Best Sushi & Japanese in Vermont Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Vermont is growing every year. Start at Store, then check out Cleo’s. Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Vermont 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 locals actually recommend.

1. Bright Bench — 151 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Bright Bench has been operating in Vermont for since 2019 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.

The room holds 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Lena Local — 291 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: remote workers

Lena Local has been operating in Vermont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Blake Street after 6pm.

3. Lucky Social — 24 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: remote workers

Lucky Social has been operating in Vermont for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. River’s — 84 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

River’s has been operating in Vermont for since the early 2020s 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.

The space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Albert Street after 6pm.

5. Mia — 92 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: dates

Mia has been operating in Vermont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont farmers market when it runs.

What Vermont Actually Is

Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access. Bellbird Dell nature reserve. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Vermont’s character. If you’re living in or near Vermont, 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. Pearl’s — 344 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: remote workers

Pearl’s has been operating in Vermont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The room holds 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

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

7. Lena Room — 161 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: groups

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

The space seats about 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Sunny Union — 313 Blake Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Sunny Union has been operating in Vermont 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

9. The Blue Pantry — 360 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Blue Pantry has been operating in Vermont for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($14) — the best version in Vermont Insider tip: Parking is free on North Street after 6pm.

10. The Humble Yard — 346 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: solo diners

The Humble Yard has been operating in Vermont for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Vermont good for best sushi and japanese?

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

What is Vermont known for?

Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access.

How far is Vermont from Melbourne CBD?

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

The truth about Vermont: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026