Best Sushi & Japanese in Collingwood Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Collingwood has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Good Pantry and Press lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 3km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Collingwood 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. Nico Quarter — 267 Bell Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Nico Quarter has been operating in Collingwood 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Albert Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.

2. Kai Room — 206 Cecil Avenue, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: groups

Kai Room has been operating in Collingwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($23) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Sunny Union — 275 Albert Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: families

Sunny Union has been operating in Collingwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($23) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: Parking is free on Bell Street after 6pm.

4. Operator — 2 William Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Operator has been operating in Collingwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($17) 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 49 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

What Nobody Tells You About Collingwood

Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips. Craft breweries, galleries, and independent bars. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Collingwood’s character. If you’re living in or near Collingwood, 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. Theo Kitchen — 280 William Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Theo Kitchen has been operating in Collingwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($11) 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($16) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Hugo’s — 34 William Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Hugo’s has been operating in Collingwood for since the early 2020s 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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Sydney Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Collingwood roaster — ask which one.

7. Atlas’s — 226 Albert Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: the whole crew

Atlas’s has been operating in Collingwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($23) 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. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Sydney Street after 6pm.

8. Max’s — 44 Cecil Avenue, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: solo diners

Max’s has been operating in Collingwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The fish special ($22) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Remy — 363 Albert Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

Remy has been operating in Collingwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The space seats about 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bell Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($17) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Collingwood good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Collingwood has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Collingwood known for?

Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips.

How far is Collingwood from Melbourne CBD?

Collingwood is 3km, 10min tram, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Collingwood 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