Best Sushi & Japanese in Mernda Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Mernda to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Theo is the one everyone knows. The Southern Commons is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018). Mernda sits in the Outer North corridor, 28km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Mernda since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Cellar — 240 Edward Terrace, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Cellar has been operating in Mernda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Zara — 119 Oak Crescent, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Zara has been operating in Mernda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($17) — the best version in Mernda Insider tip: They source produce from Mernda farmers market when it runs.

3. The Lucky Local — 127 Thomas Avenue, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Lucky Local has been operating in Mernda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($8) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Oak Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Mernda farmers market when it runs.

4. River Mill — 331 King Parade, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

River Mill has been operating in Mernda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Place is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Max Press — 52 King Parade, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Max Press has been operating in Mernda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($22) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($25) — the best version in Mernda Insider tip: They source produce from Mernda farmers market when it runs.

What Mernda Actually Is

End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018). Was a tiny rural township; now tens of thousands of new residents. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Mernda’s character. Whether you’re based in Mernda 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. Commons — 42 King Parade, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Commons has been operating in Mernda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($17) — the best version in Mernda Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Iris Press — 59 Edward Terrace, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Iris Press has been operating in Mernda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 room holds 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($17) — the best version in Mernda Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. White Table — 74 King Parade, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

White Table has been operating in Mernda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mernda roaster — ask which one.

9. Lena Commons — 61 Edward Terrace, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: groups

Lena Commons has been operating in Mernda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on King Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($11) — the best version in Mernda Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Ivy’s — 225 Church Place, Mernda VIC 3088

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ivy’s has been operating in Mernda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($20) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Mernda good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Mernda has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Mernda known for?

End of the Mernda rail extension (opened 2018).

How far is Mernda from Melbourne CBD?

Mernda is 28km, 50min train, 35min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Mernda: 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