Best Sushi & Japanese in Sandringham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Sandringham to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Common Union is the one everyone knows. Northern Local is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Bay Trail passes through. Sandringham sits in the Bayside corridor, 16km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Sandringham since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Gus’s — 287 Creek Crescent, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Gus’s has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on King Street after 6pm.

2. Red Place — 206 Creek Crescent, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Red Place has been operating in Sandringham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The room holds 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on East Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($23) — the best version in Sandringham Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Otto Union — 45 King Parade, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Otto Union has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Sandringham farmers market when it runs.

4. Lucky Place — 215 High Grove, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: dates

Lucky Place has been operating in Sandringham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Max’s — 347 High Grove, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Max’s has been operating in Sandringham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 space seats about 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Sandringham Actually Is

Bay Trail passes through. Sandringham Beach and yacht club. Sandringham village has independent shops and cafes. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Sandringham’s character. For Sandringham 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.

6. River — 252 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

River has been operating in Sandringham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the best version in Sandringham Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Vera — 371 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

Vera has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.

The space seats about 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Gus’s — 307 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Gus’s has been operating in Sandringham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Blue Pantry — 305 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Blue Pantry has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The daily soup ($15) — the best version in Sandringham Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. The Good Standard — 118 High Grove, Sandringham VIC 3200

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Good Standard has been operating in Sandringham 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the best version in Sandringham Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Sandringham good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Sandringham has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Sandringham known for?

Bay Trail passes through.

How far is Sandringham from Melbourne CBD?

Sandringham is 16km, 30min train, 22min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Sandringham: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026