Best Sushi & Japanese in Richmond Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Richmond is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Hazel Commons, then check out Pilgrim. Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Located 3km from the CBD, Richmond is part of Melbourne’s Inner East 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 Richmond locals actually recommend.

1. Vera’s — 248 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Vera’s has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($20) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Mia — 299 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: dates

Mia has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($16) 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 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($14) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Ash — 74 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ash has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Pearl Pantry — 14 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: families

Pearl Pantry has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Makes Richmond Different

Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Victoria Street is Melbourne’s Vietnamese food heartland. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Richmond’s character. For Richmond locals and anyone in the area, 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. Ruby Bench — 328 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ruby Bench has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bell Crescent is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Max’s — 249 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Max’s has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on North Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Leo Bench — 166 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

Leo Bench has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($9) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Ada Union — 149 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ada Union has been operating in Richmond 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 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($16) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Richmond good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Richmond has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Richmond known for?

Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips.

How far is Richmond from Melbourne CBD?

Richmond is 3km, 5min train, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Richmond 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