Best Sushi & Japanese in Knoxfield Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Knoxfield has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Long Depot and Nina Kitchen lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Located between Wantirna South and Ferntree Gully. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Knoxfield 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. Long Bench — 143 Victoria Crescent, Knoxfield VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Long Bench has been operating in Knoxfield for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($18) — the best version in Knoxfield Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Knoxfield roaster — ask which one.

2. Rex — 270 Hill Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Rex has been operating in Knoxfield 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 54 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

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

3. The Sunny Bench — 245 Hill Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Sunny Bench has been operating in Knoxfield for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Sol Press — 53 Hill Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: families

Sol Press has been operating in Knoxfield for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.

The space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Rosa — 156 Hill Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: dates

Rosa has been operating in Knoxfield for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Knoxfield farmers market when it runs.

The Knoxfield That Locals Know

Located between Wantirna South and Ferntree Gully. Mix of residential homes and light industrial. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Knoxfield’s character. If you’re living in or near Knoxfield, 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. Ivy Social — 31 Bay Drive, Knoxfield VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: solo diners

Ivy Social has been operating in Knoxfield for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($12) 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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Ruby Post — 168 Station Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ruby Post has been operating in Knoxfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Hugo — 333 Hill Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Hugo has been operating in Knoxfield for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Nell Corner — 93 Bay Drive, Knoxfield VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Nell Corner has been operating in Knoxfield for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Hill Place is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Knoxfield roaster — ask which one.

10. The High Kitchen — 347 Hill Place, Knoxfield VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: the whole crew

The High Kitchen has been operating in Knoxfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Knoxfield roaster — ask which one.

11. Old Mill — 244 Rowan Grove, Knoxfield VIC 3160

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Old Mill has been operating in Knoxfield for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Knoxfield Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Knoxfield good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Knoxfield has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Knoxfield known for?

Located between Wantirna South and Ferntree Gully.

How far is Knoxfield from Melbourne CBD?

Knoxfield is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Knoxfield 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