Japanese Restaurant Near Taylors Lakes — Izakaya Rin, Caroline Springs

If you live in Taylors Lakes or the nearby Watergardens area and you’re looking for authentic Japanese food, Izakaya Rin in Caroline Springs is your closest izakaya-style restaurant and bar. Located inside Springlake Shopping Centre, we’re just 10 minutes away via Calder Freeway and Caroline Springs Boulevard.

Izakaya Rin is one of the highest-rated Japanese restaurants in Melbourne’s western suburbs, holding a 4.7-star Google rating from over 523 reviews. We offer a full izakaya experience: sushi, sashimi, ramen, grilled dishes, small plates for sharing, and a drinks menu that spans sake, Japanese beer, cocktails, and whisky.

| About Us |

A short drive from Taylors Lakes

Taylors Lakes has solid dining options around the Watergardens area, but Japanese restaurants are limited. Most of the available options are takeaway-focused sushi shops rather than sit-down restaurants. Izakaya Rin fills that gap with a proper dine-in experience, a full bar, and a menu that covers the depth and breadth of Japanese cuisine.

Here’s why Taylors Lakes residents choose Izakaya Rin:

  • Just 10 minutes by car via Calder Freeway, with free parking at Springlake Shopping Centre.
  • Also accessible by bus (route 460 from Watergardens Station to Caroline Springs).
  • A genuine izakaya atmosphere that’s lively, social, and perfect for an evening out.
  • A sharing-style menu with sushi, sashimi, ramen, gyoza, karaage, wagyu skewers, and more.
  • A Japanese-focused drinks list including sake, Sapporo, Asahi, shochu, Japanese whisky, and craft cocktails.
  • Bottomless brunch on weekends, one of the most unique brunch experiences in the western suburbs.
| Signature Dishes |

Menu highlights

Izakaya Rin’s menu is designed around the izakaya philosophy: share plates, try everything, and enjoy the experience with drinks. Here are some highlights.

| Visit Us |

The Izakaya experience

An izakaya is Japan’s answer to the neighbourhood pub, but with much better food. At Izakaya Rin, that translates to a warm, atmospheric space with Japanese-inspired decor, a well-stocked bar, and a vibe that works for everything from a casual Tuesday dinner to a big Saturday night out.

The bar program is a key part of what sets Izakaya Rin apart from other Japanese restaurants in the area. Our sake menu includes options served warm and cold, curated to pair with different dishes. The cocktail list draws on Japanese flavours and techniques, and we stock a selection of Japanese whisky and shochu that’s worth exploring. If you’re new to sake or Japanese spirits, our staff are always happy to guide you.

| Bookings |

Book your table

Izakaya Rin is the closest authentic izakaya experience to Taylors Lakes. Book a table online or call us on (03) 8382 1342. Open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday, with bottomless brunch on weekends.

| Follow us on social @izakayarincs |

A Feast for the Eyes

Discover the energy, colors, and flavours that make Izakaya Rin more than just a restaurant.

| Directions |

How to get to Izakaya Rin from Taylors Lakes

Izakaya Rin is at Shop A3, 1/7 Caroline Springs Blvd, inside Springlake Shopping Centre, Caroline Springs VIC 3023.

From Taylors Lakes, the drive takes about 10 minutes:

  • Head west on Kings Road or Taylors Road toward the Calder Freeway (M79).
  • Take the Calder Freeway west.
  • Exit at Caroline Springs Boulevard.
  • Springlake Shopping Centre is on your left. Izakaya Rin is inside the centre.

Alternatively, catch the 460 bus from Watergardens Station to Caroline Springs. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

Free parking is available throughout Springlake Shopping Centre, including undercover spots near the restaurant.

| Google Reviews |

What our customers say

Discover the energy, colors, and flavours that make Izakaya Rin more than just a restaurant.

