The streets of Brisbane are home to a smattering of some top little Japanese eateries and bars that only the locals or those who stray from the beaten track know of.
From the pocket-sized bar serving rare collectible Japanese whiskeys to the tapas bar under the wing of a boutique hotel, here are 12 of Brisbane's Japanese dining secrets revealed:
Genkotsu Ramen
![Genkotsu Ramen](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/w/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383385131.png)
Genkotsu Ramen Photo: Michael Panayotov
Tucked away down a retro arcade in Brisbane's inner west is this little timber-clad ramen room that dishes up steaming bowls of traditional Japanese noodle soup for those on a budget.
Biru Shinobi
![Biru Shinobi](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/v/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383382378.png)
Biru Shinobi Photo: Michael Panayotov
Brisbane's only Japanese whisky and beer bar is a minute dim-lit affair, found in a quirky triangular inner city building that it shares with a rustic little Japanese kitchen serving delicious bar food.
Mitoki
![Mitoki](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/u/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383379982.png)
Mitoki Photo: Michael Panayotov
Few but the Kangaroo point locals know about this exotic open-sided Japanese tapas bar and eatery that sits tucked away next to a boutique hotel - one of Brisbane's true buried treasures.
Taro's Ramen
![Taro's Ramen](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/t/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383371390.png)
Taro's Ramen Photo: Michael Panayotov
Brisbane's ramen master has opened his most recent ramen house, open day and evening, upstairs in a corner of a contemporary food court on the 4th level of a new Brisbane skyscraper.
Mizu
![Mizu](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/s/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383366940.png)
Mizu Photo: Must Do Brisbane
Both Mizu's West End and Teneriffe eateries can be found off the beaten track in their inner city suburbs and both are well worth seeking out for some of Brisbane's best value Japanese eats.
Shabuhouse
![Shabuhouse](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/r/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383364557.png)
Shabuhouse Photo: Must Do Brisbane
Far from the madding crowd in Brisbane's CBD is this sleek minimalist Japanese fusion buffet restaurant where shabu (Japanese hotpot) is the star, with a great range of sushi also on offer.
Ann Gyoza
![Ann Gyoza](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/q/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383357837.png)
Ann Gyoza Photo: Must Do Brisbane
A tiny traditional-style gyoza bar that can be found on a quiet secluded corner within the Valley's Emporium, known for its traditional dumplings and tapas, Japanese cocktails, beer and sake.
Zero Fox
![Zero Fox](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/p/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383352930.png)
Zero Fox Photo: Michael Panayotov
In the base of Teneriffe' London Woolstores is this unlikely find - a Japanese kitchen and craft bar with a tasty fusion menu including house special kimchi fries and a cracking range of fresh sushi.
Golden Wood Teppanyaki
![Golden Wood Teppanyaki](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/m/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383350194.png)
Golden Wood Teppanyaki Photo: Michael Panayotov
A northside drive-in shopping centre is home to this tiny teppanyaki bar which seats a max of 50, and where local families gather for a theatrical great value dinner. And a bonus - it's BYO.
Tori & Hiyoko
![Tori & Hiyoko](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/j/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383343279.png)
Tori & Hiyoko Photo: Must Do Brisbane
A south side street is where you'll find this miniscule eatery that is the local's best kept secret - serving home style Japanese fare that is big on flavour from a tiny shopfront.
Sakana Japanese Dining Bar
![Sakana Japanese Dining Bar](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/g/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383339466.png)
Sakana Japanese Dining Bar Photo: Must Do Brisbane
This pocket-sized suburban Japanese diner can be found nestled in Brisbane's north and is a breath of fresh air, from its clean pale timber décor to the delicious great value meals.
Oshin
![Oshin](http://web.archive.org./web/20160828194340im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/3/7/6/d/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1472383334974.png)
Oshin Photo: Must Do Brisbane
Upstairs in Koala House is a remnant of Japan's 1980s heyday - Brisbane's oldest Japanese restaurant - worth a visit for its traditional décor, yakiniku table BBQ's and sushi platters.
This article first appeared on Must Do Brisbane.