The daily fish market selection.

Tombo Den

A high-octane ode to Tokyo’s late-night dining scene,by Chris Lucas.

  • Tomas Telegramma
Ten and Sen is opening in Leederville.

A specialist Hokkaido ramen restaurant is opening in Leederville

The cosy 30-seater will serve a unique curry and miso-based ramen alongside Hokkaido soul food favourites and local drinks.

  • Max Veenhuyzen
Chicken katsu with Japanese curry sauce and slaw is paired with pale ale.

West Melbourne bar scores chef from hit Hong Kong venue with Michelin star

An under-the-radar spot is about to be the name on everyone’s lips,as it nabs a chef from a Hong Kong hotspot who’s all about fun-forward dishes.

  • Quincy Malesovas
Chashu pork,nori and bamboo shoots top the original bowl.

Kajiken

Serving aburasoba (soupless ramen) inside a busy train station.

  • Emma Breheny
Sushi On Little Bourke is about sandos and sushi you can afford several times a week.

Two-hat sushi restaurant opens a casual spin-off for city workers

“It’s not omakase,it’s more like a canteen.” Come for fluffy katsu sandos,Japanese fish and chips,and a style of sushi that’s perfect for lunch al desko.

  • Emma Breheny
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Omo cafe is styled on Tokyo’s kissaten.

Relive your magical trip to Japan at these nine Melbourne venues

Pocket-sized sushi restaurants,old-school Tokyo-style cafes,and affordable delis with build-your-own bentos are just the tip of a rapidly growing and highly specialised Japanese scene.

  • Emma Breheny
Temaki platter,nori sheets and rice,ready for DIY assembly.

Get hands-on with this sushi platter with a difference at this 10-seat city restaurant

Tiny Temaki Sushi joins Melbourne’s growing number of Japanese specialty venues.

  • Dani Valent
Mamuki’s mango matcha smoothie epitomises social-media thirst

This serene inner west cafe is a must-visit for all matcha fans

Strawberry matcha lattes are all well and good,but how about a mango matcha smoothie?

  • Lee Tran Lam
Chilled tofu with syrup.

Doughnuts,ice-cream and nuggets:How this tiny shop puts a creative spin on tofu

A small-batch tofu maker is pushing perceptions of the vegetarian staple into new territory,using McDonald’s,low-waste cooking and more for inspiration.

  • Emma Breheny
Hareruya Pantry in Carlton - just open with gelato-filled mochi,sandos,bentos and musubi. By the Le Bajo Milkbar and 279 team. For Good Food,1 July,2022

Hareruya Pantry

Specialising in Japanese desserts like mochi-wrapped gelato.

  • Emma Breheny