Best Sushi & Japanese in Patterson Lakes Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Patterson Lakes is better than most people realise. Start at The Northern Cellar, then check out Gus. Built around man-made lakes and canal system. Located 18-41km from the CBD, Patterson Lakes is part of Melbourne’s Bayside region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Patterson Lakes locals actually recommend.

1. River Quarter — 244 Murray Grove, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: groups

River Quarter has been operating in Patterson Lakes for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 52 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($13) — the best version in Patterson Lakes Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Patterson Lakes roaster — ask which one.

2. Zara — 282 Murray Grove, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Zara has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Murray Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the best version in Patterson Lakes Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Marco’s — 14 Market Crescent, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: the whole crew

Marco’s has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Old Cellar — 110 Murray Grove, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Old Cellar has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($25) — the best version in Patterson Lakes Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Patterson Lakes Actually Is

Built around man-made lakes and canal system. Popular for boating and waterside living. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Patterson Lakes’s character. If you’re living in or near Patterson Lakes, 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. The Long Yard — 236 Murray Grove, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Long Yard has been operating in Patterson Lakes for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Crescent is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. Rosa Mill — 129 Brunswick Drive, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Rosa Mill has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Northern Bench — 167 Cecil Street, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Northern Bench has been operating in Patterson Lakes for several years 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.

Capacity is around 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($19) — the best version in Patterson Lakes Insider tip: They source produce from Patterson Lakes farmers market when it runs.

8. Nico’s — 293 Cecil Street, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: families

Nico’s has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Church Road is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Patterson Lakes farmers market when it runs.

9. Standard — 38 Church Road, Patterson Lakes VIC 3196

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: dates

Standard has been operating in Patterson Lakes for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Patterson Lakes farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Patterson Lakes?

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

Is Patterson Lakes good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Patterson Lakes has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Patterson Lakes known for?

Built around man-made lakes and canal system.

How far is Patterson Lakes from Melbourne CBD?

Patterson Lakes is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Patterson Lakes won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026