Best Sushi & Japanese in Northcote Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Northcote to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Nico’s is the one everyone knows. Vera is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee. Northcote sits in the Middle North corridor, 6km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Northcote since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Tall Works — 119 Plenty Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: families

Tall Works has been operating in Northcote for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Green Table — 135 High Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Green Table has been operating in Northcote for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($26) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Ruby’s — 164 Brunswick Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ruby’s has been operating in Northcote for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Maple Lane is usually fine.

Go for: The fish special ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Store — 285 Plenty Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: the whole crew

Store has been operating in Northcote for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Red Commons — 378 High Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Red Commons has been operating in Northcote for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) 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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Northcote — The Honest Version

High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee. Westgarth Cinema is a local landmark. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Northcote’s character. Whether you’re based in Northcote 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. The High Quarter — 153 Swan Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The High Quarter has been operating in Northcote for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($18) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Merchant — 362 Brunswick Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Merchant has been operating in Northcote for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Plenty Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. The Little Social — 293 Brunswick Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Little Social has been operating in Northcote for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($11) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the best version in Northcote Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. The Common Cellar — 64 Plenty Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: dates

The Common Cellar has been operating in Northcote for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Swan Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Bright Bench — 230 Maple Lane, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Bright Bench has been operating in Northcote for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Maple Lane is usually fine.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Northcote good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Northcote known for?

High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee.

How far is Northcote from Melbourne CBD?

Northcote is 6km, 14min train, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Northcote isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026