Best Japanese Restaurants Sydney: Sushi & More

Tucked away in Prefecture 48 — Sydney's go-to Japanese dining hub — Ibushi is a sophisticated yet approachable spot that puts smoke and flame at centre stage. The menu features skewers of chicken, beef, seafood and vegetables grilled over traditional binchotan charcoal, plus all your izakaya favourites, from miso eggplant to sashimi platters, sake-marinated black cod and more. Want something to sip on? With Ibushi’s extensive list of Japanese whiskies, sake and craft cocktails, you’re sure to find the perfect pour. 

Torotoro Barangaroo takes a fresh spin on traditional Japanese flavours to create comfort food with a creative twist. The Torotoro Special is a stand-out, with a decadent pork broth and slices of pork chashu, and there are also vegetarian options, as well as rice bowls if you’re not in the mood for ramen. Although, is that even possible? One thing is certain: Torotoro knows how to level up your noodle fix to keep you craving more. 

Another Prefecture 48 gem, Five is the type of restaurant where a slick CBD lunch can easily turn into a cheeky afternoon spritz. The seasonal menu keeps things fresh and exciting, and the carefully curated wine and cocktail list enhances the culinary journey for every palate. If that’s not enough, the chic ambience, with moody lighting and minimalist design, paired with polished, personalised service, makes Five the ultimate spot to indulge in a refined, sensory-rich dining experience. 

Izakaya dining is all about drinks first, food second and Cho Cho San gets it right. Located in Potts Point, this vibrant eatery brings Japanese tradition to life with a playful, modern twist. Small plates burst with flavour, from smoky skewers to delicate seafood that surprises with every bite. The sake list steals the show, perfectly paired with the menu, while inventive cocktails keep the night flowing. Casual yet sophisticated, Cho Cho San turns eating and drinking into a lively, unforgettable experience that you’ll want to relive again and again. 

Catching up with friends and sipping on sake while a jazz vinyl plays in the background? Sign us up. Open Thursday to Sunday, ANTE is a tiny yet elegant bar and restaurant in Newtown, pouring more than 65 sakes from 21 different breweries across Japan. And while the drinks are the headline act, the food menu doesn’t disappoint, with seasonal dishes to match every sip.

With its sleek interiors and a sultry Tokyo-style bar vibe, Double Bay’s Tanuki is perfect for a stylish night out over sake and next-level sushi. Headed by Chef Ken Wee Lee, the menu has it all — sashimi, nigiri, signature sushi rolls, robata grill and steak, with nothing but fresh, local ingredients. On the weekends, there’s also a bottomless lunch, pairing signature favourites like Salmon Tataki and Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice with two hours of free-flowing wine, beer, or margaritas.

Hidden away in Potts Point’s Llankelly Place, Kisuke is a six-seat omakase experience led by Chef Yusuke Morita. Every evening, he crafts a 10-course tasting menu with technique and heart, showcasing the best of seasonal ingredients. The intimate setting, paired with decades of culinary expertise, offers a front row seat to the art of Japanese cuisine. Bookings are highly sought after, with reservations released monthly, so be sure to plan to secure your seat for a memorable dining experience. 

Who doesn’t love the theatrics of teppanyaki cooking? Towering flames, playful tricks and the occasional flying egg which makes it an unforgettable experience. Located in a historic, heritage-listed sandstone building from the 1880s, The Rocks Teppanyaki is a chic, contemporary spot where the character and charm are palpable. The menu covers all the favourites — beef, chicken, seafood and vegetarian — so everyone gets a taste of the action. 

Delivering a contemporary take on Kaiseki dining, Garaku is just right for a soul-warming solo date or a low-key catch-up with mates. Each dish blends tradition and innovation, with seasonal ingredients reimagined through a modern lens. Whether you're seated at the intimate 18-seat Chef’s Table, tucked into a cosy corner, or enjoying a private dining room, Garaku delivers an immersive and artful experience that captures the spirit of Kaiseki craft.