Before the onset of COVID-19, Australians flocked to Japan, desperate to sample the incredible cuisine and culture that the Land of the Rising Sun is known for. But once borders were closed and overseas travel eliminated, foodies across the country had to look inland to experience the authentic Japanese flavors they so desired. And boy, it was a tough few months of trial and error, but we persevered. And now, two years later, thanks to first-edition beer aficionados Kirin Ichiban, we have a whopping 50 restaurants to add to our dining wish list.
With your help, we drew on a panel of expert judges, as well as nominations from our own readers, to compile the Kirin Ichiban Guide 50 – think Michelin Guide, but unique to modern Japanese cuisine. This interactive collection of restaurants and cafes promises readers the opportunity to sample the best Japanese food on the market. He combines Kirin Ichiban’s own commitment to high-quality professional craftsmanship and applies it to dishes from exclusive venues in Sydney and Melbourne.
To give you an idea of the full 50, we’ve picked out eight must-try bites that you must check off, right out of the box.
Sydney
Treat yourself to Sokyo’s next-level sushi
Take to the shores of Japan with a meal in Sydney’s own (admittedly reduced) version of central Tokyo. Tucked away in the Star, Sokyo offers a modern take on Japanese cuisine, while paying homage to the traditional culinary techniques for which the region is known. Take advantage of a sake sommelier’s expertise as you peruse an extensive menu covering almost every meal known to man, before ending the evening with a bowl of mochi ice cream so good it will leave you salivating at your seat.
Put Your Hands In A Ballin ‘Bento Box In Simulation Senpai
Despite opening its doors amid the pandemic, Simulation Senpai has already earned a cult following of loyal foodies who never tire of its innovative menu. At first the kitchen concept seems simple (boxes of sashimi and chirashi served to go), but this is a far cry from the standard mall sushi solution. Instead, Simulation Senpai offers only the best seasonal produce, fresh every day in adorable bento boxes perfect for lunch on the go. Pair it with a cold one, courtesy of Kirin Ichiban, and you’ve completely crushed your midday lunch. Props for you.
Slurp Down Some Rave Worthy Ramen Courtesy of Gumshara
If the massive row out front wasn’t enough of a hint, watch out: Gumshara is an absolute game changer. The delicious ramen vendor is our destination for food delivery on a Friday night or Saturday night. Or on a Sunday. We are a bit obsessed. With dishes completely free of MSG thickener, it’s hard to go wrong ordering from their menu, but if we had a choice, we can’t pass up their tonkotsu ramen, especially after a long day at work. He has a cult following for a reason.
Book for an unforgettable Omakase in Kuon
Located on Sydney’s Darling Harbor precinct, a seat at Kuon is one of the most sought-after in the country. With just eight exclusive seats in the entire venue, the Omakase seamlessly blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern innovation that produces bites like no other. Here, you’ll have a front row seat as Chef Hideaki Fukada prepares a phenomenal tasting of twenty dishes of sushi and sashimi expertly paired with wine and sake. The experience can be up to three months to wait, but we guarantee that it is unforgettable and a must for any food lover. Reserve here.
melbourne
Dial up the romance with a meal at Akaiito
If you like fine, classy, dark, and moody dining spots, book a table at Akaiito on Flinders Lane. The restaurant houses two different restaurants, with separate menus and dining options depending on the level of sophistication you are looking for. While the underground bar is a personal favorite, you can’t pass up the tasting menu if you’re looking to sample everything Akaiito has to offer. Sure, it might seem intimidating (charred broccoli doesn’t exactly sound like a crowd pleaser), but when you bite into the lemongrass flan, you’ll be begging for another round.
Fire up your grill on Robata
From the team behind Melbourne favorites San Telmo, Pastuso, Palermo and Asado, Robata is a vibrant Japanese grill not to be missed. Inspired by ‘Robatayaki’, an ancient Japanese grilling method for cooking by the fireplace, you will find this place in the Herald & Weekly Times building. Follow the sweet smell of the grill and the neon glow of the equipment to delight yourself with the epic yakitori: we recommend the chicken meatball and the pork belly. Better yet, end things on a sweet note and dive into your black sesame and green tea parfait. Drool.
Savor Sushi in Uminono
We can’t let Sydney have all the fun. Fortunately, Melbourne has its own Uminono-shaped bento fan. The intimate six-seater is known for its careful selection of sushi, impeccably presented in a black bento box. With seasonal fish selections from Australia, New Zealand and Japan, a meal at Uminono and you’ll never go back. While you’re at it, you can also pick up a few extras to help you until your next visit – the whitefish nigiri is definitely one to try, but if you can only pick one, make sure it’s the hiramasa kingfish.
Devour yakitori skewers in this Japanese dining room
Named for the iconic back alleys of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, Golden Gai truly lives up to its namesake. Follow the glowing neon signs down Chapel St and you will eventually bump into the door of the venue, where you will be greeted by an East-meet-West style menu well and truly worthy of your dining wish list. Truth be told, choosing from the menu can be challenging, not because of a lack of options, but because of the abundance. We recommend some yakitori skewers for a guaranteed good nourishment, paired with a bottle of crisp craft beer to go with it. What else can you need?
Eight places aren’t enough to curb those cravings? Take a look at the rest of the Kirin Ichiban 50 Guide and give us your thoughts on the best modern Japanese bites hidden in Sydney and Melbourne.
Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored by Kirin Ichiban and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To learn more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.
Image Credit: Sokyo via Instagram, Senpai simulation via Instagram, Akaiito via Instagram, Uminono via Instagram, Golden Gai via Instagram
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