Hundreds of diners flock to a hidden gem in Sydney every week for one reason: all-you-can-eat Japanese barbecue, wagyu beef included.
Gyuniku in Sydney’s CBD has been attracting huge crowds for its epic buffet-style offering, complete with purebred MB9+ wagyu from Japan, nori rolls, sashimi and nigiri, all made in-house daily by traditional sushi chefs Japanese.
The restaurant’s capacity for 110 guests is divided into 30 barbecue stations and 25 tables, catering to groups of all types, with prices starting at $45.90 per adult and $27.90 per child for lunch and dinner.
With the cost of living rising, the restaurant has made the Japanese dining experience affordable for everyone, offering various packages depending on the day of the week and what customers want to enjoy.
With long lines out the door, customers feel “transported to Japan” as the extensive menu pays homage to the rich traditions of Japanese culture.
Upon walking through the door, diners are greeted with a diverse selection of premium meats, including wagyu beef, high-marbled ribs, seafood and more.
In addition to grilled cuts and fresh sushi bar, the menu includes a selection of hot dishes such as sukiyaki meat and vegetables, along with cold options such as DYI sushi bowls (chirashi) and wakame salad, complemented by a variety of sauces to add. , mix and enjoy.
One of the restaurant’s popular attractions is the DIY frozen yogurt station, along with plenty of sweet toppings and desserts to choose from.

Hundreds of diners flock to a hidden gem in Sydney every week for one reason: all-you-can-eat Japanese barbecue, wagyu beef included.

Gyuniku in Sydney’s CBD has been attracting huge crowds for its epic buffet-style offering, complete with purebred MB9+ wagyu from Japan, nori rolls, sashimi and nigiri, all made in-house daily by traditional sushi chefs Japanese.
The popular restaurant opened at the end of September 2024 and has been overflowing with diners every week since.
Videos have been circulating on social media showing long queues outside the venue, with many people waiting to get a table.
Despite being just four months old, Gyuniku has already received 900 glowing reviews on Google, with an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5.
‘From the moment I walked in, the service was excellent – attentive, friendly and impeccable. But the real show? The wagyu. Every bite was pure heaven: tender, juicy and perfectly marbled. It practically melted in my mouth, a true testament to the quality of the meat. The sushi was equally exceptional, fresh and vibrant in every bite. This is not just a meal; It’s an experience. A perfect combination of amazing food and top-notch service. “I will definitely be back for more,” said one satisfied customer.
‘This buffet was absolutely fantastic, definitely one of the best I’ve ever been to! The variety and quality of the food was exceptional, each dish fresh and tasty. The price was very reasonable considering the quality and selection on offer. Although we had to wait a little, it was worth it; The experience was worth every second. Definitely worth the price,” another shared.
‘All the flavor of Japan’
‘This was incredible. Possibly my favorite place I’ve ever eaten, the atmosphere was a full taste of Japan, a little smoky, a little loud, a little cozy. I would give more than 5 stars if I could. We will eat here again,” added one.

The restaurant’s capacity for 110 guests is divided into 30 barbecue stations and 25 tables, catering to groups of all types, with prices starting at $45.90 per adult and $27.90 per child.

With the cost of living rising, the restaurant has made the Japanese dining experience affordable for everyone, offering various packages depending on the day of the week and what customers want to enjoy.
Group executive chef Joanne Lee, who oversees the kitchen, emphasized the importance of creating a menu that piques customer interest while staying true to the venue’s Japanese roots.
“For us, using authentic, quality ingredients in all the dishes on our menu is essential,” he said.
‘We source our meats from Japanese butchers (we even import some, like our MB9+ Wagy, directly from Japan) to ensure we offer premium, delicious food.
‘But in today’s market, delicious food isn’t always enough. We really wanted to give people a reason to visit, besides what’s on the menu.
“That’s why we went with a self-service model that includes sushi and an udon machine – these things are still traditionally Japanese, but they add extra excitement and make the Gyuniku experience very special.”

The restaurant’s extensive menu pays homage to the rich traditions of Japanese culture.

Upon entering the door, diners are greeted with a diverse selection of premium meats, including wagyu beef, high-marbled ribs, seafood and more.
This approach translates into the venue’s interiors, which are designed to transport guests to the heart of Japan.
Gyuniku aims to change the way typical Japanese barbecue restaurants work, which usually have traditional table service.
“Table ordering has its place, but when it comes to barbecue places, we find that it disrupts the customer experience,” said Gyuniku owner James Sun.
‘The self-service option was missing in the Sydney market, so we decided to fill that gap. Not only is it more visually appealing from a restaurant setup perspective, but it also eliminates wait time for customers as they can freely pick up and take food to the table.”