Best Sushi & Japanese in The Basin Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The Basin has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Southern Store and Gus lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 32km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Small Dandenong Ranges suburb. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time The Basin 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. Theo Standard — 271 Margaret Road, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: dates

Theo Standard has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($27) 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($24) — the best version in The Basin Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Kitchen — 201 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: budget eaters

Kitchen has been operating in The Basin for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — the best version in The Basin Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local The Basin roaster — ask which one.

3. Union — 261 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: solo diners

Union has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Ash’s — 336 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Ash’s has been operating in The Basin for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 47 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local The Basin roaster — ask which one.

5. Ava’s — 194 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: families

Ava’s has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.

The space seats about 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What The Basin Actually Is

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb. The Basin Triangle shops. Direct access to 1000 Steps and Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect The Basin’s character. Whether you’re based in The Basin or visiting from nearby, 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. Mabel Bench — 11 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: the whole crew

Mabel Bench has been operating in The Basin 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Pearl’s — 9 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Pearl’s has been operating in The Basin for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 54 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. The Honest Post — 131 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Honest Post has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the best version in The Basin Insider tip: Parking is free on Creek Street after 6pm.

9. Kitchen — 32 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Kitchen has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Leo Press — 358 Margaret Road, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: remote workers

Leo Press has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 42 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. Ash Quarter — 261 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: families

Ash Quarter has been operating in The Basin for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($18) — the best version in The Basin Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in The Basin?

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

Is The Basin good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. The Basin has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is The Basin known for?

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb.

How far is The Basin from Melbourne CBD?

The Basin is 32km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about The Basin: 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