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Best Creative Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne CBD

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6 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Ishiya Stone Grill restaurant
1. Ishiya Stone Grill
4.7
Exceptional(26)
$$$$
• Creative japanese • Melbourne CBD
Booked 3 times today
Discover Melbourne’s Signature Japanese Stonegrill Dining Experience.At Ishiya Stonegrill, premium Australian Wagyu, Certified Japanese A5 Wagyu, and locally sourced seafood are cooked to sizzling perfection on your personal 400°C volcanic stone. This unique form of interactive stone dining blends theatre and flavour—delivering a sensory feast that’s bold, refined, and unforgettable.Our menu celebrates modern Japanese cuisine, featuring handcrafted small plates, signature dipping sauces, and curated wine and sake selections from Japan and Australia.Perfect for date nights, group celebrations, or midweek indulgence—Ishiya is Melbourne’s top-rated Japanese steakhouse and Stonegrill destination. Book your seat now.
A photo of Wabi Sabi Salon restaurant
2. Wabi Sabi Salon
4.4
Awesome(87)
$$$$
• Creative japanese • Collingwood
Booked 8 times today
Wabi Sabi Salon in Collingwood is a stellar destination for authentic Japanese Speciality cuisine, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary dishes. Praised as "our favourite accessible Japanese in Melbourne," this charming eatery never fails to impress with its delicious offerings like the renowned Chicken Katsu Curry and exquisite teishoku sets. The restaurant's interior exudes a nostalgic Showa-era ambiance, transporting diners to a cozy, retro Japan. Guests rave about the "fantastic food - never disappoints" and the "lovely place with great food that was reasonably priced." Whether it's the tantalizing tan tan ramen or the delightful yuzu lemonade, Wabi Sabi Salon promises a memorable and satisfying dining experience.
A photo of Operator San restaurant
3. Operator San
4.7
Exceptional(32)
$$$$
• Creative japanese • Melbourne CBD
Booked 6 times today
A new Japanese-inspired brunch by Operator25 cafe, serving all day breakfast, sweets, savouries & specialty coffee and drinks. Find us on Therry Street, right by the hustle & bustle of the iconic Queen Victoria Market, presenting you with a taste of Japan, within the heart of Melbourne.
A photo of Kushiro Fusion Cuisine restaurant
4. Kushiro Fusion Cuisine
4.8
Exceptional(80)
$$$$
• Creative japanese • Fitzroy
Booked 2 times today
Kushiro Fusion Cuisine in Fitzroy is a hidden gem, celebrated for its exquisite blend of Chinese culinary artistry. This restaurant stands out with its authentic and flavorful dishes, as patrons rave about the “superb attention to detail” and “flavors bursting with creativity.” The menu features a harmonious fusion of traditional techniques and innovative flair, from the must-try Duck Confit to the Slow Roasted Short Rib, each dish is a testament to the chef’s pride and meticulous craftsmanship. Guests are treated to not only delightful meals but also “impeccable service” in a vibrant setting, making Kushiro a must-visit destination for Chinese cuisine enthusiasts.
A photo of TSURU JAPANESE RESTAURANT restaurant
5. TSURU JAPANESE RESTAURANT
4.4
Awesome(30)
$$$$
• Creative japanese • Melbourne CBD
Booked 3 times today
Tsuru Japanese Restaurant offers a refined modern Japanese dining experience in the heart of Melbourne CBD, discreetly located beneath the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel on Little Collins Street. Just steps away from Parliament House, Treasury Gardens, and several five-star hotels, Tsuru has quietly built a loyal following over its seven years of service.Focusing on premium ingredients and elegant presentation, Tsuru is known for its Signature Omakase Box and Seasonal Set Menus, updated quarterly to reflect the changing seasons and chef’s inspirations. Guests can enjoy expertly prepared sashimi, nigiri, and contemporary à la carte dishes that balance tradition with creativity.With minimalist interiors, soft lighting, and warm service, Tsuru offers a calm and intimate atmosphere — ideal for date nights, business lunches, and quiet celebrations. Paired with seasonal cocktails and curated sake, Tsuru stands as one of the top destinations for modern Japanese cuisine in Melbourne.
A photo of Sushi On Little Bourke restaurant
6. Sushi On Little Bourke
4.1
Excellent(7)
$$$$
• Creative japanese • Melbourne CBD
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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Ronan
    Melbourne •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Very attentive and considerate servers, and outstanding food! We ordered set 2. The entrees were all standouts and the stonegrilled meat was engaging, pretty, delicious and filling. Definitely make sure to try the baked scallops.
    More info
    Ishiya Stone Grill$$$$• Japanese Speciality• Melbourne CBD
    •
    4.7
  • Jon
    Tasmania •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Amazing food and drinks. Great service and very friendly staff. Recommend !
    More info
    Wabi Sabi Salon$$$$• Japanese• Collingwood
    •
    4.4
  • Alaina
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 23, 2026
    Great experience with really delicious food. Staff were accommodating and made our night special
    More info
    TSURU JAPANESE RESTAURANT$$$$• Japanese• Melbourne CBD
    •
    4.4
  • Therese
    Melbourne •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 9, 2026
    Service was really good and attentive for a busy Saturday night. Tempura was perfect however we felt the serving could be a bit larger for the price. Would still recommend and consider returning.
    More info
    Operator San$$$$• Café• Melbourne CBD
    •
    4.7
  • Maurice
    Tasmania •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 28, 2026
    A perfect venue to celebrate my wife's' birthday.The food was exquisite especially the Scallops and the Unagi Skewers.The Sommelier was very friendly and knowledgeable and his playlist added to the great atmosphere.A Polaroid snapshot of us at the end of the dinner inserted into a birthday card was very special and capped off a true hospitality experience.A business worth supporting and we will be back definitely.
    More info
    Kushiro Fusion Cuisine$$$$• Fusion / Eclectic• Fitzroy
    •
    4.8

Discover best Creative Japanese restaurants in Melbourne CBD

Explore the vibrant and inventive world of creative Japanese cuisine right in the heart of Melbourne CBD, City Centre. This bustling culinary hotspot is renowned for its innovative approach to traditional Japanese dishes, offering a unique dining experience that blends authentic flavors with modern creativity. Each restaurant in this area takes pride in presenting visually stunning and tastefully complex dishes, ensuring a sensory journey that captivates both the palate and the eyes. With an emphasis on high-quality ingredients and artistic presentation, these establishments showcase how Melbourne continues to be a leading city in pushing culinary boundaries. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor looking to explore Melbourne's dining scene, the creative Japanese restaurants in Melbourne CBD provide a memorable gastronomic adventure that reflects the city’s dynamic and diverse food culture. Indulge in a variety of dishes that range from meticulously crafted sushi to innovative fusion plates that will leave you wanting more. Discover why Melbourne is often hailed as a food lover's paradise, especially for those who appreciate the art of Japanese cuisine with a creative twist.

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