Dining out is becoming more and more like a magical event. Foods from faraway lands served in exciting ways at exciting venues with dream and memory evoking interiors. Now is the time to try what Japan has on offer in the Canberra region.

Lilo Tang
Burbury Hotel, Barton
website
LiloTang, situated in the Burbury Hotel over in Barton, is one of Canberra’s newest Japanese restaurants. Those looking for a little artifice with their meal will find it spilling out of an orange, as Roast Umami vegetables and Orange Miso is served out of the fruit’s skin. Meanwhile, skewered and slow-roasted meats served in a décor splashed with anime will entice and delight patrons.

Akiba
Bunda Street, Civic
website
Though not strictly Japanese, you can’t go past Akiba. An extensive cocktail menu accentuates the meal and the fun of the evening. Some of these drinks are almost a course by themselves and the flavours will take your breath away. The street food is particularly delicious – the assorted buns from pork belly to soft-shell crab are so good they’ll start as an entrée and end up as the meal. You’ll definitely need more than one!

Iori
East Row, Civic
website
For especially fine dining, Iori serves all sorts of Japanese dishes from sushi to hot pots and traditional Bento boxes. Iori is a multi award-winning restaurant and they know their Japanese food. Set menus are recommended, so you can try many things and not have to worry about choosing from the menu. Come to Iori for a very special occasion.

Shogun Japanese
Bunda Street
website
Japanese food is made fresh. It’s healthy and delicious but it can also have an element of theatre. Try Shogun Japanese restaurant in the city for a taste of Teppan Yaki. For those who haven’t had it before, guests can watch meals prepared at their table by skilled chefs who may then throw it right at you if you’re not holding your bowl up.

Bon Kura
Wolley Street, Dickson
website
Dickson, Canberra’s very own melting pot of Asian cuisine, has a few Japanese eateries where you can show off your skills with chopsticks. Bon Kura aim to satisfy the mind and spirit as well as the stomach, knowing that a truly enjoyable dining experience caters to the whole of the body. Sashimi, sushi, deep-fried or skewered, food at Bon Kura is very reasonably priced.

Sizzle Bento Sushi Train
Westfield Belconnen and Garema Place, Civic
website
Lastly, for fast Japanese food, sushi and the novelty of the sushi train experience Sizzle Bento has several locations around Canberra. For some it’s hard to order without seeing the food, the sushi train takes this idea and adds convenience to it. Pick food as it passes you, letting your eyes and ears decide with all the information they need right in front of them.

Japanese food is all around Canberra in many forms and types as well as dining options. No need to travel all the way to Tokyo to try their traditional tastes!