Orianna Sushi Cafe, Murrumbeena

MELBOURNE | I first met Dani Liem, one of Melbourne’s top sushi chefs, when he was heading up the omakase and kaiseki menu at Southbank’s Komeyui. I’ve been a fan of Dani’s ever since, following his move to high end Japanese restaurant, Sushi Sho, and now his latest spot Orianna Sushi Cafe, which Dani invited me in to visit.

Unlike other places that Dani has worked at in the past, Orianna is his. He owns the restaurant and cafe with his wife, Sintia, a trained pastry chef who makes all of the cakes you see displayed in the pastry cabinet. Driven by a desire to work more sociable hours, and spend more time with his family, Orianna is open for breakfast and lunch five days a week, and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. The menu is roughly the same throughout the day.

Given Dani’s experience, and obsession with quality and sustainable sourcing, it’s no surprise that the produce is excellent. Seafood is sourced locally and from Japan, and the overall offering is one that belies Orianna’s humble fitout, and unassuming suburban setting.

Seafood is the main reason to visit Orianna, with options ranging from simple nigiri and sashimi, to things like jumbo sushi rolls, and oshizushi (pressed sushi). It might be scallops, air freighted fresh from Hokkaido overnight and topped with foie gras; or kingfish, wrapped in konbu and dry aged for 24 hours before being sprinkled with finely chopped spring onion. $41 (as of November 2026) for the chef’s selection of 9 sushi of the day, is a bargain for this level of quality and precision.

Oysters are an indulgence, no matter which way you order them – topped with uni, salmon row, caviar, and finely sliced scallop; or crumbed and fried with house tartare and salmon roe.

Beyond sushi, there’s also options like donburi classics – chicken katsu don, karaage don, wagyu yakiniku don, and more. All are topped with a perfectly cooked onsen egg. As are the curry rice options. The chicken katsu curry rice bowl, is comfort food at its best. For a super quick option to-go, you can also choose from an assortment of onigiri.

To drink, it’s coffee, tea, and a selection of hot and iced drinks. The iced matcha strawberry is dense, flavoursome, and not overly sweet. If you prefer something stronger, there’s also a selection of sake, Japanese spirits, and Japanese beer.

Before you leave, be sure to grab a slice of one of Sinta’s chiffon cakes. Fillings include things like chocolate caramel, pandan coconut, and seasonal fresh fruits. Each slice is light and airy, and extremely fresh. They go particularly well with a nip of matcha sake.