Best Sushi & Japanese in Malvern East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Malvern East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Ruby is the one everyone knows. The Humble Bench is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Darling Road and Waverley Road shops. Malvern East sits in the Middle South corridor, 12-18km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Malvern East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. White Room — 95 Anderson Parade, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The room holds 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.

2. Luna — 217 Railway Grove, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: groups

Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Railway Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($20) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Kai Table — 219 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Capacity is around 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($19) — solid

4. Ivy — 120 Bourke Avenue, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The space seats about 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.

Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. The Half House — 207 Railway Grove, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The space seats about 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.

6. The Green Works — 136 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Makes Malvern East Different

Darling Road and Waverley Road shops. Close to Chadstone and Malvern retail. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Malvern East’s character. For Malvern East 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.

7. Ruby’s — 56 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The space seats about 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. The Common Room — 69 Railway Grove, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Capacity is around 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Railway Grove is usually fine.

Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Malvern East roaster — ask which one.

9. Golden Works — 263 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: solo diners

Capacity is around 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

10. Lucky Local — 36 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.

Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Malvern East roaster — ask which one.

11. The Green House — 68 Edward Place, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The space seats about 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($15) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

12. The Half Lane — 317 Bourke Avenue, Malvern East VIC 3165

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: solo diners

Capacity is around 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.

Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Malvern East good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Malvern East known for?

Darling Road and Waverley Road shops.

How far is Malvern East from Melbourne CBD?

Malvern East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026