Last updated: October 2026. Every venue below was confirmed as open on Google before publishing, and every rating and review count is the live Google figure.
The best Japanese restaurants in Sydney in 2026 range from queue-worthy ramen bars and wagyu yakiniku grills to izakaya, sushi trains, yakitori counters and table-side teppanyaki, spread from the CBD and Surry Hills out to Chatswood, Parramatta and Manly. This list of 25 only includes open venues with a strong Japanese menu, one branch per brand, and it is ranked by Google review count, most-reviewed first.
Each listing below includes the address and one-tap buttons to call, get directions or visit the website — or tap the restaurant name for its full MealFinder page.
Jump to a restaurant
- 1. Kobe Wagyu Yakiniku
- 2. Mensho Tokyo
- 3. Ramen Zundo
- 4. Sokyo
- 5. Aori
- 6. Saké Restaurant & Bar
- 7. Ryo’s Noodles
- 8. Dopa Donburi and Dessert
- 9. Mikazuki
- 10. Manpuku Ramen
- 11. RK San
- 12. Cho Cho San
- 13. Zushi
- 14. Kagoshima Master Yakiniku
- 15. Gogyo
- 16. Moeru Japanese Restaurant
- 17. Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
- 18. Itō Restaurant
- 19. Yakitori Yurippi
- 20. Jipang
- 21. Shinmachi
- 22. Hukuya Sushi Bar
- 23. Izakaya Fujiyama
- 24. Hisshou Teppanyaki
- 25. Edomae Sushi
Sydney’s Best Japanese Restaurants at a Glance
Ranked by Google review count — most-reviewed first. Every venue was confirmed as open and operating on Google before publishing, and every rating and review count below is the live Google figure.
| Restaurant | Suburb | Google rating | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kobe Wagyu Yakiniku | Sydney CBD | ★ 4.6 (6,230) | Wagyu yakiniku with sushi and sashimi |
| Mensho Tokyo | Sydney CBD | ★ 4.6 (3,397) | Michelin-recognised ramen in the CBD |
| Ramen Zundo | Sydney CBD | ★ 4.6 (3,285) | Generous bowls of ramen and dipping noodles |
| Sokyo | Pyrmont | ★ 4.4 (3,095) | Contemporary Japanese sharing menu at The Star |
| Aori | Sydney CBD | ★ 4.9 (3,034) | Modern Japanese with a woodfired grill and harbour views |
| Saké Restaurant & Bar | The Rocks | ★ 4.3 (2,487) | Contemporary Japanese with a sake bar and banquet menus |
| Ryo’s Noodles | Crows Nest | ★ 4.5 (2,393) | Small ramen and rice-dish restaurant on Falcon Street |
| Dopa Donburi and Dessert | Haymarket | ★ 4.5 (2,321) | Japanese rice bowls with creative toppings |
| Mikazuki | Parramatta | ★ 4.4 (2,318) | Sushi, sashimi, ramen and tempura in Parramatta |
| Manpuku Ramen | Chatswood | ★ 4.6 (2,295) | Handcrafted ramen with house-made noodles |
| RK San | Redfern | ★ 4.7 (2,154) | Modern Japanese cuisine and sushi from Chef RK Tamang |
| Cho Cho San | Potts Point | ★ 4.5 (2,009) | Izakaya-inspired modern Japanese on Macleay Street |
| Zushi | Barangaroo | ★ 4.4 (1,994) | Modern sushi and sashimi on the Barangaroo waterfront |
| Kagoshima Master Yakiniku | Crows Nest | ★ 4.8 (1,946) | Premium wagyu yakiniku and sashimi |
| Gogyo | Surry Hills | ★ 4.5 (1,873) | Ramen bar with a cocktail menu |
| Moeru Japanese Restaurant | West Ryde | ★ 4.1 (1,699) | Familiar sushi, udon, tempura and ramen |
| Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu | Sydney CBD | ★ 4.8 (1,498) | Kyoto-style beef cutlets cooked on a hot stone |
| Itō Restaurant | Surry Hills | ★ 4.7 (1,369) | Japanese izakaya with re-imagined share plates |
| Yakitori Yurippi | Crows Nest | ★ 4.4 (1,323) | Charcoal-grilled chicken and pork yakitori |
| Jipang | Manly | ★ 4.7 (1,221) | Manly Japanese staples since 1993 |
| Shinmachi | Newtown | ★ 4.4 (1,101) | Japanese small plates, sushi and ramen on King Street |
| Hukuya Sushi Bar | Eastwood | ★ 4.3 (1,071) | Sushi, sashimi and BBQ mains in Eastwood |
| Izakaya Fujiyama | Surry Hills | ★ 4.5 (810) | Sushi, sashimi and snacks with sake and Japanese whisky |
| Hisshou Teppanyaki | Haymarket | ★ 4.3 (764) | Table-side teppanyaki with a chef at every table |
| Edomae Sushi | Burwood | ★ 4.3 (709) | Sushi train with aburi sushi and sashimi in Burwood |
1. Kobe Wagyu Yakiniku — Sydney CBD
4.6★ (6,230 Google reviews) · Known for: Wagyu yakiniku with sushi and sashimi
📍 Level 1/605-609 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
A warm, red-and-gold Japanese eatery on George Street offering yakiniku, sushi, sashimi and housemade desserts. It is the most-reviewed venue on this list at 4.6 stars from more than 6,200 reviews, and diners praise the tender beef cuts and the wide buffet selection.
