Top 5 Best Sushi Place In Melbourne
48 Comments February 25, 2009 / Posted in Food & Wine, ReviewsSushi is one of my favourite food, especially for lunch. I love it so much I can easily have it 3-4 times a week. Now I’ve been eating sushis before anyone had any idea what it was, some 15 years ago! I remember back then Melbourne CDB only had a handful of sushi places, now it occupies every corner! Every man and their dog is opening a sushi restaurant. I can see why it’s so popular, with Melburians getting fatter and fatter, sushi is a great alternative to fast food, chinese takeaways.
Ok, so all sushis are created equal, right? WRONG!! Infact there are so many crap sushi’s in Melbourne that I felt obliqued to compile this guide. The top 5 BEST SUSHI places in Melbourne!
What is considered: Freshness of salmon, size, price, rice, seaweed wrapper
If you think you’ve tried better sushi, let me know and I’ll try it out! If it’s better than the ones I have on this list, I’ll make change.
Rank 1)
Kenzan Sushi
Kenzan is located inside Melbourne GPO Shopping Precinct at Bourke St Mall (Corner Elizabeth Street and Bourke St). The queues here are very long and you have to get there early to make sure they don’t run out of sushis. A little different to other sushis, you roll your own wrapper.
Salmon Freshness: 4.5/5 (I like the salmon chunky, salmon here is minced-like)
Price: $3.40/Roll 3/5, pricy!
Size: Good size, 4/5
Rice: 5/5, not too hard or sticky
Seaweed wrapper: 6/5, yeah I know but this is why this sushi roll is different than any other. The wrapper is so crisp & YUM!
TOTAL: 22.5/25
Another of my favourite sushi rolls from Kenzan is their spider rolls. These sushi rolls are filled with Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab and mayonnaise then rolled in either fish roe or sesame seeds. I also like their Grilled Eel Sushi rolls. They fill these rolls with sweet grilled eel and cream cheese! Divine!
Kenzan Sushi Rolls From L to R: Softshell crab sushi rolled in sesame, Softshell crab sushi rolled in fish roes, 2 selfwrapped salmon and avocado rolls
Salmon and Avocado Self Wrapped Roll, Kenzan Speciality which results in Crispy Nori which tickles the taste bud 
Rank 2)
Sushi Monger (The Causeway, Melbourne – off Bourke St)
Salmon Freshness: 5/5, nice fresh salmon
Price: $2.40/Roll 4/5, good price
Size: Good size, 4/5 generous size salmon
Rice: 4/5, a little soft
Seaweed wrapper: 4/5
TOTAL: 21/25
Sushi Monger always have lines of people waiting during lunchtime, so if you want some be prepared to wait.
Sushi Monger sushis (shown clockwise) - California roll, crumbed chicken, prawn tempura, 2 salmon and avocado rolls
Rank 3)
YOYOGI, 211-213 Swanston St (between Lonsdale St and Little Bourke St)
Salmon Freshness: 4.5/5, nice fresh salmon
Price: $2.30/Roll 4/5, good price
Size: Good size, 5/5 generous size salmon, rolls biggest of 5
Rice: 3.5/5,
Seaweed wrapper: 3.5/5, ripped in some places
TOTAL: 20.5/25
Has potential to be one of the best.
Left to Right: Prawn and Avocado Sushi, Salmon and Avocado Sushi from Yoyogi Rank 4)SUSHI SUSHI Sushi Sushi has many branches in Melbourne CBD:Sushi Sushi at Melbourne Central, 300 Lonsdale St (corner La Trobe St and Swanston St) at Lower Ground Level and Ground Level (near Melbourne Central Station), Sushi Sushi at 148 Swanston St (Corner Litte Collins St and Swanston St), Sushi Sushi at Myer Department store (Level 3, Myer Food Hall, Lonsdale St).Salmon Freshness: 4.5/5, nice fresh salmonPrice: $2.30/Roll 4/5Size: 3/5, a little on the smaller sideRice: 4/5, has mayonnaise, perhaps a touch too much thoughSeaweed wrapper: 4.5/5TOTAL: 20/252 Salmon and Avocado Rolls (with Mayonaise) and a crabstick and avocado roll from Sushi Sushi
The sushis from Sushi Sushi are a little bit small in size
Rank 4)
SUSHI SUSHI
Sushi Sushi has many branches in Melbourne CBD:
Sushi Sushi at Melbourne Central, 300 Lonsdale St (corner La Trobe St and Swanston St) at Lower Ground Level and Ground Level (near Melbourne Central Station), Sushi Sushi at 148 Swanston St (Corner Litte Collins St and Swanston St), Sushi Sushi at Myer Department store (Level 3, Myer Food Hall, Lonsdale St).
