and asked if we wanted more drinks or food.
More info
Chocolate BuddhaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Melbourne CBD
•
4.7
S
Steve
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 28 Feb 2025
Bincho was really good, fantastic food with excellent service from the staff. Very attentive and friendly, good amount of time between servings and generous portions! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a Japanese experience!
More info
Bincho BossPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Melbourne CBD
•
4.6
A
Albert
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on 6 Feb 2025
Great place with relaxed atmosphere. Variety of food options. Definitely coming back again very soon.
More info
OtotoPrice: Expensive• Asian• Melbourne CBD
•
3.9
OT
OpenTable Diner
Melbourne •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 13 Oct 2023
It is good place and calm place night out. We enjoyed a lot each time here
More info
Akaiito RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• French / Japanese• Melbourne CBD
•
4.5

Explore OpenTable

Area
Cuisine nearby
Japanese cuisine

Southbank

Japanese

Elsternwick
Coburg
South Yarra
Saint Albans
Ivanhoe
Kew
Southbank
St Kilda
East Melbourne
Ripponlea
Sandringham
Warrandyte
Richmond
Port Melbourne
Flemington
Windsor
Glen Waverley
Fitzroy
Heidelberg
North Melbourne