2. Mensho Tokyo — Sydney CBD
4.6★ (3,397 Google reviews) · Known for: Michelin-recognised ramen in the CBD
📍 2 Temperance Ln, Sydney NSW 2000
The venue’s own site describes Mensho Tokyo as Michelin-recognised ramen from chef Tomoharu Shono, with one restaurant in the CBD and another at Victoria Cross. Reviewers mention the takoyaki as well as the ramen, and note that there is almost always a queue.
3. Ramen Zundo — Sydney CBD
4.6★ (3,285 Google reviews) · Known for: Generous bowls of ramen and dipping noodles
📍 Level G/644 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
A simple Japanese joint on George Street near Town Hall, dishing up generous bowls of dipping noodles and broths at individual tables. Diners single out the miso ramen, the classic tonkotsu and the coriander ramen, and the venue holds 4.6 stars from more than 3,200 reviews.
4. Sokyo — Pyrmont
4.4★ (3,095 Google reviews) · Known for: Contemporary Japanese sharing menu at The Star
📍 Level G, The Darling, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
A contemporary Japanese restaurant inside The Star Sydney, known for an adventurous sharing menu that includes sushi and grilled meats alongside a sake list. Diners describe it as a special-occasion booking, and it holds 4.4 stars from more than 3,000 reviews.
5. Aori — Sydney CBD
4.9★ (3,034 Google reviews) · Known for: Modern Japanese with a woodfired grill and harbour views
📍 39 Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000
A modern Japanese restaurant on King Street Wharf, next to Barangaroo, with a woodfired grill, sushi, sake and harbour views according to its own site. It has the highest rating of any venue on this list at 4.9 stars from more than 3,000 reviews, and diners praise the waterfront setting.
6. Saké Restaurant & Bar — The Rocks
4.3★ (2,487 Google reviews) · Known for: Contemporary Japanese with a sake bar and banquet menus
📍 Argyle Stores, 12 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000
A fine contemporary Japanese restaurant in The Rocks with a sake bar, cocktails and creative banquet menus. Reviewers highlight the sashimi and nigiri and the shared set menus, and it holds 4.3 stars from more than 2,400 reviews.
7. Ryo’s Noodles — Crows Nest
4.5★ (2,393 Google reviews) · Known for: Small ramen and rice-dish restaurant on Falcon Street
📍 125 Falcon St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
A cosy restaurant on Falcon Street serving classic Japanese food such as ramen, chicken soup and rice dishes. Reviewers rate the soy sauce pork ramen and say it is often busy with queues, while a few found the tiny room and wait frustrating, so reviews are not all glowing.
8. Dopa Donburi and Dessert — Haymarket
4.5★ (2,321 Google reviews) · Known for: Japanese rice bowls with creative toppings
📍 Shop 5/6, 2 Little Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000
A hip, contemporary Darling Square venue turning out Japanese rice bowls with creative toppings, plus desserts. Diners mention the chicken don set with salad and miso soup, and it holds 4.5 stars from more than 2,300 reviews.
9. Mikazuki — Parramatta
4.4★ (2,318 Google reviews) · Known for: Sushi, sashimi, ramen and tempura in Parramatta
📍 Shop5/169 Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150
A Macquarie Street Japanese restaurant with a broad menu covering sashimi, sushi, ramen, poke bowls and tempura, according to reviewers. Regulars praise the generous portions and presentation, and it holds 4.4 stars from more than 2,300 reviews.
