Savour sashimi and sushi at these must-try Japanese restaurants on the Gold Coast
From high-end dining spaces serving intricate sashimi dishes to bustling yakitori bars and hidden gems pumping out mouth-watering karaage in the backstreets of the ‘burbs, us Gold Coast folk are pretty spoilt when it comes to Japanese eats. In honour of one of our all-time favourite cuisines, we put together a handy list of must-try Japanese restaurants and eateries on the coast. Kanpai!
Yamagen, Surfers Paradise: Tucked inside QT Gold Coast, Yamagen is a cutting-edge Japanese izakaya where tradition meets innovation. A long-time local favourite, it’s known for bold flavours, a buzzing robata grill and one of Australia’s top Japanese whisky collections. Executive Chef Adam Lane (ex-Tetsuya’s, Nobu) delivers produce-driven dishes with flair – from red-emperor sashimi and flame-licked shio koji chicken to eye-catching sushi tacos and melt-in-your-mouth crispy pork belly.
Etsu Izakaya, Mermaid Beach: When a restaurant doesn’t need a sign, you know it’s doing something special. Etsu Izakaya is a hidden gem loved by locals, blending moody, eclectic interiors with a buzzing, high-energy vibe. Modern Japanese dishes – best paired with sake, whisky and clever cocktails – arrive steadily throughout the night, encouraging you to order, feast, and order again. Etsu is a must-do dining experience.
Kiyomi, Broadbeach: Located at The Star Gold Coast, Kiyomi offers a bold, contemporary take on Japanese dining in a sleek setting. The menu strikes a balance between tradition and innovation, with standout dishes like tuna crispy rice and hiramasa kingfish miso ceviche topped with crispy potato and green chilli. A curated selection of premium sake, Japanese whisky and inventive cocktails rounds out the experience.
Anekawa, Mudgeeraba: Anekawa is owned and operated by Japanese chef Koki Anekawa, who set out to create a culinary concept that applies traditional techniques from his hometown of Saga (a prefecture in Japan’s south) to ethically sourced local and Australian produce. Nestled in Mudgeeraba Village, Anekawa’s menu is constantly changing, covering small plates, raw delights, mains and a series of clay-pot rice dishes. The bar is also stacked with a quality selection of sake and wine.
One Eighty, Labrador: Taking notes from high-end yakitori establishments in Tokyo, One Eighty combines traditional techniques with modern creativity to delight diners with an authentic and immersive eating experience. Diners at One Eighty are treated to an omakase-style menu, which places your yakitori adventure in the very skilled hands of head chef Akihiro Kitade. There are two daily menus to choose from – a general and a premium – both centred around delicately skewered chicken and vegetables, grilled to perfection over charcoal.
Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori, Robina: Charcoal Charcoal Yakitori in Robina is a cosy 50-seat spot where Asian and Western flavours collide over charcoal. The menu ranges from fresh sashimi to smoky skewers of M8-9 wagyu, free-range chicken and seasonal vegetables. Highlights include wagyu with pineapple and garlic-thyme butter, and charcoal-grilled oysters with a caramelised edge – best paired with an ice-cold Japanese beer.
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Goto Restaurant, Southport: Seeking sensational sashimi? Take a seat here and settle in for some of the most authentic Japanese eats in town. Fresh and colourful sashimi platters and intricate sushi creations feature heavily on the menu, alongside smaller bites like agedashi tofu and authentic udon noodles. Champon noodles, the regional dish of Nagasaki that is regarded as ramen’s healthier cousin, is also the hero here, while diners seeking familiarity will find it in the donburi (rice bowl) offerings, which are topped with the likes of sweet-soy braised pork, karaage chicken and katsu curry.
YORU, Nobby Beach: Located in the space formerly occupied by Japanese restaurant Hachi, newcomer YORU brings big energy to Nobby Beach with bold Korean-Japanese flavours, generous share plates, killer cocktails and a smoky robata grill. From crispy katsu chicken and perfectly grilled scallops with lemon butter to wagyu skewers, sashimi and bibimbap, this izakaya-style hotspot blends the finesse of traditional Japanese with the heart and heat of Korean home cooking.
Donto Sapporo, Bundall: One of the Gold Coast’s longest-running Japanese restaurants, Donto Sapporo has been serving authentic cuisine since 1990. Led by expert Japanese chefs, the menu blends traditional sushi with grilled-to-order yakitori skewers, plus hearty favourites like pork katsu curry and namachirashi. It’s a timeless destination for classic, no-fuss Japanese dining.
Izakaya Umakamon, Surfers Paradise: Tucked away on Hanlan Street in Surfers Paradise, Izakaya Umakamon delivers an authentic Japanese izakaya experience led by a Japanese owner-chef with 25 years’ experience. Expect fresh sashimi, wagyu beef tataki, black garlic tonkotsu ramen and crumbed oysters with house-made yuzu tartar, all served with warm, traditional hospitality.
Beun Modern Japanese, Mermaid Waters: As the old adage goes, you should never judge a book by its cover and Beun Modern Japanese is proof. Beun boasts some serious culinary credentials with chef Yusuke Ito (ex Restaurant Ten and Iku Yakitori Bar) creating a modern Japanese menu that fuses ingredients and cooking methods from Japan, Italy and France whilst honouring the heart and traditions of his homeland.
