Best Sushi & Japanese in Brunswick Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Brunswick is better than most people realise. Start at The Green Quarter, then check out Ada’s. Sydney Road is one of Melbourne’s longest continuous shopping strips. Located 5km from the CBD, Brunswick is part of Melbourne’s Inner North region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Brunswick locals actually recommend.

1. Cleo’s — 372 Queen Grove, Brunswick VIC 3172

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Cleo’s has been operating in Brunswick for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 41 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. The New Cellar — 282 Queen Grove, Brunswick VIC 3172

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: families

The New Cellar has been operating in Brunswick for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on George Street is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. The Long Corner — 368 Queen Grove, Brunswick VIC 3172

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Long Corner has been operating in Brunswick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($24) 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 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Ada Room — 55 Anderson Grove, Brunswick VIC 3172

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ada Room has been operating in Brunswick for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($23) — the best version in Brunswick Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. The Southern Depot — 160 Queen Grove, Brunswick VIC 3172

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: groups

The Southern Depot has been operating in Brunswick for several years 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brunswick roaster — ask which one.

What Brunswick Actually Is

Sydney Road is one of Melbourne’s longest continuous shopping strips. Live music, Middle Eastern food, and Brunswick Market. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Brunswick’s character. Whether you’re based in Brunswick or visiting from nearby, 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. Red Mill — 217 George Street, Brunswick VIC 3172

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Red Mill has been operating in Brunswick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brunswick roaster — ask which one.

7. The Little Press — 198 Smith Street, Brunswick VIC 3172

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Little Press has been operating in Brunswick for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($18) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Finn’s — 265 Anderson Grove, Brunswick VIC 3172

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Finn’s has been operating in Brunswick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Leo House — 293 George Street, Brunswick VIC 3172

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: remote workers

Leo House has been operating in Brunswick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. The Southern Union — 64 Smith Street, Brunswick VIC 3172

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Southern Union has been operating in Brunswick for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Anderson Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($10) — the best version in Brunswick Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Green Social — 364 Anderson Grove, Brunswick VIC 3172

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: groups

Green Social has been operating in Brunswick for since the early 2020s 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 room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on George Street is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Brunswick good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Brunswick has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Brunswick known for?

Sydney Road is one of Melbourne’s longest continuous shopping strips.

How far is Brunswick from Melbourne CBD?

Brunswick is 5km, 15min tram, 10min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Brunswick: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026