Best Asian Food in Collingwood Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best asian food scene in Collingwood is genuinely worth exploring. Start at The Honest Quarter, then check out Oliver Depot. Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips. Located 3km from the CBD, Collingwood is part of Melbourne’s Inner East 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 Collingwood locals actually recommend.

1. Ada — 295 William Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ada has been operating in Collingwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Cecil Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Cecil Street after 6pm.

2. Otto’s — 168 Sydney Grove, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: the whole crew

Otto’s has been operating in Collingwood for since the early 2020s 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.

Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bell Terrace is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Ada’s — 37 Sydney Grove, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: solo diners

Ada’s has been operating in Collingwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The room holds 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Humble Press — 56 Albert Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Humble Press has been operating in Collingwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($15) 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 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Makes Collingwood Different

Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips. Craft breweries, galleries, and independent bars. The best asian food options here reflect Collingwood’s character. For Collingwood 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. Yard — 319 Sydney Grove, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Yard has been operating in Collingwood for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Collingwood roaster — ask which one.

6. Lena — 213 Sydney Grove, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: remote workers

Lena has been operating in Collingwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The room holds 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($27) — the best version in Collingwood Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Southern Table — 101 Albert Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Southern Table has been operating in Collingwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Albert Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Collingwood farmers market when it runs.

8. Zara — 196 Sydney Grove, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: dates

Zara has been operating in Collingwood 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. The Golden Mill — 343 William Terrace, Collingwood VIC 3174

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: dates

The Golden Mill has been operating in Collingwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($14) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Sydney Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Collingwood?

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

Is Collingwood good for best asian food?

Yes. Collingwood has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Collingwood known for?

Smith Street is one of Melbourne’s grittiest and most vibrant strips.

How far is Collingwood from Melbourne CBD?

Collingwood is 3km, 10min tram, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Collingwood is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026