Best Asian Food in Carlton Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Lane |
| Free highlight | Half Social |
| Family-friendly | Works |
| Locals only | The Good Standard |
| Indoor option | Works |
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
The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Hill Parade is usually fine.
Order this: The lamb shoulder ($25) — solid 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
Capacity is around 32 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — solid 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 room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Hill Parade is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 33 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Hill Parade is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The daily soup ($17) — solid
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
The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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 room holds 54 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Hill Parade is usually fine.
Come back for: The charcuterie board ($20) — solid 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
Capacity is around 62 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Brunswick Terrace is usually fine.
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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
