Best Sushi & Japanese in Hampton Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Hampton to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Kai’s is the one everyone knows. House is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Hampton Street is one of Melbourne’s best suburban shopping strips. Hampton sits in the Bayside corridor, 14km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Hampton since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Ash Post — 284 Church Crescent, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ash Post has been operating in Hampton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Assembly — 90 Church Crescent, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Assembly has been operating in Hampton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($16) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Plenty Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($19) — the best version in Hampton Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Stella’s — 101 River Crescent, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Stella’s has been operating in Hampton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 space seats about 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bell Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The seasonal special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Nina Post — 204 Smith Drive, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: budget eaters

Nina Post has been operating in Hampton for over a decade 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Table — 206 Plenty Crescent, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Table has been operating in Hampton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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 58 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 charcuterie board ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. Ivy Cellar — 379 Bell Parade, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ivy Cellar has been operating in Hampton for since the early 2020s 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.

Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The fish special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The Reality of Hampton

Hampton Street is one of Melbourne’s best suburban shopping strips. Hampton Beach. Strong independent retail and cafe culture. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Hampton’s character. If you’re living in or near Hampton, 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.

7. Ivy’s — 223 Church Crescent, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ivy’s has been operating in Hampton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — the best version in Hampton Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Good Union — 100 Smith Drive, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: remote workers

Good Union has been operating in Hampton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the best version in Hampton Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Little Table — 125 Smith Drive, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Little Table has been operating in Hampton for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 31 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 charcuterie board ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. The Half Kitchen — 52 Church Crescent, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Half Kitchen has been operating in Hampton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Crescent is usually fine.

Get the: The fish special ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Ash’s — 83 Bell Parade, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: families

Ash’s has been operating in Hampton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($19) — the best version in Hampton Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

12. Stella Bench — 360 Bell Parade, Hampton VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

Stella Bench has been operating in Hampton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the best version in Hampton Insider tip: Parking is free on River Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Hampton good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Hampton has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Hampton known for?

Hampton Street is one of Melbourne’s best suburban shopping strips.

How far is Hampton from Melbourne CBD?

Hampton is 14km, 28min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Hampton 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