Best Sushi & Japanese in Caulfield Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Caulfield is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Max House, then check out Local. Caulfield Racecourse hosts the Caulfield Cup — one of Australia’s great horse races. Located 9km from the CBD, Caulfield is part of Melbourne’s Inner South 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 Caulfield locals actually recommend.

1. The Bright Room — 118 Albert Street, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: dates

The Bright Room has been operating in Caulfield for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Max’s — 330 Albert Street, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Max’s has been operating in Caulfield for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Lena Post — 32 Albert Street, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: dates

Lena Post has been operating in Caulfield for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Maple Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Caulfield roaster — ask which one.

4. Marco’s — 197 Ash Street, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

Marco’s has been operating in Caulfield for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Caulfield farmers market when it runs.

5. Red Commons — 327 Albert Street, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Red Commons has been operating in Caulfield for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. High Room — 334 Queen Lane, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

High Room has been operating in Caulfield for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Maple Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The Reality of Caulfield

Caulfield Racecourse hosts the Caulfield Cup — one of Australia’s great horse races. Monash University Caulfield campus. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Caulfield’s character. For Caulfield 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. Sunny Yard — 51 Victoria Avenue, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: groups

Sunny Yard has been operating in Caulfield for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Maple Avenue is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($21) — the best version in Caulfield Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. The Green Cellar — 251 Albert Street, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Green Cellar has been operating in Caulfield for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($12) — the best version in Caulfield Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Caulfield roaster — ask which one.

9. Sol — 50 Albert Street, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: dates

Sol has been operating in Caulfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Kitchen — 91 Victoria Avenue, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Kitchen has been operating in Caulfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. Nico’s — 318 Queen Lane, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: families

Nico’s has been operating in Caulfield 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

12. Zara’s — 105 Ash Street, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Zara’s has been operating in Caulfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($24) — the best version in Caulfield Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Caulfield good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Caulfield known for?

Caulfield Racecourse hosts the Caulfield Cup — one of Australia’s great horse races.

How far is Caulfield from Melbourne CBD?

Caulfield is 9km, 18min train, 15min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Caulfield 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