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| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Room |
| Free highlight | Old House |
| Family-friendly | Oliver |
| Locals only | Theo Commons |
| Indoor option | Otto’s |
We’ve tested every best sushi and japanese option in Doncaster East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Social is the one everyone knows. Ava Kitchen is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. The Pines Shopping Centre and Tunstall Square for retail. Doncaster East sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best sushi and japanese scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Doncaster East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Mia’s — 240 River Terrace, Doncaster East VIC 3126
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 62 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Church Terrace is usually fine.
Order this: The fish special ($20) — solid
2. Atlas’s — 284 High Parade, Doncaster East VIC 3126
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
3. The Long Commons — 55 River Terrace, Doncaster East VIC 3126
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A solid local spot Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on River Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. Remy — 321 Creek Drive, Doncaster East VIC 3126
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($11) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Doncaster East farmers market when it runs.
5. Lane — 302 River Terrace, Doncaster East VIC 3126
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — solid
The Doncaster East That Locals Know
The Pines Shopping Centre and Tunstall Square for retail. Strong Chinese-Australian community. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Doncaster East’s character. For Doncaster East locals and anyone in the area, 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.
6. Ada’s — 364 Brunswick Parade, Doncaster East VIC 3126
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Church Terrace is usually fine.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — solid
7. Zara Bench — 251 Church Terrace, Doncaster East VIC 3126
What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
8. Otto’s — 52 Church Terrace, Doncaster East VIC 3126
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The house-made relish ($26) — solid
9. Felix — 139 River Terrace, Doncaster East VIC 3126
What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
10. Lucky Store — 174 Church Terrace, Doncaster East VIC 3126
What it is: (sushi and japanese) Worth the detour Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 34 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Doncaster East farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Doncaster Best Sushi and Japanese — same vibe, different suburb
- Doncaster East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Doncaster East Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Doncaster East Complete Guide — everything about Doncaster East
- Compare Suburbs — see how Doncaster Eas
