Best Sushi & Japanese in Elsternwick Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Elsternwick to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Red Social is the one everyone knows. Little Store is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip. Elsternwick sits in the Inner South corridor, 8km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Elsternwick since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nell’s — 198 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: solo diners

Nell’s has been operating in Elsternwick for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.

Capacity is around 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Place is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($21) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Vera Press — 246 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Vera Press has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Max’s — 120 West Street, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

Max’s has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Ava’s — 212 Swan Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Ava’s has been operating in Elsternwick for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($24) 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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($25) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Gus’s — 348 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Gus’s has been operating in Elsternwick for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. Hazel’s — 122 West Street, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Hazel’s has been operating in Elsternwick for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 30 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Collins Street after 6pm.

What Elsternwick Actually Is

Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip. Elsternwick Village has strong Jewish community heritage. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Elsternwick’s character. If you’re living in or near Elsternwick, 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. Otto’s — 106 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Otto’s has been operating in Elsternwick for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($26) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lygon Drive is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. The Golden Yard — 200 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: dates

The Golden Yard has been operating in Elsternwick for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. The Golden Kitchen — 146 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Golden Kitchen has been operating in Elsternwick for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The daily soup ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Social — 24 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

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

Social has been operating in Elsternwick for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($14) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. Lena Pantry — 169 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

Lena Pantry has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Elsternwick roaster — ask which one.

12. The Green Kitchen — 267 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Green Kitchen has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Elsternwick roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Elsternwick good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Elsternwick known for?

Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip.

How far is Elsternwick from Melbourne CBD?

Elsternwick is 8km, 16min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Elsternwick 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