Best Sushi & Japanese in Croydon Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Croydon has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Mabel and Bright Cellar lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 27km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Sits at the base of the Dandenong Ranges. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Croydon 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. Luna Pantry — 149 Park Road, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Luna Pantry has been operating in Croydon 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Leo’s — 190 Park Road, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: groups

Leo’s has been operating in Croydon for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 58 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($19) — the best version in Croydon Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Ada’s — 130 Ash Street, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ada’s has been operating in Croydon for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Hazel Union — 312 Ash Street, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Hazel Union has been operating in Croydon for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($23) 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. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Gus Table — 27 Park Road, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Gus Table has been operating in Croydon for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Main Lane is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. Northern House — 316 Park Road, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: groups

Northern House has been operating in Croydon for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Park Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Croydon — The Honest Version

Sits at the base of the Dandenong Ranges. Main Street retains genuine village character. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Croydon’s character. Whether you’re based in Croydon 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.

7. The Honest Corner — 43 Park Road, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: dates

The Honest Corner has been operating in Croydon for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($19) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($20) — the best version in Croydon Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Ava Works — 314 Bay Place, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ava Works has been operating in Croydon for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($10) 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 64 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Croydon roaster — ask which one.

9. Little Cellar — 192 Park Road, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Little Cellar has been operating in Croydon for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($22) — the best version in Croydon Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Golden Pantry — 152 Elizabeth Avenue, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Golden Pantry has been operating in Croydon for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Place is usually fine.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. The High Social — 304 Elizabeth Avenue, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The High Social has been operating in Croydon for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in Croydon Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

12. Ruby Corner — 181 Ash Street, Croydon VIC 3134

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Ruby Corner has been operating in Croydon for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Croydon good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Croydon has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Croydon known for?

Sits at the base of the Dandenong Ranges.

How far is Croydon from Melbourne CBD?

Croydon is 27km, 42min train, 33min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Croydon: 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