Matsuri
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Details
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CUISINES
Japanese, Sushi, Asian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
features
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
CUISINES
Japanese, Sushi, Asian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service
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4.0
177 reviews
Excellent
88
Very good
62
Average
13
Poor
4
Terrible
10
GlobeTrotters4001
Brisbane855 contributions
July 2023 • family
Our usual Japanese restaurant was shut for maintenance so we tried Matsuri.
If perhaps you are after sushi or sashimi, then the skills and flavours may be more apparent. But we were overall a little disappointed in the dishes we ordered. The katsu curry left a greasy film on the lips - the crumbing was not well drained and a bit oily and not the usual thin crunchy panko crumbing we really enjoy; the curry sauce as well was oily, making the overall eating experience not the best. The ramen was very ordinary - the noodles and the soup were nothing special and the soup not full-flavoured from a long slow simmering of a good stock base. The teriyaki chicken was however tasty but I felt a little on the expensive side for just chicken, rice and a couple of pieces of butter lettuce. Overall we found all the prices were at the higher end of what we would expect for Don, Ramen or Curry dishes and for the prices paid expected higher quality.
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa G
Cairns8 contributions
Nov 2022 • couples
Matsu and his team are so attentive and informative. The food is authentic Japanese - fresh and flavoursome. Matsu’s skill with the knife and respect for the fish he is serving is something to behold. We cannot recommend this place enough - go for a visit and experience it for yourself. This visit we had an assortment of sashimi and Chicken Katsu Curry. Gochisou sama 🙏
Written 11 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Higuma 2017
Australia1205 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
My son is a specialist in tonkatsu curry and he has tried it all over, from Sapporo to Kagoshima. He gave this one an 8.7/10, which is quite extraordinary. We couldn't be happier. Authentic Japanese and honest, with a sashimi donburi that the chef can gladly adapt to my allergy restrictions. Good service, clean, fresh and tasty. I don't need anything else.
Written 30 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil Shuai
1 contribution
May 2021 • none
Before I tell you about my experience, let me tell you a story. 3 or 4 years ago, I roamed the streets of Cairns and struggled to feed myself. I would sit around the Cairns Night marketplace and beg relentlessly at the passersby for a drop of coin or a small chunk of their warm meal. I was desperate, hunger was the only feeling I felt, and ignorance was the only response I received. However, one night, everything would change upon my visit to this place. Upon seeing my sorry and pathetic state, the owners showed nothing but kindness and willingly accepted me as a customer, even going as far to offer me food for free, which I humbly received. That experience alone taught me to value myself more as an individual, and from that point on I found a job and worked hard for myself. I made my return to this restaurant yesterday, and while the layout and interior of the place have seen huge improvements, what hasn't changed are the owners virtuous nature and their humble attitudes. I was happy that they recognized me immediately, and I believe this place will always have a special place in my heart.
Written 14 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean D
Melbourne2 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
For clarification I lived in Japan and have been back every year since 2010 for our main holiday so I know good Japanese food when I eat it.
Came here in 2018 for the first time and loved it!
Came back 3 times on this holiday and was not disappointed!
The Nigiri Sushi was great but we can’t go past the Katsu(pork schnitzel)! One of the best in Australia and I’d be hard pressed to find one comparable in Melbourne at the same price. Add in the teishoku (miso soup + rice) for $3 and you’ve got an amazing meal.
Some complain about the steak or chicken coming with chips but what do you expect in a tourist town?
Highly recommended as there was only one other place(Petit Japan) my wife and I would go for Japanese in Cairns!
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan M
13 contributions
May 2021 • couples
We are regulars here and think it's the best traditional Japanese in Cairns. We can't recommend it enough. Octopus balls are the best in town and we can't go past the number 13 meal for size, quality and variety. Perfect with hot sake. The staff and owner are also a pleasure to see every time.
Written 9 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan M
13 contributions
July 2023 • couples
This is probably the best Japanese food in Cairns. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. But the food is the star here. The Bento boxes are fantastic and they know I always have the number 13. If I decide on something different they ask why. Brilliant food always
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona L
Weipa20 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
We’ve been going to Matsuri for over 20yrs.
It’s our go to Japanese in Cairns.
The owner is the chef and is always up for a chat.
Huge menu with lots to chose from - do yourself a favour and try their special meal A.
Written 8 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
irve2016
Sydney1387 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
Great super fresh food and very friendly service. If you are happy to wait you will have a wonderful experience. Just 3 staff the Chef, The Sioux Chef and a waiter well worth the wait.
Written 26 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
진욱 김
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • friends
Worst experience ever in Cairns the men at the reception was super rude he stated that it was stupid to ask whether their food was nice he said it multiple times very loudly when we were simply looking for a recommendation. The food is mediocre at most we think the instant ramen would taste better than their ramen and overall terrible service would not recommend at all
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Les F
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • friends
Always good. Always friendly. No need to book but it's advisable because they can be very busy; it is very popular.
Written 9 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Murray
4 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
Stumbled upon this place while walking around Cairns. I had Chicken Katsu Curry and it was 10/10: great flavor and large-sized portion.
Written 6 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liam T
7 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
If you want a real Japanese sushi bar experience, this is as close as it gets without leaving the country. The owner is super friendly and very humble, he always puts a smile on my face. The sushi is out of this world, so fresh I can’t put it into words, you simply have to try it. Salmon rolls with some hot sake and you can’t go wrong! The curry here is also very good. Very relaxed and quiet atmosphere, it almost therapeutic in a way to come in here for a meal and a drink. One of the best places cairns has to offer!
Written 27 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael C
Brisbane140 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Fabulous Japanese. We had a table of 8. They were flexible with the arrangements as it is a small restaurant. Service was quick and friendly. The food was absolutely fantastic. Really great experience!
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warick G
Hervey Bay213 contributions
Sept 2020 • family
Last night in Cairns, looking for a nice meal , we were not disappointed, the service was very good, the food was excellent, they were out of a few things on the menu which was a little annoying , but what we got was A Class ! Definitely recommend a visit here, and it almost right next door to the night markets ..
Written 3 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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