Best Asian Food in Kalkallo Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Long Room |
| Best free option | Long Cellar |
| Best for families | The Humble Corner |
| Best local secret | Leo’s |
| Best for rainy days | The Bright Room |
We’ve tested every best asian food option in Kalkallo to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Hazel is the one everyone knows. Kitchen is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Master-planned communities like Cloverton and Merrifield are transforming former farmland. Kalkallo sits in the Outer North corridor, 35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best asian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Kalkallo since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Luna’s — 11 Chapel Parade, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Luna’s has been operating in Kalkallo for since 2019 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.
The space seats about 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The sourdough bread ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
2. New Press — 317 Brunswick Street, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: groups
New Press has been operating in Kalkallo for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The mushroom pasta ($15) — the best version in Kalkallo Insider tip: Parking is free on Chapel Street after 6pm.
3. Nico’s — 145 Brunswick Street, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: the whole crew
Nico’s has been operating in Kalkallo for since the early 2020s 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 room holds 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Cecil Crescent is usually fine.
Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Oak Street after 6pm.
4. Humble Local — 261 Brunswick Street, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: solo diners
Humble Local has been operating in Kalkallo for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.
The room holds 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Kalkallo Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
5. Cleo’s — 320 Cecil Crescent, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Cleo’s has been operating in Kalkallo for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.
The space seats about 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
6. Little Pantry — 199 Market Grove, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: families
Little Pantry has been operating in Kalkallo for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The fish special ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
What Makes Kalkallo Different
Master-planned communities like Cloverton and Merrifield are transforming former farmland. Merrifield City is planned as a major activity centre. The best asian food options here reflect Kalkallo’s character. If you’re living in or near Kalkallo, 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. Sol’s — 340 Market Grove, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: groups
Sol’s has been operating in Kalkallo for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.
The room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Cecil Crescent is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The daily soup ($12) — the best version in Kalkallo Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
8. The Honest Lane — 97 Cecil Crescent, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The Honest Lane has been operating in Kalkallo for several years 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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. The Red Mill — 124 Cecil Crescent, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: dates
The Red Mill has been operating in Kalkallo for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
10. Ada Press — 50 Brunswick Street, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Ada Press has been operating in Kalkallo for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 64 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The daily soup ($24) — the best version in Kalkallo Insider tip: They source produce from Kalkallo farmers market when it runs.
11. Ash’s — 273 Chapel Parade, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Ash’s has been operating in Kalkallo for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($11) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The seasonal special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Kalkallo farmers market when it runs.
12. Stella — 302 Chapel Parade, Kalkallo VIC 3070
What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: solo diners
Stella has been operating in Kalkallo for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The house-made relish ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Kalkallo farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Wollert Best Asian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Kalkallo Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Kalkallo Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Kalkallo Complete Guide — everything about Kalkallo
- Compare Suburbs — see how Kalkallo stacks up
- All Kalkallo Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best asian food options in Kalkallo?
Long Room is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Kalkallo good for best asian food?
Yes. Kalkallo has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.
What is Kalkallo known for?
Master-planned communities like Cloverton and Merrifield are transforming former farmland.
How far is Kalkallo from Melbourne CBD?
Kalkallo is 35km, no direct train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Kalkallo won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026

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