Best Asian Food in Hawthorn East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best asian food scene in Hawthorn East is growing every year. Start at Good Union, then check out Hazel Corner. Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Hawthorn East is part of Melbourne’s Middle 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 Hawthorn East locals actually recommend.

1. Pantry — 25 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Pantry has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hawthorn East roaster — ask which one.

2. Red Room — 75 Thomas Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: families

Red Room has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn East farmers market when it runs.

3. The White Place — 109 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The White Place has been operating in Hawthorn East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($27) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Zara House — 212 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Zara House has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.

The room holds 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn East farmers market when it runs.

5. The Tall Cellar — 16 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Tall Cellar has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Ash Crescent is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The Hawthorn East That Locals Know

Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops. The best asian food options here reflect Hawthorn East’s character. Whether you’re based in Hawthorn East or visiting from nearby, 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. Felix’s — 362 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: families

Felix’s has been operating in Hawthorn East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

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.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Felix’s — 70 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Felix’s has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 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.

The space seats about 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($14) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

8. Corner — 233 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Corner has been operating in Hawthorn East for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Ruby’s — 332 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ruby’s has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) 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 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Thomas Street after 6pm.

10. Mia — 51 South Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: families

Mia has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. Theo’s — 152 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: the whole crew

Theo’s has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($15) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Hawthorn East?

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

Is Hawthorn East good for best asian food?

Yes. Hawthorn East has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Hawthorn East known for?

Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops.

How far is Hawthorn East from Melbourne CBD?

Hawthorn East is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Hawthorn East: 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