When most people think of Japanese food, sushi or ramen usually springs to mind. But in fact, Japan has an incredibly rich and varied food culture, a mix of native and re-invented foreign dishes. Japan has adapted a range of culinary gems into national specialties – from curry to barbeque to tapas, there is an abundance of unique Japanese food to try. So, if you are looking to broaden your culinary horizons and get a real taste of Japan, here are five authentic Japanese eateries within the Perth CBD and Northbridge for you to try.
Hifumiya Udon Noodle House
Hidden away in an alleyway on Murray Street sits the first specialist udon restaurant in Perth. Hifumiya has been serving delicious hearty bowls of noodles since 2018, with their noodles made freshly in-house daily in front of customers. Made with 100% WA premium wheat, an authentic key ingredient in traditional Japanese udon, the noodles are precisely made for the perfect balance of softness and chewiness.
Inspired by memories of his historic hometown Kurashiki, Daisuke Hiramatsu, the founder and master chef of Hifumiya, has captured the traditional atmosphere of Japan with the restaurant’s distinctive natural wooden interior, open-style kitchen and cosy ambience.
With the weather warming up, this is the perfect opportunity to try their refreshing speciality, the Bukkake Udon – a traditional summer dish made by pouring cold broth over chilled udon.
Open daily 11am – 3pm, Sat & Sun 11am – 5pm (08) 9221 9462 100-104 Murray Street
Sumiya Gin
Nestled at the top of William Street, away from the hustle and bustle of Northbridge, is a traditional Japanese style BBQ joint. Specialising in charcoal-grilled meat, and succulent mouth-melting Wagyu beef, this cosy hole in the wall is one of Northbridge’s best-kept secrets.
Sourcing top-quality meat from Australia and Japan, Sumiya Gin offers a selection of various Wagyu beef cuts, including premium A5 Grade Japanese Wagyu Beef. Speciality charcoal grills are brought out to each table, allowing you to cook your meat to your preferred finish. If you’re not a fan of beef, their menu also features a range of alternatives and a selection of delicious kitchen-cooked Japanese dishes.
Bookings are essential, as this small grill den only seats up to around 28 people and is commonly booked out on the weekend.
Open Mon to Sat 5:30pm – 10pm. Sundays Closed (08) 6114 7083 447 William Street
Main Street Ryu Japanese Food x Liquor
A modernised twist on Japanese Izakaya dining, this quirky neo-Tokyo inspired resto-bar is the perfect start to a night out in the city. Featuring an extensive contemporary menu serving everything from Japanese tapas to sushi tacos, you can also treat yourself to a drink or two from their Street Fighter themed cocktail menu. Have trouble making up your mind? For $59 per person, you can opt for Main Street Ryu’s ‘Feed Me’ menu and sit back as they bring you out an assortment of delicious dishes.
Open Lunch: Mon to Fri 11:30am – 3pm, Sat 12pm – 3pm, Sun 12pm – 3:30pm. Open Dinner: Mon to Thurs 5:30pm – 9:30pm. Fri & Sat 5:30pm – 10pm (08) 9221 7577 83 Barrack Street
Hiss & Smoke
Inspired by Japanese street food, this trendy teppan-yakitori restaurant is tucked away inside Yagan Square Market Hall. With seats lined along the open-style kitchen, you can witness the chefs in Hiss & Smoke cook up their mouth-watering delights. Treat yourself to their Okonomiyaki, a savory noodle pancake drizzled in Japanese BBQ sauce and mayonnaise or their delicious Yakitori, Japanese-style meat skewers.
Opens Sun to Wed 12pm – 8pm, Thurs 12pm – 9pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 10pm (08) 6507 3031 Horseshoe Lane Yagan Square
Godzilla Kare
Adjacent to Hiss & Smoke lies a trendy Japanese curry stall, reminiscent of Japanese street food dining with their tight bar seating spaces and open-style kitchen. Godzilla Kare serves up delicious hearty curry on rice, topped with your choice of meat, seafood, vegetables or omelette – this is Japan’s ultimate comfort food right here in Perth! Adapted from Indian cuisine in the 1870s, curry has become a national staple in Japan, tastes less spicy than its counterpart and packs a unique sweetness in its thick stew-like base. With three spice levels to choose from, you can play it safe with mild and medium, or take it up a notch, and take on their Godzilla tier – a speciality black coloured curry.
Opens Sun to Thurs 12pm – 8pm, Fri & Sat 12pm – 10pm (08) 6507 3031 Horseshoe Lane Yagan Square
