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Best Izakayas in Circular Quay

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8 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Nomidokoro Indigo restaurant
1. Nomidokoro Indigo
4.8
Exceptional(86)
$$$$
• Izakaya • Darlinghurst
Booked 4 times today
Nomidokoro Indigo, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Darlinghurst, offers an unparalleled Izakaya experience that transports diners straight to Japan. With "authentic Japanese food and atmosphere," this charming venue is lauded for its "excellent service" and "brilliant selection" of sakes and cocktails. Guests rave about the "cozy vibes" and the warmth of the staff who "cheer hello and goodbye in Japanese," adding a truly heartwarming touch. The carefully crafted wooden décor and inviting lighting create the perfect setting for an evening of delightful culinary exploration. As one satisfied patron exclaimed, "It feels like Japan," making it a must-visit for an authentic Izakaya journey.
A photo of Tokyo Bird restaurant
2. Tokyo Bird
4.8
Exceptional(650)
$$$$
• Izakaya • Surry Hills
Booked 11 times today
Tokyo Bird in Surry Hills is a haven for authentic Yakitori enthusiasts, offering an exquisite taste of Japan right in the heart of Sydney. The intimate setting perfectly complements its culinary offerings, with skewers grilled to perfection. Diners rave about the "phenomenal food" and the "great service" provided by the attentive staff. Each Yakitori dish showcases the meticulous preparation and quality ingredients that set Tokyo Bird apart. Whether you're there for the "awesome vibes" or the meticulously crafted cocktails, Tokyo Bird promises an unforgettable dining experience. As one enthusiastic guest puts it, "Can't get enough!"—a testament to its outstanding reputation.
A photo of Goryon San restaurant
3. Goryon San
4.5
Awesome(542)
$$$$
• Izakaya • Surry Hills
Booked 21 times today
Goryon San in Surry Hills, Sydney, is celebrated as a top-tier Yakitori destination, offering a genuine taste of Japan right in the heart of the city. Renowned for its authentic skewers and traditional cooking techniques, patrons rave about the "amazing range of Yakitori" and the "fantastic flavors" that transport diners straight to Tokyo. The atmosphere is described as "cozy," with a vibe that makes guests feel as though they are "in Japan," enhancing the overall dining experience. With impeccable service and a welcoming staff, Goryon San is consistently praised as "the best yakitori restaurant in Sydney," making it a must-visit for Yakitori enthusiasts.
A photo of Izakaya Masuya restaurant
4. Izakaya Masuya
4.5
Awesome(35)
$$$$
• Izakaya • Sydney CBD
IZAKAYA MASUYA is one of the first izakaya-style restaurants in Australia, introducing Japanese sake from various areas in Japan. At lunchtime, a range of takeaway menus including nutritiously balanced BENTO (lunchbox) menus and a variety of sushi rolls and DONBURI (rice bowl) menus attract local customers. The store serves various dinner menus from Charcoal grilled wagyu beef to grilled chicken, tempura, Kyoto-style Temari sushi, and hot pot. The concept of the store is to convey the beauty of Japanese sake to the world including Australia.
A photo of Nakano Darling restaurant
5. Nakano Darling
4.7
Exceptional(44)
$$$$
• Izakaya • Haymarket
Booked 8 times today
If you go beyond the wooden benches and beer crates out front of Nakano Darling's ever-changing facade, you might feel like you've stepped into a different world in Tokyo. This place is where Suntory whiskey, sake, sochu, umeshu, and beer are freely flowing, and Japanese is spoken all around. It's a spot where anyone who loves good booze and delicious food could easily lose themselves for entire nights if not days. Nakano Darling represents everything that makes the izakaya, or humble 'stay-drink-place', such a central and beloved part of Japanese culture. Of course, you'll find all the food and drink favourites here (think homemade gyoza, karaage chicken, and imported Japanese beer on tap), but it's about more than just that. It's about the experience.
