Kushi Japanese

Kushi Japanese brings the rich, soulful flavors of Japan to the heart of Belconnen, Australian Capital Territory. Found inside the Capital Food Market at 15 Market Street, this izakaya-style dining spot has quickly built a reputation for its authentic dishes and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant balances traditional recipes with a modern presentation, making it a go-to destination for locals craving everything from steaming bowls of ramen to meticulously prepared sushi. With a Google Maps rating of 4.2 stars from over 100 reviews, Kushi Japanese clearly resonates with diners seeking genuine Japanese cuisine in a relaxed setting.

The restaurant’s identity revolves around the izakaya concept — a casual Japanese pub where food and drink come together in a social, unhurried way. While ramen, donburi, sushi, and tempura sit at the core of the menu, the kitchen also turns out a variety of smaller plates and snacks that encourage sharing and exploration. Kushi Japanese is open for lunch and dinner across the week, with extended hours on weekends, making it a flexible choice whether guests stop in for a quick bento box or settle in for a multi-course evening meal.

Menu Highlights at Kushi Japanese

The menu at Kushi Japanese is built around four cornerstones, each offering a distinct taste of Japan. Ramen leads the charge with deeply savory broths and carefully prepared noodles, while donburi bowls deliver hearty layers of rice, protein, and toppings. The sushi selection covers both classic nigiri and creative rolls, and the tempura brings a light, crispy contrast to the meal. The restaurant’s website signals all four categories — Ramen, Donburi, Sushi, and Tempura — as equal pillars of the culinary experience.

Specific dishes earn consistent recognition from customers. The spicy pork ramen is mentioned explicitly in at least 12 reviews, standing out as a favorite for its balance of heat and richness. Salmon appears in seven customer comments, often praised for its freshness in sushi preparations and donburi bowls. The Angus Beef Don draws particular notice: one reviewer described the beef as “so tender and flavorful, especially with the perfectly cooked onsen egg.” Other snacks and small plates fill out the menu, with Google reviewers highlighting items like takoyaki as part of a broader exploration of the kitchen’s range.

The Dining Experience

Kushi Japanese operates as a full-service restaurant with multiple ways to enjoy its food. Diners can eat in the restaurant, order takeaway, or arrange contactless delivery — a flexibility reflected in the Google Maps attributes and the order.kushiizakaya.com.au online ordering portal. The restaurant also accepts table reservations through OpenTable, making it convenient to plan ahead for busier evenings. The setting itself is described by patrons as “cozy and inviting,” with one long-time reviewer calling it “an absolute gem” after multiple visits.

The atmosphere extends to the decor, which draws attention from customers who notice the thought put into the interior. Google reviewers frequently mention the “good decoration” as part of what makes Kushi Japanese memorable — a detail that signals the team’s investment in creating a space that feels genuinely Japanese rather than generic. Combined with the Capital Food Market’s lively food-hall context, the restaurant offers an experience that works equally well for solo diners at the counter, couples on a date night, or groups sharing an assortment of dishes.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Kushi Japanese holds a 4.2-star rating on Google Maps based on 101 reviews. The feedback reveals a generally enthusiastic customer base with some nuanced perspectives. The most consistent praise centers on the depth of flavor in the ramen broths and the tenderness of the meat. One reviewer wrote, “The broth was rich and flavorful but not too heavy. The pork was tender, well-seasoned, and practically melted in the mouth.” Another customer, now on their third visit, emphasized the Angus Beef Don as a must-order dish.

Reviews also highlight the freshness of ingredients across the menu, with multiple mentions of well-prepared toppings and thoughtfully cooked eggs — the onsen egg in particular earns recurring compliments for its silky texture. The atmosphere and ambience feedback is also strong, with five reviewers tagging the atmosphere as a positive aspect of their meal. Not every review is unreservedly positive, however. One local guide expressed disappointment with the ramen noodles, describing a texture comparable to dried noodles, and suggested that some toppings tasted pre-made. This reviewer went on to question the authenticity of heavily promoted reviews on a Chinese social platform — a reminder that, like many popular restaurants, online buzz around Kushi Japanese comes from multiple channels and individual experiences vary.

Pricing is described as comfortable mid-range, with the Google Maps listing noting a range of $20–40 per person. Most reviewers seem to find this fair for the portion sizes and ingredient quality, with the overall sentiment landing on Kushi Japanese being a dependable choice for Japanese food in the Belconnen area.

Kushi Japanese in Belconnen’s Capital Food Market

Kushi Japanese operates out of Shop T15A inside the Capital Food Market at 15 Market Street, Belconnen ACT 2617. The Capital Food Market is a well-known hub for fresh food and diverse eateries, which places Kushi Japanese in an environment where quality ingredients and culinary variety are expected. The Market Street address puts the restaurant within easy reach of Belconnen’s central commercial and residential zones, with ample parking typical of the area.

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and identified as an LGBTQ+-friendly space on Google Maps, reflecting an inclusive approach that welcomes a broad range of diners. The casual, market-adjacent setting makes it particularly suited to walk-in lunches, post-shopping meals, and casual dinners where the focus stays squarely on the food rather than formality.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Kushi Japanese keeps varied hours throughout the week to cover lunch and dinner demand. As posted on the official website, hours are: Monday and Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM; Friday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM; Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on no days listed, but the Monday–Tuesday window is dinner-only, while the rest of the week offers both lunch and dinner services.

Reservations can be made through OpenTable via the link on the restaurant’s website, and online ordering for takeaway or delivery is available at order.kushiizakaya.com.au. The phone number for direct contact is +61 2 6170 3198. Walk-ins are also welcome, especially during off-peak hours when the casual market setting accommodates spontaneous visits.

Common Questions

What type of cuisine does Kushi Japanese serve?

Kushi Japanese serves authentic Japanese cuisine with an izakaya-style focus. The menu features ramen, donburi, sushi, tempura, bento, and a range of snacks like takoyaki. Customers often highlight the spicy pork ramen, Angus Beef Don, and fresh salmon dishes.

Where is Kushi Japanese located?

Kushi Japanese is at Shop T15A, Capital Food Market, 15 Market Street, Belconnen ACT 2617. It's inside the Capital Food Market, which is a bustling food and fresh-produce destination in the Belconnen area.

Does Kushi Japanese take reservations?

Yes. Reservations can be made through OpenTable, accessible via the restaurant’s website at kushiizakaya.com.au. Walk-ins are also accepted, though booking ahead is recommended for peak weekend hours.

Can I order Kushi Japanese for delivery or takeaway?

Yes. Kushi Japanese offers takeaway and contactless delivery. Orders can be placed online at order.kushiizakaya.com.au. The restaurant also offers dine-in service.

What are Kushi Japanese's opening hours?

Monday and Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Wednesday and Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM. Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. These hours are confirmed on the restaurant's official website.

Is Kushi Japanese wheelchair accessible?

Yes, according to Google Maps attributes, Kushi Japanese has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. The restaurant is inside the Capital Food Market, which is a ground-level facility.

What is the price range at Kushi Japanese?

Google Maps lists the price per person at $20–40. This makes it a mid-range dining option in Belconnen. Specific menu prices are available on the restaurant's online ordering page and PDF menu.

Is Kushi Japanese an LGBTQ+-friendly venue?

Yes. Google Maps identifies Kushi Japanese as an LGBTQ+-friendly business, indicating a welcoming environment for all diners.