Best Asian Food in Kew East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best asian food option in Kew East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. White Cellar is the one everyone knows. Post is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. Kew East sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best asian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Kew East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Northern Store — 120 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Northern Store has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s 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 room holds 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($26) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Sol’s — 193 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Sol’s has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($16) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Parade is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Rex’s — 43 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Rex’s has been operating in Kew East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Street is usually fine.

Go for: The seasonal special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Pearl Bench — 215 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Pearl Bench has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Street is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Cellar — 335 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Cellar has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($10) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Nina — 278 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: solo diners

Nina has been operating in Kew East 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Murray Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

The Kew East That Locals Know

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. The best asian food options here reflect Kew East’s character. If you’re living in or near Kew East, 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. Ava Table — 348 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ava Table has been operating in Kew East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Nell’s — 15 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: the whole crew

Nell’s has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($14) 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. The Old Cellar — 296 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Old Cellar has been operating in Kew East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Theo Mill — 6 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: dates

Theo Mill has been operating in Kew East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($12) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Murray Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. The Northern Table — 271 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: remote workers

The Northern Table has been operating in Kew East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($21) — the best version in Kew East Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. Good Social — 210 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Good Social has been operating in Kew East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Kew East farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

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

Is Kew East good for best asian food?

Yes. Kew East has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Kew East known for?

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops.

How far is Kew East from Melbourne CBD?

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

Kew East isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026