Best Sushi & Japanese in Eltham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Eltham has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Ada’s and Depot lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Mud-brick architecture and arts community define Eltham. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Eltham 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. The Red Post — 110 Rowan Place, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: solo diners

The Red Post has been operating in Eltham 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Eltham farmers market when it runs.

2. Mill — 44 Anderson Grove, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mill has been operating in Eltham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Common Post — 324 Anderson Grove, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Common Post has been operating in Eltham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Ash’s — 157 West Place, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ash’s has been operating in Eltham for over a decade 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.

The space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($23) — the best version in Eltham Insider tip: They source produce from Eltham farmers market when it runs.

5. Zara Pantry — 345 Railway Road, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Zara Pantry has been operating in Eltham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Why Locals Stay in Eltham

Mud-brick architecture and arts community define Eltham. Montsalvat artists’ colony since 1934. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Eltham’s character. For Eltham 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.

6. Northern Quarter — 52 Railway Road, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

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

The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. The Tall Mill — 155 West Place, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Tall Mill has been operating in Eltham for several years 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 monthly 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. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. The New Place — 360 Railway Road, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The New Place has been operating in Eltham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 43 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 ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Golden Post — 82 Anderson Grove, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Golden Post has been operating in Eltham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($12) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Rowan Place is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Rosa’s — 365 Railway Road, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Rosa’s has been operating in Eltham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on West Place is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Eltham good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Eltham has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Eltham known for?

Mud-brick architecture and arts community define Eltham.

How far is Eltham from Melbourne CBD?

Eltham is 24km, 45min train, 32min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Eltham 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