Best Asian Food in Malvern Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best asian food scene in Malvern is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Archive, then check out Rex’s. Glenferrie Road/High Street junction has retail and dining. Located 8km from the CBD, Malvern is part of Melbourne’s Inner South 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 Malvern locals actually recommend.

1. The Common Table — 87 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Common Table has been operating in Malvern for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Malvern roaster — ask which one.

2. Mia’s — 259 Hill Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Mia’s has been operating in Malvern for over a decade 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.

The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Charles Terrace is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Iris’s — 8 Rowan Parade, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: remote workers

Iris’s has been operating in Malvern for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($27) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

4. Golden Press — 357 Rowan Parade, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: the whole crew

Golden Press has been operating in Malvern for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Makes Malvern Different

Glenferrie Road/High Street junction has retail and dining. Malvern Gardens. Established family suburb in Stonnington. The best asian food options here reflect Malvern’s character. If you’re living in or near Malvern, 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 Common House — 333 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Common House has been operating in Malvern for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($9) 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 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Charles Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($13) — the best version in Malvern Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Malvern roaster — ask which one.

6. Ava — 170 Rowan Parade, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ava has been operating in Malvern for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. The New Table — 8 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: groups

The New Table has been operating in Malvern for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Rowan Parade is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Red Kitchen — 120 Rowan Parade, Malvern VIC 3097

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: groups

Red Kitchen has been operating in Malvern for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($9) 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 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Malvern?

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

Is Malvern good for best asian food?

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

What is Malvern known for?

Glenferrie Road/High Street junction has retail and dining.

How far is Malvern from Melbourne CBD?

Malvern is 8km, 16min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Malvern: 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