Best Sushi & Japanese in Cheltenham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Cheltenham has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. White Pantry and Ivy Place lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 18km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Cheltenham 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. Leo’s — 152 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Leo’s has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($17) 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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Cheltenham roaster — ask which one.

2. Max’s — 173 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Max’s has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($26) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Marco’s — 243 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Marco’s has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

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

4. The Green Mill — 349 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

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

The Green Mill has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Collins Street after 6pm.

Why Cheltenham Is Worth Knowing

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Southland shopping centre nearby. Bayside beach access close. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Cheltenham’s character. Whether you’re based in Cheltenham 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.

5. Green Lane — 14 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Green Lane has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($12) 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 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($11) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Table — 245 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Table has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Park Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Cheltenham farmers market when it runs.

7. Sunny Store — 178 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: groups

Sunny Store has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Collins Lane is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

8. The High Press — 181 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The High Press has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bourke Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($20) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: They source produce from Cheltenham farmers market when it runs.

9. The Old Table — 199 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

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

The room holds 61 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 pumpkin risotto ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Cheltenham farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Cheltenham good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Cheltenham has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Cheltenham known for?

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination.

How far is Cheltenham from Melbourne CBD?

Cheltenham is 18km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Cheltenham to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026