vagabond
4 weeks ago
My faithful companion and I did venture into Izakaya Rin, where we were met with an atmosphere most serene and a view fit to gladden the soul. Wishing to sample the house’s finest offerings, we partook of the oysters, the beef fried rice, and a sampler’s bento box. Each dish bore its own distinct character and was prepared with the utmost care. The oysters, most especially, were of extraordinary freshness and surpassing flavour - the finest I have ever had the privelage to enjoy. The lady who attended our table, whom we later learned was the owner herself, was of exceptional courtesy and discernment, appearing at just the right moments without ever disturbing our meal. She was extreamly attentive and made the whole experiance most enjoyable. A most splendid establishment indeed, worthy of the highest praise. We departed with full stomachs and every intention of returning.
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Response from the owner:Hi, Thank you for your review! We’re happy you loved our fresh oysters, delicious dishes, and attentive service. We look forward to serve you again.
Heche
2 months ago
Worth the visit. Caroline Springs are fortunate to have this great venue in their suburb.
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Response from the owner:Hi Heche! Thank you for choosing to dine with us! Come back soon.
Haiyan Yang
2 months ago
One of the best Japanese restaurants in the west. Fresh ingredients, delicious dishes, and amazing cocktails. We’ve visited multiple times and chose to celebrate our anniversary here again. It’s so nice not having to go into the CBD for quality Japanese food. Highly recommend!
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Response from the owner:Hi Haiyan, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. Thank you for recommending Izakaya RIn.
Sonny
3 months ago
This is definitely a hidden gem. Food and service never disappoints. Quality of food is A grade. I would highly recommend this restaurant. Thank you for always serving great food
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Oxie Geo
3 months ago
Very tasty food. 😋
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Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear you enjoyed the food. Looking forward to seeing you again!
Sarz
5 months ago
We gathered here for a Best Of The West networking event last night and all of the local business owners could not speak highly enough of the service, food atmosphere and hospitality. Nothing was too much trouble and the food was lovely. First time visitor but definitely will not be my last!
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weg khiar
6 months ago
food is really nice and fresh. Came really quickly.
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Benjamin \
6 months ago
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DT
6 months ago
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Alexandra wylie
7 months ago
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Vijay Nair
7 months ago
Where Great Food Meets the Water and Time Slows Down: Celebrated a close friend’s birthday here and couldn’t have chosen a better setting. Service was warm, professional, and genuinely thoughtful. The team made us feel welcomed rather than managed, which makes all the difference. Outstanding food with elegant presentation and bold yet balanced flavours. The wine selection complemented the menu perfectly, and the waterfront views added a calm, almost cinematic quality to the afternoon. A memorable afternoon made special by exceptional food, beautiful ambiance, and attentive service. Sincere thanks to the owners and staff for such a wonderful experience. Highly recommended for celebrations or anyone who appreciates refined dining without pretence.
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free range human
8 months ago
Nice slightly upmarket Japanese restaurant. Servings are smaller than other places but the quality and taste of the food are spectacular. We had the nigiri moriawase (mixed sushi), wagyu beef curry udon (meat was tender and curry broth was delectable, finished every drop), and we had the crispy salmon roll, topped with roe and tempura bits and sauce. In the end it was a perfect serving for both of us, and we had a strawberry lychee soda and a green tea to wash it down. Comfortable and quiet place, perfect for date night, family or small celebrations, and nice view of the lake outside.
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S L
9 months ago
We went for an anniversary meal - the place and food did not disappoint.
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Mi Lim
10 months ago
Great food and good service. Some of their dishes are not your typical Japanese dishes and a little different.
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Very authentic Japanese restaurant, will definitely be back !!
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Patrick Yabut
1 year ago
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Dominic kelly
2 years ago
Good
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Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback, Dominic! We appreciate your support and hope to see you again!
Bettina
2 years ago
I’ll definitely be back! Each dish was incredibly delicious 😋 I’ve never had clams in my miso soup before and what a delightful introduction to new flavours. The karaage chicken and soft-shell crab were perfectly cooked and full of flavour, while the sashimi was beautifully cut and elegantly presented. The only critique is the agedashi tofu as the batter was too thick and the tofu itself was too firm.
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Response from the owner:Hi Bettina, Thank you for the review! We're so glad you enjoyed the dishes and tried new flavors. We look forward to welcoming you back for more delicious meals!
Craig Dsouza
2 years ago
Food here is so good and fresh, artwork everywhere and upbeat atmosphere. Had a really nice time here, and I would definitely come here again. I really recommend coming here. Enjoyed a lot. ඞ☺️
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Response from the owner:Hi Craig, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food, atmosphere, and overall experience.
Sheila Bocian
2 years ago
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Response from the owner:Thanks for your 5-star review, Sheila! We appreciate your support and look forward to your next visit.
Tee Nguyen
2 years ago
This was such an amazing experience. I loved all the different options, I am definitely coming back here with the rest of my family and friends! I loved the spinning wheel idea too, it’s a fun way to interact with the customers! 😊
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Response from the owner:So glad you loved the variety and our interactive sushi experience! Looking forward to your next visit.
Komang Putra
2 years ago
Nice Japanese place with great food
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Response from the owner:Hi Komang Putra, Thank you for your review! We're glad to hear you enjoyed!
dBps Piloting
2 years ago
Called in, no booking, Seated looking out onto the lake. (this would be an excellent seat in daylight or heading into sunset) Entree, ordered the Yuzu Ponzu Oysters, omg, what a flavour explosion. huge juicy creamy and flavoursome. Def my new flavourite oyster... (yes I put an L in there) Main, the deluxe sashimi plate, so fresh, 7 different sashimi, but I loved the scampi. Dessert was the Yuzu sorbet. lovely surprise with little pieces of yuzu mixed in the sorbet. very fresh and cleansing. all in all, an excellent dining experience. I would 💯 percent go back again
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Response from the owner:And this might just be our flavourite review yet! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful and thorough review. Glad you enjoyed your visit! 🙂
Rosa Hidayat
2 years ago
We Really enjoyed the food here. Everything tasted fresh. Presentation of food were great. We ordered a few plates of sushi and sides of scallops, tempura prawns ,truffle fries rice and edemame beans. To our surprise we got a dessert platter for free! What a win 🙂 would definitely come back here for a date night again!
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Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to review, Rosa! See you again soon 😀🍰
Ethan Rosen
2 years ago
The quality is great and they have a good variety of Japanese foods. The salmon aburi was my favourite, we got the aburi, dragon roll, crispy salmon roll, and the karage chicken. Very pleased.
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Response from the owner:Thanks, Ethan! Glad you enjoyed your visit ☺️