A photo of IKI Dining - Ramen & Izakaya restaurant
6. IKI Dining - Ramen & Izakaya
4.1
Excellent(8)
$$$$
• Izakaya • Potts Point
Booked 5 times today
IKI Dining is your Potts Point local for Japanese small plates and ramen made for sharing, a few minutes from Kings Cross station. An izakaya for date nights, group dinners, and the kind of weeknights you didn't plan. Sushi, sashimi, Japanese spirits, and seasonal cocktails at the bar, with a kitchen led by Masahiko Yomoda, Executive Chef at IKI, who brings his Michelin background to the menu.
A photo of O’denbar UMAMI restaurant
7. O’denbar UMAMI
3.5
Very Good(1)
$$$$
• Izakaya • Potts Point
Booked 2 times today
Located in the heart of Potts Point, O’den bar Umami Restaurant represents the essence of Japanese cuisine: simplicity and freshness. O’den bar Umami's decor is soft lit, creating warm and welcoming feel.Oden: Japan's Hidden Culinary Gem and Ultimate Comfort Food Discover Oden with Umami dashi, the authentic Japanese dish where tender daikon, seasonal vegetables, silky eggs, bouncy fish cakes, and soft tofu absorb incredible umami flavors in golden rich dashi broth. Each bite delivers a texture adventure, from melt-in-your-mouth vegetables to satisfying chewiness, perfectly enhanced by zesty mustard. This is real everyday Japan—humble yet sophisticated, deeply satisfying, and absolutely addictive. Along with a selected and refined offer of wine and saké we hope to cater for every of your nights of food and drinks.
A photo of Izakaya Yebisu restaurant
8. Izakaya Yebisu
2.0
(1)
$$$$
• Izakaya • Sydney CBD
Booked 2 times today
At Izakaya Yebisu, we bring the lively spirit of a traditional Japanese izakaya to life with small plates designed for sharing and discovery. Our menu celebrates classic Japanese flavours with dishes such as yakitori skewers grilled to perfection, crispy tempura, fresh sashimi and popular bites like Takoyaki and pork gyoza. Each dish is prepared to be enjoyed together, encouraging guests to explore a variety of flavours across the table.Our drinks menu reflects the true izakaya experience with an extensive selection of sake, Japanese beer, cocktails and shochu chosen to complement the food. Guests gather in a vibrant dining space filled with neon signage, lantern light and the energy of Japanese street dining, creating a lively atmosphere where food, drinks and conversation flow freely as friends raise a glass and share a memorable night together.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Josephine
    Sydney •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Absolutely amazing! We asked our waiter to surprise us with some yakitori dishes and it was the best experience. We got a little surprise every time one came out and we enjoyed everything thoroughly. Thank you guys!
    More info
    Tokyo Bird$$$$• Japanese• Surry Hills
    •
    4.8
  • Elizabeth
    Sydney •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Phenomenal as always. This has quickly become my favourite restaurant, for vibes, food and amazing service.
    More info
    Nomidokoro Indigo$$$$• Japanese• Darlinghurst
    •
    4.8
  • Max
    Sydney •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 19, 2026
    Amazing as always. Food delicious and friendly service with great happy hour deals on drinks
    More info
    Nakano Darling$$$$• Izakaya• Haymarket
    •
    4.7
  • Francesco
    Sydney •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 18, 2026
    Hands down the best Yakitori place in Sydney. As soon as you step in you are in Japan.
    More info
    Goryon San$$$$• Japanese• Surry Hills
    •
    4.5
  • Andy
    Sydney •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Apr 15, 2026
    My favorite Japanese 'go to' place to have lunch either by myself or with business partners. I love the food, friendly service and the fact that it is not overwhelmingly busy or crowded. Prices are reasonable and service is good. I will ne back!
    More info
    Izakaya Masuya$$$$• Japanese• Sydney CBD
    •
    4.5

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