Best Sushi & Japanese in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Forest Hill is growing every year. Start at Good Mill, then check out Ash Standard. Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Forest Hill is part of Melbourne’s Outer East 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 Forest Hill locals actually recommend.

1. Little Union — 339 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Little Union has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($23) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. The Half Store — 354 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: families

The Half Store has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the best version in Forest Hill Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

3. Marco Commons — 352 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Marco Commons has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. The Little Commons — 252 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: dates

The Little Commons has been operating in Forest Hill for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

5. Red Quarter — 218 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Red Quarter has been operating in Forest Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Murray Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Makes Forest Hill Different

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Forest Hill’s character. If you’re living in or near Forest Hill, 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. Ash’s — 323 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ash’s has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($10) 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.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Vera Corner — 346 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Vera Corner has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($23) 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. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Iris — 238 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Iris has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The room holds 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The house-made relish ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Kai Table — 345 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: families

Kai Table has been operating in Forest Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($16) 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 60 — 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 charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.

10. Union — 40 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Union has been operating in Forest Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

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

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Forest Hill?

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

Is Forest Hill good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Forest Hill known for?

Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.

How far is Forest Hill from Melbourne CBD?

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

If you’re comparing Forest Hill 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