Best Sushi & Japanese in Kew East Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Kai Mill |
| Zero-cost winner | Rex’s |
| Kid-approved | The White Union |
| Under the radar | Lucky Commons |
| Wet day saviour | Southern Corner |
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 room holds 44 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Murray Grove is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.
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
The room holds 43 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 64 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.
Ask for: The seasonal special ($27) — solid 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
Capacity is around 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Smith Parade is usually fine.
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
The room holds 41 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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 room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The charcuterie board ($21) — solid 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
Capacity is around 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The house-made relish ($19) — solid
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
Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.
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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
