Best Sushi & Japanese in Bentleigh Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Bentleigh has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Honest Room and The Bright Post lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Centre Road dining strip has diverse restaurants. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Bentleigh 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. The High Yard — 159 Anderson Road, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The High Yard has been operating in Bentleigh 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Road is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Bentleigh roaster — ask which one.

2. The White Place — 184 West Street, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The White Place has been operating in Bentleigh for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($12) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Road is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Nina Pantry — 44 West Street, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Nina Pantry has been operating in Bentleigh for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Railway Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($22) — the best version in Bentleigh Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Stella’s — 166 Murray Road, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: budget eaters

Stella’s has been operating in Bentleigh for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Why Bentleigh Is Worth Knowing

Centre Road dining strip has diverse restaurants. Bentleigh station on Frankston line. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Bentleigh’s character. If you’re living in or near Bentleigh, 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 Sunny Kitchen — 28 Maple Parade, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Sunny Kitchen has been operating in Bentleigh for several years 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.

Capacity is around 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. Rex’s — 58 Maple Parade, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Rex’s has been operating in Bentleigh for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($11) 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 48 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Railway Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Common Yard — 262 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: families

Common Yard has been operating in Bentleigh 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($18) — the best version in Bentleigh Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Marco’s — 197 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Marco’s has been operating in Bentleigh for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Society — 94 Railway Drive, Bentleigh VIC 3164

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: dates

Society has been operating in Bentleigh for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Bentleigh good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Bentleigh has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Bentleigh known for?

Centre Road dining strip has diverse restaurants.

How far is Bentleigh from Melbourne CBD?

Bentleigh is 14km, 25min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Bentleigh 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