Best Sushi & Japanese in Box Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Quarter |
| Best free option | Mia |
| Best for families | Bright Lane |
| Best local secret | Otto’s |
| Best for rainy days | The Old Standard |
Box Hill has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Nico’s and Humble Press lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. One of Melbourne’s best collections of Asian restaurants outside the CBD. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Box Hill 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. Iris’s — 301 Anderson Parade, Box Hill VIC 3139
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Iris’s has been operating in Box Hill for since 2019 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.
Capacity is around 33 — 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 ($27) — the best version in Box Hill Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
2. Mia’s — 290 Smith Grove, Box Hill VIC 3139
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: groups
Mia’s has been operating in Box Hill 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 42 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Main Crescent is usually fine.
Try this: The charcuterie board ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
3. Ivy Yard — 344 Main Crescent, Box Hill VIC 3139
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: solo diners
Ivy Yard has been operating in Box Hill 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 34 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Anderson Parade is usually fine.
Go for: The house-made relish ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Box Hill farmers market when it runs.
4. Nico — 314 Anderson Parade, Box Hill VIC 3139
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Nico has been operating in Box Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) 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 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
5. The High Press — 49 Smith Grove, Box Hill VIC 3139
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The High Press has been operating in Box Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 58 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Park Road is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
The Reality of Box Hill
One of Melbourne’s best collections of Asian restaurants outside the CBD. Box Hill Central is a significant food precinct. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Box Hill’s character. For Box Hill locals and anyone in the area, 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. Zara Post — 344 Anderson Parade, Box Hill VIC 3139
What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Zara Post has been operating in Box Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.
Capacity is around 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
7. The Half Room — 6 Park Road, Box Hill VIC 3139
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The Half Room has been operating in Box Hill 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The daily soup ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Otto Depot — 339 Park Road, Box Hill VIC 3139
What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Otto Depot has been operating in Box Hill for several years 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The sourdough bread ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. Finn — 77 Anderson Parade, Box Hill VIC 3139
What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Finn has been operating in Box Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Box Hill farmers market when it runs.
10. The New Room — 237 Lygon Drive, Box Hill VIC 3139
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: the whole crew
The New Room has been operating in Box Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.
Capacity is around 33 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The house-made relish ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
11. Nico Table — 364 Anderson Parade, Box Hill VIC 3139
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Nico Table has been operating in Box Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The daily soup ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
Explore More
- Box Hill North Best Sushi and Japanese — same vibe, different suburb
- Box Hill Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Box Hill Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Box Hill Complete Guide — everything about Box Hill
- Compare Suburbs — see how Box Hill stacks up
- All Box Hill Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Box Hill?
Quarter is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Box Hill good for best sushi and japanese?
Yes. Box Hill has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.
What is Box Hill known for?
One of Melbourne’s best collections of Asian restaurants outside the CBD.
How far is Box Hill from Melbourne CBD?
Box Hill is 14km, 26min train, 22min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Box Hill 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

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