Best Sushi & Japanese in Carrum Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Carrum has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Sol’s and Kai’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 18-41km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Carrum Beach and Patterson River marina define this suburb. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Carrum 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. Marco’s — 28 Park Drive, Carrum VIC 3189

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Marco’s has been operating in Carrum for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Southern Quarter — 35 Park Drive, Carrum VIC 3189

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Southern Quarter has been operating in Carrum for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($25) — the best version in Carrum Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. The Good Social — 193 Chapel Parade, Carrum VIC 3189

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Good Social has been operating in Carrum for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($16) 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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. River Corner — 103 Bell Road, Carrum VIC 3189

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

River Corner has been operating in Carrum for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($19) — the best version in Carrum Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Zara — 346 Victoria Terrace, Carrum VIC 3189

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Zara has been operating in Carrum 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. The Blue Pantry — 253 Bell Road, Carrum VIC 3189

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Blue Pantry has been operating in Carrum for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($19) — the best version in Carrum Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Carrum Is Worth Knowing

Carrum Beach and Patterson River marina define this suburb. Level crossing removal has revitalized the area. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Carrum’s character. For Carrum 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. Standard — 234 Sydney Grove, Carrum VIC 3189

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Standard has been operating in Carrum for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly 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. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

8. Max’s — 180 Sydney Grove, Carrum VIC 3189

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Max’s has been operating in Carrum for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Park Drive is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Carrum roaster — ask which one.

9. Works — 110 Chapel Parade, Carrum VIC 3189

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the whole crew

Works has been operating in Carrum for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Bench — 216 Bell Road, Carrum VIC 3189

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Bench has been operating in Carrum for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The house-made relish ($12) — the best version in Carrum Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. The Long Standard — 17 Chapel Parade, Carrum VIC 3189

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

The Long Standard has been operating in Carrum for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

12. Green Quarter — 80 Victoria Terrace, Carrum VIC 3189

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Green Quarter has been operating in Carrum for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the best version in Carrum Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Carrum good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Carrum has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Carrum known for?

Carrum Beach and Patterson River marina define this suburb.

How far is Carrum from Melbourne CBD?

Carrum is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Carrum 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