Best Sushi & Japanese in Aspendale Gardens Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Aspendale Gardens to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Vera’s is the one everyone knows. Northern Standard is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Planned residential estate with lakes and parks. Aspendale Gardens sits in the Bayside corridor, 18-41km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Aspendale Gardens since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Mill — 81 Cecil Drive, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Mill has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($16) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Nell’s — 82 South Terrace, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nell’s has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($14) 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 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

3. Ruby’s — 28 South Terrace, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: remote workers

Ruby’s has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($19) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Margaret Road is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aspendale Gardens roaster — ask which one.

4. The Lucky Local — 122 Cecil Drive, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Lucky Local has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. The Little Cellar — 109 Cecil Drive, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Little Cellar has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Margaret Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. High Depot — 241 Cecil Drive, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

High Depot has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on East Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

The Reality of Aspendale Gardens

Planned residential estate with lakes and parks. Family-friendly with good open spaces. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Aspendale Gardens’s character. For Aspendale Gardens locals and anyone in the area, 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. Depot — 27 Margaret Road, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: dates

Depot has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($19) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Aspendale Gardens farmers market when it runs.

8. Tall Mill — 53 Cecil Drive, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: dates

Tall Mill has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on East Crescent is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($20) — the best version in Aspendale Gardens Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aspendale Gardens roaster — ask which one.

9. Ava Works — 60 East Crescent, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ava Works has been operating in Aspendale Gardens 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — the best version in Aspendale Gardens Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Oliver Press — 82 Market Grove, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Oliver Press has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($23) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Nina’s — 320 Margaret Road, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: families

Nina’s has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

12. Anchor — 235 South Terrace, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Anchor has been operating in Aspendale Gardens for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the best version in Aspendale Gardens Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Aspendale Gardens?

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

Is Aspendale Gardens good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Aspendale Gardens has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Aspendale Gardens known for?

Planned residential estate with lakes and parks.

How far is Aspendale Gardens from Melbourne CBD?

Aspendale Gardens is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Aspendale Gardens: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026