The Best Dining Spots in Australia for Sushi Lovers Who Also Drink Sake

• 1 - Why Sushi and Sake Are the Perfect Pairing
• 2 - Top Sushi Dining Spots in Sydney for Sake Lovers
• 3 - Best Sushi Restaurants in Melbourne with Sake Selections
• 4 - Exploring Sake Bars and Sushi Joints in Brisbane
• 5 - Unique Sushi and Sake Experiences Across Australia

1 - Why Sushi and Sake Are the Perfect Pairing

Sushi and sake have long been celebrated together as a perfect culinary pairing. The clean, delicate flavors of fresh sushi complement the crisp, smooth profile of sake, enhancing the overall dining experience. Sake, a Japanese rice wine, comes in various styles ranging from sweet to dry, with each type offering a different profile to match the diverse flavors of sushi.

Whether you're enjoying a piece of fatty tuna (otoro), delicate white fish, or a simple cucumber roll, the right sake can bring out the subtle nuances in the sushi. Moreover, sake's naturally acidic and savory qualities balance the saltiness of soy sauce and the umami of the fish, creating a harmonious and memorable meal.

For sushi lovers in Australia, finding restaurants that offer both high-quality sushi and a great selection of sake is key to elevating the dining experience. In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the best places around Australia where you can enjoy this beautiful pairing.

SWEET CREMA CAFE

SydneyCouncil of the City of SydneyNew South Wales

Piccadilly Food Court, Level 1/210 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

2 - Top Sushi Dining Spots in Sydney for Sake Lovers

Sydney, Australia’s vibrant culinary capital, offers a fantastic selection of sushi spots where you can enjoy fresh sushi paired with premium sake. Here are a few of the top places to indulge in this perfect combination:

• Tsukiji Fish Market: Located in Haymarket, Tsukiji is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets for authentic sushi and sashimi. Known for its direct import of the freshest fish, it offers a curated selection of sakes, from crisp Junmai to smooth Daiginjo, perfect for pairing with their delicacies.
• Marukame Udon: Although famous for udon, Marukame Udon also offers a variety of sushi and an impressive selection of sake. Whether you’re enjoying a casual sushi meal or indulging in their luxurious sake offerings, this spot has something for everyone.
• Sushi Train: If you're looking for variety, Sushi Train in Surry Hills offers an innovative sushi experience paired with a selection of sakes. With a conveyor belt of fresh sushi and friendly staff, it's an excellent place to enjoy sushi with sake in a relaxed setting.

These spots not only offer excellent sushi but also take pride in their carefully chosen sake offerings, ensuring a memorable and satisfying experience for both sushi and sake enthusiasts alike.

Koko Black - QVB

SydneyCouncil of the City of SydneyNew South Wales

Queen Victoria Building, Shop 3/445 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

3 - Best Sushi Restaurants in Melbourne with Sake Selections

Melbourne is a city that embraces diverse food cultures, and its sushi scene is no exception. If you’re a sushi lover who enjoys pairing it with a good sake, Melbourne has some exceptional dining spots:

• Minamishima: Renowned for its intimate setting and dedication to serving the freshest sushi, Minamishima offers an extensive sake menu. The sake is carefully selected to match the restaurant’s expertly crafted sushi, enhancing the overall experience.
• Chin Chin: While Chin Chin is better known for its modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine, its sushi and sake offerings shouldn’t be overlooked. The fusion of flavors in the sushi and the carefully curated sake selection makes it an excellent spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
• Shujinko: Located in the heart of Melbourne, Shujinko specializes in sushi and sashimi using the highest quality fish. Paired with a selection of premium sake, it’s a place where the harmony of sushi and sake truly shines.

These sushi restaurants in Melbourne offer unique, delicious combinations of sushi and sake, catering to both traditional and contemporary tastes.

4 - Exploring Sake Bars and Sushi Joints in Brisbane

Brisbane, a city known for its laid-back vibe and rapidly evolving food scene, is also home to some fantastic sushi and sake spots. Whether you're a local or a visitor, here are some must-try places for sushi and sake lovers:

• Sake Restaurant & Bar: Located in the heart of Brisbane, Sake Restaurant & Bar offers an elegant yet relaxed setting for enjoying sushi and sake. Their extensive sake list is designed to complement their expertly prepared sushi and sashimi, offering a sophisticated dining experience.
• Junk Sushi: A favorite among locals, Junk Sushi in Brisbane provides a great selection of sushi paired with a wide variety of sake. It’s perfect for both sushi novices and connoisseurs looking to explore different types of sake alongside their favorite rolls.
• The Fish House: Located in nearby Burleigh Heads, The Fish House is another excellent choice for fresh seafood and sushi lovers. Known for its high-end sushi and an exquisite range of sake, it offers an upscale dining experience where you can enjoy both sushi and sake in style.

Brisbane’s sushi and sake spots provide an excellent opportunity to explore different styles of sushi while enjoying premium sake pairings that elevate the flavors of the dishes.

5 - Unique Sushi and Sake Experiences Across Australia

If you’re looking for something a bit different or more experiential when it comes to sushi and sake, Australia has some unique options that go beyond traditional sushi restaurants:

• Sushi and Sake Pairing Events: Some Australian cities host exclusive sushi and sake pairing events, where top chefs and sake sommeliers guide you through a curated tasting experience. These events provide an in-depth understanding of how different types of sake pair with various sushi ingredients.
• Rooftop Sushi Bars: For a unique experience, head to rooftop sushi bars in cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Enjoy sushi with a stunning city view while sipping on chilled sake, providing an unforgettable dining experience.
• Sushi Cooking Classes with Sake Tasting: If you’re interested in learning how to make your own sushi, some restaurants and culinary schools offer classes that include sake tasting. These experiences combine the joy of creating your own sushi with learning about sake and how to pair it with your dishes.

For those who want to dive deeper into the world of sushi and sake, these unique experiences offer an enriching and fun way to explore Japanese cuisine in Australia.

To explore more dining recommendations, sushi spots, and sake experiences in Australia, check out Sydney Eats Explorer for the best local guides and recommendations.