lovers of Japanese cuisine, Izakaya Miyazaki is an absolute must-visit. Open for just six months, this venue is already setting the bar impressively high. From the moment you arrive, you know you’re in for something special. If you enjoy a little theatre with your dining, the chef’s table is an unforgettable experience. Prefer something more intimate and serene? Their private rooms are perfect. Planning a group celebration? The space caters beautifully, making it ideal for any occasion. The team are exceptionally warm and welcoming, taking the time to walk you through the menu with genuine passion and knowledge. The wait staff are attentive without being intrusive, always there when you need them. The chefs are nothing short of outstanding, cooking each dish to perfection with remarkable care and precision. Every plate we enjoyed was flawless, delicious, authentic, generous in portion, and exquisitely presented. Not a single fault across the entire experience. Highly recommended, and a very special thank you to the entire team for making my birthday truly memorable. I’ll be back!! without hesitation. Enjoy xxxxxx.

We were unable to secure an online reservation at year end, so we made a last minute booking by phone and decided to visit. We came specifically for yakiniku, but were seated at the bar without any explanation. After ordering starters and hot appetisers, we asked about ordering yakiniku, only to be told at that point that yakiniku cannot be served at the bar. As an alternative, we ordered a tenderloin steak cooked medium rare. The food arrived after about forty five minutes, which we were willing to accept given the time of year. Unfortunately, the steak was cooked closer to medium well. As soon as it was served, I asked the server to confirm whether this was indeed medium rare. The server checked with the chef in the open kitchen and then returned the same steak to us without any change. While the initial wait time was understandable, receiving the dish in that condition afterward was very disappointing. Considering the prices are not inexpensive, the lack of clear communication about seating restrictions and the poor understanding of the menu and cooking requests were frustrating. Up until ordering the main dish, the experience had been very enjoyable, which made the ending even more disappointing. We chose not to raise the issue further as it was the year end and we did not want to create trouble, so we simply paid and left.

A warm and intimate, ideal for a chilled night out. We tried the set menu and added a few à-la-carte dishes, all of which were thoughtfully presented and full of flavour. The authentic Japanese fireside grilling is a standout feature and something you rarely find in Melbourne. Service was perfectly paced, allowing the meal to unfold naturally while we chatted. The staff were friendly and helpful, and a clean setting made it comfortable.

I’ve been hunting for a Japanese restaurant that nails both traditional flavors and cozy izakaya vibes in Melbourne—and Miyazaki on Russell Street checked every box, and then some. First, the food: The A5 Miyazaki Wagyu was a standout—seared table-side to a crispy edge, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s pure luxury. The sashimi platter was incredibly fresh too; the uni had that briny, sweet kick you only get from top-tier seafood, and even the rare kinki fish was tender and full of depth. Their charcoal-grilled robatayaki is a must-try, too—each bite carries that perfect smoky char without overpowering the ingredients’ natural taste. Then there’s the drinks: Over 100 sakes (including sparkling options!) means there’s something for every palate, whether you’re a sake newbie or a seasoned fan. I tried their Yuzu Cocktail, and it was bright, balanced, and the ideal pairing with my yakitori. The service was warm and knowledgeable—our server walked us through the sake list and gave great recommendations without being pushy. The space feels like a cozy Tokyo izakaya, too—perfect for lingering with friends over good food and drinks. If you’re after authentic Japanese flavors done right, Miyazaki is a no-brainer. I’ll definitely be back to work my way through more of the menu!

Had dinner here recently and really enjoyed it. The food was fresh and full of flavour — especially the sashimi, which was thick, soft and super clean-tasting. The wagyu tartare was smooth and rich, and the grilled prawn had this amazing smoky flavour with crispy edges. The kingfish was also cooked perfectly, a little bit charred outside and still soft inside. Even the simple ice cream at the end was nice — light and refreshing after all the rich flavours. I liked sitting at the counter watching the chef work; the whole atmosphere was calm and relaxing. Nothing over the top, just really good food done well. Would definitely come back again.