Best Sushi & Japanese in Hawthorn Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Hawthorn is better than most people realise. Start at Corner, then check out Marco Yard. Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University. Located 6km from the CBD, Hawthorn 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 locals actually recommend.

1. Ash — 226 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Ash has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elm Street is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Green Cellar — 351 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: remote workers

The Green Cellar has been operating in Hawthorn for since 2019 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 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. The Blue Press — 279 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Blue Press has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Go for: The seasonal special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.

4. Nell’s — 282 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

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

The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hawthorn roaster — ask which one.

Why Locals Stay in Hawthorn

Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University. Hawthorn Arts Centre. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Hawthorn’s character. For Hawthorn 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.

5. Bright Room — 319 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Bright Room has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Pearl — 166 Elm Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Pearl has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The room holds 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($24) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hawthorn roaster — ask which one.

7. Finn Place — 284 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Finn Place has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Avenue is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Commons — 217 Maple Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: families

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

Capacity is around 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Cleo Store — 317 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Cleo Store has been operating in Hawthorn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($8) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Hawthorn good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Hawthorn has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Hawthorn known for?

Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University.

How far is Hawthorn from Melbourne CBD?

Hawthorn is 6km, 12min train, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Hawthorn 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