Best Sushi & Japanese in Upper Ferntree Gully Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Upper Ferntree Gully to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Ada Pantry is the one everyone knows. The Bright Post is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges. Upper Ferntree Gully sits in the Outer East corridor, 30km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Upper Ferntree Gully since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. New Cellar — 37 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

New Cellar has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($26) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Ava — 301 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: dates

Ava has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Road is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Leo Mill — 339 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Leo Mill has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bridge Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Iris Standard — 375 Creek Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Iris Standard has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($14) — the best version in Upper Ferntree Gully Insider tip: They source produce from Upper Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

5. Max — 188 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Max has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Makes Upper Ferntree Gully Different

Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges. Access to Dandenong Ranges National Park. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Upper Ferntree Gully’s character. Whether you’re based in Upper Ferntree Gully 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. Half Pantry — 187 Market Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Half Pantry has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) 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 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Iris Social — 65 Creek Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: groups

Iris Social has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 40 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 charcuterie board ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Northern Local — 303 Victoria Avenue, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: groups

Northern Local has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Upper Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.

9. Lena’s — 164 Creek Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Lena’s has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Mill — 320 Ash Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Mill has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($10) 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Ash Road is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Upper Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.

11. Rosa Corner — 212 Creek Road, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3137

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Rosa Corner has been operating in Upper Ferntree Gully for several years 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 room holds 50 — 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 seasonal special ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Upper Ferntree Gully?

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

Is Upper Ferntree Gully good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Upper Ferntree Gully has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Upper Ferntree Gully known for?

Upper FTG sits at the top of the Belgrave rail line’s climb into the ranges.

How far is Upper Ferntree Gully from Melbourne CBD?

Upper Ferntree Gully is 30km, 48min train, 35min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Upper Ferntree Gully 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