Best Sushi & Japanese in Upwey Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Upwey to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Honest Lane is the one everyone knows. Nina’s is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey sits in the Outer East corridor, 35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Upwey since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Southern Kitchen — 174 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Southern Kitchen has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($27) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Kitchen — 266 Main Lane, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Kitchen has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 room holds 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($12) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. The Red Kitchen — 56 Main Lane, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Red Kitchen has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Vera Post — 322 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: families

Vera Post has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($10) 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Why Upwey Is Worth Knowing

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey Village has independent shops and cafes. Belgrave rail line. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Upwey’s character. Whether you’re based in Upwey 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.

5. Ash’s — 140 Main Lane, Upwey VIC 3163

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

Ash’s has been operating in Upwey for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Luna’s — 203 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: solo diners

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

The space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Leo Kitchen — 197 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Leo Kitchen has been operating in Upwey for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($15) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

8. Kitchen — 246 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Kitchen has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Church Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Upwey good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Upwey has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Upwey known for?

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.

How far is Upwey from Melbourne CBD?

Upwey is 35km, 55min train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Upwey won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026