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Izakaya Masuya

JapaneseIzakayaKyoto-styleSkewersSakeSmall Plates

One of Sydney's oldest and most revered izakayas, Izakaya Masuya has anchored the CBD with Kyoto-style hospitality since the Masuya Group opened its doors in 1993. Head chef Yoshioka, originally from Kyoto, leads a kitchen devoted to delicate small plates, charcoal skewers, and seasonal omakase courses.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
CBD
Since
1993
Chef
Yoshioka
Owner
Masuya Group
Izakaya Masuya — authentic japanese restaurant in Sydney, CBD
Plate № 18
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About
Tucked inside the heritage Manufacturers House on O'Connell Street, Izakaya Masuya is a cornerstone of Sydney's Japanese dining scene with over three decades of continuous service. The menu centres on Kyoto-inflected cuisine — expect graceful appetisers, a rotating omakase course, and pristine charcoal-grilled kushiyaki. Sister to the iconic Masuya restaurant in the same building, the izakaya format encourages leisurely sake-fuelled evenings in a warmly lit, intimate space that feels transposed from a Gion side street. The kitchen's Kyoto roots shine through in the restrained elegance of its sauces and the quality of its seasonal produce, making Izakaya Masuya a genuinely irreplaceable part of Sydney's Japanese culinary heritage.
Neighborhood & visiting

Izakaya Masuya sits in CBD, one of Sydney's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Three decades of unbroken Kyoto-style hospitality make Izakaya Masuya the most historically significant izakaya in the Sydney CBD.
  • Chef Yoshioka's Kyoto background infuses every dish with a refined, traditional approach rarely matched in Australian izakayas.
  • The omakase course — ending with house-made salmon chazuke — is a destination dish that regulars return for repeatedly.
  • Located inside a sandstone heritage building steps from the Stock Exchange, the atmosphere is authentically atmospheric without being precious.

Re-opened for dinner in May 2023 after a pandemic-era closure of evening service. Currently trades lunch Mon–Fri and dinner Mon–Sat with last orders around 20:00.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →Instagram →

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Frequently asked

About Izakaya Masuya

Is Izakaya Masuya an authentic japanese restaurant in Sydney?
Yes — Izakaya Masuya is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in Sydney: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Izakaya Masuya located?
Izakaya Masuya is located at Manufacturers House, 12-14 O'Connell St, Sydney NSW 2000, Sydney, Australia in the CBD neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Izakaya Masuya?
Izakaya Masuya accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Izakaya Masuya?
Izakaya Masuya sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Sydney.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Sydney →Izakaya in Sydney →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →