Best Sushi & Japanese in Bayswater Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Bayswater is growing every year. Start at Kai Commons, then check out Cleo. Sits along Mountain Highway with emerging cafe scene. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Bayswater is part of Melbourne’s Outer East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Bayswater locals actually recommend.

1. White Table — 126 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

White Table has been operating in Bayswater for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($24) 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 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Road is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Bayswater farmers market when it runs.

2. Theo Store — 45 Park Lane, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: groups

Theo Store has been operating in Bayswater 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 space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Common Works — 71 Park Lane, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Common Works has been operating in Bayswater for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($14) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. The Golden Post — 20 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Golden Post has been operating in Bayswater for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Bayswater Is Worth Knowing

Sits along Mountain Highway with emerging cafe scene. Industrial precinct provides local employment. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Bayswater’s character. Whether you’re based in Bayswater 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.

5. The Humble Commons — 114 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Humble Commons has been operating in Bayswater for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 60 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Oliver’s — 217 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Oliver’s has been operating in Bayswater for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($19) — the best version in Bayswater Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bayswater roaster — ask which one.

7. Good Cellar — 338 Lake Avenue, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Good Cellar has been operating in Bayswater for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($18) 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 58 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Park Lane is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

8. Pantry — 72 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Pantry has been operating in Bayswater for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. The Bright Kitchen — 117 Bay Street, Bayswater VIC 3166

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Bright Kitchen has been operating in Bayswater for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Park Lane is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Bayswater good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Bayswater has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Bayswater known for?

Sits along Mountain Highway with emerging cafe scene.

How far is Bayswater from Melbourne CBD?

Bayswater is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Bayswater to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026