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Every exceptional Japanese restaurant in Brisbane

Kristie Lau-AdamsBy Kristie Lau-Adams
Delight in the authentic flavours of neon-lit cities with our list of every epic Japanese restaurant in Brisbane.

Clean, delicate and enormously flavoursome dishes have turned Japanese cooking into one of Australia’s most-loved cuisines. In Brisbane, whether I’m salivating at the thought of sushi or craving ramen, Japanese dining is embraced with gusto, so I’m always in for a treat. From waterfront spectaculars to understated gems, every incredible Japanese restaurant in Brisbane is nothing short of world-class. Let me detail the superstars here.

The Shortlist

Best hidden gem: Oyama
Best for casual eats: Taro’s Ramen
Best for special occasions: Sokyo
Most budget-friendly: Bird’s Nest
Best views: Sono

1. Hideki

a Bento lunch at Hideki Japanese restaurant, Brisbane
Hideki creates a delicious bento lunch.

The buzz around Hideki in November 2025 was around its new James Street expansion, but I love the original yakitori bar for nailing one of the city’s most authentic takes on Japanese dining. Firstly, it’s down a little laneway (feeling very Shinjuku), a glowing cherry blossom tree positioned out the front of a black facade. The moody feel extends inside with a glowing cuboidal feature wall behind the bar. It’s gorgeous and so very Tokyo. The yakitori itself is exceptionally fresh, blistered to perfection and spanning vegetables like charred corn, king prawns and scallops. There are also larger plates (the truffle mushroom noodles are as heavenly as they sound) and a raw bar. But it’s those flavour-packed skewers that always steal my heart.

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Transportive

Location: 34 Burnett Ln, Brisbane

2. Sushi Room

holding chopsticks with sushi at Sushi Room, Japanese restaurant Brisbane
The aptly named restaurant spins good sushi. (Image: Josh Maguire)

I struggle to find Sushi Room in The Calile, its façade blending into the coastal timber-cool the hotel is renowned for (look for the staircase leading up to the pool if you’re really lost), but the Japanese restaurant in Brisbane’s understated exterior only adds to its allure. Inside, a minimalistic, jaw-droppingly sophisticated interior compliments equally dazzling food. Lobster, A5 sirloin, scampi and sea urchin dot the sashimi menu while Oscietra caviar can be rolled out with oysters. It’s seafood central, in fact, with fresh catches filling the sushi, tempura and grilled menus, so temptation beckons from every angle. My personal highlight? The freshly grated wasabi, far smoother than those shiny silver packets at Sushi Train,

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Schmick

Location: Ground level, The Calile Hotel, 48 James St, Fortitude Valley

3. Sokyo

Sokyo's signature platter, Japanese restaurant Brisbane
Sokyo’s signature platter is as beautiful as it is delicious. (Image: Nicole Barclay / The Star Entertainment Group)

Loyalists of its Sydney outpost get to soak up the magic of Sokyo in Brisbane, as the restaurant’s famed ‘sashimi florist’ is found inside The Star Brisbane. If you like your Japanese Instagram-friendly, this place is for you. Bringing traditional flavours into the now with serious artistic flair, Executive Chef Alex Yu said ‘florist’ – leads an inspired team. You’ll find all-star dishes, like the miso-glazed toothfish with jalapeno salsa (the ‘Glacier 51’ if you’re scanning the menu for it) plus my personal favourite, the spicy tuna crispy rice nigiri, alongside a seasonally led roll-out of daring pursuits.

Average Price: $$$

Location: The Star Brisbane, Level 2, 33 William St, Brisbane

4. Komeyui Brisbane

a spread of Japanese food at Komeyui Brisbane
A Japanese feast prepared to perfection at Komeyui Brisbane.

Extending the success of its original Melbourne location, Komeyui Brisbane is authentic and ingredient fresh. Gone are the matte black fit outs famed throughout the laneways of Tokyo, replaced with a bright, contemporary and very tatami room-feeling design that embraces slow, intentional dining. Chef Kumano taps into his posh Osaka culinary school training, balancing every flavour tenderly and creating dishes with stories to tell. His two-tier Shokado Bento Box is the star of the show, fitted with sashimi, sushi, tempura, grilled fish, oyster, scallop foie gras and more.

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Homely

Location: 191-203 Wharf St, Spring Hill

5. Yoko Dining

a spread of Japanese food at Yoko Dining, Brisbane
Tuck into a satisfying Japanese brunch at Yoko Dining.

A star in Howard Smith Wharves’ crown, Yoko  is a relaxed spot overlooking the Brisbane River where Japanese favourites shine. Lively and fun-fuelled without compromising on scrupulous culinary handiwork, the hot spot draws big groups, especially at lunch on Saturday and Sunday when Buns and Bubbles, one of the city’s best bottomless brunches, offers a set menu of chicken katsu steam buns, ceviche with taco shells, spica tuna sushi, miso-caramel soft serve and almost two hours of prosecco, wine and beer. I love this place at sunset too, when looking out over the water with a glass of bubbles or few proves euphoric.

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Bouncy and fun

Location: Howard Smith Wharves, 2/5 Boundary St, Brisbane

6. Honto

dining at Honto Japanese restaurant, Brisbane
The banquet menus deliver contemporary classics. (Image: David Chatfield)

Adored by inner-city slickers craving a generously plated feast, Honto  is a Japanese restaurant in Brisbane I love for nights out with friends. Shining a light on fresh and seasonal ingredients, it delivers contemporary classics, dialling up flavour profiles to ridiculous heights. Choose something from the raw bar, which always impresses, but move into dumplings and noodles territory quick to sniff out excellent ramen and potstickers. Two banquet menus are also on hand to take the brain power out of selecting.

