Best Sushi & Japanese in Surrey Hills Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Surrey Hills to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Lucky Standard is the one everyone knows. Cleo is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. Surrey Hills sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Surrey Hills since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Lena Social — 159 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: solo diners

Lena Social has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Common Standard — 186 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Common Standard has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($17) 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 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on River Road is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. The Southern Local — 352 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Southern Local has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade 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.

The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Lucky Standard — 316 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: solo diners

Lucky Standard has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Common Lane — 55 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Common Lane has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade 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.

The room holds 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Surrey Hills farmers market when it runs.

6. Zara’s — 238 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: remote workers

Zara’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($26) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The fish special ($24) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Surrey Hills — The Honest Version

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. Strong community identity. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Surrey Hills’s character. If you’re living in or near Surrey Hills, 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. Blue Lane — 40 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Blue Lane has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Max’s — 205 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Max’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The daily soup ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Iris — 15 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: budget eaters

Iris has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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.

The space seats about 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

10. Luna’s — 361 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Luna’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 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 47 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Get the: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Hugo’s — 136 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: families

Hugo’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($13) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. The Golden Pantry — 361 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: families

The Golden Pantry has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: They source produce from Surrey Hills farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Surrey Hills?

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

Is Surrey Hills good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Surrey Hills known for?

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops.

How far is Surrey Hills from Melbourne CBD?

Surrey Hills is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Surrey Hills won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026