Best Sushi & Japanese in Thomastown Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Thomastown to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Little Local is the one everyone knows. Sol’s is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Industrial and residential mix. Thomastown sits in the Outer North corridor, 17km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Thomastown since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Good Local — 167 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Good Local has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s 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.

The room holds 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Yard — 12 King Parade, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Yard has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 46 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Commons — 188 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Commons has been operating in Thomastown 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Lake Street after 6pm.

4. Lena’s — 46 King Parade, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Lena’s has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on King Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($23) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

The Reality of Thomastown

Industrial and residential mix. Thomastown Recreation Reserve is a major sporting hub. Close to Northern Ring Road access. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Thomastown’s character. If you’re living in or near Thomastown, 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.

5. Bright Social — 14 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: groups

Bright Social has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($11) 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 43 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 seasonal special ($13) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. Oliver Yard — 20 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Oliver Yard has been operating in Thomastown for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Henry Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($26) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Felix Place — 369 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

Felix Place has been operating in Thomastown for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) 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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Little Bench — 360 Lake Street, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: budget eaters

Little Bench has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Tall Social — 154 Lake Street, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Tall Social has been operating in Thomastown for several years 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 seasonally 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 Henry Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Thomastown good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Thomastown has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Thomastown known for?

Industrial and residential mix.

How far is Thomastown from Melbourne CBD?

Thomastown is 17km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Thomastown is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026