Best Sushi & Japanese in Watsonia Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Watsonia to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Remy Cellar is the one everyone knows. Sunny Room is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Watsonia station on the Hurstbridge line. Watsonia sits in the Outer North corridor, 18km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Watsonia since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Sol Press — 125 West Lane, Watsonia VIC 3092

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: families

Sol Press has been operating in Watsonia for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Old Standard — 105 King Terrace, Watsonia VIC 3092

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: remote workers

Old Standard has been operating in Watsonia for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($14) 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 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Yard — 124 High Road, Watsonia VIC 3092

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Yard has been operating in Watsonia for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) 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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on East Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Watsonia roaster — ask which one.

4. New Mill — 197 King Terrace, Watsonia VIC 3092

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

New Mill has been operating in Watsonia for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) 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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

What Makes Watsonia Different

Watsonia station on the Hurstbridge line. Greensborough Plaza nearby. Established 1950s-60s housing stock. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Watsonia’s character. If you’re living in or near Watsonia, 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. Leo’s — 322 George Place, Watsonia VIC 3092

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: groups

Leo’s has been operating in Watsonia for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($24) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. Ash Kitchen — 18 East Parade, Watsonia VIC 3092

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Ash Kitchen has been operating in Watsonia for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 60 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The daily soup ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. The Southern Depot — 81 George Place, Watsonia VIC 3092

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: solo diners

The Southern Depot has been operating in Watsonia for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 53 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on King Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Green Lane — 235 King Terrace, Watsonia VIC 3092

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Green Lane has been operating in Watsonia for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Otto — 117 King Terrace, Watsonia VIC 3092

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Otto has been operating in Watsonia for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Watsonia roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Watsonia good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Watsonia has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Watsonia known for?

Watsonia station on the Hurstbridge line.

How far is Watsonia from Melbourne CBD?

Watsonia is 18km, 35min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Watsonia: 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