Best Sushi & Japanese in Nunawading Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Nunawading to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Old Commons is the one everyone knows. Marco Commons is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Nunawading sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Nunawading since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. River — 268 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

River has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The space seats about 38 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($17) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Common Place — 189 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Common Place has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.

3. Hazel — 20 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Hazel has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) 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 32 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The house-made relish ($28) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.

4. The Little Press — 1 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: remote workers

The Little Press has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The room holds 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Nunawading — The Honest Version

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Eastern suburbs retail corridor. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Nunawading’s character. If you’re living in or near Nunawading, 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. Nico Social — 155 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Nico Social has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Barkly Crescent is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Long Standard — 7 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: remote workers

Long Standard has been operating in Nunawading 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 space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The daily soup ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. The Southern Press — 141 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: solo diners

The Southern Press has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Willow Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Ivy Store — 280 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ivy Store has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Willow Grove is usually fine.

Start with: The seasonal special ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Nunawading farmers market when it runs.

9. Marco Table — 74 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Marco Table has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($25) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Nunawading good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Nunawading has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Nunawading known for?

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station.

How far is Nunawading from Melbourne CBD?

Nunawading is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Nunawading 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