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Sydney has one of the largest Japanese populations in the country, bringing with it ramen eateries, omakase benches, and more sushi restaurants than petrol stations.
These establishments offer authentic Japanese cuisine, impeccable service and authentic experiences. Here are some of the best Japanese restaurants you will find in Sydney.
Pyrmont
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Sokyo is the creme of the crop when it comes to Japanese dining. Chef Chase Kojima brings his kaiseki-style dishes and towering sashimi platters to this upscale dining establishment. The tasting menu is the best way to try a little of everything, but of course, there is an a la carte menu you can dig into. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They’ve also just launched an exclusive six-seat omakase experience, which is already the hottest seat in Sydney’s restaurant scene right now. Indulge in 19-23 courses of fresh seafood, cold and hot dishes, and commentary from the chef.
Surry Hills
At Nikkei, Peru meets Japan in all aspects of food and beverage. The name Nikkei refers to the cuisine of the Japanese-Peruvians, which started more than a century ago when the first Japanese immigrated to Peru in the late 1890s. Expect share plates made with Japanese techniques but Peruvian ingredients. If you’re new to Nikkei’n cuisine, opt for the tasting menu. It’s the best way to get familiar with the flavours and textures; then, you can experiment with the a la carte menu.
Quay Quarter Lanes
This traditional Japanese omakase restaurant offers an immersive culinary experience you won’t find anywhere else in Sydney. It’s hidden upstairs above the new Quay Quarter Lanes precinct. There are only 12 seats and three sittings day from Tuesday to Saturday. The menu changes daily, depending on what fresh produce is available, but you can expect beautiful, fresh dishes during the two-hour seating. There’s a theatrical element of watching the chef blowtorch a piece of salmon and slice through a tender piece of Wagyu. You will find cold and hot dishes, as well as a series of nigiri and a hand roll. The best part is they can match your wine and sake to your meal for the full experience.
Surry Hills
Tokyo Bird is another Surry Hills hotspot, serving Japanese whiskey and yakitori bites in an industrial-chic space. Despite its upscale feel, Tokyo Bird has a sense of fun about it. There are low-lit nooks to settle into for a romantic date, or grab a seat at the bar and scour the cocktails or Japanese whiskey on offer. The karaage, gyoza and grilled skewers are there to help soak up the alcohol.
Barangaroo
There’s a reason Nobu is a global brand. It set the standard for fine Japanese dining and continues to shock diners with its dining empire today. Although dining here is not cheap, you can expect the finest ingredients and flavours you’ve never imagined. The menu is pages long and divided into hot and cold dishes, nigiri and sashimi, sushi maki, tempura, and even Nobu tacos, which come in tuna, wagyu beef, and lobster. There’s also a long list of desserts to indulge in. When it comes to Nobu, you can’t go wrong.
CBD
Tetsuya’s is a Sydney institution and has been since Chef Tetsuya Wakada opened the restaurant in 1989. This white-tablecloth establishment marries French and Japanese cuisine, with garden views. It’s most famous for its confit ocean trout, but everything here is touched with a little sophistication and plenty of flavours. There is a five or eight-course menu to choose from.
Potts Point
Chaco Bar is the perfect grungy drinking den you’d find in Fukuoka, Japan. They serve Japanese beer and cocktails, and the weekend tasting menu is where you want to be with friends or to impress on a first date. The food is yakitori, so expect small dishes of sizzling eggplant, spiced fried chicken, octopus, and cured fish. If you’re looking for good ramen, Chaco Ramen is also a great spot.
Darlinghurst
Step into Moku, Sydney’s latest Japanese restaurant, where a world of culinary fusion awaits behind a red Noren curtain. This exciting establishment merges the vibrant flavours of Australian native ingredients into its cocktails and dishes, adding a unique twist to traditional Japanese cuisine. At the heart of Moku’s dining experience is the masterful Chef Ha Chuen Wai, whose expertise was honed in prestigious Sydney restaurants like Sushi E and Sokyo. In this transformed terrace setting, Chef Wai’s culinary artistry takes centre stage.
Barangaroo
This hidden gem offers what may be the city’s most budget-friendly omakase experience, starting at just $60 per person. Embrace the traditional Japanese dining style, where expert chefs craft a delectable selection of eight chef’s special omakase sushi, along with a hand roll and miso soup. With options ranging from $80 to $100, you can indulge to your heart’s content. Don’t miss out on their sushi train and other delightful offerings like poke bowls, nigiri, and signature rolls.
Related: 38 of the Best New Bars and Restaurants in Sydney
Related: Slurp Down Some Noodles at These Six Top Sydney Ramen Joints
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