Sydney’s Best Japanese Eats, According to the Father-Son Chef Duo Behind R by Raita Noda

Momo and Raita Noda don’t shy away from theatre. The father-son chef duo owns and runs Redfern’s R by Raita Noda; from five nights a week, they treat 15 guests (sat in a circle around the kitchen) to a three-hour, 10-course dining experience. Some diners have likened the presentation and atmosphere to watching a play.

Quality, care and authenticity are three things that bring pleasure in work and life for the pair. On their days off, they often find themselves indulging in some of Sydney’s best Japanese dining while catching up with friends and family. Those human connections and tastes of home are important for them – and for the characters of Rental Family, a moving new film set in Japan. From casual lunches to special occasion omakase, these are some Momo and Raita’s favourite spots that deliver a taste of everyday life in Japan.

Nom, Darlinghurst

The duo describe Nom as a retro-style izakaya – the type of place that’s hard to find even in Japan these days. “It’s very simple, more homey-style food. They don’t do anything fancy but we find it quite comfortable,” Momo says. The menu includes fresh sashimi, quick nibbles and things that are “good for a drink”, alongside more substantial meat and fish dishes. There’s also a strong selection of boutique saké to try.

Restaurant 16, Neutral Bay

Restaurant 16 has been part of Sydney’s dining scene since 2011. At the end of this year, chef Toru Ryu will close the doors on the Neutral Bay location as he joins the new-look Sydney Fish Market in early 2026. Ryu offers a traditional, multi-course kaiseki menu with his signature “Italian touch” – something that Momo and Raita admire in his cooking. “He has quite a classical technique but also uses some European ingredients and he creates amazing degustation,” Momo says. “It’s a good date spot.”

Nichi Getsu Dō, CBD

An unexpected delight, Nichi Getsu Dō serves miso-based ramen in the heart of the CBD. “Miso isn’t the most popular ramen base. And to be totally honest, neither of us were really fans of this style until we ate it at Nichi Getsu Dō. It’s nicely balanced,” Momo says. He also notes that the vibe is “spot on” to what you’d find in Japan – one of the owners also runs several ramen shops in Saitama, just outside of Tokyo.

Rengaya, North Sydney

Quality is the reason Momo and Raita feel so strongly about Rengaya, North Sydney’s premium Japanese yakiniku restaurant. “From our chef’s point of view, you can tell how they look after their beef. The quality is always consistent. And there’s a really good wine list, which is something Japanese barbeque is often missing,” Momo says. He thinks it’s the best place for people to eat Wagyu in Australia. Diners can pick from four different levels of set menu or order à la carte.

Juan Bowl and Tea, Redfern

If you’re more in the mood for rice than noodles, try donburi. Juan Bowl and Tea in Redfern puts a dressed-up spin on the simple staple, using local produce to make each flavour combination pop. “They don’t have a very big menu but they really care about the quality of the beef, pork and chicken that they use,” Momo says. There’s also a wide variety of Japanese teas on the menu, which can be matched to your order.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Searchlight Pictures’ Rental Family. Catch the heartwarming film – starring Brendan Fraser as a American actor in Japan struggling to find purpose until he lands a gig playing stand-in roles for strangers – only in cinemas Boxing Day.