Best Sushi & Japanese in Ferntree Gully Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Ferntree Gully to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Atlas Cellar is the one everyone knows. Kai’s is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. Ferntree Gully sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Ferntree Gully since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Theo — 362 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Theo has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The space seats about 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on George Street after 6pm.

2. Zara’s — 182 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Zara’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Street is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

3. Mia Social — 320 Willow Road, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: dates

Mia Social has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.

4. Rex’s — 187 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Rex’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Old Kitchen — 217 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: groups

Old Kitchen has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 56 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

The Ferntree Gully That Locals Know

Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Ferntree Gully’s character. If you’re living in or near Ferntree Gully, 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. The Sunny Corner — 32 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Sunny Corner has been operating in Ferntree Gully 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.

7. Iris’s — 87 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Iris’s has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 53 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 daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on George Street after 6pm.

8. The Good Bench — 343 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Good Bench has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) 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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The house-made relish ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Hugo Store — 124 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: families

Hugo Store has been operating in Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($25) 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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($23) — the best version in Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Cellar — 215 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: groups

Cellar has been operating in Ferntree Gully for since 2019 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.

The space seats about 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Willow Road is usually fine.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($17) — the best version in Ferntree Gully Insider tip: They source produce from Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Ferntree Gully?

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

Is Ferntree Gully good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Ferntree Gully has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Ferntree Gully known for?

Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks.

How far is Ferntree Gully from Melbourne CBD?

Ferntree Gully is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Ferntree Gully is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026