Brunswick East has a japanese food scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs vibrant, mixed, cosmopolitan — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every japanese food spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.
Expect to pay $28-45 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you omakase, the higher end gets you ramen done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. The Happy House — 195 Spring Grove
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $17-30 per person
The Happy House is the benchmark for japanese food in Brunswick East. The sashimi platter is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The teriyaki is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar.
Order this: The katsu ($17) as a main, plus tempura to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Old Standard — 66 Homer Parade
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10pm Price: $24-35 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than The Happy House but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The ramen here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The omakase ($24). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Green Cellar — 190 Thomas Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10pm Price: $16-26 per person
Green Cellar opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered. The teriyaki ($25) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the tempura ($22) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. Hazel Press — 115 Spring Grove
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $15-28 per person
The takeaway option on this list. Hazel Press doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Brunswick East. The sashimi platter ($15) is the standout.
5. Society — 80 Homer Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $22-40 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The ramen ($28) and the omakase ($22) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a japanese food place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Happy House | Overall best | $17-30 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| Old Standard | Locals’ favourite | $24-35 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| Green Cellar | New opening | $16-26 | Yes, via website |
| Hazel Press | Best takeaway | $15-28 | Counter service |
| Society | All-rounder | $22-40 | Recommended weekends |
Japanese Food Price Guide — Brunswick East
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $12-18 | Counter-service, takeaway, no frills |
| Mid-range | $28-45 | Sit-down, proper menu, decent wine list |
| Premium | $50+ | Tasting menus, premium ingredients |
Before You Go
Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) for no wait. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along Homer Parade is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Brunswick East.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: Hazel Press and The Happy House are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- Fitzroy Japanese Food
- Collingwood Japanese Food
- Brunswick East Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Brunswick East Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Brunswick East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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