Best Sushi & Japanese in Templestowe Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Templestowe has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Finn Quarter and High Social lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14-22km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Templestowe 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. Gus’s — 231 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Gus’s has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Mia Pantry — 377 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: dates

Mia Pantry has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 space seats about 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Hugo — 171 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Hugo has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. The Half Social — 17 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: remote workers

The Half Social has been operating in Templestowe for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Sydney Street after 6pm.

5. Humble Table — 283 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Humble Table has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally 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. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($21) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. The Humble Depot — 192 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Humble Depot has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Willow Street after 6pm.

What Makes Templestowe Different

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Tikalara Park and Westerfolds Park. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Templestowe’s character. If you’re living in or near Templestowe, 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. Theo Place — 362 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: remote workers

Theo Place has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe roaster — ask which one.

8. Leo Works — 102 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Leo Works has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Vera’s — 322 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Vera’s has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Sydney Place is usually fine.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($14) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Marco Works — 129 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: families

Marco Works has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Sydney Street after 6pm.

11. Little Depot — 332 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Little Depot has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Sydney Place is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. Oliver House — 261 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Oliver House has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 33 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elm Road is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Templestowe good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Templestowe has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Templestowe known for?

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.

How far is Templestowe from Melbourne CBD?

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

If you’re comparing Templestowe to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026