A late-night sushi train

Don’t let the name fool you—Bossa Nova Sushi might sound like it moonlights in Rio’s jazz lounges, but it’s actually Melbourne’s sharpest new sushi train, and it’s all about Japanese precision served with a playful local twist. Tucked into a sliver of Bourke Street just off Spring, this 26-seater may be small in size, but it’s making a big statement.

Officially opened in May 2024, Bossa Nova is the lovechild of two very familiar names: Victor Liong, the genius behind Lee Ho Fook, and Con Christopoulos, the man who gave us Siglo, The European, and more recently resurrected the space as Kafeneion.

Two hospitality heavyweights

Victor brings that razor-sharp culinary thinking to the tracks—every dish speaks to his obsession with detail and technique. Meanwhile, Con lends the cool: a veteran restaurateur with a portfolio that spans icons, his knack for creating effortlessly stylish spaces is in full effect here (and if you needed reminding, he’s also currently building a resort in Vanuatu… because of course he is).

Together, they’ve reimagined the former Self Preservation bar-gallery into something between a jewellery box and a spaceship. Expect brass trims, smooth curves, a colour palette that leans luxe, and a kitchen setup that looks like it could solve a Rubik’s Cube if you stared hard enough.

Sushi that goes beyond the conveyor Belt

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill spicy tuna roll. Liong’s menu showcases premium rice blends—Yumepirika from Hokkaido and Australian Koshihikari—seasoned with a vinegar concoction developed in-house. Plates roll out from the sushi train ranging from $4.80 to $12, while à la carte specials shake things up with the likes of grilled wagyu ox tongue, half-shell scallops, and udon tangled in clams and seaweed butter.

There’s thought in every bite, and while the train format may scream quick and casual, what you’re getting here is peak-quality sushi, made by people who know their way around both a fish market and a fermentation lab.

A drinks list with a wink

You could just sip green tea and call it a day, but where’s the fun in that? The drinks list is as playful as it is polished. Expect yuzu spritzes, Caipirinhas (a subtle nod to the name’s Brazilian twist), crisp sakes, and perhaps even a cheeky highball or two. If you’re after a late-night pairing for your scallops or ox tongue, Bossa Nova delivers on all fronts.

Small space, big personality

At just 26 seats, it’s intimate—but not precious. There’s a subtle hum of energy: the plates whirring by, the clink of ice, the low thump of a jazz beat weaving through the sound system. It’s the kind of place where you’ll look up and realise you’ve stayed three hours longer than planned, with a stack of plates and an empty spritz glass to show for it.

Open late, just the way we like it

In true Melbourne style, Bossa Nova understands that cravings don’t clock off at 9pm. It’s open from 11:30am until midnight, Tuesday through Saturday—perfect for spontaneous dinners, post-service hangs, or that in-between drinks moment when you realise you forgot to eat lunch.