Best Asian Food in Carlton Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best asian food scene in Carlton is growing every year. Start at New Corner, then check out Tall Post. Lygon Street is Melbourne’s Little Italy — pasta, pizza, gelato since the 1950s. Located 2km from the CBD, Carlton is part of Melbourne’s Inner North region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Carlton locals actually recommend.

1. Vera Social — 71 Lake Drive, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: dates

Vera Social has been operating in Carlton for since 2019 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.

The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Hill Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Good Room — 140 Brunswick Terrace, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: groups

Good Room has been operating in Carlton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Leo — 90 Lake Drive, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: remote workers

Leo has been operating in Carlton for since the early 2020s 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.

Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Carlton farmers market when it runs.

4. The Tall Cellar — 103 Hill Parade, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Tall Cellar has been operating in Carlton for over a decade 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 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 Hill Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Ava House — 278 Railway Crescent, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: remote workers

Ava House has been operating in Carlton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($22) 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 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Hill Parade is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

The Reality of Carlton

Lygon Street is Melbourne’s Little Italy — pasta, pizza, gelato since the 1950s. University of Melbourne campus. The best asian food options here reflect Carlton’s character. For Carlton 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. Nico Quarter — 50 Hill Parade, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Nico Quarter has been operating in Carlton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 37 — 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 daily soup ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

7. Ada’s — 101 Hill Parade, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ada’s has been operating in Carlton for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($16) — the best version in Carlton Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. The Lucky Works — 154 Hill Parade, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Lucky Works has been operating in Carlton 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The daily soup ($19) — the best version in Carlton Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Remy’s — 371 Hill Parade, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: families

Remy’s has been operating in Carlton for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Hill Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Carlton roaster — ask which one.

10. Ivy Yard — 117 Hill Parade, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ivy Yard has been operating in Carlton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($12) 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 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Carlton roaster — ask which one.

11. Half Yard — 123 Brunswick Terrace, Carlton VIC 3034

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Half Yard has been operating in Carlton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Carlton?

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

Is Carlton good for best asian food?

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

What is Carlton known for?

Lygon Street is Melbourne’s Little Italy — pasta, pizza, gelato since the 1950s.

How far is Carlton from Melbourne CBD?

Carlton is 2km, 10min tram, 6min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Carlton: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026