Best Sushi & Japanese in Caulfield South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Caulfield South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Tall Table is the one everyone knows. Ash’s is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Quiet residential suburb between Caulfield and Glen Huntly. Caulfield South sits in the Inner South corridor, 10km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Caulfield South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Merchant — 152 Brunswick Place, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Merchant has been operating in Caulfield South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($23) 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 64 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($26) — the best version in Caulfield South Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. New Yard — 166 Plenty Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

New Yard has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($17) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($20) — the best version in Caulfield South Insider tip: Parking is free on Barkly Street after 6pm.

3. The Southern Post — 180 Smith Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Southern Post has been operating in Caulfield South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Green Lane — 201 South Grove, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: solo diners

Green Lane has been operating in Caulfield South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Common Cellar — 157 Plenty Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Common Cellar has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The space seats about 61 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

The Reality of Caulfield South

Quiet residential suburb between Caulfield and Glen Huntly. Kooyong Tennis Centre — home of the Australian Open until 1988. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Caulfield South’s character. Whether you’re based in Caulfield South 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. Tall Pantry — 223 Brunswick Place, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Tall Pantry has been operating in Caulfield South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — the best version in Caulfield South Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Bright Corner — 202 Smith Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Bright Corner has been operating in Caulfield South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Plenty Crescent is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($13) — the best version in Caulfield South Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Caulfield South roaster — ask which one.

8. Atlas — 227 Smith Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: dates

Atlas has been operating in Caulfield South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Plenty Crescent is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Stella’s — 302 Plenty Crescent, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Stella’s has been operating in Caulfield South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($9) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Crescent is usually fine.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. High Corner — 291 South Grove, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: remote workers

High Corner has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Caulfield South farmers market when it runs.

11. Iris Room — 121 South Grove, Caulfield South VIC 3053

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Iris Room has been operating in Caulfield South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($12) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Road is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Caulfield South?

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

Is Caulfield South good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Caulfield South known for?

Quiet residential suburb between Caulfield and Glen Huntly.

How far is Caulfield South from Melbourne CBD?

Caulfield South is 10km, 20min train, 16min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Caulfield South won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026