Visiting a sushi train with kids is a fun and efficient way to combine entertainment with a family-friendly meal out. It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet that comes to you!
I think the biggest drawcard of a sushi train is that you can typically get food promptly for hungry little bellies. Lady AB and Baby 2.0 particularly enjoy the challenge of picking up their little plates…then dipping everything in soy sauce!
And if you’re looking for cheap sushi in Melbourne? With some sushi train restaurants in Melbourne charging just $4.20 per dish, a sushi train is a relatively cheap Japanese restaurant option.
Japanese cuisine tends to have many healthy options too – lots of fish, seaweed and vegetables – and I find that the novelty of the train means that it’s easier to encourage kids to try new things.
Here are my recommendations for the best sushi trains in Melbourne, in no specific order.
Sushi Train Melbourne CBD
1. Chocolate Buddha, Melbourne
Chocolate Buddha at Federation Square opens its fancy sushi train only on weekends and you must book.
The extensive menu at Chocolate Buddha includes vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Menu items include sushi to dumplings, izakaya and ramen, making it easy to find something for everyone.
The quality of the food and the presentation are outstanding, which is reflected in the higher-than-usual prices. You could argue it’s the best sushi Melbourne CBD offers, despite some worthy competition.
Although it is overwhelmingly tempting to sit where the action (food train) is, you can also be lured outside to the tables with great views of the large screen at Fed Square.
I reckon if your budget allows Chocolate Buddha is the best sushi train Melbourne has to offer.
Chocolate Buddha, Federation Square, Cnr Swanston & Flinders Street Melbourne
2. Tetsujin, Melbourne
Tetsujin is a Japanese restaurant located on Level 4 of Emporium Melbourne, and offers a sushi train, Japanese BBQ and a bar area.
The sushi bar area is bright with décor inspired by trains and stations; subway tiles, neon rings suspended from sleek rails attached to the ceiling. You can sit around the sushi train, or order a la carte from the iPads located on each table.
In the centre, chefs prepare food and remove any food from the sushi train that is no longer fresh.
The BBQ area is darker with large-scale graphic artworks on the wall and individual BBQ plates set into each table.
Tetsujin, Level 4 Emporium Melbourne, 295 Lonsdale Street Melbourne
3. Sushi Hotaru, Melbourne
Known for its food and atmosphere rather than its décor, Sushi Hotaru Melbourne offers a quality selection at a lower price point compared to other sushi trains in the CBD.
It is a small squeezy space on the second level of MidCity Arcade, and is not as kid-friendly as some other locations though they do have booths if you can’t sit on a high stool next to the train.
You often have to line up (a good sign), although the queue does progress quickly.
Sushi Hotaru, MidCity Arcade, 118/200 Bourke Street Melbourne
4. Sakura Kaiten & Sakura Kaiten II, Melbourne
Sakura means ‘cherry blossom’ in Japanese and at Sakura Kaiten you’ll notice its namesake cherry blossom-inspired décor.
At the sister restaurant, Sakura Kaiten II there are no cherry blossoms – just Dragonball Z influences!
Both Sakura Kaiten sushi restaurants still employ the pricing schedule for sushi trains denoted by different coloured plates. Both locations also offer an iPad for ordering plates for express delivery.
The food at Sakura Kaiten II is less traditional than Sakura Kaiten, and both offer extremely fresh quality food at economical prices.
Sakura Kaiten and Sakura Kaiten II are busy and may provide sushi train restaurant Melbourne newcomers with a steep learning curve, but a labelling system means that you know what you are eating.
Sakura Kaiten, 61 Little Collins Street Melbourne
Sakura Kaiten II, 282 Lonsdale Street Melbourne
5. Sushi Jiro, Melbourne (multiple locations)
Sushi Jiro is a cheap sushi train Melbourne foodies will enjoy, as they offer sushi from $4.20 a plate. In Melbourne CBD you’ll find Sushi Jiro at QV Melbourne and ELLA Melbourne Central.
You’ll also find Sushi Jiro Melbourne sushi trains in Knox, a sushi train south east Melbourne supercentre Chadstone, a sushi train in Richmond Victoria Gardens, The Glen at Glen Waverley, Box Hill Central, Werribee and a sushi train at Westfield Doncaster.
