Best Sushi & Japanese in Vermont South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Vermont South is genuinely worth exploring. Start at White Post, then check out Ava. The Glen shopping centre nearby. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Vermont South is part of Melbourne’s Outer East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Vermont South locals actually recommend.

1. Mia Yard — 308 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Mia Yard has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Nina’s — 203 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Nina’s has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 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 room holds 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

3. Gus’s — 294 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Gus’s has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($20) 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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Rosa’s — 253 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: groups

Rosa’s has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Pilgrim — 161 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: families

Pilgrim has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Lake Street after 6pm.

Why Vermont South Is Worth Knowing

The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South is well-served by bus connections. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Vermont South’s character. For Vermont South 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.

6. Archive — 338 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: solo diners

Archive has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($26) 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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. The New Place — 378 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The New Place has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($10) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Parking is free on Anderson Street after 6pm.

8. The Good Pantry — 61 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Good Pantry has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. The Long Store — 167 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Long Store has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Anderson Drive is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($24) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Parking is free on Lake Street after 6pm.

10. Sunny Cellar — 338 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Sunny Cellar has been operating in Vermont South for several years 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.

Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. Felix — 158 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Felix has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($9) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Anderson Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($14) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Vermont South?

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

Is Vermont South good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Vermont South has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?

Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Vermont South 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