Sydney’s Best Japanese Restaurants

Whether it’s sushi or teishoku, izakaya style or fine dining, Japanese restaurants have broad appeal catering for various tastes and dining experiences.

Here are our top picks for where to find the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney.

Sokyo at the Star

Ignore the casino location if you can, Sokyo at the Star raises the bar when it comes to Japanese cuisine. Each dish is a delight with many highlights including the signature Spicy Tuna and Hokkaido Scallop Yuzu Honey.

Level G, The Darling The Star/80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont

Sake Restaurant

With a stunning designer interior, an impressive cocktail and sake collection, Sake restaurant in the Rocks is as good as it gets. Whether it’s the sushi rolls, the kingfish with yuzu soy or popcorn shrimp, you’ll find something to bring you back each time.

12 Argyle St, The Rocks

Yayoi Sydney

You won’t find sushi or sashimi on the menu. Yayoi Sydney serves up teishoku, home-cooking style set meals that are delicious, nourishing and filling. Try the Waguy Sukiyaki and their special steamed rice which is cooked at your table in the evening. Yayoi has recently introduced degustation menus. Check out our review of Yayoi’s Kayaba with matching sake.

38 Bridge St, Sydney

Harajuku Gyoza

It doesn’t get more kawaii than at Harajuku Gyoza in Potts Point. Fried or steamed, these tasty dumplings are sure to bring you back. Make sure you place an order for sake so you can see the theatrics. It’s casual, fun and affordable

9-15 Bayswater Road, Potts Point

Niji Sushi Bar

Niji Sushi is a casual eatery in Kingsford’s student dining hub. Get your sushi fix from the sushi train or order from the extensive a la carte menu. Good food, affordable prices and a relaxed setting.

333 Anzac Parade, Kingsford

Niji Restaurant and Bar

If the casual and student ambience at the Kingsford sibling doesn’t take your fancy, Niji in Double Bay offers sophisticated dining in a sleek fitout and a bar serving tasty Japanese-inspired cocktails.

21 Bay Street, Double Bay

Yebisu Izakaya

At Yebisu, you could well be in downtown Tokyo with its neon lit signs and casual Izakaya dining. The iPad ordering system is part of the fun and the sake ceremony is full of fanfare.

Shop 7-10, Regent Place, 501 George St, Sydney

Ippudo

If the continuing long queues are an indication, Ippudo in Westfield Sydney has lost none of its initial appeal. Big bowls of ramen, cheery staff, though the continual loud greeting of customers gets a bit much at times.

Level 5 Westfield Sydney CBD

Crane Bar

At Crane Bar in Potts Point, start with cocktails in the garden bar, move to the dining room for tasty Japanese fusion cuisine and finish the evening to the beat of music.

32 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point, 2011

Sushi Tei

This often forgotten restaurant is conveniently located at Chifley Square in the CBD. At Sushi Tei, try to get a seat at the chef’s table or if there are more of you, there are nooks and crannies suitable for large groups.

1 Chifley Square, Sydney

Tetsuya’s

Fine dining and Japanese fusion go hand in hand at Tetsuya’s where you go for the whole experience rather than just the delicious food.

529 Kent St, Sydney