Best Sushi & Japanese in Wantirna South Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Ivy’s | | Best with kids | Red Yard | | Hidden spot | The Blue Pantry | | Bad weather pick | Finn |
The best sushi and japanese scene in Wantirna South is growing every year. Start at Archive, then check out Rex’s. Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls. Located 24-35km from the CBD, Wantirna 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 Wantirna South locals actually recommend.
1. The Common Social — 138 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Church Crescent is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
2. Red Room — 80 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on River Drive is usually fine.
Try this: The sourdough bread ($24) — solid
3. Hugo’s — 222 River Drive, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Victoria Lane is usually fine.
Go for: The daily soup ($17) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Atlas’s — 363 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: families
The room holds 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Bench — 251 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
6. Hugo House — 361 River Drive, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Wantirna South — The Honest Version
Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls. Westfield Knox. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Wantirna South’s character. If you’re living in or near Wantirna South, 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.
7. Nina’s — 226 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
8. Ada Kitchen — 70 River Drive, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Victoria Lane is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Stella Cellar — 122 Bell Grove, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
10. Canvas — 24 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on River Drive is usually fine.
11. Stella’s — 311 Bell Grove, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 49 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Creek Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
12. Oliver Press — 242 River Drive, Wantirna South VIC 3152
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- Burwood East Best Sushi and Japanese — same vibe, different suburb
- Wantirna South Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Wantirna South Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Wantirna South Complete Guide — everything about Wantirna South
- Compare Suburbs — see how Wantirna South stacks up
- All Wantirna South Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Wantirna South?
Northern Standard is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Wantirna South good for best sushi and japanese?
Yes. Wantirna South has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Wantirna South known for?
Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls.
How far is Wantirna South from Melbourne CBD?
Wantirna South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Wantirna South isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