Masu Izakaya, Burleigh: For five-star sushi and stellar sashimi, you can’t look past Masu, which is restaurant number three for esteemed chef Jon Hizola, who also owns Mr Kojima on Chevron Island. While there are a handful of few sushi options gracing the menu, diners here are encouraged to ‘ask the chef’ using the ingredients in the cabinet. There’s also a series of small dishes of Japanese classics including crispy karaage chicken, tender pork belly and sashimi tacos, while behind the bar you’ll find a stacked collection of sake, sochu, whisky and beer.
Wazen, Tallebudgera: For traditional Japanese with a modern twist, you can’t go past Wazen. From its casual digs nestled along Tallebudgera Creek Road, Wazen serves a flavour-packed menu ranging from fresh sashimi and sushi through to katsu, karaage, teriyaki and spicy miso dishes, using only free-range chicken, local fish and organic vegetables.
Little Itoshin, Miami: Tucked in the backstreets of Miami, Little Itoshin is a pint-sized venue serving authentic Japanese eats with a slightly contemporary lean. Ideally suited to couples and small groups, Little Itoshin – a sibling to the temporarily closed Itoshin in Mermaid Beach – serves a range of snacks like ponzu-fried cuttlefish with Mr. Itoshin hot sauce, and mains like wok-fried ginger pork yakisoba noodles, alongside a series of rotating sashimi dishes. Fancy a wine, sake or cocktail? You’re in good hands here.
Kemuri Kitchen Bao + Yakitori, Carrara: In the heart of Carrara, the recently expanded Kemuri Kitchen Bao + Yakitori is redefining suburban dining with its masterful take on Tokyo-style izakaya fare. Helmed by husband-and-wife team Hiro and Yuki Okubo, the menu heroes hand-shaped bao, charcoal-grilled yakitori and Kyoto-inspired small plates. The understated and quietly ambitious Kemuri pairs meticulous cooking with a sharp drinks list – proving that some of the Coast’s best food isn’t always where you expect to find it.
Roji Cat, Miami: Tucked along Lemana Lane, Roji Cat Beer Bar fuses Japanese street eats with big party energy. It’s loud, fun and packed with flavour – think karaage chicken, yakitori bites, sashimi plates, cheeseburger spring rolls and mochi balls to finish. With house-made beers on tap, umeshu iced-tea cocktails and over 20 sakes behind the bar, it’s the perfect spot to kick off a night out (or keep going).
Oi Izakaya, Burleigh Heads: If you’re a fan of traditional Japanese bites like okonomiyaki, gyoza and sushi, then Oi Izakaya will be right up your alley. Nestled in James Street, the personality-packed dining spot gives a nod to the bustling izakayas of Tokyo and beyond, with an open kitchen putting the chefs in full view of diners. You’ll find over 100 whiskies, mainly Japanese, sake to sip, as well as a curated range of Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Mr Kojima, Chevron Island: Mr Kojima is the handiwork of celebrated chef Jon Hizola, known for his work in some of the city’s top Asian-fusion kitchens. Here, he delivers a bold, modern take on traditional Japanese fare, with a menu built around a vibrant raw bar, fresh sushi and kushiyaki skewers, alongside gyoza, share plates and larger house specials like rich, slow-cooked beef-cheek katsu with Japanese curry.
Kira Kira, Kirra: Located just metres from Kirra’s beachfront, this casual eatery serves classic sushi rolls and specialty hand rolls, alongside a delicious menu of bento boxes, don buri rice bowls, raw bowls and bubble tea. Pair your meal with snacks like handmade gyoza, edamame, delicious karaage chicken and hot miso soup.
Cafoo Izakaya, Palm Beach: Sashimi fiends are in good hands at Cafoo Izakaya, with a series of intricate arrangements of trawler-fresh tuna and salmon to start, alongside plates like kingfish collar in burnt-butter soy, and mixed seafood ceviche with scallops, salmon, tuna and kingfish in a yuzu-soy vinaigrette.
Izakaya Midori, Reedy Creek: This is the coast’s first-ever all-vegan Japanese restaurant. Located in Reedy Creek, the quaint neighbourhood izakaya dishes up an eye-catching menu of Japanese favourites, from ramen to katsu, karaage curries and gyoza – all creatively reimagined with vegetables and plant-based seafood.
Harajuku Gyoza, Broadbeach: Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium in Broadbeach is your place to party! With Yoyogi brewing co’s brewery onsite pouring fresh Japanese craft beer which goes perfectly with Japanese dumplings, Karaage fried chicken, and izakaya sharing dishes. Fun fact – the sake comes with a side of theatrics (go ahead and order some, you’ll see what we mean!).
Zipang, Currumbin: This gem is incredibly popular with southern locals. It’s tucked along Currumbin Creek Road and you’ll find a wide variety of share-style dishes from gyoza to sesame-crusted salmon, sashimi, beef tataki, katsu curries, hot pots and more. There’s always a killer specials menu on offer, too – helloooo salmon karaage.
Just want ramen? Get your fix with our list of must-try ramen spots on the Gold Coast.