Best Sushi & Japanese in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | River | | Best with kids | Hugo | | Hidden spot | Cleo Commons | | Bad weather pick | Stella Commons |
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
The space seats about 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($11) — solid 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
Capacity is around 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 64 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.
Go for: The sourdough bread ($22) — solid
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
Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 61 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — solid 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
Capacity is around 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
