Best Asian Food in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best asian food option in Mentone to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Rex’s is the one everyone knows. The Half Cellar is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Mentone sits in the Bayside corridor, 20km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best asian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Mentone since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. High Post — 121 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

High Post has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Chapter — 339 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: families

Chapter has been operating in Mentone for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Johnston Street after 6pm.

3. Theo’s — 317 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Theo’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Ash’s — 137 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: families

Ash’s has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Humble Bench — 185 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: solo diners

Humble Bench has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The Mentone That Locals Know

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. The best asian food options here reflect Mentone’s character. For Mentone locals and anyone in the area, 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.

6. Old Local — 201 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Old Local has been operating in Mentone 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Market Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Tall Kitchen — 193 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Tall Kitchen has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

8. Kitchen — 311 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Kitchen has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($26) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

9. Sol Local — 319 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Sol Local has been operating in Mentone 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The daily soup ($26) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Pearl — 79 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: families

Pearl has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($18) 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 50 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 house-made relish ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.

11. The Blue Local — 380 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Blue Local has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Mentone?

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

Is Mentone good for best asian food?

Yes. Mentone has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?

Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Mentone 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