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Best Izakayas in Sydney CBD

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7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Izakaya Masuya restaurant
1. Izakaya Masuya
4.1
Excellent(22)
Price: Expensive
• Izakaya • Sydney CBD
Booked 9 times today
IZAKAYA MASUYA is one of the first izakaya-style restaurants in Australia, introducing Japanese sake from various areas in Japan. At lunchtime, a range of takeaway menus including nutritiously balanced BENTO (lunchbox) menus and a variety of sushi rolls and DONBURI (rice bowl) menus attract local customers. The store serves various dinner menus from Charcoal grilled wagyu beef to grilled chicken, tempura, Kyoto-style Temari sushi, and hot pot. The concept of the store is to convey the beauty of Japanese sake to the world including Australia.
A photo of Nakano Darling restaurant
2. Nakano Darling
4.7
Exceptional(16)
Price: Moderate
• Izakaya • Haymarket
Booked 19 times today
If you go beyond the wooden benches and beer crates out front of Nakano Darling's ever-changing facade, you might feel like you've stepped into a different world in Tokyo. This place is where Suntory whiskey, sake, sochu, umeshu, and beer are freely flowing, and Japanese is spoken all around. It's a spot where anyone who loves good booze and delicious food could easily lose themselves for entire nights if not days. Nakano Darling represents everything that makes the izakaya, or humble 'stay-drink-place', such a central and beloved part of Japanese culture. Of course, you'll find all the food and drink favourites here (think homemade gyoza, karaage chicken, and whisky cocktails), but it's about more than just that. It's about the experience.
A photo of Nomidokoro Indigo restaurant
3. Nomidokoro Indigo
4.6
Exceptional(37)
Price: Expensive
• Izakaya • Darlinghurst
Booked 9 times today
Nomidokoro Indigo, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Darlinghurst, offers an unparalleled Izakaya experience that transports diners straight to Japan. With "authentic Japanese food and atmosphere," this charming venue is lauded for its "excellent service" and "brilliant selection" of sakes and cocktails. Guests rave about the "cozy vibes" and the warmth of the staff who "cheer hello and goodbye in Japanese," adding a truly heartwarming touch. The carefully crafted wooden décor and inviting lighting create the perfect setting for an evening of delightful culinary exploration. As one satisfied patron exclaimed, "It feels like Japan," making it a must-visit for an authentic Izakaya journey.
A photo of Goryon San restaurant
4. Goryon San
4.5
Awesome(469)
Price: Expensive
• Izakaya • Surry Hills
Booked 30 times today
Goryon San in Surry Hills, Sydney, is celebrated as a top-tier Yakitori destination, offering a genuine taste of Japan right in the heart of the city. Renowned for its authentic skewers and traditional cooking techniques, patrons rave about the "amazing range of Yakitori" and the "fantastic flavors" that transport diners straight to Tokyo. The atmosphere is described as "cozy," with a vibe that makes guests feel as though they are "in Japan," enhancing the overall dining experience. With impeccable service and a welcoming staff, Goryon San is consistently praised as "the best yakitori restaurant in Sydney," making it a must-visit for Yakitori enthusiasts.
A photo of Tokyo Bird restaurant
5. Tokyo Bird
4.6
Exceptional(607)
Price: Moderate
• Izakaya • Surry Hills
Booked 11 times today
Tokyo Bird in Surry Hills is a haven for authentic Yakitori enthusiasts, offering an exquisite taste of Japan right in the heart of Sydney. The intimate setting perfectly complements its culinary offerings, with skewers grilled to perfection. Diners rave about the "phenomenal food" and the "great service" provided by the attentive staff. Each Yakitori dish showcases the meticulous preparation and quality ingredients that set Tokyo Bird apart. Whether you're there for the "awesome vibes" or the meticulously crafted cocktails, Tokyo Bird promises an unforgettable dining experience. As one enthusiastic guest puts it, "Can't get enough!"—a testament to its outstanding reputation.
A photo of Robata Jones restaurant
6. Robata Jones
4.7
Exceptional(199)
Price: Moderate
• Izakaya • Artarmon
Booked 10 times today
Robata Jones is a must-visit destination for Yakitori enthusiasts in the heart of Artarmon. This izakaya masterfully delivers authentic Japanese grilled delicacies, especially their renowned Yakitori, that transport you straight to Japan. Diners rave about the "outstanding, great value" and "quick, tasty, cosy and authentic" experience, with many declaring it their "go-to Japanese restaurant." The restaurant's commitment to using the freshest ingredients shines through each perfectly roasted skewer, capturing the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Combined with a warm, village-like atmosphere and friendly service, Robata Jones promises an exceptional Yakitori experience that's both delightful and unforgettable.
