The attraction of teppanyaki is the double-whammy of an entertaining dining experience and top-quality food. It’s perfect for when you fancy something a little different to your average dinner out.
Chefs use an open hot plate – a teppan – to cook the ingredients at the side of your table. You get to watch them rustle up your favourite dishes – often with a dramatic flair. For this reason, it is often regarded as a form of art rather than merely cooking.
Popular teppanyaki food items include prawn and lobster, beef steak and chicken, alongside various vegetables. However, another big attraction of visiting your nearest teppanyaki restaurant is the versatility of the menu. The diner gets to choose what they want the teppanyaki chef to prepare. So if you are pescatarian, or a vegan, having your meal tailored to your diet isn’t an issue.
So if you’re wondering, is there teppanyaki near me? We’ve got the answer.
Read on to discover the best places for teppanyaki in Melbourne.
We kick-off our look at the best teppanyaki places in Melbourne with the grand-daddy of them all.
It’s clear from the name (and web address) exactly what this restaurant is all about: Japanese Teppanyaki, served in an authentic Japanese style.
This was the first teppanyaki establishment to open in Australia way back in 1975. It says much for the quality of the food – and dining experience – that it is still going strong.
The chefs here make cooking on a hot plate seem like second nature. But trust us; it takes a lot of skill to make using teppan look this easy.
Enjoy a cosy drink in the lounge area before taking your seat at the table for the main event. Tantalising set menus include the usual chicken, beef and seafood options, as well as a special Moreton Bay Bugs dinner. If you love your seafood, you really should give the ‘Bugs a go. Seared to perfection, they are a real treat.
Location: Century City Walk, 3/289 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150 Ph: (03) 9560 1117
Staff at Yokohama Teppanyaki really go the extra mile to entertain guests. As well as all the fancy cooking tricks you would expect, chefs and waiters here often add in stories from their own lives as they cook and serve your food. It gives a lovely personal touch and adds to the friendly ambience of the dining space.
The set menus are fantastically varied, each focusing on different foods to suit your individual tastes. Alternatively, you can choose from the à la carte menu. And don’t forget to try the green tea ice cream for dessert – it’s a winner.
Serving up all aspects of Japanese cuisine, including a varied seafood teppanyaki, Matsumoto is a great place to visit if your party has varying tastes.
While some other restaurants specialise in teppanyaki, jack-of-all-trades Matsumoto is no less impressive or authentic. In fact, the restaurant has appeared on the front of The Herald Sun’s Taste Magazine, so you know everything there is the real deal.
The seafood teppanyaki here contains fish, scallop, prawns, mussels and squid, all prepared to your liking. Alternatively, you can try the garlic prawn teppanyaki, featuring juicy prawns cooked in garlic butter.
And if you want a change from teppanyaki, try their excellent hot pots (shabu shabu).
Located in the Crown Entertainment Complex on the South Bank, Koko serves authentic teppanyaki dishes as they would be cooked in Japan.
There is also a mouth-watering selection of sake, sourced from both Australia and Japan, which pairs perfectly with the food.
The decor at Koko is a real drawcard. A stunning Japanese water garden forms an elegant centrepiece around which guests are seated. It enhances the tranquil and relaxed atmosphere of this superb Japanese restaurant.
If you want to really indulge, Koko has private dining rooms which can seat private parties of up to 12 people. Here, you and your guest can sit back whilst our personal chef prepare your meal. Bliss! No wonder Koko at Crown is one of our top places for teppanyaki in Melbourne.
Location: Lot 1/15 Andersons Creek Rd, Doncaster East, VIC 3109 Ph: 0490 947 911
Situated in the suburb of Doncaster East, Ichiban Japanese Restaurant is the reincarnation of Yamagata Teppanyaki. But don’t panic. Teppanyaki is very much front and centre at this busy, much-loved dining spot.
Let the chefs dazzle you with their culinary skills. Then it’s your turn to impress as you catch your food in either your hands or mouth! Highly interactive and lots of food, the best news is that the food is also absolutely delicious.
While the location is slightly out of the way of central Melbourne, people flock to Ichiban from all over the city due, to its reputation as one of the best Japanese restaurants around.
Bookings are available for dinner Tuesday-Sunday, as well as Saturday and Sunday lunchtime.
Miyako has a dedicated teppanyaki room that seats 45 people, so you can either book a single table or hire out the whole room for a private function.
With other seating areas including an open balcony and a traditional Tatami Room, this has become one of the most popular Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. Especially, as it has breathtaking views of the Yarra River and Melbourne skyline. An ideal backdrop to any occasion.
The produce is always fresh and the service, friendly and efficient.
What’s more, we are big fans of their Pre-Theatre Set Dinner menu. From 5.30pm to 7pm they offer Bento Boxes containing a variety of delights, including Sashimi, Tempura and Salmon Teriyaki. And although it’s not part of the teppanyaki menu, it’s still where checking out if you want a satisfying early meal.
Next on our reviews of the best teppanyaki places in Melbourne, we head back to the suburbs.
One thing guests particularly like about Burwood Teppanyaki House is the attentive service. The chefs and waiters patiently explain anything you’re not sure about, making this an excellent venue for Japanese connoisseurs and novices alike.
