Best Sushi & Japanese in Clarinda Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Clarinda has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Depot and Kitchen lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 19km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Quiet residential suburb between Clayton South and Moorabbin. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Clarinda 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. Finn Cellar — 140 Bridge Avenue, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Finn Cellar has been operating in Clarinda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($18) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the best version in Clarinda Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. The Northern Place — 263 River Lane, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Northern Place has been operating in Clarinda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Blake Street is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Tall Standard — 203 Blake Street, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Tall Standard has been operating in Clarinda for since 2019 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Clarinda farmers market when it runs.

4. Lena — 378 Bay Crescent, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: families

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

The space seats about 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($12) — the best version in Clarinda Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Clarinda Actually Is

Quiet residential suburb between Clayton South and Moorabbin. Clarinda Shopping Centre on Centre Road. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Clarinda’s character. For Clarinda 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.

5. The Golden Store — 31 River Lane, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Golden Store has been operating in Clarinda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Assembly — 185 River Lane, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Assembly has been operating in Clarinda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Clarinda roaster — ask which one.

7. Honest Press — 187 Ash Grove, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: groups

Honest Press has been operating in Clarinda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The space seats about 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Remy Cellar — 243 Blake Street, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Remy Cellar has been operating in Clarinda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Clarinda good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Clarinda has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Clarinda known for?

Quiet residential suburb between Clayton South and Moorabbin.

How far is Clarinda from Melbourne CBD?

Clarinda is 19km, no direct train, 26min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Clarinda 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