Where to find the best sushi train in Melbourne

Nab a seat and grab those moving plates – all aboard the sushi express!

Tetsujin

Ride the lift to join Tetsujin’s Tokyo-style train, currently accepting walk-ins only. The bright tiled station takes centre stage, with the darker robata grill to the side. Tempura pumpkin nigiri and lobster inari are around $4, with assorted sashimi from $9. To make your meal complete, order a summery watermelon cocktail from Tetsuijin’s legendary bar. Find them in on level 4 of Emporium Melbourne.

Chocolate Buddha

Chocolate Buddha’s take on Japan’s signature dining experience runs Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 3pm. Figure $20 or so for four spectacular rolls. Like soft-shell crab with avocado and panko-crumbed BBQ chicken. Pair with a sake flight for express satisfaction. To get on board, choose ‘counter’ when you make your booking.

Sushi Jiro QV

White marble adds a light and breezy touch at Sushi Jiro’s QV Melbourne station. Scallop nigiri and wasabi-salmon hand rolls are a cheeky $3.90. Or travel first class with $8 kingfish sashimi or scallop carpaccio. Add vegie tempura or karaage chicken, a cool seaweed salad or matcha crème brûlée dessert.

Makoto Sushi Train

On level 2 at Melbourne Central, Makoto is the ideal refuel stop when you need a break from shopping. Seafood stars in mouth-watering morsels of fresh tuna, salmon and yuzu-kingfish. Don’t miss the fried prawns with spicy mayo but leave room for Makoto’s multi-layered matcha crepe cake. The nigiri start at around $5.

Sakura Kaiten

Sakura Kaiten has dramatically lit, atmospheric outlets in Little Lonsdale and Lonsdale Streets. At either branch, you can watch as expert chefs prepare and load superb sushi onto the mini bullet train. Red dishes are top of the range at $6.80, featuring salmon with roe, avocado or sea urchin. Choose $5.80 white plates for grilled or fresh tuna and yellowtail nigiri.

Sushi Hotaru MidCity

Ride the escalator to Sushi Hotaru and join the queue of hungry fans. At $3.70 for all sushi and sides, no wonder they keep coming back for more. Classics like smoked bonito, seared wagyu beef and eel with cheese whiz off the conveyor belt. Hotaru means firefly, and it’s as fast, reliable and efficient as a Japanese bullet train.

Sushi Jiro Melbourne Central

Make a shop-stop at Ella to jump onto Sushi Jiro’s delectable train. Order via tablet, or swipe a dish from the passing parade. From layered uramaki wraps to gunkan seaweed boats, Jiro’s playful sushi masters add a twist to the traditional. Come here for the moody nightclub vibe, and watch projections swirl above while you graze.