A photo of Yakitori Jin restaurant
7. Yakitori Jin
4.6
Exceptional(145)
Price: Expensive
• Izakaya • Haberfield
Booked 4 times today
Yakitori Jin is designed for Japanese Yakitori restaurant. Yakitori is a Japanese type of grilled skewered chicken over a charcoal fire. During or after cooking, the meat is typically seasoned with Yakitori tare (original sauce) or salt(developed uniquely). We are one of the typical modern Izakaya. We are serving Super Dry Sushi Fresh Beer and lots of Sake and Wine. Enjoy your Japanese Izakaya near by you. We are located in Haberfield.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OpenTable Diner
    Sydney •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Regularly visit Nakano Darling and am never disappointed
    More info
    Nakano DarlingPrice: Moderate• Izakaya• Haymarket
    •
    4.7
  • Joanne
    Sydney •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Fantastic food and service, so special! It feels like an authentic little restaurant you find in Japan. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Nomidokoro IndigoPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Darlinghurst
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    Sydney •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 28 Feb 2025
    Excellent food skewers fantastic, nice beers as well
    More info
    Goryon SanPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Surry Hills
    •
    4.5
  • Alexander
    Miami - Dade •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 25 Feb 2025
    Izakaya Masuya is an absolute gem in the heart of Sydney’s CBD! We selected it for our last evening in Sydney, and it turned out to be one of the best meals we had during our entire 3-week stay. From start to finish, everything about this place exceeded our expectations. The service was top-notch, with the staff being incredibly friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home. The food was fresh, beautifully prepared, and packed with flavor. We started with the Salmon Sashimi and the Salmon & Avocado Salad—both were delicious! Next time, we’d probably skip the sashimi and just enjoy the generous portion of the salad, as it was quite large but absolutely delicious. For the main course, we had the Teriyaki Salmon and the Wagyu Tenderloin, which was hands down the best we’ve ever had at a Japanese restaurant. The Wagyu was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the flavors were incredible. If we had dined here earlier during our stay, we would’ve definitely come back for a second visit. If you're in Sydney and craving amazing Japanese food, Izakaya Masuya is a must-visit! We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in town. Highly recommended!
    More info
    Izakaya MasuyaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Sydney CBD
    •
    4.1
  • Le van sau
    Sydney •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on 24 Feb 2025
    The food is good ! The service friendly. The amateurs of japanese whiskey regret the high prices of whiskey.
    More info
    Tokyo BirdPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Surry Hills
    •
    4.6

Discover best Izakaya restaurants in Sydney CBD

Explore the vibrant world of Izakaya dining right in the heart of Sydney CBD, where a delightful array of Izakaya-style restaurants awaits to tantalize your taste buds. These eateries offer an authentic immersion into Japanese pub culture, featuring a diverse menu that includes everything from sizzling yakitori and succulent wagyu beef to fresh sashimi and inventive sushi rolls. Each location prides itself on a curated selection of sake and Japanese beers, enhancing the dining experience with traditional drinks. The dining scene in Sydney City is renowned for its eclectic mix, and these Izakayas contribute a unique, cultural twist to Sydney's gastronomic landscape. Patrons can expect not only a meal but an experience, characterized by informal seating arrangements that encourage social dining and interaction. Perfect for after-work gatherings or casual meet-ups, these Izakaya spots in Sydney CBD are a testament to the city's dynamic and evolving food scene. Enjoy the blend of casual ambiance, exceptional service, and culinary authenticity that each of these Izakaya establishments has to offer.

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