Best Sushi & Japanese in Thornbury Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Thornbury to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Nell is the one everyone knows. New Place is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. High Street extends from Preston into Thornbury with a vibrant bar and cafe scene. Thornbury sits in the Middle North corridor, 7km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Thornbury since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Red Mill — 246 Railway Avenue, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Red Mill has been operating in Thornbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($24) 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.

Order this: The seasonal special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Nell’s — 284 Margaret Avenue, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: dates

Nell’s has been operating in Thornbury for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The room holds 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Railway Street after 6pm.

3. Hugo’s — 349 Elizabeth Drive, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Hugo’s has been operating in Thornbury for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 42 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 charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Thornbury roaster — ask which one.

4. Remy — 208 Elizabeth Drive, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: families

Remy has been operating in Thornbury for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($14) — the best version in Thornbury Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Thornbury roaster — ask which one.

What Nobody Tells You About Thornbury

High Street extends from Preston into Thornbury with a vibrant bar and cafe scene. One of Melbourne’s most sought-after inner-north suburbs. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Thornbury’s character. For Thornbury locals and anyone in the area, 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. The White Mill — 236 Railway Avenue, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The White Mill has been operating in Thornbury for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Railway Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

6. The Red Post — 43 Margaret Avenue, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Red Post has been operating in Thornbury 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 52 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Railway Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Depot — 24 Railway Avenue, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

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

The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($22) — the best version in Thornbury Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Thornbury roaster — ask which one.

8. Sol — 141 Market Crescent, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Sol has been operating in Thornbury for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Remy Place — 268 Railway Avenue, Thornbury VIC 3076

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Remy Place has been operating in Thornbury for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($26) — the best version in Thornbury Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Thornbury good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Thornbury has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Thornbury known for?

High Street extends from Preston into Thornbury with a vibrant bar and cafe scene.

How far is Thornbury from Melbourne CBD?

Thornbury is 7km, 16min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Thornbury 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