Your Guide to Japanese Restaurants in Newcastle

Craving authentic Japanese food in Newcastle? From steaming bowls of ramen to delicate sushi rolls, our harbour city offers a surprising variety of Japanese culinary delights. Here's your insider guide to Newcastle's best Japanese restaurants, where you can sample everything from traditional classics to modern fusion creations.

The Best Traditional Japanese Dining Experiences

Newcastle's best-loved Japanese establishments pride themselves on traditional techniques and flavours, offering everything from perfectly grilled meat dishes to delicate seafood options—and Nagisa on Honeysuckle is one such restaurant. A favourite for over 20 years, the vibrant and authentic menu is thanks to founder, Tetsuhiko Namba, who studied traditional cooking methods in Tokyo before travelling the world and then moving to Newcastle.

Next door to Nagisa, and part of the restaurant's family of eateries, is Âpé Chilean Nikkei Restaurant. Take a seat fireside to experiences a delicious combination of the bold, vibrant tastes of South America and refined, delicate techniques of Japanese Hokkaido cooking. Everything on the menu is lip-smacking perfection, so it is an easy choice to select the Feed Me Menu or the Butchers Feast, but for a quick lunch option, the Wagyu Lunch Special is a winner.

Turning serious traditions on their head, Jams Karaoke is where to go if you want to indulge all your senses. Bar snacks such as takoyaki, gyoza, and karaage chicken are all beautiful examples of bite-sized perfection, especially when partnered with Japanese sake, beer, whisky, and cocktails. But if sitting bar-side is not your thing, Jams is where you can also book private karaoke rooms to smash out your favourite tunes, while enjoying your selection of snacks.

Ramen Revolution: Newcastle's Noodle Specialists

Newcastle's ramen shops offer Japanese noodles, snacks and sides worth exploring, from gyoza dumplings to karaage fried chicken—perfect companions to your noodle feast.

Susuru on King Street has long been the place to go for flavour-packed ramen and gyoza, however, its recent transformation into a more traditional style izakaya has seen some tasty additions to the ramen menu. First up, their bento boxes are an easy 'yes please!' packed with a wide range of pickled veg, tempura treats, rice, sushi, and miso soup sides. For date nights and group bookings, eat your way through the tasty share plates with sake, beer and cocktails to keep the good times flowing.

Menya Makoto on Hunter Street is where you can indulge in hearty ramen soups, such as their Osaka Tonkotsu and Bonito Tonkotsu, as well as crispy prawn gyoza, karaage chicken, and curries, all available most nights of the week.

Or for relaxed, authentic cuisine, Kitami Carrington is arguable Newcastle's home to exquisite Japanese—recently opened in Carrington, but over 30 years in Newcastle! In addition to their range of ramen, Kitami also specialises in freshly prepared dons, curries, and otsumami (appetisers), expertly prepared by head chef Nobuyuki Aoki. Kitami also doubles as an authentic Japanese grocer where you can stock up on soy sauce, miso, and a heap of tasty sweets and snacks.

Quick Japanese: Lunch Spots and Takeaway Options

When you're looking for a quick Japanese fix, several Newcastle spots offer express lunch options and takeaway Japanese. There are more sushi spots than we can mention here, so if you're enjoying an extended stay in Newcastle, you might like to explore beyond this small selection.

Meshiya Japan at Marketown offers fresh and modern yet home-style menu options, such as traditional teishoku meals through to Japanese-style sandwiches made with fermented bread, and classic sushi options. Authentic and flavoursome, the approachable menu is available for takeaway or eat in.

Hokkaiya Japanese Restaurant, located along Hamilton's busy Beaumont Street, is perfect for a quick lunch on the go amongst the bustle and energy of a street loved by holidaying foodies. Known for its fresh and authentic flavours, a range of delicious sushi lines the glass display cabinet during the lunchtime rush. But if you have a bit more time to sit and savour, this small and unassuming eatery is also known for its silky and satisfying ramen, as well as a range of udon and donburi dishes.

Mayfield's Mitamiya Sushi has built a reputation for serving both traditional Japanese eats and robust coffees. So, get your fresh sushi, bento, udon, and sashimi when you're travelling through Mayfield, while also snapping up a perfectly brewed caffeine hit. Multi-tasking, love it.

Another top spot to check out is Mizumi in New Lambton, where you can grab a quick bite to eat or take your time and enjoy a sake or beer while your taste buds are transported to Tokyo. Try generous and flavour-laden sushi rolls or fresh and fast bento boxes.

A Taste of Japan in Newcastle

From casual ramen joints to refined sushi experiences, Newcastle's Japanese restaurant scene continues to flourish. Whether you're craving a warming bowl of miso soup, perfectly grilled pork, or a beautifully arranged bento box, you'll find plenty of authentic options to satisfy your Japanese food cravings. The hardest part? Deciding which one to try first!