Best Sushi & Japanese in Hawthorn East Melbourne — 2026 Guide
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| No-cost pick | New Corner | | Best with kids | The High Table | | Hidden spot | Northern Press | | Bad weather pick | Table |
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
The space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The charcuterie board ($15) — solid
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
Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Street parking on South Place is usually fine.
Try this: The daily soup ($16) — solid
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
The space seats about 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — solid 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 space seats about 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on South Place is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Street parking on South Place is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Ash Crescent is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The daily soup ($14) — solid 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
Capacity is around 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on South Place is usually fine.
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
The room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The lamb shoulder ($13) — solid 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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
