Best Sushi & Japanese in South Yarra Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in South Yarra to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Southern Place is the one everyone knows. The Honest Table is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Chapel Street, Toorak Road, and the Royal Botanic Gardens define South Yarra. South Yarra sits in the Inner South corridor, 3km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering South Yarra since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nell’s — 190 Chapel Terrace, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: dates

Nell’s has been operating in South Yarra for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from South Yarra farmers market when it runs.

2. Gus’s — 75 Elm Street, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Gus’s has been operating in South Yarra for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the best version in South Yarra Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Canvas — 239 Murray Place, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Canvas has been operating in South Yarra for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Chapel Terrace is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($20) — the best version in South Yarra Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Ivy Store — 179 Creek Road, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: dates

Ivy Store has been operating in South Yarra for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Honest Kitchen — 142 Murray Place, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Honest Kitchen has been operating in South Yarra for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) 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 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Makes South Yarra Different

Chapel Street, Toorak Road, and the Royal Botanic Gardens define South Yarra. One of Melbourne’s densest and most vibrant suburbs. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect South Yarra’s character. For South Yarra 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. The White Quarter — 239 Chapel Terrace, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The White Quarter has been operating in South Yarra for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Murray Place is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the best version in South Yarra Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Gus — 325 Willow Lane, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Gus has been operating in South Yarra for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Max’s — 81 Chapel Terrace, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Max’s has been operating in South Yarra for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The fish special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Creek Street after 6pm.

9. Ava’s — 10 Elm Street, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ava’s has been operating in South Yarra for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Chapel Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($16) — the best version in South Yarra Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Sol — 39 Willow Lane, South Yarra VIC 3000

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Sol has been operating in South Yarra for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($22) 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 30 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Creek Road is usually fine.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in South Yarra?

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

Is South Yarra good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. South Yarra has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is South Yarra known for?

Chapel Street, Toorak Road, and the Royal Botanic Gardens define South Yarra.

How far is South Yarra from Melbourne CBD?

South Yarra is 3km, 6min train, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.

South Yarra 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