Best Sushi & Japanese in Rowville Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Rowville to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Half Kitchen is the one everyone knows. Ava’s is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. One of Knox’s largest suburbs. Rowville sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Rowville since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nico’s — 81 River Drive, Rowville VIC 3140

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: groups

Nico’s has been operating in Rowville for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($25) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Rowville roaster — ask which one.

2. The Tall Cellar — 348 Sydney Street, Rowville VIC 3140

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Tall Cellar has been operating in Rowville for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Charles Terrace is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($18) — the best version in Rowville Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Marco — 242 James Road, Rowville VIC 3140

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: dates

Marco has been operating in Rowville for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Sydney Street is usually fine.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Sydney Street after 6pm.

4. Tall Table — 192 River Drive, Rowville VIC 3140

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: remote workers

Tall Table has been operating in Rowville for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Drive is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. The Old Yard — 276 Chapel Street, Rowville VIC 3140

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: groups

The Old Yard has been operating in Rowville for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Nobody Tells You About Rowville

One of Knox’s largest suburbs. Stud Park Shopping Centre is the main retail hub. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Rowville’s character. If you’re living in or near Rowville, 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.

6. Little Works — 290 Charles Terrace, Rowville VIC 3140

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Little Works has been operating in Rowville for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The fish special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Green Table — 89 James Road, Rowville VIC 3140

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Green Table has been operating in Rowville 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Charles Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Rex’s — 252 River Drive, Rowville VIC 3140

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Rex’s has been operating in Rowville for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 64 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Oliver’s — 369 Charles Terrace, Rowville VIC 3140

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Oliver’s has been operating in Rowville for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($16) 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 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Chapel Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on River Street after 6pm.

10. Sol — 349 Chapel Street, Rowville VIC 3140

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Sol has been operating in Rowville for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($10) 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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Pearl’s — 39 Chapel Street, Rowville VIC 3140

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

Pearl’s has been operating in Rowville for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 46 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on James Road is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Rowville good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Rowville has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Rowville known for?

One of Knox’s largest suburbs.

How far is Rowville from Melbourne CBD?

Rowville is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Rowville 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