Best Sushi & Japanese in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Highett has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Nina and The White Store lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 15km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Highett resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Marco Quarter — 97 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Marco Quarter has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. River’s — 189 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

River’s has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($26) 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 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Otto Mill — 22 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: solo diners

Otto Mill has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 39 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Go for: The seasonal special ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Red Lane — 73 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Red Lane has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Why Highett Is Worth Knowing

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Highett’s character. For Highett 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. The Humble Kitchen — 244 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: remote workers

The Humble Kitchen has been operating in Highett 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 42 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 fish special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Common Mill — 137 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Common Mill has been operating in Highett 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

7. Lucky Depot — 272 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: dates

Lucky Depot has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. The Tall Lane — 260 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: solo diners

The Tall Lane has been operating in Highett for since 2019 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Barkly Street after 6pm.

9. Red Post — 54 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Red Post has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Highett good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?

Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Highett isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026