Best Asian Food in Clarinda Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Clarinda has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The High Depot and Old Room lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 19km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Quiet residential suburb between Clayton South and Moorabbin. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Clarinda 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. Northern Depot — 331 Ash Grove, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Northern Depot has been operating in Clarinda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Clarinda farmers market when it runs.

2. The Southern Pantry — 192 Blake Street, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: remote workers

The Southern Pantry has been operating in Clarinda for over a decade 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.

Capacity is around 48 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 ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Clarinda roaster — ask which one.

3. Luna’s — 235 River Lane, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: families

Luna’s has been operating in Clarinda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The house-made relish ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Mia Standard — 248 River Lane, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Mia Standard has been operating in Clarinda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Clarinda Is Worth Knowing

Quiet residential suburb between Clayton South and Moorabbin. Clarinda Shopping Centre on Centre Road. The best asian food options here reflect Clarinda’s character. For Clarinda 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.

5. Little Press — 245 Bridge Avenue, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Little Press has been operating in Clarinda for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($19) — the best version in Clarinda Insider tip: Parking is free on Blake Street after 6pm.

6. Nina’s — 268 Bay Crescent, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nina’s has been operating in Clarinda 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.

The space seats about 32 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Store — 97 Blake Street, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Store has been operating in Clarinda for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. The Southern Corner — 107 Bridge Avenue, Clarinda VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Southern Corner has been operating in Clarinda for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 room holds 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The seasonal special ($25) — the best version in Clarinda Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Clarinda?

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

Is Clarinda good for best asian food?

Yes. Clarinda has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Clarinda known for?

Quiet residential suburb between Clayton South and Moorabbin.

How far is Clarinda from Melbourne CBD?

Clarinda is 19km, no direct train, 26min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Clarinda: 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