With its dramatic coastline and abundance of cold-water fish, Victoria and sushi go together like soy and wasabi. Victorians can afford to be picky when it comes to their sashimi too, with more Japanese restaurants than you can poke a stick at. Get your chopsticks at the ready, these are the best spots to get sushi in Victoria, as crowned in the delicious. 100.
Walking into this Japanese restaurant is like stepping back in time, with its cash-only register and handwritten menu. This staple of Rathdowne St is a family-run spot with limited seating and a concise menu. Choose between mixed sushi platters, rice bowls or sashimi sets, each served without frills or fuss – the perfect neighbourhood spot. Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley; @shiranuiglenwaverley.
The omakase experience here is a truly special one, with chef Koichi Minamishima driven by the pursuit of perfection. This award-winning venue has been refining its sushi, nigiri and other delicacies since 2015. The menu is determined by produce – Hokkaido king crab fresh from Japan, say, or local King George whiting – and each dish receives meticulous attention to detail. 4 Lord St, Richmond; minamishima.com.au.
Walking into this Japanese restaurant is like stepping back in time, with its cash-only register and handwritten menu. This staple of Rathdowne St is a family-run spot with limited seating and a concise menu. Choose between mixed sushi platters, rice bowls or sashimi sets, each served without frills or fuss – the perfect neighbourhood spot. 178 Rathdowne St, Carlton; @sushi_ten_carlton.
Operating for 42 years, this understated stalwart does its thing incredibly well. Some of the city’s top Japanese chefs have cut their teeth here, and exceptional quality is on show across the menu. Set sushi and sashimi combinations make ordering easy, but you can also choose your own adventure; the dinner menu offers stellar maki, nigiri, deluxe sushi and more. 45 Collins St, Melbourne; kenzan.com.au.
It could be described as just a Japanese stall in Brunswick Market, but that doesn’t do Tochi Deli justice. Chef Shingo Tochimoto and partner Rena have been reeling in locals since day one for their exceptional Japanese specialties. Seafood shines here – from kingfish and tuna to eel and sea urchin, all likely draped atop perfectly formed nigiri. Brunswick Market, 655 Sydney Rd, Brunswick; @tochideli.
