Best Sushi & Japanese in Hawthorn East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Hawthorn East is better than most people realise. Start at Social, then check out The Southern Social. Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Hawthorn East is part of Melbourne’s Middle 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 Hawthorn East locals actually recommend.

1. Nico — 140 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nico has been operating in Hawthorn East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

2. The Little Quarter — 25 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Little Quarter has been operating in Hawthorn East 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on South Place is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Ada’s — 51 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Ada’s has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. The Southern Yard — 105 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Southern Yard has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade 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 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($20) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

5. Lena Room — 380 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Lena Room has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on South Place is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on South Street after 6pm.

What Makes Hawthorn East Different

Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Hawthorn East’s character. For Hawthorn East 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. Mill — 91 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Mill has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on South Place is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on South Street after 6pm.

7. Ruby’s — 343 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ruby’s has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Ash Crescent is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Lucky Corner — 352 Thomas Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Lucky Corner has been operating in Hawthorn East for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The daily soup ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. White Commons — 233 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

White Commons has been operating in Hawthorn East 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.

Capacity is around 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on South Place is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Remy Lane — 265 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Remy Lane has been operating in Hawthorn East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($10) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Hawthorn East?

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

Is Hawthorn East good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Hawthorn East known for?

Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops.

How far is Hawthorn East from Melbourne CBD?

Hawthorn East is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Hawthorn East: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026