Whether you’re craving a bowl of steaming gyoza, mouthfulls of crispy yet tender takoyaki, or digging into fresh hand-rolled sushi, authentic Japanese cuisine is big business in the Gold Coast. When it comes to the best Japanese restaurants on the Gold Coast, you’ll find them located around Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise - cooking up a storm in the kitchen for hungry diners.

To help you make the most of your stay in Broadbeach, here are five of the best Japanese restaurants on the Gold Coast that are well worth a visit.

Kiyomi

Hugely popular with both visitors and locals alike, the award-winning Kiyomi Japanese restaurant is located on Level 4 of The Grand Foyer, at The Star Gold Coast. Favourites including sushi, sashimi, tempura and binchotan feature heavily on the menu, while a well thought out set menu pairs some of the best flavours and textures together to create a sensory journey for the tastebuds.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from July 2022, Kiyomi is home to the omakase 20-course chef's selection degustation and sake flight. Sample some of Japan's finest sake, perfectly paired with delicately balanced flavours chosen by chef Chase Kojima.

Whether you want to enjoy melt in the mouth wagyu beef, indulge with spoonfuls of beluga caviar on seared king prawns, or mix and match your choice of sushi in one sitting, Kiyomi is among the best Gold Coast Japanese restaurants for good reason.

  • Dinner:
    • Sunday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm
    • Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Lunch: Friday & Saturday: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
  • Location: Lobby Level, The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach QLD 4218

Seared dish paired with beverage

Yamagen

Located less than a 10-minute drive from Dorsett Gold Coast, Yamagen brings a little slice of Japan to Surfers Paradise. Whether you want to indulge in sashimi dishes, delight in intricate sushi sensations, or savour kushiyaki from the grill, there is truly something for everyone. For a little bit of inspiration, popular dishes worth trying include the thinly sliced snapper served with truffled tosazu, shio kombu, ume boshi and yuzu sesame, and the spicy QLD spanner crab served with crispy rice, ikura and baby red shiso.

For those looking for something extra special, bow to the formidable technique of executive chef Adam Lane for a tantalising Omakase experience. Indulge in an electric menu full of flavours, paired with the country’s most extensive Japanese whisky collection.

With a range of dishes that are as visually spectacular as they taste, Yamagen is the must-visit premium destination on the Gold Coast.

  • Dinner & Drinks: Tuesday – Saturday, 5.30pm until late
  • Lunch: Friday – 12pm – 3pm
  • Location: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
  • Tel: 07 5584 1266

Interior of Yamagen

Etsu Izakaya

Sit down to modern Japanese dining with dishes designed for sharing at Etsu Izakaya Japanese restaurant. With a genuine focus on flavour and freshness, delight in modern Japanese dishes including tempura, sushi, sashimi, salads and teriyaki.

For those who appreciate the delicate and sweet taste of sashimi, the Sashimi Moriawase platter serves up an assortment of 18 fish of the day selections. Other crowd favourites include freshly shucked oysters, wagyu carpaccio infused with truffle oil and salmon yakitori. The set menus offer great value, serving their most popular items to the table, with wine and sake options available.

Located just a 5-minute drive from Dorsett Gold Coast, it’s perfect for an extra-special meal with family and friends before an evening stroll along Mermaid and Nobby’s Beach.

  • Dinner: 7 Days a Week from, 5pm until late
  • Location: 2440 Gold Coast Hwymermaid Beach, QLD, Australia
  • Tel: 07 5526 0944

Interior of a japanese bar

Kamikaze Teppanyaki

Located within the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Kamikaze Teppanyaki offers up a rigorous selection of the finest meats and freshest seafood for a teppanyaki experience. Unlike the usual traditional teppanyaki restaurants, guests can experience the local flavours of the modern Japanese cuisine.

Some of the best dishes well worth a try include the melt-in your-mouth teppanyaki sets. Indulge in your choice of meat, delicious teppan vegetables, miso soup, dipping sauces & steamed rice. Be sure to try the crowd favourite marble beef and salmon sashimi. A variety of cocktails, mocktails, wine, and spirits options are on the menu.

  • Dinner: 7 Days a Week: 4:45pm - 8pm
  • Lunch: 7 Days a Week: 11:30am - 2pm
  • Location: 103 Foxwell Rd, Coomera QLD 4209, Australia
  • Tel: 07 4513 683894

Japanese food

Itoshin Japanese Restaurant

Just a couple of minutes drive from Dorsett Gold Coast, Itoshin Japanese restaurant is the final establishment to feature on this list. Serving cuisine inspired by the cityscape and people of Kyoto, traditional dishes and beverages will satisfy even the biggest of cravings for traditional Japanese food.

Some of the chef recommended dishes include scallop teriyaki with a side of tempura, traditional sukiyaki hotpot with tender slices of pork, chicken and beef and Kingfish aburi nigiri. With a range of banquet options, Itoshin Japanese restaurant caters to a wide audience. If you’re heading here on a romantic date night, the Couples Banquet has been specially selected for variety and flavour - but you can mix and match as you want to as well.

Families and large groups can take advantage of the Itoshin and Essential Itoshin Banquets, serving a meze of the most popular authentic Japanese dishes, from duck tataki, squid karaage and miso.

  • Dinner:
    • Tuesday - Thursday: 5:30 pm - 9 pm 
    • Friday & Saturday: 5:00 pm - 9 pm
  • Location: 3/2484 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, Queensland, Australia
  • Tel: 07 5575 5733

Where to stay on the Gold Coast?

With 313 comfortably stylish rooms, finished with modern facilities and luxe amenities, Dorsett Gold Coast places you in a prime Gold Coast location with easy access to the best restaurants, entertainment and activities in the region. Before stepping into a rain massage shower, wake up to coastline or hinterland views.

Sip coffee on the balcony and then make your way to Isoletto Pool Club for light bites and poolside drinks. Sleep in King beds, featuring signature Dorsett mattresses and plush bedding and linen and make the most of every moment from the second you check-in. Plus, with direct access to The Star Gold Coast, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dining, entertainment and nightlife.

Book your stay.