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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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5 of the best Sunshine Coast day trips

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
    Continue
    City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

    When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

    Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

    1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

    Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

    Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

    Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

    All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

    woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
    Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

    2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

    Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

    Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

    Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

    Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

    woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery
    Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

    3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

    Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

    Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

    Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

    aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek
    Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

    4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

    Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

    Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

    Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

    Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

    exterior of Husk Distillers
    Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

    Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

    Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

    Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

    Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

    End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

    view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland
    Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

    Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.