Best Asian Food in Elsternwick Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best asian food option in Elsternwick to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Hugo is the one everyone knows. River’s is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip. Elsternwick sits in the Inner South corridor, 8km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best asian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Elsternwick since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Blue Cellar — 177 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Blue Cellar has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($17) 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 49 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Swan Place is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Bench — 287 West Street, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Bench has been operating in Elsternwick for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($26) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($27) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Mill — 4 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Mill has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 47 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Room — 30 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Room has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Northern Place — 162 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: families

Northern Place has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 60 — 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 pumpkin risotto ($10) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. Ivy’s — 28 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: groups

Ivy’s has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($15) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($15) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The Reality of Elsternwick

Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip. Elsternwick Village has strong Jewish community heritage. The best asian food options here reflect Elsternwick’s character. If you’re living in or near Elsternwick, 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.

7. The Golden Quarter — 312 West Street, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: dates

The Golden Quarter has been operating in Elsternwick for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. The Little Mill — 343 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: dates

The Little Mill has been operating in Elsternwick for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The seasonal special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Swan Street after 6pm.

9. The Bright Room — 296 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Bright Room has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($25) 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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Oliver’s — 348 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Oliver’s has been operating in Elsternwick for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($21) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lygon Drive is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Sol’s — 189 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Sol’s has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($26) 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 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Swan Place is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

12. Honest Depot — 28 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Honest Depot has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on West Street is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Elsternwick roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Elsternwick?

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

Is Elsternwick good for best asian food?

Yes. Elsternwick has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Elsternwick known for?

Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip.

How far is Elsternwick from Melbourne CBD?

Elsternwick is 8km, 16min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Elsternwick: 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