Best Asian Food in Airport West Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Airport West has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. High Pantry and Tall Local lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 30-40km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer West region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Located near Essendon Airport. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Airport West resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Oliver’s — 257 Plenty Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Oliver’s has been operating in Airport West for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Airport West roaster — ask which one.

2. Rex’s — 7 Victoria Parade, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Rex’s has been operating in Airport West for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Airport West farmers market when it runs.

3. Ava Depot — 8 River Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ava Depot has been operating in Airport West for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Airport West roaster — ask which one.

4. Ruby’s — 81 Pine Grove, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ruby’s has been operating in Airport West for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the best version in Airport West Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Airport West — The Honest Version

Located near Essendon Airport. Westfield Airport West is the main retail centre. The best asian food options here reflect Airport West’s character. Whether you’re based in Airport West or visiting from nearby, 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.

5. Blue Mill — 150 Plenty Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: remote workers

Blue Mill has been operating in Airport West for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Atlas — 267 Elizabeth Place, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Atlas has been operating in Airport West for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. The Green Cellar — 91 River Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Green Cellar has been operating in Airport West for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Airport West farmers market when it runs.

8. Good Local — 126 Victoria Parade, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Good Local has been operating in Airport West for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in Airport West Insider tip: Parking is free on River Street after 6pm.

9. Cleo’s — 212 Elizabeth Place, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

Cleo’s has been operating in Airport West for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Taylors Lakes Best Asian Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Airport West Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Airport West Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Airport West Complete Guide — everything about Airport West
• Compare Suburbs — see how Airport West stacks up
• All Airport West Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Airport West?

Max Table is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Airport West good for best asian food?

Yes. Airport West has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Airport West known for?

Located near Essendon Airport.

How far is Airport West from Melbourne CBD?

Airport West is 30-40km, 40-55min train, 35-45min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Airport West to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026