Best Sushi & Japanese in Chelsea Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Chelsea is growing every year. Start at The Sunny Kitchen, then check out Otto’s. Beachside suburb with a strong local identity. Located 18-41km from the CBD, Chelsea is part of Melbourne’s Bayside 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 Chelsea locals actually recommend.

1. Mabel Store — 168 Market Place, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: groups

Mabel Store has been operating in Chelsea for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Marco Corner — 185 Bell Avenue, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: groups

Marco Corner has been operating in Chelsea for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Sunny Commons — 26 Market Place, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Sunny Commons has been operating in Chelsea for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on William Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The seasonal special ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. White Standard — 272 Thomas Road, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: families

White Standard has been operating in Chelsea for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. White Union — 274 William Parade, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

White Union has been operating in Chelsea for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Thomas Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Why Locals Stay in Chelsea

Beachside suburb with a strong local identity. Chelsea pier is popular for fishing. Annual Chelsea Sands Festival. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Chelsea’s character. For Chelsea 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.

6. Marco’s — 130 Bell Avenue, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: solo diners

Marco’s has been operating in Chelsea for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The daily soup ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Sol’s — 190 Thomas Road, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: families

Sol’s has been operating in Chelsea for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 56 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Operator — 175 Bell Avenue, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: the whole crew

Operator has been operating in Chelsea for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Thomas Road is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($10) — the best version in Chelsea Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Leo’s — 171 William Parade, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

Leo’s has been operating in Chelsea for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bell Street after 6pm.

10. Room — 185 Bell Avenue, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

Room has been operating in Chelsea for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 room holds 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Chelsea good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Chelsea known for?

Beachside suburb with a strong local identity.

How far is Chelsea from Melbourne CBD?

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

The truth about Chelsea: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026