Japanese restaurants

Maeda Japanese Restaurant

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

shop2/2A Heeley St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia $40–60
4.2
107 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the heart of Paddington, Maeda Japanese Restaurant is a culinary gem that beautifully captures the essence of authentic Japanese dining. Specializing in fresh, meticulously crafted dishes, Maeda offers a delectable journey through traditional Japanese flavors with a contemporary touch. From their pristine Salmon Sashimi to the vibrant Assorted Sushi & Sashimi platters, each bite delivers a perfect harmony of freshness and delicate seasoning that instantly transports you to Japan.

The menu’s diversity is a testament to Maeda’s dedication to quality and variety. Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth experience of their Aburi Salmon Nigiri Sushi, where lightly seared salmon meets expertly seasoned rice, or savor the playful textures of the Spicy Sashimi Hand Roll, which bursts with flavor in every bite. For a lighter yet satisfying option, the Avocado Roll and Cucumber Roll offer crisp freshness, balancing the richness of other dishes on the menu.

What truly sets Maeda apart is its warm and inviting atmosphere. The casual yet elegant setting, combined with the attentive and friendly service—often described by loyal patrons as "felt like eating my mother’s home cooking"—creates a dining experience that’s both comforting and memorable. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed sit-down dinner or grabbing a takeaway treat on a Sunday evening, the consistency in quality and care is palpable.

Regulars rave about signature dishes like the Salmon Carpaccio and the Barramundi Sugiita Yaki, paired perfectly with a refreshing finish of Green Tea Ice Cream. It’s this authentic, fresh produce and beautifully balanced flavors that keep diners coming back to this Paddington favorite time and time again.

For anyone seeking an authentic Japanese culinary experience in Sydney that combines exquisite taste with genuine hospitality, Maeda Japanese Restaurant is a must-visit. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret—the kind of place where food delights your palate and the atmosphere soothes your soul.

03 Notes from regulars

107 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.2
Based on 107 verified notes
5 82
4 7
3 4
2 2
1 15
All Barramundi Aburi Salmon Roll Pork Tonkatsu Salmon Carpaccio Wagyu Beef Tataki Green Tea Ice Cream Friendly Owners Value Rolls Portions
Eri.
3 month ago
Best Japanese restaurant in Sydney! Great service from the friendly owners. Delicious and beautifully presented dishes. We love going there for a sit-down dinner as well as for a takeaway treat on Sunday evenings.
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Cash Finn.
3 month ago
Amazing food, great service felt like I was at a kid eating my mothers home cooking. Nostalgic and delicious, I definitely recommend
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Sean Bear.
3 month ago
We had dinner here recently. The taco special, barramundi and sushi roll was really good. Fresh and tasty.
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Caro R (Caro).
4 month ago
Always come back to Maeda. Fresh produce, simple setting - everything you want in a Japanese restaurant and so hard to come by these days in Sydney. Must have the salmon carpaccio, any of the sushi / sashimi, the barramundi sugiita yaki and finish with the green tea ice cream
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D S.
5 month ago
Really good food, chill atmosphere and kind staff! We will definitely come back.
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Megalo-Dong.
5 month ago
Good food and atmosphere. We walked in early without reservation and the place quickly filled up. Highly recommended.
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masako nagao.
6 month ago
I went there to catch up with my girl friends. As soon as I entered the store, the proprietress greeted me with a lovely smile. On Fridays, there are lunch menus such as bento boxes. You can enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese dishes such as sashimi and tempura. It's a very comfortable space and I would definitely like to use it again.
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Al.
6 month ago
Have eaten here many times now and keep coming back for the quality of the authentic Japanese food and friendly service. Good value too. Highly recommended!
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday (today) Closed
Sunday Closed
Finding the door

shop2/2A Heeley St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • No Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Small plates
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • Groups
Planning
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
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