IKKAI - Sukiyaki, Izakaya & Donburi

IKKAI sits on Hardware Street in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, specialising in Japanese sukiyaki, izakaya fare and donburi. In a city with a thriving Japanese dining scene, it's built a strong following with its focused, authentic offering — the kind of place that does its specialties genuinely well in a convenient central location.

The appeal is that focus on satisfying, authentic Japanese cooking — from the warming hotpot of sukiyaki to izakaya-style small plates and hearty rice bowls — served in a relaxed, characterful setting. It's an easy, rewarding choice for a meal while exploring the city's laneways and streets.

With a 4.7 rating from more than 1,500 reviews, it's clearly hitting the mark with Melbourne diners. Menus, opening hours and pricing change, and a popular CBD restaurant gets busy at peak meal times, so it's worth checking current details and booking directly before you go — particularly if you're dining with a group, after a table at a busy time, or keen to try a specific dish like the sukiyaki.