Best Asian Food in Altona Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best asian food option in Altona to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Mia’s is the one everyone knows. Kai is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Beach suburb with Altona Pier and Louis Joel Arts Centre. Altona sits in the Inner West corridor, 13km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best asian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Altona since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Golden Social — 148 Thomas Avenue, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Golden Social has been operating in Altona for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) 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 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Good Quarter — 8 Station Street, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: groups

Good Quarter has been operating in Altona for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Kai’s — 61 Thomas Avenue, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Kai’s has been operating in Altona for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. The New Place — 369 Barkly Terrace, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The New Place has been operating in Altona for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Yard — 66 Thomas Avenue, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Yard has been operating in Altona for since 2019 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.

Capacity is around 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

The Reality of Altona

Beach suburb with Altona Pier and Louis Joel Arts Centre. Strong community identity. The best asian food options here reflect Altona’s character. For Altona locals and anyone in the area, 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.

6. The Half Social — 255 Station Street, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Half Social has been operating in Altona for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Altona farmers market when it runs.

7. Pearl Place — 8 Barkly Terrace, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Pearl Place has been operating in Altona for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($22) 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 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Altona farmers market when it runs.

8. The High Store — 137 Elizabeth Avenue, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The High Store has been operating in Altona for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($21) 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.

Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

9. Hazel’s — 77 Collins Parade, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Hazel’s has been operating in Altona for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($18) — the best version in Altona Insider tip: They source produce from Altona farmers market when it runs.

10. Cleo Place — 351 Thomas Avenue, Altona VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

Cleo Place has been operating in Altona for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Altona farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Altona?

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

Is Altona good for best asian food?

Yes. Altona has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Altona known for?

Beach suburb with Altona Pier and Louis Joel Arts Centre.

How far is Altona from Melbourne CBD?

Altona is 13km, 25min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Altona is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026