Best Asian Food in Heidelberg Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | The Lucky Depot |
| Zero-cost winner | Sol Commons |
| Kid-approved | The Red Press |
| Under the radar | Bright Quarter |
| Wet day saviour | Iris’s |
The best asian food scene in Heidelberg is better than most people realise. Start at Sol, then check out Half Press. Heidelberg School of art — Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton painted here. Located 10km from the CBD, Heidelberg is part of Melbourne’s Middle North 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 Heidelberg locals actually recommend.
1. Collective — 123 Elizabeth Grove, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Collective has been operating in Heidelberg for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 42 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The fish special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
2. The New Store — 252 Lygon Street, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: dates
The New Store has been operating in Heidelberg for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The sourdough bread ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Heidelberg roaster — ask which one.
3. Mabel Place — 78 Elizabeth Grove, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Mabel Place has been operating in Heidelberg for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the best version in Heidelberg Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Felix Works — 216 Collins Place, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: remote workers
Felix Works has been operating in Heidelberg for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.
Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Grove is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the best version in Heidelberg Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Heidelberg roaster — ask which one.
5. The Old Yard — 210 Elizabeth Grove, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The Old Yard has been operating in Heidelberg for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.
The space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lygon Street is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
6. Ivy Table — 117 Collins Place, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Ivy Table has been operating in Heidelberg for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.
The room holds 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The charcuterie board ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.
Why Locals Stay in Heidelberg
Heidelberg School of art — Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton painted here. Austin Health hospital campus. The best asian food options here reflect Heidelberg’s character. For Heidelberg 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.
7. Cleo Yard — 135 Lygon Street, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Cleo Yard has been operating in Heidelberg for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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. Street parking on Rowan Drive is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Heidelberg Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.
8. The Half Union — 265 Elizabeth Grove, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The Half Union has been operating in Heidelberg for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.
The space seats about 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elizabeth Grove is usually fine.
Start with: The fish special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
9. The Half Bench — 254 Lygon Street, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: budget eaters
The Half Bench has been operating in Heidelberg for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lygon Street is usually fine.
Come back for: The house-made relish ($17) — the best version in Heidelberg Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Heidelberg roaster — ask which one.
10. Theo’s — 113 Elizabeth Grove, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Theo’s has been operating in Heidelberg for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($20) 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 39 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the best version in Heidelberg Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
11. Pilgrim — 40 James Terrace, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: budget eaters
Pilgrim has been operating in Heidelberg for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.
The room holds 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — the best version in Heidelberg Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
12. Merchant — 142 Rowan Drive, Heidelberg VIC 3078
What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Merchant has been operating in Heidelberg for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on James Terrace is usually fine.
Try this: The lamb shoulder ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Lygon Street after 6pm.
Explore More
- Coburg North Best Asian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Heidelberg Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Heidelberg Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Heidelberg Complete Guide — everything about Heidelberg
- Compare Suburbs — see how Heidelberg stacks up
- All Heidelberg Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best asian food options in Heidelberg?
The Lucky Depot is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Heidelberg good for best asian food?
Yes. Heidelberg has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.
What is Heidelberg known for?
Heidelberg School of art — Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton painted here.
How far is Heidelberg from Melbourne CBD?
Heidelberg is 10km, 22min train, 18min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Heidelberg to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.
Last updated: March 2026

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