Best Sushi & Japanese in Chelsea Heights Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Chelsea Heights to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Ava is the one everyone knows. Hazel’s is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Chelsea Heights sits in the Bayside corridor, 18-41km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Chelsea Heights since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. High Works — 167 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

High Works has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Plenty Street after 6pm.

2. Max Pantry — 288 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Max Pantry has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. The Old Local — 311 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Old Local has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Remy’s — 21 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Remy’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($26) 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 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Plenty Place is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Plenty Street after 6pm.

5. New Room — 242 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

New Room has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 54 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Chelsea Heights farmers market when it runs.

What Makes Chelsea Heights Different

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Chelsea Heights Hotel is a local landmark. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Chelsea Heights’s character. If you’re living in or near Chelsea Heights, 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. Gus’s — 158 Cecil Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Gus’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Cecil Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Vera — 206 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Vera has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lygon Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Vera Cellar — 298 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: the whole crew

Vera Cellar has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($27) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: Parking is free on Lygon Street after 6pm.

9. Ava Yard — 86 Plenty Place, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: families

Ava Yard has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($24) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Chelsea Heights farmers market when it runs.

10. Iris Standard — 178 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: dates

Iris Standard has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($20) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The daily soup ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Chelsea Heights roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Chelsea Heights?

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

Is Chelsea Heights good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Chelsea Heights has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Chelsea Heights known for?

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale.

How far is Chelsea Heights from Melbourne CBD?

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

Chelsea Heights 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