Best Asian Food in Ashburton Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best asian food option in Ashburton to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The White Union is the one everyone knows. Gus is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. High Street Ashburton has genuine village character. Ashburton sits in the Middle South corridor, 12-18km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best asian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Ashburton since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Bench — 328 Margaret Avenue, Ashburton VIC 3161

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Bench has been operating in Ashburton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($15) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Ruby — 226 Margaret Avenue, Ashburton VIC 3161

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ruby has been operating in Ashburton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Street is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — the best version in Ashburton Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Nico Depot — 181 Lake Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Nico Depot has been operating in Ashburton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($15) 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 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Nico Social — 256 High Street, Ashburton VIC 3161

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: families

Nico Social has been operating in Ashburton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($27) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($24) — the best version in Ashburton Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Ashburton Actually Is

High Street Ashburton has genuine village character. Warner Reserve and Ashburton Park. The best asian food options here reflect Ashburton’s character. If you’re living in or near Ashburton, 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. Half Standard — 55 Lake Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Half Standard has been operating in Ashburton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. Long Place — 301 Main Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Long Place has been operating in Ashburton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($18) 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 38 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 fish special ($17) — the best version in Ashburton Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Ruby — 202 Lake Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ruby has been operating in Ashburton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($26) 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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. The Bright Place — 295 Main Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Bright Place has been operating in Ashburton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Tall Depot — 38 Main Crescent, Ashburton VIC 3161

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: groups

Tall Depot has been operating in Ashburton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($18) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Ashburton?

The Red Mill is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Ashburton good for best asian food?

Yes. Ashburton has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Ashburton known for?

High Street Ashburton has genuine village character.

How far is Ashburton from Melbourne CBD?

Ashburton is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Ashburton won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026