Best Sushi & Japanese in Kew East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Kew East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. High Room is the one everyone knows. Nina is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. Kew East sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Kew East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Good Works — 38 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: groups

The Good Works has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s 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 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Murray Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Little Depot — 185 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Little Depot has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Ruby — 62 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: remote workers

Ruby has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($22) 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 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. High Bench — 333 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

High Bench has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Nell Yard — 57 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: the whole crew

Nell Yard has been operating in Kew East 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

6. Oliver’s — 363 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Oliver’s has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($24) 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. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

What Makes Kew East Different

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Kew East’s character. If you’re living in or near Kew East, 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. Hugo House — 43 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Hugo House has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Parade is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Luna Mill — 335 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Luna Mill has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. The Green Lane — 268 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Green Lane has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) 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 45 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 crispy chicken ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Ruby Lane — 101 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ruby Lane has been operating in Kew East for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Kew East farmers market when it runs.

11. Iris Depot — 249 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Iris Depot has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

12. Sol — 120 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

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

Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Kew East good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Kew East known for?

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops.

How far is Kew East from Melbourne CBD?

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

Kew East 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