Best Sushi & Japanese in Epping Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Epping has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Atlas and Atlas Lane lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 22km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Home to Northern Hospital, one of Melbourne’s busiest public hospitals. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Epping 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. Ava — 318 Cecil Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ava has been operating in Epping for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Rosa — 93 Bay Street, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Rosa has been operating in Epping for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. White Social — 28 Margaret Crescent, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

White Social has been operating in Epping for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Street is usually fine.

Go for: The seasonal special ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Sunny Bench — 174 South Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: dates

Sunny Bench has been operating in Epping 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Cecil Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Epping roaster — ask which one.

5. New Local — 117 Bay Street, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: groups

New Local has been operating in Epping for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Makes Epping Different

Home to Northern Hospital, one of Melbourne’s busiest public hospitals. Northern terminus of the Mernda rail line. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Epping’s character. For Epping 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. Common Store — 5 Cecil Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Common Store has been operating in Epping 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Margaret Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Cellar — 283 South Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Cellar has been operating in Epping for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Epping roaster — ask which one.

8. Pearl’s — 360 Margaret Crescent, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Pearl’s has been operating in Epping for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($11) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Ash — 308 South Road, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ash has been operating in Epping for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($18) 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 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($18) — the best version in Epping Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Lena Standard — 176 Margaret Crescent, Epping VIC 3094

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: budget eaters

Lena Standard has been operating in Epping for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($14) — the best version in Epping Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Epping good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Epping has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Epping known for?

Home to Northern Hospital, one of Melbourne’s busiest public hospitals.

How far is Epping from Melbourne CBD?

Epping is 22km, 42min train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Epping to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026