Best Sushi & Japanese in Blackburn Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Blackburn has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The High Cellar and Cleo lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Blackburn Lake Sanctuary — 26 hectares of native bush in the heart of suburbia. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Blackburn 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. Good Place — 154 Bay Parade, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Good Place has been operating in Blackburn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Blackburn roaster — ask which one.

2. The Green Place — 153 Henry Parade, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Green Place has been operating in Blackburn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($14) — the best version in Blackburn Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Ava Social — 365 Henry Parade, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ava Social has been operating in Blackburn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Henry Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. High Place — 71 Bay Parade, Blackburn VIC 3160

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

High Place has been operating in Blackburn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($14) 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 46 — 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 daily soup ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Blackburn roaster — ask which one.

What Blackburn Actually Is

Blackburn Lake Sanctuary — 26 hectares of native bush in the heart of suburbia. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Blackburn’s character. If you’re living in or near Blackburn, 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. Kai’s — 20 Hill Crescent, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Kai’s has been operating in Blackburn 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($15) — the best version in Blackburn Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

6. Mia — 41 Bay Parade, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: groups

Mia has been operating in Blackburn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 space seats about 56 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Ash’s — 360 Hill Crescent, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: remote workers

Ash’s has been operating in Blackburn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($8) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Oliver — 137 Market Street, Blackburn VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

Oliver has been operating in Blackburn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the best version in Blackburn Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Blackburn roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Blackburn good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Blackburn has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Blackburn known for?

Blackburn Lake Sanctuary — 26 hectares of native bush in the heart of suburbia.

How far is Blackburn from Melbourne CBD?

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

Look — Blackburn won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026