Sushi Jiro, QV Cnr Lonsdale Street and Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000 03 9663 3936
Sushi Jiro, Melbourne Central’s ELLA, Cnr Elizabeth and Latrobe Streets Melbourne
Sushi Jiro, Box Hill Central S/C, Shop 68/1 Main Street,B ox Hill VIC 3128, (03) 9890 2110
Sushi Jiro,, The Glen S/C 235 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150, (03) 9802 2321
Sushi Jiro,, Chadstone S/C, FB182 Food Atrium (LG Floor) 1341 Dandedong Rd, Chadstone VIC 3148, (03) 9568 1479
Sushi Jiro, Westfield Knox Ozone, Shop 2225 Ozone Westfield Knox, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South VIC 3152, (03) 88284751
Sushi Jiro, Northland, K030 Northland Shopping Centre2-50 Murray Road, Preston VIC 3072, (03) 9470 6468
Sushi Jiro, Victoria Gardens S/C, KI013 Victoria Gardens S/C620 Victoria Street, Richmond VIC 3121, (03) 9428 3051
Sushi Jiro, Westfield Doncaster, Doncaster Dining 619 Doncaster Road,Doncaster VIC 3108, (03) 9848 9988
Sushi Jiro, Pacific Werribee, Shop F14, Pacific Werribee,Cnr Derrimut Rd &, Heaths Rd, Werribee VIC 3030, (03) 9748 3336
Sushi Jiro, Eastland, Shop 2065B 175 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood VIC 3134, (03) 9117 6324
Sushi Jiro, Westfield Southland, Shop 2089a, Level 21239 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham VIC 3192, (03) 9583 0348
Sushi Jiro, Westfield Knox Marketplace, Shop 1109, 425 Burwood Highway,Wantirna South VIC 3152, (03) 9887 3775
6. Makoto, Melbourne Central
When you’re looking for a sushi train Melbourne Central might not come to mind if you’re going to the train station or the movies – but check out Melbourne Central sushi train Makoto if you’re in need of a sushi fix. You’ll find the spacious restaurant behind a glowing white neon sign at Melbourne Central’s Level 2 dining.
The food comes out on a winding train plus there are touchscreen menus if you can’t wait to order. There’s plenty of room for prams too.
Makoto, Melbourne Central, Level 2, Corner of Swanston Street and La Trobe Street
7. Sushi & Nori, Docklands
If you’re looking towards Docklands for sushi trains Melbourne’s Sushi & Nori creates beautiful food with traditional Japanese methods and modern innovative ideas.
You can order online to click and collect sushi if you’re in a hurry, with a hand roll costing $4, or you can order bigger platters to cater for a crowd!
Sushi & Nori, Collins Square, 727 Collins St, Docklands
8. Sushi Hub, Swanston Street
Sushi Hub has multiple stores, but sources ingredients locally to ensure quality, fresh food. Options include maki rolls, sushi, sashimi & salad, inari, nigiri, sushi platters and Sushi Hub signature dishes.
The Swanston Street store is conveniently located to grab a quick bite as you walk past (I’ve found hand roll to be excellent for hungry children walking down to Flinders Street Station) or you can stop and enjoy the conveyor belt Sushi Train in-store.
Sushi Hub also have a small all you can eat sushi train in Hawthorn on Glenferrie Road.
Sushi Hub, 55 Swanston St, Melbourne, (03) 9639 6877
Sushi Hub, 686 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn
9. Yoyogi Sushi, Swanston Street
Prepare to be mesmerized by their state-of-the-art, 36-meter-long conveyor belt that snakes its way through the dining space.
This is no ordinary sushi train; it’s a veritable expressway to some of the most scrumptious sushi you will ever taste. Each plate is a testament to the art of sushi-making, carefully crafted by their expert chefs to bring you nothing short of culinary joy.
Yoyogi Sushi, 269 Swanston St, Melbourne, 03 9654 0818
Sushi Train Melbourne suburbs
10. Kokoro Sushi, Brighton & Camberwell
Take your sushi train experience to the next level at Kokoro Sushi. Aside from the regular sushi train plates revolving around the restaurant, if you’re after something a little more substantial all you have to do is make your selection on the tablet.
Whether it’s a crunchy tempura or a warming bowl of udon noodles, the kids will adore the old-school engines and subway-style trains delivering their meals straight to the table!
It can get loud and busy in the evenings, so keep in mind if you have very little ones, and book ahead for this conveyor belt sushi if you can.
39A Church Street, Brighton VIC 3186, (03) 9591 0338, dine-in Wed-Sun 11am-8.30pm
767 Burke Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124, (03) 9813 1128, dine-in 11am-9pm daily
11. Kawa-Sake Sushi Boat and Grill Bar, Yarraville
For a unique sushi experience – go by boat! Kawa-Sake Sushi Boat and Grill is a wonderfully cosy and intimate sushi experience including all the things you love, with the added charm of the sushi boats.
Enjoy traditional sashimi, sushi and edamame, or add on some gyoza or okonomiyaki for hungry tummies.
I would recommend a visit to Kawa-Sake for the slightly older kids, who can sit at the high stools comfortably during the meal.
