Best Sushi & Japanese in Canterbury Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Canterbury to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Zara’s is the one everyone knows. Marco Kitchen is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. One of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs. Canterbury sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Canterbury since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Lena Depot — 91 Bourke Road, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Lena Depot has been operating in Canterbury for since 2019 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 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Canterbury roaster — ask which one.

2. Nina — 15 River Drive, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

Nina has been operating in Canterbury for since the early 2020s 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 room holds 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Finn Mill — 45 Victoria Street, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Finn Mill has been operating in Canterbury for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Canterbury roaster — ask which one.

4. Marco Works — 232 Oak Road, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Marco Works has been operating in Canterbury for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Ada’s — 109 Bourke Road, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ada’s has been operating in Canterbury for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on River Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($12) — the best version in Canterbury Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. River Cellar — 7 Elizabeth Place, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

River Cellar has been operating in Canterbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($19) — the best version in Canterbury Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Makes Canterbury Different

One of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs. Tree-lined streets and heritage homes. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Canterbury’s character. For Canterbury 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.

7. Ivy Store — 154 Oak Road, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ivy Store has been operating in Canterbury for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 56 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($23) — the best version in Canterbury Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. The New Bench — 73 Elizabeth Place, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The New Bench has been operating in Canterbury for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($11) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Victoria Street is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. The Red Social — 91 Bourke Road, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Red Social has been operating in Canterbury for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Canterbury farmers market when it runs.

10. White Social — 312 River Drive, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

White Social has been operating in Canterbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($26) 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 34 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Drive is usually fine.

Get the: The seasonal special ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Mia Bench — 113 Elizabeth Place, Canterbury VIC 3146

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Mia Bench has been operating in Canterbury for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elizabeth Place is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Lucky Mill — 14 Bourke Road, Canterbury VIC 3146

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

Lucky Mill has been operating in Canterbury for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Canterbury good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Canterbury has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Canterbury known for?

One of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs.

How far is Canterbury from Melbourne CBD?

Canterbury is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Canterbury 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