Best Sushi & Japanese in Aintree Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Aintree to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Rex House is the one everyone knows. Vera Commons is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton. Aintree sits in the Outer West corridor, 28km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Aintree since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nico’s — 142 William Lane, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Nico’s has been operating in Aintree for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. The Honest Bench — 27 Smith Road, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Honest Bench has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($10) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Blue Works — 18 Smith Road, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Blue Works has been operating in Aintree for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. New Place — 278 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

New Place has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($8) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. White Depot — 313 William Lane, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

White Depot has been operating in Aintree for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Aintree Actually Is

Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton. Opened in 2018. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Aintree’s character. If you’re living in or near Aintree, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. The Tall Quarter — 350 Smith Road, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Tall Quarter has been operating in Aintree for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($11) — the best version in Aintree Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aintree roaster — ask which one.

7. The Tall Social — 262 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Tall Social has been operating in Aintree for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Aintree farmers market when it runs.

8. Leo Social — 292 William Lane, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Leo Social has been operating in Aintree for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The fish special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Cleo Social — 100 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Cleo Social has been operating in Aintree for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Room — 182 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

Room has been operating in Aintree for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Aintree farmers market when it runs.

11. The Good Quarter — 238 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Good Quarter has been operating in Aintree for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Craigieburn South Best Sushi and Japanese — same vibe, different suburb
• Aintree Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Aintree Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Aintree Complete Guide — everything about Aintree
• Compare Suburbs — see how Aintree stacks up
• All Aintree Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Aintree?

Mia is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Aintree good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Aintree has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Aintree known for?

Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton.

How far is Aintree from Melbourne CBD?

Aintree is 28km, no direct train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Aintree is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026