Best Sushi & Japanese in Bentleigh East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Bentleigh East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Gus’s is the one everyone knows. Blue Post is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail. Bentleigh East sits in the Middle South corridor, 12-18km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Bentleigh East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Otto’s — 150 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Otto’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. White Yard — 34 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: solo diners

White Yard has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The room holds 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($21) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Assembly — 170 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: the whole crew

Assembly has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Iris’s — 365 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: remote workers

Iris’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Zara — 75 Margaret Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: families

Zara has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

What Makes Bentleigh East Different

Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail. Close to GESAC aquatic centre. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Bentleigh East’s character. If you’re living in or near Bentleigh East, 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.

6. Bright Depot — 144 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Bright Depot has been operating in Bentleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($9) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on South Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Bentleigh East farmers market when it runs.

7. Pantry — 94 Margaret Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Pantry has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lygon Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($22) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. The Half Bench — 7 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: dates

The Half Bench has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Station Crescent is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. The Bright Works — 59 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Bright Works has been operating in Bentleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. River — 270 Margaret Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

River has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($23) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Bentleigh East?

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

Is Bentleigh East good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Bentleigh East has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Bentleigh East known for?

Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail.

How far is Bentleigh East from Melbourne CBD?

Bentleigh East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Bentleigh East 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