Salmon Freshness: 4.5/5, nice fresh salmon
Price: $2.30/Roll 4/5
Size: 3/5, a little on the smaller side
Rice: 4/5, has mayonnaise, perhaps a touch too much though
Seaweed wrapper: 4.5/5
TOTAL: 20/25
2 Salmon and Avocado Rolls (with Mayonaise) and a crabstick and avocado roll from Sushi Sushi
The sushis from Sushi Sushi are a little bit small in size
Rank 5)
*****DEMOTED*****
It must have been the success that has gotten into their heads. This used to be a place where good sushi was found but ever since about a couple of months ago the seaweeds were all stretchy and rice too vinegarly. I have placed O’Bento rank 5th. Infact when I find a better number 5 I will replace it. Thanks guys for your comments.
O’Bento (with sister places such as Menya on Collins and Rush Sushi)
O’Bento has several branches. One of them at Melbourne Central Food Court (Top Level) – corner Swanston St and La Trobe St, Melbourne. The other is at Collins Place (45 Collins St, Melbourne) and also in the alleyways of Church St (just off little collins st) or St James Lane (off little collins st, close to King St).
This is without doubt the best sushi place in Melbourne! The store off lt Collins is always PACKED! You can eat in or takeaway.
Salmon Freshness: 5/5
Price: $2.30/Roll 4.5/5
Size: Good size, ratio of Salmon-to-roll is great, 4.5/5
Rice: 3/5, not too hard or sticky
Seaweed wrapper: 2.5/5
TOTAL: 19.5/25 23.5/25
O'Bento Sushi Rolls - Look at how much filling you get
Freshly made California Rolls (lots of crabstick meat)
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Hmmm, I disagree slightly, but all the classics are here… Sushi Monger in Causeway would have to be easily the best in Melbourne to be totally honest now, everywhere else is raising their prices, but these guys aren’t. They’re friendly too! The Lunch deal (3 hand rolls, + miso soup) is awesome value for $6.80, especially if you get salmon, which is 2.50 usually, you save 70 cents and get miso soup. the rice paper rolls at Yoyogi are the best in town I think, since Sushi Monger don’t do these, and in terms of pure sushi (as opposed to hand rolls, which is what most people eat now) I think Kenzan is the best quality fish, and at 10 dollars per salmon pack, it’s better value than Kenzan’s handrolls, which are exorbitant. Tip: If ever in the eastern suburbs (Hawthorn) try Ohayo on Glenferrie road. Very big rolls, and if you get there towards the end of the day they will give you 4 very large hand rolls for $5, though it’s luck of the draw with what’s left, because it’s very popular.
I completely disagree with you on sushi sushi though, the only one which I can eat without feeling sick is the one on swanston street, all the other branches use far too much rice vinegar, meaning the rice has a funky taste and texture whick makes you gag…
Thanks Craig for your comment! I agree that sushi monger is really good, definitively value for money. I was really tempted to but it in rank 2, since I don’t like the way Kenzan chops up the salmon, I prefer it chuncky, but I really LOVE the wrapper how its sooo crisp. I really want to ask if you have tried Obento (the one off Little Collins)? I really do think they make the best sushi rolls.
