Best Asian Food in Chelsea Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best asian food option in Chelsea to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Tall Kitchen is the one everyone knows. Cellar is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Beachside suburb with a strong local identity. Chelsea sits in the Bayside corridor, 18-41km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best asian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Chelsea since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Remy — 28 Bell Avenue, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Remy has been operating in Chelsea for over a decade 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Half Yard — 93 Market Place, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: groups

Half Yard has been operating in Chelsea for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Terrace is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.

3. Marco’s — 147 Bell Avenue, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Marco’s has been operating in Chelsea for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Otto Union — 17 Market Place, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: solo diners

Otto Union has been operating in Chelsea for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bell Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Long Pantry — 275 Bell Avenue, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: groups

Long Pantry has been operating in Chelsea for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Chelsea Is Worth Knowing

Beachside suburb with a strong local identity. Chelsea pier is popular for fishing. Annual Chelsea Sands Festival. The best asian food options here reflect Chelsea’s character. If you’re living in or near Chelsea, 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. Sunny Standard — 129 Church Terrace, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: groups

Sunny Standard has been operating in Chelsea for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Thomas Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Nina Commons — 223 Market Place, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nina Commons has been operating in Chelsea for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Market Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Little Lane — 220 Bell Avenue, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: families

Little Lane has been operating in Chelsea for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($12) 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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Northern Cellar — 31 Thomas Road, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Northern Cellar has been operating in Chelsea for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Vera Kitchen — 188 William Parade, Chelsea VIC 3186

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Vera Kitchen has been operating in Chelsea for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Chelsea?

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

Is Chelsea good for best asian food?

Yes. Chelsea has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Chelsea known for?

Beachside suburb with a strong local identity.

How far is Chelsea from Melbourne CBD?

Chelsea is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Chelsea isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026