Best Sushi & Japanese in Reservoir Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Gus Place |
| Best free option | High Place |
| Best for families | Half Social |
| Best local secret | Nico |
| Best for rainy days | Mia |
We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Reservoir to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Room is the one everyone knows. Remy’s is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. One of Melbourne’s most rapidly gentrifying suburbs. Reservoir sits in the Outer North corridor, 11km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Reservoir since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Sol’s — 54 Ash Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Sol’s has been operating in Reservoir for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.
The room holds 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Murray Parade is usually fine.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
2. Mabel — 312 Willow Crescent, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Mabel has been operating in Reservoir for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Murray Parade is usually fine.
Try this: The crispy chicken ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
3. Mill — 138 Elizabeth Street, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Mill has been operating in Reservoir for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The crispy chicken ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
4. Rex Yard — 216 Barkly Lane, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: budget eaters
Rex Yard has been operating in Reservoir for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($20) — the best version in Reservoir Insider tip: They source produce from Reservoir farmers market when it runs.
5. Ash’s — 124 Barkly Lane, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Ash’s has been operating in Reservoir for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
6. Lena Depot — 378 Elizabeth Street, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: dates
Lena Depot has been operating in Reservoir for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 room holds 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Crescent is usually fine.
Ask for: The crispy chicken ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Reservoir roaster — ask which one.
What Reservoir Actually Is
One of Melbourne’s most rapidly gentrifying suburbs. Edwardes Street strip transforming. Strong Greek and Indian communities. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Reservoir’s character. If you’re living in or near Reservoir, 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. Yard — 38 Murray Parade, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: groups
Yard has been operating in Reservoir for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($18) — the best version in Reservoir Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
8. Humble Store — 181 Murray Parade, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: the whole crew
Humble Store has been operating in Reservoir for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The crispy chicken ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Barkly Street after 6pm.
9. The Good Kitchen — 265 Ash Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The Good Kitchen has been operating in Reservoir for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 56 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The daily soup ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
10. The Lucky Works — 8 Elizabeth Street, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The Lucky Works has been operating in Reservoir for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($11) 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 58 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — the best version in Reservoir Insider tip: Parking is free on Barkly Street after 6pm.
11. Lena Lane — 12 Willow Crescent, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: solo diners
Lena Lane has been operating in Reservoir for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The seasonal special ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
12. Zara — 285 Ash Road, Reservoir VIC 3073
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Zara has been operating in Reservoir for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The seasonal special ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
Explore More
- Fawkner Best Sushi and Japanese — same vibe, different suburb
- Reservoir Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Reservoir Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Reservoir Complete Guide — everything about Reservoir
- Compare Suburbs — see how Reservoir stacks up
- All Reservoir Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Reservoir?
Gus Place is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Reservoir good for best sushi and japanese?
Yes. Reservoir has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.
What is Reservoir known for?
One of Melbourne’s most rapidly gentrifying suburbs.
How far is Reservoir from Melbourne CBD?
Reservoir is 11km, 22min train, 18min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Reservoir to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.
Last updated: March 2026

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