Best Sushi & Japanese in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Research to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Otto’s is the one everyone knows. The Tall Social is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Research sits in the Middle North corridor, 9-20km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Research since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nico’s — 358 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: budget eaters

Nico’s has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 58 — 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 crispy chicken ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Half Store — 233 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Half Store has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

3. Rosa — 368 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Rosa has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Stella Yard — 47 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: dates

Stella Yard has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($8) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Ruby — 30 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ruby has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($20) 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 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($18) — the best version in Research Insider tip: Parking is free on Chapel Street after 6pm.

6. Northern Local — 21 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Northern Local has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

The Research That Locals Know

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Research’s character. Whether you’re based in Research 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.

7. Ava’s — 292 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: dates

Ava’s has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Room — 66 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Room has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($13) — the best version in Research Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.

9. Long Kitchen — 202 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Long Kitchen has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($20) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.

10. Nina — 280 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

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

Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.

Get the: The seasonal special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. Iris — 216 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Iris has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

12. The New Yard — 223 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

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

The New Yard has been operating in Research for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($20) — the best version in Research Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Research good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Research has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?

Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Research 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