Best Japanese Izakayas In Melbourne (2027)

MELBOURNE | Melbourne’s Japanese dining scene has become quite varied and specialised over the past decade. More Melburnians have travelled to Japan than ever before, and we’re spoiled for choice. I’ve personally been to Japan many times, and love visiting it’s izakayas for a feed.

The thing about izakayas, those unpretentious places where locals go for affordable, tasty food that pairs well with beer and sake, is that its as much about the vibe as it is the food. The loud energy from groups of friends and tables of salarymen winding down after a big day, the sizzle and clanging of utensils, from the kitchen, along with the smell and visual of smoke from the charcoal grills, is something that’s not easily replicated outside of Japan.

For my guide to the best Japanese izakayas in Melbourne, I’ve tried to pick places that have reminded me in some way of the izakaya experiences that I’ve had in Japan. Some capture the food and vibe pretty well, some one but not so much the other. The main thing is that the food and atmosphere is good, and that you leave having experience some of what makes a true Japanese izakaya special.

Whether you’re after late-night tonkotsu ramen past midnight on Russell Street, handcrafted Kagawa-style udon sets in Fitzroy, or neon-drenched sharing plates in the CBD, my local’s guide to the best Japanese izakayas and casual eateries in Melbourne is for you.

At-A-Glance: Best Japanese Izakayas In Melbourne (2027 Guide)

Planning a wider inner-north food crawl? Check out my guide to Where To Eat & Drink In Fitzroy & Collingwood for more local spots.

Where to Find the Best Japanese Izakayas in Melbourne

Melbourne CBD

Musashi Ramen & Izakaya Bar

Located on Russell Street, Musashi Ramen & Izakaya Bar is a go-to spot when you need quality Japanese dining past midnight. Featuring dark wood, paper lanterns, and a lively late-night atmosphere reminiscent of Tokyo, it remains a go-to of mine for creamy tonkotsu ramen and a side of karaage or takoyaki.

• Location: 181 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Why Go: Open past midnight on weekends with consistently creamy tonkotsu ramen.
• The City Lane Tip: Order the black garlic tonkotsu ramen and a side of karaage.

Mannaka Izakaya

Toward the northern end of Elizabeth Street, Mannaka Izakaya captures the vibrant, neon-lit energy of Osaka’s Dotonbori district. Designed with striking pop-culture artwork and backlit murals, it’s a fantastic spot for contemporary izakaya favourites, bento lunch boxes, and hearty rice bowls.

• Location: 533 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Why Go: Excellent value lunch specials, vibrant Osaka-inspired atmosphere, and buttery unagi don.
• The City Lane Tip: Grab the Mannaka 6 Treasures bento box if you’re dropping in for a quick solo lunch.

Namoo Izakaya

Housed on Queen Street, Namoo Izakaya transitions from a breezy daytime cafe into a bustling evening hub for raw seafood and shared plates. It’s one of the few spots in the city serving specialty regional hot pots alongside an impressive 24-piece sashimi platter.

• Location: 1/167 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Why Go: Premium sharing sashimi platters and rare winter warmers like Fukuoka-style motsunabe.
• The City Lane Tip: Share the massive Namoo Platter with friends if you’re settling in for a proper evening feed.

Udon Izakaya Maedaya

Situated right in the heart of the CBD, Udon Izakaya Maedaya combines traditional handmade udon noodles with a bustling evening izakaya menu featuring classic drinking snacks and tempura.

• Location: 168-174 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Why Go: Perfectly textured handmade noodles and a classic izakaya atmosphere.
• The City Lane Tip: Pair a hot bowl of dashi udon with an order of vegetable and prawn tempura.

Inner North (Fitzroy, Brunswick East)

Udon Izakaya Tanukiya

Run by Hokkaido-born chef Fujio Tamura, intimate, 24-seat Udon Izakaya Tanukiya on Johnston Street shifts the spotlight to Kagawa-style handmade udon. The space channels neighbourhood Japanese noodle shops, serving thick, springy noodles imported frozen from Japan alongside tasty izakaya dishes like wagyu tataki and tempura sets.

• Location: 256 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
• Why Go: Thick, slippery, authentic Kagawa-imported udon served hot or cold in custom sets.
• The City Lane Tip: Try the cold udon set with kombu water and hot dipping broth, and save room for the wagyu tataki.

Izakaya by Tamura

Izakaya by Tamura is a larger affair than it’s older sibling, Tamura Sake Bar. It leans into traditional, drink-friendly pub fare with high energy, social dining, and regular live music.

• Location: 343 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
• Why Go: Deeply flavorful broths, shared small plates, and a vibrant Smith Street tavern atmosphere.
• The City Lane Tip: Order the signature shoyu ramen alongside plates of crispy gyoza and highballs.

Tamura Sake Bar

Tucked away on Gertrude Street, Tamura Sake Bar operates like a Tokyo-style listening bar where drinks and music take absolute centre stage. It features a highly curated selection of artisanal sakes paired with refined, supporting bar snacks.

• Location: Unit 1/43 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
• Why Go: Exceptional vinyl sound curation, knowledgeable hosts, and one of the finest sake lists in the inner north.
• The City Lane Tip: Ask the staff for a guided sake flight matched to your small plates.

Kumo Izakaya

A long-standing favourite amongst Brunswick East locals, Kumo Izakaya offers a warm, ambient space in a former bank, specialising in charcoal-grilled skewers, house-made small plates, and an exceptional line-up of Japanese craft beer and natural wines.

• Location: 152 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
• Why Go: Binchotan charcoal smokiness, fantastic craft drink selections, and a lively neighbourhood feel.
• The City Lane Tip: Book ahead for weekend dinner sessions as this Lygon Street favorite fills up fast.

South & South-East (Windsor)

Kaz’s Workshop

Bringing inventive Japanese bar culture south of the river, Kaz’s Workshop on Chapel Street delivers contemporary Japanese dishes, playful snacks, and expertly mixed highballs.

• Location: 145 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
• Why Go: Creative bar snacks, energetic Chapel Street vibe, and stellar highballs.
• The City Lane Tip: Pair a round of house highballs with their creative seasonal snack plates.

Planning a trip to Japan? Read my guide to Where To Eat & Drink In Tokyo for the ultimate guide to authentic izakayas and street food.