I am going to visit Hawthorn this week JUST to try Ohayo, I’ll let you know how it goes. Speaking of Hawthorn, have you tried Samurai? They have one of the best sashimis and its very cheap as well!!!
just adding my 2cent : if you are around hawthorn, try Suzuran on 1025 Burke Road,hawthorn around corner of Rathmines road. Its part japanese grocery shop and part takeway: really good fresh authentic japanese sushi and sashimi!
I’m a huge fan of sushi but i don’t eat sushi outside my house. ^^:: I believe most of sushi shops in Melbourne have bad food hygiene…. Sushi rolls were stored in over 5 degree for more than 5hours everyday….Can you believe it?. MYO is the best!!
I agree with Craig, Sushi Monger is definitely the best out of those ones listed, but has anyone tried Diane Sushi, near the corner of Lonsdale and Swanston?? It doesn’t look like it would be that good, it’s just a tiny counter at the edge of an asian grocery store, but it’s amazing, and great value for money! Big hand rolls, with heaps of fish in them, for $2, or vegetarian ones for $1.80… Only problem is everything has to be takeaway, as there’s nowhere to sit.
OHHHHH….this is the one near seven eleven – corner Lonsdale and Swanston St. I remember trying sushis there 3-4 years ago….I have to revisit! Thanks again!! Will let you know what I think of Diane Sushi!
Hi Mai – you MUST try this new one in South Yarra: GAIJIN Japanese Fusion. I think they’re website is http://www.gaijinmelbourne.com. Went there yesterday and wow….
Thanks for your suggestion Audie…Keep an eye for my review – soon
Hi Audie,
Ok I took your suggestion and took a little trip to South Yarra and tried GaiJin. Here is my review, hope you like it. http://www.mailintalks.com/2009/10/19/gaijin-melbourne-sushi-fusion-restaurant/
Sushi Gallery…the best sushi take away shop
I am Japanese and I tried many sushi rolls from many shops in Melbourne and I reckon the top sushi shop in Melbourne is located in the Toorak so far. There are 2 sushi shops in there, but I like the one called Sushi Gallery, I think it’s a new shop in that area. However, they are making beautiful and top quality sushi. I saw the picture you took from the O’Bento, actually you can see the oil has been used for too many time and the colour is not looking good, plus those shops are using machine to put the rice on the nori sheet… At Sushi Gallery, they got variety of sushi rolls, very fresh Sashimi! Fresh oil…Yum…I saw them using traditional way to make Japanese sushi rolls which it is rarely in Melbourne. I go there nearly everyday. I suggest all of you better go there and try the best sushi rolls in Melbourne. The address is shop4/493 Toorak Rd, Toorak.
Thanks Akane. I’m a big believer in Japanese food review done by a Japanese. I will check out Sushi Gallery during Christmas period and I will let you know what I think
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Suzuran (Camberwell) i hands down the BEST sushi place in Melbourne! I love Kenzan (GPO) for their Tan Tan Ramen!
Thanks for the suggestion Melody. I was reviewing for MELBOURNE CITY. Camberwell is a suburb of Melbourne and quite a hike to get into. I have never been to Suzuran nor heard of it, however, I will certainly go and check it out next time I’m in town
Has anyone here tried the sushi at Diane Sushi or the one in DFO at Docklands?
I have tried Diane Sushi in the corner of Lonsdale St and Swanston St (few doors down at Lonsdale St from 7 Eleven) – I don’t really like it. I have never tried the one in DFO Docklands.
Once you try Suzuran sashimi or Sushi Nigiri.. you’ve never go back. One in Sth Yarra and One in Camberwell.
I mean you’ll never go back to having the other sushi places…
Thanks Michael, I keep hearing about this Suzuran place. I will give it a try. Be aware though that my aim for this post is to have sushi that is located around the Melbourne City area without having to commute. But I Im aways up for good sushi
I quite enjoy the crispy chicken rolls from Yori Yori at Australia on Collins
Best sushi in Melbourne:
For the best quality at a price try Shira Nui in Glen Waverly (hands down the best quality sushi you can get in Melbourne) or the sushi bar at Shoya CBD.
