Best Sushi & Japanese in St Kilda Melbourne — 2026 Guide

St Kilda has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. White Place and The Sunny Store lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 6km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Luna Park, Acland Street, the Esplanade — St Kilda is Melbourne’s most famous bayside suburb. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time St Kilda resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Humble Table — 355 Willow Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

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

Humble Table has been operating in St Kilda for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($11) — the best version in St Kilda Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Luna — 378 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Luna has been operating in St Kilda for several years 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Mia Press — 288 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Mia Press has been operating in St Kilda for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Chapel Road is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. The Good Yard — 169 Plenty Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Good Yard has been operating in St Kilda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($23) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Long Bench — 229 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: the whole crew

Long Bench has been operating in St Kilda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($22) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from St Kilda farmers market when it runs.

6. Red Union — 89 Chapel Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: dates

Red Union has been operating in St Kilda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($20) 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 63 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($25) — the best version in St Kilda Insider tip: They source produce from St Kilda farmers market when it runs.

St Kilda — The Honest Version

Luna Park, Acland Street, the Esplanade — St Kilda is Melbourne’s most famous bayside suburb. Live music, restaurants, and beach culture. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect St Kilda’s character. If you’re living in or near St Kilda, 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. Ava Place — 226 Chapel Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ava Place has been operating in St Kilda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 space seats about 51 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 ($15) — the best version in St Kilda Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local St Kilda roaster — ask which one.

8. Room — 345 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Room has been operating in St Kilda 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Chapel Road is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Finn’s — 141 High Crescent, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Finn’s has been operating in St Kilda for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Mabel Quarter — 142 Chapel Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: remote workers

Mabel Quarter has been operating in St Kilda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the best version in St Kilda Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. Operator — 6 Plenty Road, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Operator has been operating in St Kilda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. The Southern Room — 120 Elizabeth Place, St Kilda VIC 3057

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: solo diners

The Southern Room has been operating in St Kilda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The house-made relish ($15) — the best version in St Kilda Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in St Kilda?

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

Is St Kilda good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. St Kilda has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is St Kilda known for?

Luna Park, Acland Street, the Esplanade — St Kilda is Melbourne’s most famous bayside suburb.

How far is St Kilda from Melbourne CBD?

St Kilda is 6km, 20min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

St Kilda 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