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Bustling

Location: Alden St, Fortitude Valley

7. Boom Boom Room

a Japanese feast at Boom Boom Room, Brisbane
The Boom Boom Room exudes glamorous speakeasy vibes.

One-of-a-kind and totally fabulous, the Boom Boom Room  is a must-experience dinner during your visit to the Queensland capital. Located in the underground chambers of a historic bank in the CBD, beneath the Chinese restaurant Donna Chang, you’ll need to step down a beautiful old staircase to find it. While throwing very glamorous speakeasy vibes, it delivers a range of authentic dishes spanning raw seafood, sushi, yakitori skewers, small plates and larger mains.

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Theatrical

Location: 49 Elizabeth St, Brisbane

8. Taro’s Ramen

a bowl of Taro's Ramen, Brisbane
Tuck into a comforting, warm bowl of Taro’s Ramen.

Replicating the understated hidey-holes found throughout Japan’s cobblestone streets, Taro’s Ramen  is my cheap-as-chips go-to for blissful noodle soup (they’re roughly 20 bucks a pop). Located in the CBD, South Brisbane and beyond, the chain packs its creations with ample-plus flavour and freshly sourced ingredients. Scan the list for your favourite broth, grab a table and slurp it into oblivion. It’s often hailed as the best ramen in town, plus the CBD venue turns into an Izakaya joint (serving small plates and drinks) at night.

Average Price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: Various spots across Brisbane – check out the full list via the website

9. Sono

waterfront dining at Sono Japanese restaurant, Brisbane
Dine on flavourful Japanese classics with views of the Brisbane River. (Image: Dylan Evans Photography)

A foodie stalwart located right off the Brisbane River in Hamilton, Sono  is long renowned for its Japanese artistry. Entering the venue and spying its absolute waterfront views literally took my breath away so I recommend hustling as early as possible to book a seat by the floor-to-ceiling windows. The food is fresh, flavoursome and lavish, and its raw bar is stocked with the likes of lobster, sea urchin, kingfish belly and other divine delicacies.

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Serene

Location: Level 1, Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules St, Hamilton

10. Oyama

the dining interior at Oyama, Brisbane
Oyama restaurant nails a flaming banquet.

Love yourself some teppanyaki? My family and I feel you. Get to Oyama , my favourite kid-friendly Japanese restaurant in Brisbane, which nails a flaming banquet plus a la carte showstoppers. It’s relaxed and if you choose teppanyaki, you’ll catch all the usual suspects, including prawns, chicken teriyaki, eye fillet steak and seasonal vegetables. Been there, done that, just starving? The regular menu is full of delights like a Moreton Bay bug hand roll, chicken Karaage and yakitori skewers.

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Family-friendly

Location: Shop 30, 115 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley

11. Ippin Japanese Dining

caviar at Ippin Japanese Dining, Brisbane
The elevated Japanese menu puts a spotlight on local produce.

Bringing elevated Japanese cuisine to Brisbane’s West End, Ippin Japanese Dining  is a slick operation flooded with natural light and enveloped in lush greenery. Stare out at glossy green foliage as beautifully prepared dishes roll out of the kitchen. Menu superstars include warmed seafood salads and pillowy soft tempura, while set menus spin off the seasons to showcase the region’s best produce.

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: The Garden Pavilion, West Village, Level 2/97 Boundary St, West End

12. Bird’s Nest

the red booths at Bird's Nest, Brisbane
Indulge in a yakitori feast in one of the red booths.

Offering epic Japanese fare at extremely reasonable prices, Bird’s Nest  is a Brisbane gem that attracts thick crowds. Split into four locations across the city, the restaurant specialises in charcoal-grilled Yakitori, making for a quick and easy bite in always atmospheric surroundings. Set menus present traditional Japanese dishes including gyoza, Karaage chicken, sashimi and edamame in addition to the grilled heroes, plus there’s street food (hello bao buns), a raw bar and larger plates on the wider menu.

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Energetic

Location: Various spots across Brisbane – check out the full list via the website

13. Soko Rooftop

I’d visited Soko Rooftop for drinks well before I ate there (it’s jungle-themed rooftop vibe is awesome come knock-off o’clock), so I was impressed when I found a beautiful menu for lunch one day. I take a seat inside where the glamour intensifies as a lovely member of staff keeps my water glass full and appears whenever I need him for anything else. I’m there on a Thursday and take advantage of a ‘Business Lunch’ bento deal which includes miso soup, baby corn tempura, a salad and a choice of five mains. I go for the AKA Tofu and it’s fluffy, dressed in ginger soy and teriyaki, and accompanied by rice. It’s a great casual spot to savour traditional flavours before kicking the party on just metres away al fresco-style.

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Party times

Location: 7 Symes St, Jubilee Pl, Fortitude Valley

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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8 experiences that make Moreton Bay the best getaway

    Rachel LayBy Rachel Lay
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    From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

    Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

    Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

    1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience
    Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

    Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

    End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

    2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

    Morgan’s Seafood
    It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)

    Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

    Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

    3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

    woorim beach bribie island
    Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.

    On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

    Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

    4. D’Aguilar National Park

    D’Aguilar National Park
    Admire the landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park.

    D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

    Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

    5. Arcade Wine Bar

    arcade wine bar moreton bay
    Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

    Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

    Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

    Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

    6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

    Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

    Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

    7. Farm Visits

    Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

    At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

    8. Miss Sprinkles

    Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay
    Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

    An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

    The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine.  Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

    To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.