Best Sushi & Japanese in Brighton Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Brighton has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Golden Store and Commons lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 11km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Brighton Beach bathing boxes are a Melbourne icon. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Brighton 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. Nina Cellar — 100 Collins Drive, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

Nina Cellar has been operating in Brighton for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. The Southern Commons — 54 Lake Lane, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: families

The Southern Commons has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Sunny Quarter — 20 King Avenue, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Sunny Quarter has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brighton roaster — ask which one.

4. New House — 108 King Avenue, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: families

New House has been operating in Brighton for over a decade 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.

The room holds 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

5. Vera Yard — 4 Johnston Terrace, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Vera Yard has been operating in Brighton for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 31 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brighton roaster — ask which one.

Why Brighton Is Worth Knowing

Brighton Beach bathing boxes are a Melbourne icon. Church Street shopping. One of Melbourne’s most prestigious bayside suburbs. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Brighton’s character. For Brighton 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. Otto — 233 Johnston Terrace, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Otto has been operating in Brighton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 34 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Brighton Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. The Long Kitchen — 196 Lake Lane, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Long Kitchen has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 50 — 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 house-made relish ($23) — the best version in Brighton Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Ivy Lane — 133 King Avenue, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ivy Lane has been operating in Brighton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($25) — the best version in Brighton Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Remy’s — 213 Elizabeth Place, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Remy’s has been operating in Brighton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Marco — 54 Johnston Terrace, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: families

Marco has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($27) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elizabeth Place is usually fine.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Brighton good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Brighton known for?

Brighton Beach bathing boxes are a Melbourne icon.

How far is Brighton from Melbourne CBD?

Brighton is 11km, 22min train, 18min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Brighton is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026