Best Asian Food in Carnegie Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Carnegie has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. White Social and The High Depot lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 12km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Koornang Road is one of Melbourne’s best suburban food strips. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Carnegie 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. Old Press — 211 Bourke Terrace, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Old Press has been operating in Carnegie for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($12) 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 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Sol — 325 Main Lane, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Sol has been operating in Carnegie for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($22) 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 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Carnegie roaster — ask which one.

3. Ruby’s — 246 Main Lane, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Ruby’s has been operating in Carnegie for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bourke Terrace is usually fine.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Nina Union — 359 Bourke Terrace, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Nina Union has been operating in Carnegie for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. The Golden Bench — 30 George Road, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: dates

The Golden Bench has been operating in Carnegie for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($16) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Collins Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Carnegie — The Honest Version

Koornang Road is one of Melbourne’s best suburban food strips. Carnegie station provides rail access. The best asian food options here reflect Carnegie’s character. If you’re living in or near Carnegie, 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. Vera’s — 294 Railway Terrace, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Vera’s has been operating in Carnegie for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($16) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on George Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($21) — the best version in Carnegie Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. House — 115 Main Lane, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: solo diners

House has been operating in Carnegie for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($23) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Northern Room — 161 Collins Grove, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: budget eaters

Northern Room has been operating in Carnegie for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Railway Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The daily soup ($25) — the best version in Carnegie Insider tip: Parking is free on Collins Street after 6pm.

9. Ada Store — 116 Main Lane, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ada Store has been operating in Carnegie for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($11) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on George Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($12) — the best version in Carnegie Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

10. Otto Cellar — 170 Collins Grove, Carnegie VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Otto Cellar has been operating in Carnegie for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($11) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Carnegie roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Carnegie?

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

Is Carnegie good for best asian food?

Yes. Carnegie has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Carnegie known for?

Koornang Road is one of Melbourne’s best suburban food strips.

How far is Carnegie from Melbourne CBD?

Carnegie is 12km, 22min train, 18min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Carnegie 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