In Australia, Japanese eateries are our value-for-money comfort food. Nothing makes us appreciate the Japanese food in Perth more than trying to fill the void in our hearts only a sushi hand roll can fix while backpacking around Europe, where Japanese cuisine is the opposite of bang for your buck.
Where did the Australian love affair with Japanese food start?
Australia’s first Japanese restaurant opened in 1957 in Sydney, following a new trade agreement between the two nations. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the cuisine became mainstream among Australian diners daring to deviate from their shepherd’s pie at home or the usual Mediterranean alfresco restaurant options.
Cut to 2022, when looking to satisfy your Katsu chicken cravings, there are too many Japanese restaurants in Perth to choose from. Here are the best Japanese Restaurants in Perth (according to us) to get you to your miso soup quicker.
Shige
Pay your respects to the love of the cuisine with a trip to Shige, Perth’s longest-running Japanese eatery in East Perth. Established in 1986 and family-run to this day, Shige prides itself on its delicate flavours, fresh seafood and courteous customer service.
Taka’s Kitchen
The CBD and Fremantle institution, Taka’s Kitchen is delicious on the palette and even easier on the wallet. It’s quick, convenient and always packed, ideal when you forget your lunch and are already over budget for the week.
Kabuki
For pleasant but casual dine-in experience just south of the river, try Kabuki in Victoria Park. This local staple has kept it consistent with their menu. No frills and generous servings, we’ve heard good things about their aburi salmon and beef udon too.
Yuuma
If you’re the type that prefers all the frills fusion dining has to offer, let us introduce you to Yuuma on the other end of Victoria Park. This contemporary Japanese eatery pairs squid with watermelon, a match we didn’t know we needed.
Kaze Bento
Morning the loss of Tanpopo and their addictive katsu chicken double meat for $7.50, Kaze Bento had a point to prove. Since 2016 they’ve had a transformation to provide a full vegan menu boasting vegan soft shell crab, tuna and katsu chicken.
Sushi Wawa
To stake your claim at having dined at the longest sushi train in the southern hemisphere, venture Innaloo ways to Sushi Wawa. The sushi-ladened conveyor belt is 62 metres long and can hold up to 400 plates at a time, something to experience IRL.
Hanami
There are not too many dining experiences when you’re pleasantly surprised with the bill. Hanami in Mount Lawley is one of those treasures, their spacious restaurant is perfect for catching up with friends and it won’t break the bank.
KiRi Japanese
Reminiscent of authentic, compact Japanese restaurants, KiRi Japanese in Shenton Park is split in two; half quick takeaway and half dimly lit, intimate dining. When feeling the cozy eat-out vibe, book in advance for their Kyoto-inspired specialities. It’s worth the trouble.
The Modern Eatery
Next time you are down Freo ways, check out open-flamed Aburi sushi. Aburi sushi is flamed seared, adding a touch of smokey flavour to your bite. Excellent presentation with an overall chill vibe, the perfect first date spot to humbly impress.
Marumo
For cravings not needing instant filling, it’s worth your luck to attempt to secure a booking at Nedlands’ Marumo. An exquisite yet humble dining experience like no other, the seven chef’s selection has been described as the best meal $80 will get you in Perth.
Until we can afford flights to the homeland of authentic Japanese food, this list keeps us busy.
