Best Sushi & Japanese in Aspendale Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Max Place |
| Free highlight | Bright Press |
| Family-friendly | Lena’s |
| Locals only | Gus Cellar |
| Indoor option | The Good Post |
Aspendale has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Max and The Good Room lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 18-41km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Quiet bayside suburb with Aspendale Gardens reserve. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Aspendale resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.
1. Ada — 214 Thomas Avenue, Aspendale VIC 3193
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: budget eaters
Ada has been operating in Aspendale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Drive is usually fine.
Order this: The sourdough bread ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
2. Nell’s — 222 Queen Drive, Aspendale VIC 3193
What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: remote workers
Nell’s has been operating in Aspendale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($21) 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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Lane is usually fine.
Try this: The house-made relish ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
3. Long Place — 44 Plenty Lane, Aspendale VIC 3193
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Long Place has been operating in Aspendale for since the early 2020s 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 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Drive is usually fine.
Go for: The crispy chicken ($26) — the best version in Aspendale Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
4. Remy’s — 330 Barkly Lane, Aspendale VIC 3193
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Remy’s has been operating in Aspendale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($12) 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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Drive is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($13) — the best version in Aspendale Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aspendale roaster — ask which one.
Why Locals Stay in Aspendale
Quiet bayside suburb with Aspendale Gardens reserve. Direct beach access via Aspendale station. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Aspendale’s character. For Aspendale 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.
5. Hugo Store — 229 Barkly Lane, Aspendale VIC 3193
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Hugo Store has been operating in Aspendale 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 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($24) — the best version in Aspendale Insider tip: Parking is free on Thomas Street after 6pm.
6. Golden House — 328 Barkly Lane, Aspendale VIC 3193
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Golden House has been operating in Aspendale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($27) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
7. Southern Lane — 328 Barkly Lane, Aspendale VIC 3193
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Southern Lane has been operating in Aspendale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($24) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The fish special ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
8. Rex’s — 259 Queen Drive, Aspendale VIC 3193
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Rex’s has been operating in Aspendale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($25) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Plenty Lane is usually fine.
Start with: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
9. The Common Room — 196 Smith Drive, Aspendale VIC 3193
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: the whole crew
The Common Room has been operating in Aspendale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($21) 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 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 ($24) — the best version in Aspendale Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
Explore More
- Mordialloc Best Sushi and Japanese — same vibe, different suburb
- Aspendale Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Aspendale Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Aspendale Complete Guide — everything about Aspendale
- Compare Suburbs — see how Aspendale stacks up
- All Aspendale Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Aspendale?
Max Place is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Aspendale good for best sushi and japanese?
Yes. Aspendale has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Aspendale known for?
Quiet bayside suburb with Aspendale Gardens reserve.
How far is Aspendale from Melbourne CBD?
Aspendale is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Aspendale 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

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