Best Sushi & Japanese in Kew Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Kew has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Cleo and Stella lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 6km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Kew 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. The Half Corner — 202 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Half Corner has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lake Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($14) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: Parking is free on Anderson Street after 6pm.

2. Green Place — 236 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Green Place has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($9) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Swan Street after 6pm.

3. The Half Cellar — 364 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Half Cellar has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. The Lucky Bench — 278 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

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

The space seats about 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Marco Depot — 125 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Marco Depot has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($11) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Why Locals Stay in Kew

Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Studley Park and Yarra Bend Park provide extensive parkland along the Yarra River. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Kew’s character. Whether you’re based in Kew or visiting from nearby, 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. Hugo’s — 303 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: groups

Hugo’s has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($19) 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 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Anderson Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Finn — 143 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Finn has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($19) 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 39 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Kew farmers market when it runs.

8. Sol Quarter — 268 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: solo diners

Sol Quarter has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($23) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($24) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. The White Depot — 87 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: groups

The White Depot has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Good Social — 137 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: remote workers

Good Social has been operating in Kew 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Bright Yard — 340 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

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

Bright Yard has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($10) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Kew good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Kew has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Kew known for?

Kew Junction and High Street shopping.

How far is Kew from Melbourne CBD?

Kew is 6km, 15min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Kew: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026