Best Asian Food in Ivanhoe Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best asian food scene in Ivanhoe is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Lucky Post, then check out Nell. Upper Heidelberg Road has an established strip of cafes and shops. Located 9km from the CBD, Ivanhoe 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 Ivanhoe locals actually recommend.

1. Cleo Room — 90 Lygon Drive, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: budget eaters

Cleo Room has been operating in Ivanhoe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($8) 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 34 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Ivanhoe farmers market when it runs.

2. New Room — 8 Lygon Drive, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: families

New Room has been operating in Ivanhoe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($21) — the best version in Ivanhoe Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. River — 67 Young Street, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

River has been operating in Ivanhoe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($16) — the best version in Ivanhoe Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ivanhoe roaster — ask which one.

4. Rex’s — 339 Cecil Place, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Rex’s has been operating in Ivanhoe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Cecil Place is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. The Common Bench — 304 Lygon Drive, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Common Bench has been operating in Ivanhoe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($18) — the best version in Ivanhoe Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Theo Social — 100 Henry Crescent, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Theo Social has been operating in Ivanhoe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

The Reality of Ivanhoe

Upper Heidelberg Road has an established strip of cafes and shops. Ivanhoe Grammar School is here. The best asian food options here reflect Ivanhoe’s character. Whether you’re based in Ivanhoe 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.

7. The Southern Place — 286 James Parade, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Southern Place has been operating in Ivanhoe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ivanhoe roaster — ask which one.

8. Pearl’s — 174 Cecil Place, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: solo diners

Pearl’s has been operating in Ivanhoe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ivanhoe roaster — ask which one.

9. Collective — 158 Cecil Place, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: remote workers

Collective has been operating in Ivanhoe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($10) 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 57 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The daily soup ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Remy Lane — 365 Young Street, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Remy Lane has been operating in Ivanhoe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) 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 47 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 daily soup ($23) — the best version in Ivanhoe Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ivanhoe roaster — ask which one.

11. Theo’s — 82 Cecil Place, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Theo’s has been operating in Ivanhoe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. Pearl Corner — 299 Young Street, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Pearl Corner has been operating in Ivanhoe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Ivanhoe?

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

Is Ivanhoe good for best asian food?

Yes. Ivanhoe has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Ivanhoe known for?

Upper Heidelberg Road has an established strip of cafes and shops.

How far is Ivanhoe from Melbourne CBD?

Ivanhoe is 9km, 20min train, 16min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Ivanhoe: 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