Best Sushi & Japanese in Toorak Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Toorak has genuine best sushi and japanese options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Felix Cellar and Ruby’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 5km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Toorak 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. Nell Place — 179 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: remote workers

Nell Place has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. The Southern House — 129 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Southern House has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Toorak roaster — ask which one.

3. Ava’s — 9 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: remote workers

Ava’s has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Street is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Nina’s — 229 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nina’s has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Margaret Street is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Toorak farmers market when it runs.

5. Rex Lane — 320 Margaret Street, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: dates

Rex Lane has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($16) 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 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Toorak roaster — ask which one.

Toorak — The Honest Version

Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb. Toorak Road and Toorak Village have luxury retail. Median house price over $4 million. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Toorak’s character. Whether you’re based in Toorak 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. Hugo Depot — 185 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: budget eaters

Hugo Depot has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Margaret Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. The Southern Commons — 273 Margaret Street, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: remote workers

The Southern Commons has been operating in Toorak 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 monthly 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. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Nell — 191 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Nell has been operating in Toorak for over a decade 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.

The space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elm Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($20) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. The New Commons — 370 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: remote workers

The New Commons has been operating in Toorak 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Johnston Street after 6pm.

10. Gus Yard — 230 Margaret Street, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Gus Yard has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The seasonal special ($14) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Toorak good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Toorak has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Toorak known for?

Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb.

How far is Toorak from Melbourne CBD?

Toorak is 5km, 10min tram, 10min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Toorak 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