For a Bargain try, Kenzan at GPO or Suruzan not bad.
My girlfriends Japanese and we lived in Tokyo for 3 years so my standards are quite high.
I agree with you James on Shira Nui – love everything from the sushi a la carte where you sit in front of Sushi chef and they feed you random sushis (Divine) to their scrumptious Desserts! However, It’s approximately 45 minutes drive out of Eastern Freeway out of Melbourne (at The Glen Waverley to be exact).
The aim of my post is for Melbourne CBD. So if someone’s visiting or in a business trip or happen to work in the city, they’d like to get a quick sushi fix (Take away style), they can go to my post and get those sushis without having to drive for an hour or spend $50 on taxi fare
Thanks again for the suggestion. Maybe I should start doing Best Sushi Restaurants in Victoria (Melbourne and surroundings suburb)
No offense – but sushi sushi is rubbish, majority brought in from a factory to all their stores. Thats why they do no hot food.
OBento are chinese copying japanese – which is not bad but they are a passionless lot as well (re sushi).
Both use machines. Kenzan/sushi monger are the best..but only if you are a strict expert re Sushi!!!!
Thanks Peter for your insights – please do keep them coming
I have recently been frequenting Momo Sushi along Swanston Street in Carlton. Seriously the best and freshest sushi I have eaten in Melbourne. They have quite a large variety of rolls not to mention a few weird ones too like a pork floss and sambal chicken hand roll.
Hi Mai
I’m so glad you posted Kenzan @GPO as #1. It is definitely the best sushi place in Melbourne. I know what you mean about the crisp of the nori. If it’s not crunchy it just doesn’t do it for me. My fav’s are the salmon and avo, cooked tuna, prawn tempura and the soft shell crab with roe! I wish the salmon was chunky too but definitely makes up for it with the freshness of the fish, rice quality and crisp nori. Have you been to Kenzan @ Sofitel? I was so overwhelmed how good it is. Everything is so simple but insanely fresh and very high skill in the preparation.
Thank Nina, I have been to Kenzan the restaurant probably about 7 or 8 years ago. It’s been awhile. I agree with you the best sushi place….YUM YUM
Sushi Deli (Little Bourke St, near Hardware lane) makes generously filled sushi – best sellers are the terriyaki chicken, cooked tuna, salmon…..and a fried onigiri.
They do a very generous terriyaki chicken & rice … esp. yum if you ask for hot chilli sauce.
Suzuran in Camberwell hands down is the best sushi in Melbourne !
You can never beat Sushi that is made fresh to order ! ( none of this pre-made stuff)
excellent quality sushi made by by Japanese natives !
YOYOGI IS TERRIBLE! poor service, poor food!
I take it that this review is for lunchtime affordable sushi. However, If you ever wish to spend a little more I recommend you try Kenzan’s flagship restaurant at 45 Collins St.
I have tried the majority of Melbourne’s higher end Japanese restaurants (Horoki, Nobu etc) and can unequivocally say that Kenzan’s sushi is the best.
Thanks Matt, I think for lunch upmarket sushi, I’d prefer to go to Shoya at 25 Market Lane as for $20-$25, you can get a set sushi lunch menu (sushi sashimi sets) or chirashi sushi (sashimi on top of sushi rice) with side dishes – they serve high quality sushis, as good as Kenzan but value for money during lunch. Kenzan is good for dinner, and you pay premium price for premium sushi. Shoya is good for both as lunch time they serve value for money but you get premium sushis/sashimis.
Just as a warning, when in camberwell avoid the sushi sushi as it has DISGUSTNGLY poor hygiene. My friend found white worms mixed in the rice of her hand roll.
Hi Ben,
If this is true then it is disgusting
Hi Mai,
I’m going to be visiting Victoria this weekend (4/5/6 March 2011), and am staying at the Amora Hotel Riverwalk in Richmond. Any good suggestions for sushi in the area? I’ve only been to Melbourne once before, so am somewhat clueless!