This restaurant is particularly suited for birthday parties, as its private rooms can seat up to 40 people and staff will make sure your special day is unforgettable.
With an a la carte teppanyaki menu and an assortment of Banquets to choose from, this Japanese eatery is a teppanyaki-fans dream. Even vegetarians are catered for.
This is a great place to come with your children, as they will be entranced by the chefs’ performances and fun vibe that they create. In fact, this spot gets consistently strong reviews for its family-friendly vibe.
Set in the heart of Melbourne’s Chinatown, Ginza is notable for using cast iron grills for preparing dishes. The belief is that they can actually increase the iron intake in your body and boost your energy levels.
Particular teppanyaki highlights include melt-in-the-mouth beef steak and irresistible lamb cutlets, but the miso soup served as an entree is also loved by guests.
Moving over to Caulfield South we have Matsuzaka Japanese Restaurant.
This Japanese restaurant offers 20 teppanyaki seats in its expansive ground floor space, providing ample opportunity to enjoy an evening of culinary entertainment. Reviews often mention the great prices, showing that you really get good value for money here.
The decor is casual, allowing you to dine in a relaxed environment that isn’t too loud and guarantees a good time for all. Staff go to great lengths to incorporate everyone in the meal, which is always appreciated by patrons.
It’s a worthy addition to our best places for teppanyaki in Melbourne.
Fuji Teppanyaki is a modest, high-quality establishment in Moonee Ponds, tucked away from the main road.
The restaurant offers a teppanyaki lunch special that is an excellent deal, as well as all your favourite teppanyaki options cooked to perfection. Reviews are quick to complement the entertaining chefs and the quality of the ingredients.
Telephone booking is essential for getting a table here, so make sure you plan ahead of your visit. Large groups and children are welcome – the more the merrier to maintain the lively atmosphere.
Tokyo Teppanyaki prides itself on offering a full evening’s entertainment, not just your average dining experience. Their slogan is “Be Prepared To Catch Your Own Food”, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that this is a high-energy kind of spot.
They can also bring the party to you with catering packages tailored to your individual needs – suitable for turning any location into your own private restaurant for the night!
Regular promotions include Kobe Night on Tuesdays, where you can enjoy their signature Kobe Banquet with a free bottle of premium Australian wine – valued at $80 a bottle, this deal is not to be missed.
Continuing our take on the best teppanyaki places in Melbourne, we pop over to genteel Armadale.
Once a pretty quiet part of Melbourne post 7pm, Armadale has a growing dining scene and Aya Teppanyaki is buzzing of an evening.
The menu is split into Teppanyaki Set/Banquet, Teppanyaki a la carte and a smaller selection of standard Japanese fare. As you would expect given the emphasis on the teppan, the heart of this establishment lies firmly with its grilled offerings.
Up the road from Aya Teppanyaki in peaceful lower Camberwell, a new cocktail and pizza bar is attracting attention. Read our review of La Perla here.
Editor’s Note: Sadly, we’ve heard that Aya Teppanyaki has closed. However, their website indicates that they will be involved in a new venue – Kiwami Teppanyaki.So let’s take a look at Kiwami Teppanyaki...
New kid on the block (or at least Chapel Street), Kiwami Teppanyaki is smart casual spot for Japanese grill skills.
Numerous reviews speak of the talented chefs who love to bring an air of fun to the cooking demonstrations.
However, it’s not just about the spectacle. All of the produce is of the highest quality and the Seafood is gloriously fresh. As with many teppanyaki restaurants, the easiest way to dine here is by ordering one of the excellent Set Menus. Just make sure that you arrive hungry as they all include a lot of food.
Amongst the delicacies are Hokkaido scallops and Premium M9+ Wagyu Steak. All prepared with the flair that teppanyaki is famous for. What more could you want?
Ok. We know. This establishment shouldn’t really be on our rundown of the best teppanyaki places in Melbourne. It doesn’t strictly serve teppanyaki.
Instead, Ishiya Stone Grill cooks food at the table using hot stones.
Ishiya Stone Grill is a Japanese steakhouse fusion that offers a colourful menu of dishes, made from locally-sourced seafood and prime beef cuts. Once they have been cooked on a volcanic stone heated to 400 degrees, you can enjoy them with a variety of Japanese dipping sauces.
The low-level lighting creates a serene but versatile ambience – ideal for dates, business meetings and friendly dinners alike.
Customers particularly enjoy the succulent Wagyu steak and tasty cocktails. And if you want, you may get the opportunity to cook your own food, just the way you like it.
Also not a teppanyaki spot, but turning out irresistible, charred delights, is Takumi Japanese Restaurant.
Specialising in yakiniki, or grilled meat, this is the place to go to satisfy your BBQ cravings.
It serves the finest Australian Wagyu beef in its signature dishes, as well an array of other meat and fish – salmon, scallops and pork belly are all on the varied menu.
For the most ardent appetites, Takumi offers an all you can eat deal, so you can gorge on the tasty food and drinks to your heart’s content; wash down your meal with a selection of sake, shochu and national wines.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