Kawa-Sake Sushi Boat and Grill Bar, 3 Anderson St, Yarraville Victoria 3013, (03) 96878690, open Tues-Sun 5pm-10pm.
12. Ganbare Kaz, Windsor
Squeezed into the hustle and bustle of the Windsor end of Chapel Street is Ganbare Kaz. With fresh and delicious flavours, this Windsor sushi train and restaurant caters particularly well to vegetarian tastes.
They produce traditional sushi dishes you know and love, along with unique plates such as pumpkin and beetroot, or sun-dried tomato.
No matter what the flavour, everything is dressed and garnished to look as beautiful as it tastes.
Ganbare Kaz Kaiten Sushi, 151 Chapel Street, Windsor VIC 3181, (03) 9972 8979, open Sun-Thu 11.30am-9.30pm, Fri & Sat 11.30am-10.30pm.
13. Marae Izakaya Melbourne, Chadstone
More elevated than the usual shopping centre food court sushi, Marae Izakaya offers a casual sushi train experience in Chadstone, plus a more formal bar and dining area with daily kaiseki offerings.
Along with the regular salmon and tuna nigiri rotations, Marae serves premium options including scampi sashimi, wagyu beef tataki or unagi rolls alongside an extensive sake list.
Marae Izakaya Melbourne, Shop 1-008 Dining Terrace Level, Chadstone Shopping Centre,1341 Dandenong Road (near HOYTS, LEGO LAND) Chadstone, VIC 3148, (03) 9569 4450
14. Momo Roto, Frankston
What comes around, goes back around, with Sydney’s Momo Roto bringing their sushi train to Bayside Centre.
Momo Roto‘s sushi train in Frankston serves up a never-ending selection of always delicious and always fresh well-known Japanese favourites such as nigiri, gunkan, sashimi, small rolls and large rolls. Love the pastel aesthetic too!
Momo Roto, Bayside Shopping Centre, 28 Beach St, Frankston, hello@momoroto.com.au
15. Train by Sushi Sushi, Highpoint
Sushi Sushi stores are ubiquitous in every high street and shopping centre in Melbourne – but Highpoint is the only place where you can experience their sushi train.
We are regulars to this sushi train because you can park easily, it’s right near the entrance of the Level 2 Atrium food court, and you don’t have to worry about getting lost in the Highpoint maze.
It’s also very close to the Highpoint indoor playground if the kids need to let off some steam before or after their sushi train adventure.
Sushi Sushi Train, Level 2 The Atrium, Highpoint Shopping Centre, 200-220 Rosamond Rd, Maribyrnong
16. Ikiru Sushi, Sunshine
Offering fresh sushi on a train, sashimi, maki rolls, plus hot dishes available to order from iPads, this Sunshine sushi train is sure to bring a sunny smile to everyone!
Note that the sushi train operates only in the evenings on Thursday and Friday and from 11:30am on Saturday and Sunday (closed Monday to Wednesday). The general lunch menu is available Tuesday to Friday, with bento boxes and sushi made to order.
The space is small and pretty tightly packed, so while they do have highchairs it’s a bit of an awkward fit. Personally, I’d make sure the kids can sit independently on the high stools.
Ikiru Sushi, Shop 15, 254 Hampshire Road, Sunshine
sushi train with kids FAQs
Are sushi trains good for kids?
Most sushi train restaurants are small and may not fit a pram easily, nor do they often provide high chairs as you’re sitting on high stools. As such, it may be better for kids 4+ years old who do not need a pram and are able to sit independently.
How do you choose a good sushi train?
Melbourne’s sushi trains are known for their diverse offerings and commitment to using fresh ingredients – we’re so lucky to be able to easily access fresh fish in Australia!
When choosing a sushi train I look for places with a high turnover of customers and food. That way you can be more certain that the food is fresh.
Are there vegetarian options at these sushi trains?
Yes, many sushi trains in Melbourne offer a range of vegetarian and vegan sushi options. For instance, Lady AB is quasi-vegetarian and enjoys tamagoyaki, cucumber and avocado maki rolls.
What is the price range for sushi trains?
The price range varies, but you can find options to suit every budget. The most affordable conveyor belt sushi are places that offer flat rates for all plates (around $4.20) but there are also upscale sushi train dining options.
Can I make reservations at these sushi trains?
In general, most sushi trains operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a large group it’s a good idea to arrive early or eat at non-peak times. Weekdays before or after the lunch hour rush, can be a great time for a relaxed sushi experience.
Some places will offer reservations (note, Chocolate Buddha sushi train ONLY takes reservations because their sushi train is so popular).
Do these sushi trains offer takeaway options?
Many sushi trains in Melbourne offer takeaway and delivery services, so you can enjoy their delicious sushi at home as well! Though the golden rule for sushi trains is to take only what you plan to eat right now.
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