Thanks,
David
Hi David,
If you are in Richmond, your best bet is to head towards the city to Kenzan. Not even in Sydney do they have such nice sushi
.
. Good luck and enjoy your stay in Melbourne 
.
However, if you still insist at on having sushi in Richmond, head up to Mr Sushi at 228 Bridge Rd, Richmond. While in Richmond, I would also head up to the Victoria St for authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Although my favourite restaurant in Victoria St would have to be Pacific House – where you can get good roast duck on rice. YUM! For something a little more fancy, my favourite has to be Pearl at 631 Church St. You will get a mini fireworks going on with each mouthful. FYI – Oprah Winfrey has also also been to Pearl when she last visited
Without doubt Suzuran on Burke road Camberwell. It’s actually made by Japanese people and not Koreans or Chinese. They’re the real deal!
Thanks Alex , I agree great sushis are made by Japanese not the chinese or koreans.
Hi Mai, I have never been to Kenzan sushi and from your posts and the many others I think I will have to give it a try. I have recently become a sushi addict (over the past 6 months) and will have cravings for it on a regular basis especially after uni/work. I can’t go past Tokui Sushi (cnr Lonsdale and Swanston). It is simply amazing. While I think their Teriaki and chicken rolls can be relatively dry and boring their rolls containing fish (tuna/salmon), crabmeat (california) and prawn as well as vegetarian options( avocado and mayo) are simply UNBELIEVEABLY GOOD. I would give them 9.5/10. Almost every time faultless. I have very high standards when it comes to hygiene and food and this place certainly takes the cake (at $2 for ANY roll) it would be killing it financially as it constantly has an inflow of customers purchasing takeaway so it can afford to keep charging $2. I hope it sticks with this. After trying Sushi sushi, obentos and other stores around the melbourne area I find that none come close to this in terms of value, taste, price and overall quality.
Thanks very much Jake for sharing your view. Like yourself, I am also a sushi addict
– lol at having craving on sushis! Me too 
!! I recently went to a work conference in a resort in the middle of no where for a week in which whatever food they provided’re the one I had to eat. I was dying for a sushi and considered forking out quite a decent cash if possible to get some sushis being flown in 
but common sense kicked in and I told myself in couple days I will be able to indulge in lots of sushis once back in Melbourne. Love love love sushis!!
x Mai
Hi Mai,
Miso soup is to me what sushi is to you. I am always on the hunt. I look out for freshness (bonus points for made on site as opposed to packet) and of course, taste. Sushi Monger wins hands down! I’m open to any suggestions though….
Cheers!
Ang
Hi Ang,
Thanks very much for sharing your thought. You have an interesting point of view on Miso Soup, I’ve really never thought of that. You make me start to notice how insignificant Miso soup can be. Honestly, I’ve never tasted Sushi Monger’s Miso Soup. I’ll try sometimes next week and let you know what I think
. You mentioned freshness as a sign of a great Miso soup with a preference of it not coming from package one. How can you tell whether it’s fresh or not straight out of pocket, I’m intrigued 
.
x Mai
Hi Mai,
It’s definitely mostly a taste thing. Although I did notice that quite a few sushi places were just emptying a sachet into a cup/bowl and filling it with boiling water (Sushi Sushi being one of them)…
Just got back from Sushi Monger for lunch. Delicious as always!
Have a great weekend.
Ang
Hi Ang – Thanks heaps for this
. I will pop in to Sushi monger for sushis and miso soup next week 
I thought sushi couldn’t get any better until I stumbled across Raku Raku. It is knid of hard to find in the foyer of an office block on 120 Collins Street. I would even go out on a limb and say that the flame grilled salmon sushi is quite possibly the best takeway dish in town. The raku raku roll with king fish salmon and tuna is also definitely worth a try.
OOOOOh wrapping my own sushi sounds nice
although i have another place in mind that i should share KOKO at crown tower level 3. It could be a little bit pricey but hey you’re paying for what you get. 
You have to try Tung Tung sushi at Highpoint. Ive comapared it to Sushi Sushi at highpoint and this place beats it by a mile!
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