Best Sushi & Japanese in Armadale Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Armadale to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Merchant is the one everyone knows. The Little Kitchen is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. High Street Armadale has antique shops, fashion boutiques, and cafes. Armadale sits in the Inner South corridor, 6km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Armadale since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Canvas — 244 Station Street, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

Canvas has been operating in Armadale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($16) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — the best version in Armadale Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Nico’s — 175 James Lane, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: the whole crew

Nico’s has been operating in Armadale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($9) 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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($13) — the best version in Armadale Insider tip: Parking is free on North Street after 6pm.

3. Ava’s — 75 James Lane, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ava’s has been operating in Armadale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($15) 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 54 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($18) — the best version in Armadale Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Old Kitchen — 181 Elizabeth Lane, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

Old Kitchen has been operating in Armadale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($22) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Main Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. The Blue Post — 211 James Lane, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Blue Post has been operating in Armadale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Cleo Union — 176 Elizabeth Lane, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: dates

Cleo Union has been operating in Armadale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($17) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($20) — the best version in Armadale Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Why Armadale Is Worth Knowing

High Street Armadale has antique shops, fashion boutiques, and cafes. Leafy residential streets off the retail strip. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Armadale’s character. Whether you’re based in Armadale or visiting from nearby, 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.

7. The Humble Commons — 204 Station Street, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Humble Commons has been operating in Armadale for over a decade 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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Bench — 220 Main Road, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Bench has been operating in Armadale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on North Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Armadale roaster — ask which one.

9. Felix’s — 233 Main Road, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Felix’s has been operating in Armadale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on James Street after 6pm.

10. The Honest Depot — 289 Elizabeth Lane, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: remote workers

The Honest Depot has been operating in Armadale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Main Road is usually fine.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Atlas Press — 187 North Avenue, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Atlas Press has been operating in Armadale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($9) 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 space seats about 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. Collective — 368 Station Street, Armadale VIC 3039

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: groups

Collective has been operating in Armadale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Armadale good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Armadale has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Armadale known for?

High Street Armadale has antique shops, fashion boutiques, and cafes.

How far is Armadale from Melbourne CBD?

Armadale is 6km, 12min train, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Armadale isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026