Best Sushi & Japanese in Belgrave Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Belgrave has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. High Store and Rex’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 38km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. End of the Belgrave rail line. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Belgrave 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. Sol — 44 Swan Avenue, Belgrave VIC 3138

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Sol has been operating in Belgrave 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Depot — 268 Edward Place, Belgrave VIC 3138

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Depot has been operating in Belgrave for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($20) 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 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Belgrave farmers market when it runs.

3. Zara Union — 153 Queen Road, Belgrave VIC 3138

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Zara Union has been operating in Belgrave for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Belgrave farmers market when it runs.

4. Vera’s — 218 Swan Avenue, Belgrave VIC 3138

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Vera’s has been operating in Belgrave for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($18) — the best version in Belgrave Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The Reality of Belgrave

End of the Belgrave rail line. Puffing Billy Railway departs from here. Gateway to Sherbrooke Forest and lyrebird walks. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Belgrave’s character. Whether you’re based in Belgrave 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. High Depot — 298 Edward Place, Belgrave VIC 3138

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

High Depot has been operating in Belgrave for since 2019 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 38 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 charcuterie board ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Good Bench — 197 Plenty Avenue, Belgrave VIC 3138

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Good Bench has been operating in Belgrave for over a decade 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.

The space seats about 48 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 seasonal special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Press — 44 Queen Road, Belgrave VIC 3138

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: solo diners

Press has been operating in Belgrave for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($19) — the best version in Belgrave Insider tip: They source produce from Belgrave farmers market when it runs.

8. The Sunny House — 330 Edward Place, Belgrave VIC 3138

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Sunny House has been operating in Belgrave 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Edward Place is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Belgrave roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Belgrave good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Belgrave has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Belgrave known for?

End of the Belgrave rail line.

How far is Belgrave from Melbourne CBD?

Belgrave is 38km, 60min train, 42min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Belgrave 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