10. Manpuku Ramen — Chatswood
4.6★ (2,295 Google reviews) · Known for: Handcrafted ramen with house-made noodles
📍 226 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067
A Victoria Avenue ramen restaurant whose own site describes handcrafted ramen with house-made noodles, slow-cooked broth and free-range pork, served in Sydney since 2013. Reviewers recommend it for families with kids, and it holds 4.6 stars from more than 2,200 reviews.
11. RK San — Redfern
4.7★ (2,154 Google reviews) · Known for: Modern Japanese cuisine and sushi from Chef RK Tamang
📍 648 Bourke St, Redfern NSW 2016
A Redfern restaurant serving Japanese cuisine with a modern twist and sushi, curated by Chef RK Tamang according to its own site. Reviewers highlight a signature crispy pastry filled with salmon tartare, and it holds 4.7 stars from more than 2,100 reviews.
12. Cho Cho San — Potts Point
4.5★ (2,009 Google reviews) · Known for: Izakaya-inspired modern Japanese on Macleay Street
📍 73 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Inspired by the izakayas of Japan, this Potts Point restaurant serves a menu that spans sashimi, chicken karaage and wagyu sirloin, matched with cocktails, wine and sake. Reviewers single out the sashimi platter, and it holds 4.5 stars from more than 2,000 reviews.
13. Zushi — Barangaroo
4.4★ (1,994 Google reviews) · Known for: Modern sushi and sashimi on the Barangaroo waterfront
📍 10/33 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000
A modern Japanese restaurant with a Barangaroo waterfront location and a second venue in Surry Hills. Reviewers praise the freshness of the sashimi and the salmon and roe sushi roll, and it holds 4.4 stars from nearly 2,000 reviews.
14. Kagoshima Master Yakiniku — Crows Nest
4.8★ (1,946 Google reviews) · Known for: Premium wagyu yakiniku and sashimi
📍 18A Falcon St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
A Falcon Street yakiniku restaurant serving premium wagyu Japanese BBQ, with a second venue in Ultimo. Reviewers mention a fresh sashimi platter and tender A5 wagyu, and the Crows Nest branch holds 4.8 stars from more than 1,900 reviews.
15. Gogyo — Surry Hills
4.5★ (1,873 Google reviews) · Known for: Ramen bar with a cocktail menu
📍 52-54 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
An airy, contemporary Japanese ramen bar on Albion Street with a cocktail menu and a buzzing atmosphere. Diners praise the rich, flavourful broth and the side dishes, and it holds 4.5 stars from more than 1,800 reviews.
16. Moeru Japanese Restaurant — West Ryde
4.1★ (1,699 Google reviews) · Known for: Familiar sushi, udon, tempura and ramen
📍 6 W Parade, West Ryde NSW 2114
A snug West Ryde kitchen serving familiar Japanese cuisine, including sushi, udon noodles and tempura. Diners also order the ramen and chicken karaage, and takeaway is welcome, though the 4.1-star rating from nearly 1,700 reviews is a little lower than most of this list.
17. Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu — Sydney CBD
4.8★ (1,498 Google reviews) · Known for: Kyoto-style beef cutlets cooked on a hot stone
📍 Lv 2.01/252 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
A Pitt Street restaurant specialising in Kyoto-style beef cutlets served with traditional sauces and a hot stone grill, according to its own site. Diners describe the gyukatsu as exceptional, and it holds 4.8 stars from nearly 1,500 reviews.
18. Itō Restaurant — Surry Hills
4.7★ (1,369 Google reviews) · Known for: Japanese izakaya with re-imagined share plates
📍 413-415 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
A Crown Street Japanese izakaya that describes itself as a neighbourhood spot where tradition inspires creativity, with sake, cocktails and re-imagined share plates. Reviewers praise the banquet, including yellowfin tuna, wagyu tartare and veal katsu, and it holds 4.7 stars from more than 1,300 reviews.
19. Yakitori Yurippi — Crows Nest
4.4★ (1,323 Google reviews) · Known for: Charcoal-grilled chicken and pork yakitori
📍 Ground Floor/6-8 Falcon St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
An unfussy Crows Nest eatery serving pork and chicken yakitori and sides, cooked over charcoal hibachi grills. Reviewers say it feels like a local spot in Japan, and recommend booking at weekends.
