Best Asian Food in Brunswick East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Brunswick East has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Kai and The Honest Social lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 5km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner West region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Lygon Street extends into Brunswick East with cafes and Italian heritage. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Brunswick East 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. Gus Place — 103 Thomas Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Gus Place has been operating in Brunswick East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Thomas Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the best version in Brunswick East Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Gus Place — 292 Brunswick Lane, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: dates

Gus Place has been operating in Brunswick East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Oliver Mill — 308 Blake Drive, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Oliver Mill has been operating in Brunswick East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Local — 98 Brunswick Lane, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Local has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($21) 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brunswick East roaster — ask which one.

5. Sunny Bench — 121 Blake Drive, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Sunny Bench has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Brunswick East farmers market when it runs.

The Reality of Brunswick East

Lygon Street extends into Brunswick East with cafes and Italian heritage. CERES environmental park. The best asian food options here reflect Brunswick East’s character. If you’re living in or near Brunswick East, 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. Common Post — 246 Creek Parade, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Common Post has been operating in Brunswick East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($24) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($26) — the best version in Brunswick East Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Common Commons — 196 Creek Parade, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Common Commons has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($21) 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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Brunswick East Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brunswick East roaster — ask which one.

8. Local — 203 Blake Drive, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Local has been operating in Brunswick East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. The Honest Kitchen — 206 Elm Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Honest Kitchen has been operating in Brunswick East for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Brunswick East farmers market when it runs.

10. Post — 262 Thomas Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Post has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($24) 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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. The Old Local — 308 Blake Drive, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Old Local has been operating in Brunswick East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Creek Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Brunswick East?

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

Is Brunswick East good for best asian food?

Yes. Brunswick East has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Brunswick East known for?

Lygon Street extends into Brunswick East with cafes and Italian heritage.

How far is Brunswick East from Melbourne CBD?

Brunswick East is 5km, 15min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Brunswick East 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