Best Sushi & Japanese in Bundoora Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Bundoora is growing every year. Start at Finn, then check out Ivy Yard. Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses. Located 16km from the CBD, Bundoora is part of Melbourne’s Outer 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 Bundoora locals actually recommend.

1. Kai Depot — 203 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Kai Depot has been operating in Bundoora for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Long Store — 152 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Long Store has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 56 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Bundoora farmers market when it runs.

3. Gus Lane — 307 Young Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Gus Lane has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($10) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Red Kitchen — 186 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Red Kitchen has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

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

5. Good Pantry — 230 Cecil Crescent, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Good Pantry has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Locals Stay in Bundoora

Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses. Major education precinct. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Bundoora’s character. Whether you’re based in Bundoora 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. The Golden Kitchen — 343 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Golden Kitchen has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($14) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Swan Street after 6pm.

7. White Bench — 330 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

White Bench has been operating in Bundoora for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 — 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 pumpkin risotto ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Cleo Commons — 277 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Cleo Commons has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 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 monthly 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. Street parking on Cecil Crescent is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Gus Store — 133 Swan Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Gus Store has been operating in Bundoora 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on King Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($23) — the best version in Bundoora Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Pearl — 27 King Road, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Pearl has been operating in Bundoora for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($25) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Luna’s — 57 Young Parade, Bundoora VIC 3082

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Luna’s has been operating in Bundoora for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) 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 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Bundoora good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Bundoora has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Bundoora known for?

Home to RMIT Bundoora and La Trobe University campuses.

How far is Bundoora from Melbourne CBD?

Bundoora is 16km, no direct train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Bundoora 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