20. Jipang — Manly
4.7★ (1,221 Google reviews) · Known for: Manly Japanese staples since 1993
📍 Shop 9 37/39 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095
A Japanese restaurant on The Corso in Manly serving staples such as ramen, udon, rice bowls and bento boxes, with takeaway available. A regular says they have been coming since it opened in 1993, and it holds 4.7 stars from more than 1,200 reviews.
21. Shinmachi — Newtown
4.4★ (1,101 Google reviews) · Known for: Japanese small plates, sushi and ramen on King Street
📍 1/239 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
A modern, wood-lined King Street restaurant serving Japanese small plates, sushi and ramen, with tablets for menus. Reviewers praise the kingfish carpaccio, the tantan ramen and the vegetarian options.
22. Hukuya Sushi Bar — Eastwood
4.3★ (1,071 Google reviews) · Known for: Sushi, sashimi and BBQ mains in Eastwood
📍 1/25 Railway Parade, Eastwood NSW 2122
A busy Eastwood Japanese restaurant dishing up BBQ mains, sushi and sashimi, plus combination plates to share. Regulars praise the freshness of the sashimi, and it holds 4.3 stars from more than 1,000 reviews.
23. Izakaya Fujiyama — Surry Hills
4.5★ (810 Google reviews) · Known for: Sushi, sashimi and snacks with sake and Japanese whisky
📍 38-52 Waterloo St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
A laid-back Surry Hills izakaya offering sushi, sashimi and snacks, with a wide range of sake and Japanese whisky. Its site mentions happy hour from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays, and it holds 4.5 stars from more than 800 reviews.
24. Hisshou Teppanyaki — Haymarket
4.3★ (764 Google reviews) · Known for: Table-side teppanyaki with a chef at every table
📍 752 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000
A convivial George Street teppanyaki joint with a chef at every table cooking and entertaining. Diners celebrate birthdays here and enjoy the games, such as catching fried rice, and it holds 4.3 stars from more than 760 reviews.
25. Edomae Sushi — Burwood
4.3★ (709 Google reviews) · Known for: Sushi train with aburi sushi and sashimi in Burwood
📍 Shop 1/39 Belmore St, Burwood NSW 2134
A Burwood sushi restaurant where diners order on iPads, with reviewers calling it the best sushi train in the area and praising the aburi sushi and salmon sashimi. It holds 4.3 stars from more than 700 reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Japanese restaurant in Sydney?
On Google review count, Kobe Wagyu Yakiniku on George Street comes first, with 4.6 stars from more than 6,200 reviews. For the highest rating on this list, Aori on King Street Wharf scores 4.9 stars from more than 3,000 reviews.
Which Japanese restaurants in Sydney have the highest Google ratings?
Aori has the top rating on this list at 4.9 stars. Kagoshima Master Yakiniku in Crows Nest and Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu on Pitt Street follow with 4.8 stars each.
Where is the best area for Japanese food in Sydney?
The CBD has the most venues here, with nine of the 25 in the CBD, Haymarket, Barangaroo and The Rocks. Surry Hills and Crows Nest each have three, and there are also picks in Manly, Parramatta, Eastwood, Burwood, West Ryde, Newtown and Chatswood.
Where can I find the best ramen in Sydney?
Five ramen-focused restaurants made the list: Mensho Tokyo and Ramen Zundo in the CBD, Manpuku Ramen in Chatswood, Gogyo in Surry Hills and Ryo’s Noodles in Crows Nest. Mensho Tokyo describes its ramen as Michelin-recognised, and Manpuku makes its noodles in-house.
Where can I try Japanese BBQ, yakitori or teppanyaki in Sydney?
Kobe Wagyu Yakiniku in the CBD and Kagoshima Master Yakiniku in Crows Nest serve yakiniku, Yakitori Yurippi in Crows Nest cooks skewers over charcoal, and Hisshou Teppanyaki in Haymarket has a chef cooking at every table.
What is Japanese food known for?
Japanese food is known for sushi and sashimi, ramen and udon noodles, tempura, yakitori skewers, teppanyaki, donburi rice bowls, katsu cutlets and yakiniku grilled meat. Izakaya are casual Japanese pubs that serve many of these dishes as small plates with sake. All of these styles appear on this list.
Are there cheap Japanese restaurants in Sydney?
Yes. Dopa Donburi and Dessert in Haymarket (rice bowls), Jipang in Manly, Ramen Zundo, Ryo’s Noodles and Moeru Japanese Restaurant in West Ryde are the more casual picks, with estimated spend of roughly $15 to $40 per person. Jipang and Moeru both welcome takeaway orders.
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