Kooyong has a japanese food scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs refined, quiet, prestigious — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every japanese food spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money. The cheaper end gets you omakase, the higher end gets you ramen done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. Gus Post — 63 George Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $24-36 per person
Gus Post is the benchmark for japanese food in Kooyong. The sashimi platter is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The teriyaki is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Otto — 272 Spring Avenue
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $23-33 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Gus Post but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The ramen here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The omakase ($23). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. a local venue — 84 George Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-11pm Price: $20-30 per person
a local venue opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. Lena Table — 94 Bourke Terrace
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $24-33 per person
The takeaway option on this list. Lena Table doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Kooyong. The sashimi platter ($24) is the standout.
5. Finn’s — 41 Bourke Terrace
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10pm Price: $16-25 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The ramen ($26) and the omakase ($23) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a japanese food place. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along Bourke Terrace is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Kooyong.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: Lena Table and Gus Post are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- Richmond Japanese Food
- Hawthorn Japanese Food
- Kooyong Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Kooyong Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Kooyong Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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Venues sourced from Google Places where available. Search Kooyong on Google Maps for current listings.
Check venue websites for current menus and hours.
