MONTROSE

Best Sushi & Japanese in Montrose Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Your 2026 guide to best sushi and japanese in Montrose. Every pick tested by locals. No tourist fluff.

Best Sushi & Japanese in Montrose Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Best Sushi & Japanese in Montrose Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Pick
Our #1Ava’s
Zero-cost winnerMax Lane
Kid-approvedStella Place
Under the radarLucky Quarter
Wet day saviourHumble Union

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Montrose to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Little Room is the one everyone knows. Old Room is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character. Montrose sits in the Outer East corridor, 33km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Montrose since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Sunny Cellar — 309 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: the whole crew

Sunny Cellar has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($24) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

2. Kai’s — 272 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Kai’s has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Stella’s — 234 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: dates

Stella’s has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Sunny Press — 59 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

Sunny Press has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Willow Place is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Why Locals Stay in Montrose

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character. Montrose Main Street has independent shops. Gateway to Silvan Reservoir. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Montrose’s character. For Montrose 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. Felix’s — 360 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Felix’s has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) 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. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. The Red Depot — 18 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: dates

The Red Depot has been operating in Montrose for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($17) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montrose roaster — ask which one.

7. Iris Press — 369 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Iris Press has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($21) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Union — 53 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Union has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Place is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($24) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montrose roaster — ask which one.

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FAQ

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

Ava’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Montrose good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Montrose has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Montrose known for?

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character.

How far is Montrose from Melbourne CBD?

Montrose is 33km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Montrose 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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