Best Sushi & Japanese in Aspendale Gardens Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Nina Cellar |
| Zero-cost winner | The Blue Local |
| Kid-approved | Old Bench |
| Under the radar | Humble Standard |
| Wet day saviour | Press |
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
The space seats about 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Market Grove is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Margaret Road is usually fine.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — solid 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 room holds 41 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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 room holds 60 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Margaret Road is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($20) — solid 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
The space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on East Crescent is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($19) — solid 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
Capacity is around 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on East Crescent is usually fine.
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
The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Market Grove is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
