Best Sushi & Japanese in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | The Golden Press |
| Best free option | Gus |
| Best for families | Tall Depot |
| Best local secret | Red Press |
| Best for rainy days | Lena’s |
We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Mentone to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. High Commons is the one everyone knows. The Sunny Corner is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Mentone sits in the Bayside corridor, 20km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Mentone since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. The Good Corner — 86 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: the whole crew
The Good Corner has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.
The room holds 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.
Order this: The daily soup ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
2. Rosa Works — 28 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: families
Rosa Works has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($9) 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 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The charcuterie board ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
3. The Bright Store — 21 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: solo diners
The Bright Store has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($15) 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 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The crispy chicken ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.
4. The White Mill — 257 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The White Mill has been operating in Mentone for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
The Reality of Mentone
Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Mentone’s character. For Mentone 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.
5. Rosa Yard — 336 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Rosa Yard has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($22) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.
6. Stella Corner — 31 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: remote workers
Stella Corner has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.
Capacity is around 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
7. Nell Store — 2 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Nell Store has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($18) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
8. Kai — 251 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: the whole crew
Kai has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($26) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Market Parade is usually fine.
Start with: The daily soup ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Hill Street after 6pm.
9. Felix Bench — 145 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Felix Bench has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The house-made relish ($24) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Cheltenham Best Sushi and Japanese — same vibe, different suburb
- Mentone Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Mentone Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Mentone Complete Guide — everything about Mentone
- Compare Suburbs — see how Mentone stacks up
- All Mentone Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Mentone?
The Golden Press is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Mentone good for best sushi and japanese?
Yes. Mentone has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Mentone known for?
Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.
How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?
Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Mentone 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

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