The 9 best Japanese restaurants in Canberra

Yakitori 38 brings the buzzing energy of Osaka’s izakaya bars right into the heart of Canberra with moody lighting, a timber and stone fit-out and a kitchen that’s open well past midnight. This late-night gem is all about skewers cooked to smoky perfection over charcoal. Start with their crowd-favourite snacks and then move on to the aforementioned kushi (skewers), including the juicy negima (chicken thigh) with green onion, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly and flavour-packed mushrooms. There are also heaps of raw and hot plates to share, as well as sushi. Drinks are just as fun; the Umenoyado Yuzu Highball goes down a treat, as does an ice-cold glass of Kirin Ichiban beer. Yakitori 38 is the perfect spot to share great food and plenty of laughs late into the night.

Address: Shop 19/21 East Row, Canberra 

Price: Mid-range

Despite having three bustling locations across Canberra, Ramen O is always packed – a clear sign of just how much locals love it. Their rich tonkotsu ramen keeps fans coming back for more. The names alone spark curiosity: ‘Ramen Wow!’, their signature dish, is a true Kyushu-style tonkotsu shoyu ramen, while the ginger white miso tonkotsu makes for the perfect winter warmer. From the refreshing citrus notes of yuzu tonkotsu to the fiery kick of their spicy ramen, every bowl tells a story. Better yet, Ramen O caters for everyone with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. And for the perfect finishing touch, don’t skip their impressive range of Japanese teas.

Address: Belconnen, Canberra CBD & Woden

Price: Affordable

Named after a Japanese style of pottery, Raku blurs the lines between art and sustenance with its seafood-focused menu. You can have it raw in the kingfish served with truffle yuzu, cold in a spanner crab sushi roll, or hot as king prawns doused in XO butter. Masters of their craft, the chefs expertly slice up fresh snapper, tuna belly and scallops into sashimi or nigiri; add crunch with popcorn shrimp on the tempura menu; and grill high-grade Wagyu on a robata charcoal grill. From the express lunch and tasting menus to their extensive à la carte offerings, Raku will leave you wishing you could return soon.

Address: Shop DG36C/148 Bunda St, Canberra

Price: High-end  

Inka is all about Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions. Located in Canberra Centre, a macrame-rope chandelier sets the scene for a feast of endless share plates. Here, the already decadent Hokkaido scallop is kissed with charcoal and drenched in rich nori butter. Crudo favourites are playfully paired with jalapeño and mustard salsas, while acid makes a notable return with ponzu and pepper-infused ceviches. And of course, the classics must make a cameo. With a whiff of Wagyu on the robata grill, all purist concerns are sure to melt away.

Address: Shop B11A/148 Bunda St, Canberra 

Price: High-end

This longstanding tea hut – where chef Mamoru Aizawa drew inspiration for its name, Iori – embodies the charm of authentic Japanese hospitality that is loved by locals. As soon as you walk through the pictured curtains, you’ll be invited to dine either tatami-style (shoes off and cross-legged) or at the sushi bar, where the aroma of bonito broth and bento boxes will seduce you. Front-seat diners experience expert itamae (sushi assembled in front of patrons) craftsmanship, where every bite is perfectly tailored to each slither of sashimi. Iori is unmissable for its timeless classics and a heartfelt homage to chef Mamoru Aizawa’s family traditions.

Address: 41 East Row, Canberra 

Price: Mid-range

Follow the big city lights to this hip and happening late-night eatery on Lonsdale Street. Play your cards right by starting with Lazy Su’s infamous Wagyu cheesesteak spring roll. It wraps Japanese, American and Korean cuisines all into one crispy package and serves as a bite-sized taste of how the night will unfold. Going straight for the set menu is your best bet, where you’ll sample all of Lazy Su’s greatest hits, including donburi nori tacos, spicy wontons and fluffy bao buns. Pump up the pan-Asian party with soju, local beers and a Japanese Spritz. Psst! They also have a boozy yum cha every Saturday. 

Address: 1/9 Lonsdale St, Braddon

Price: Mid-range

If you are moseying through the National Triangle, take an equally luxurious long lunch at Koto Dining. Housed in the iconic Lobby building, the interiors feature gorgeous timber screens and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a serene Japanese garden inspired by Lake Burley Griffin. Chef Shinya Nakano, who was at acclaimed Kisumé in Melbourne, serves his plates in the kaiseki discipline (a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner). Whether you’re guided through their tasting menus or grazing on their nigiri platter, every bite ends with an appreciation for sublime, fresh ingredients. Leave room for dessert – their lychee paburoba, featuring lychee and matcha meringue with kabosu (Japanese citrus) jelly, is yum.

Address: 1 King George Tce, Parkes

Price: Blowout

There are “leave it up to me” friends and “leave it up to Mu” friends. With its 11-course omakase experience (with or without sake pairings) at its heart, Mu is the perfect antidote to your menu conundrum. Short on time? They also have a six-course offering. Settle into an intimate 12-seat theatre, where expert chefs carve freshly-caught seafood into decadent dishes. Your meal may start with traditionally cured New Zealand snapper enveloped in refreshing lemon apricots and end with a savoury finale of Wagyu flank grilled over binchotan coals. The effortless transition from dish to dish becomes so captivating, you can’t help but call it a stellar performance.

Address: 1 Constitution Ave, Canberra

Price: Blowout