Best Asian Food in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best asian food option in Highett to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Bright Table is the one everyone knows. Standard is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett sits in the Bayside corridor, 15km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best asian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Highett since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Otto Cellar — 258 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

Otto Cellar has been operating in Highett for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. The High Union — 122 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The High Union has been operating in Highett for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

3. The Lucky Depot — 56 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Lucky Depot has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s 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 space seats about 57 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) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. The Southern Social — 227 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: solo diners

The Southern Social has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Highett Is Worth Knowing

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The best asian food options here reflect Highett’s character. Whether you’re based in Highett 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.

5. The Southern Lane — 324 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: dates

The Southern Lane has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 31 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($26) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. The Red Store — 3 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Red Store has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

7. Green Quarter — 74 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Green Quarter has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. The White Cellar — 20 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: dates

The White Cellar has been operating in Highett 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Highett?

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

Is Highett good for best asian food?

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

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?

Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Highett 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