Best Sushi & Japanese in Fitzroy Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Fitzroy is genuinely worth exploring. Start at The Tall Cellar, then check out The New House. Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb. Located 2km from the CBD, Fitzroy is part of Melbourne’s Inner North region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Fitzroy locals actually recommend.

1. Nell’s — 6 Market Grove, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: remote workers

Nell’s has been operating in Fitzroy for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Market Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($15) — the best version in Fitzroy Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Nell Local — 330 Pine Drive, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Nell Local has been operating in Fitzroy for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on North Road is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($22) — the best version in Fitzroy Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Mabel’s — 347 Pine Drive, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Mabel’s has been operating in Fitzroy for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Lena — 63 North Road, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Lena has been operating in Fitzroy for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($9) 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 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on North Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Fitzroy roaster — ask which one.

5. The Half Works — 173 North Road, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Half Works has been operating in Fitzroy for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

What Fitzroy Actually Is

Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb. Galleries, vintage shops, live music. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Fitzroy’s character. For Fitzroy 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. Blue Cellar — 31 Pine Drive, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Blue Cellar has been operating in Fitzroy 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 47 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Ivy Depot — 157 Queen Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Ivy Depot has been operating in Fitzroy for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 46 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 house-made relish ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. The Sunny Bench — 188 North Road, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: families

The Sunny Bench has been operating in Fitzroy for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The seasonal special ($13) — the best version in Fitzroy Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Fitzroy roaster — ask which one.

9. Sol Corner — 123 Market Grove, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Sol Corner has been operating in Fitzroy for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 52 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 daily soup ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. The Southern Commons — 60 Smith Avenue, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: solo diners

The Southern Commons has been operating in Fitzroy for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Rex — 322 Market Grove, Fitzroy VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Rex has been operating in Fitzroy for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($25) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Fitzroy good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Fitzroy has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Fitzroy known for?

Brunswick Street and Smith Street define Fitzroy — Melbourne’s original bohemian suburb.

How far is Fitzroy from Melbourne CBD?

Fitzroy is 2km, 10min tram, 6min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Fitzroy isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026