Best Asian Food in Brunswick East Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Old Press |
| Best free option | Pearl’s |
| Best for families | Hugo’s |
| Best local secret | Common Bench |
| Best for rainy days | Old Store |
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
The space seats about 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Thomas Grove is usually fine.
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
The room holds 53 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($16) — solid 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
Capacity is around 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The seasonal special ($12) — solid 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 space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.
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 room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Creek Parade is usually fine.
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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
