Roll Call: Where To Find Brisbane’s Top Fine-Dining Japanese
Chopsticks at the ready
By Cali Westmoreland | 20th June 2025Warning: this isn’t your average sushi train guide. Consider this your first-class ticket on a culinary bullet train through Brisbane’s most exceptional Japanese venues.
From intimate omakase experiences that’ll have you saying arigatou after every bite, to moody izakayas where cocktails and ambience steal the show, these spots blur the line between dinner and destination.
So, brush up on your chopstick skills — we’re diving into Brisbane’s must-visit Japanese gems, where the food is divine, the service flawless, and the vibes unmatched. Trust us, your next date night, celebration, or sushi binge is sorted.
By the way, we consider everyone in this list the best of the best! To make finding your next favourite that much easier, we’ve ordered the list alphabetically by suburb and also have filtering tabs for your convenience. Did we miss someone from the list? Let us know here! Hide the form
- All
- Brisbane CBD
- North Brisbane
- East Brisbane
- South Brisbane
- West Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Noosa
- Sunshine Coast
- A - Z
- Z - A
Sushi Room
Fortitude Valley
Sushi Room isn’t just dinner — it’s a full-blown experience wrapped in seaweed and served on a silver platter (no, seriously). A staple inside The Calile Hotel, it’s dimly lit, moody, and dripping in cool. From sculptural sashimi and buttery nigiri to tempura lobster that’s every bit as extra as it sounds, each dish is a masterclass in balance and beauty. With a brand new bar now welcoming walk-ins, it’s never been easier to pop in for a chic sip and sushi roll. Add top-tier sake pairings and sleek interiors, and you’ve got yourself a seriously special dining affair.
Sokyo
Brisbane City
Welcome to Sokyo, the crown jewel of The Star Brisbane. Think sleek interiors, moody lighting, and a menu that reads like a fashion collection — each dish a bold, beautiful statement. From mind-blowing sushi creations to sashimi so fresh it melts on contact, Sokyo brings luxury to the table with effortless flair. Every bite offers a taste of authentic Japanese culture, elevated by a killer sake list and expert staff ready to guide your culinary journey. This is Japanese fine dining at its most stylish — refined, expressive, and unforgettable.
Yoko
Brisbane City
Two words: Yoko Slushi. If you know, you know. Welcome to Yoko — the cult-favourite Japanese hotspot perched riverside at Howard Smith Wharves. Effortlessly blending Brisbane’s laid-back energy with elevated Japanese dining, Yoko strikes the perfect balance between cool and refined. This isn’t your average sushi joint — it’s thoughtful, high-quality, and totally unpretentious. The sushi? So fresh it glistens. The presentation? Practically made for your camera roll. Whether you’re popping in for a casual bite or settling in for a long, indulgent evening, Yoko delivers that low-key, insiders-only magic. And just when you thought it couldn’t get better — meet B-SIDE. Upstairs, you’ll find a buzzing vinyl bar spinning disco beats, slinging next-level cocktails, and serving Yoko’s greatest hits in a whole new vibe.
Boom Boom Room
Brisbane City
Step into Boom Boom Room — the CBD’s underground Japanese bar and restaurant tucked just beneath Donna Chang. One descent down the stairs and you’re wrapped in a world of moody lighting, velvet accents, and cheeky, late-night allure. It’s intimate. It’s edgy. It’s effortlessly sexy. With a sultry atmosphere that sets the perfect tone, this is a spot that knows how to dial up the drama. The food? Just as seductive. Think bold, inventive sushi creations layered with rich textures and unexpected flavour hits — every bite a little luxury. It feels exclusive, like a secret whispered from one cool crowd to the next. If you’re after a night with serious main character energy, Boom Boom Room is your ultimate after-dark escape.
Takashiya
South Brisbane
Sitting pretty inside Emporium Hotel South Bank, Takashiya is where Japanese fine dining meets serious wow-factor. Step into their exclusive Omakase Room (just 12 seats!) and let the chefs take you on a flavour-packed journey with dishes that look like art and taste even better. Think A5 Wagyu, Glacier 51 toothfish, foie gras nigiri and all the truffle goodness your bougie heart desires. It’s luxe, intimate, and oh-so memorable — basically, the ultimate treat-yourself experience for when you want to dine like a VIP.
Hôntô
Fortitude Valley
We know – this place needs no introduction. From the team behind Biànca, Agnes, and sAme sAme, Hôntô is Fortitude Valley’s most iconic Japanese spot – an intimate, moody restaurant hidden behind an unmarked black door. Inside, you’ll find a sleek raw bar, minimalist dining room, and the tucked-away ÔÔ cocktail lounge stocked with rare Japanese whisky and sake. The menu is playful and sharable, with inventive bites like prawn doughnuts, wagyu tartare, and whole snapper karaage – plus a banquet option if you’re feeling fancy. If you’re looking to leave the world behind for a night and share an unforgettable evening, Hôntô is the spot for you.
Hideki
Fortitude Valley, Brisbane City
Hideki may be one of the newer kids on Brisbane’s Japanese dining scene, but don’t let its youth fool you — the quality is top-notch. With two buzzing locations in the heart of the city — Burnett Lane and James Street — Hideki has perfected the art of fine dining and casual fine dining alike. The original Burnett Lane spot is dark, moody, and sprinkled with gold accents — pure luxury paired with impeccable service and food. Meanwhile, the James Street venue, nestled beside Sixes & Sevens, offers a vibrant alfresco vibe with the same killer menu, perfect for people-watching or grabbing a quick bento box lunch. Two venues, same essence, totally different vibes — and both are definitely ones you shouldn’t sleep on.
Imagery: @honto.restaurant, @sushi__room, @sokyo.brisbane
