Best Asian Food in Newport Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Ava Pantry |
| Zero-cost winner | The Red Yard |
| Kid-approved | Zara’s |
| Under the radar | Max Depot |
| Wet day saviour | Nico Bench |
Newport has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Marco’s and Kai House lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 9km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner West region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Mason Street strip has cafes and shops. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Newport resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.
1. Hugo Cellar — 99 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013
What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Hugo Cellar has been operating in Newport 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 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
2. The Blue Local — 376 Edward Drive, Newport VIC 3013
What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The Blue Local has been operating in Newport for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
3. River Union — 89 Barkly Parade, Newport VIC 3013
What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: the whole crew
River Union has been operating in Newport for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Parade is usually fine.
Go for: The house-made relish ($22) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
4. Theo Store — 95 Station Parade, Newport VIC 3013
What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Theo Store has been operating in Newport for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.
The space seats about 52 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Newport farmers market when it runs.
5. Lena Post — 16 Barkly Parade, Newport VIC 3013
What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: remote workers
Lena Post has been operating in Newport for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
Why Newport Is Worth Knowing
Mason Street strip has cafes and shops. Newport Lakes — a former quarry now home to wildlife. Close to Williamstown. The best asian food options here reflect Newport’s character. If you’re living in or near Newport, 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. Honest Yard — 240 Bay Grove, Newport VIC 3013
What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: the whole crew
Honest Yard has been operating in Newport for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.
The space seats about 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The fish special ($22) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. Humble Room — 214 Edward Drive, Newport VIC 3013
What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Humble Room has been operating in Newport for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 42 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The fish special ($18) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
8. Max’s — 218 Station Parade, Newport VIC 3013
What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: budget eaters
Max’s has been operating in Newport for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The crispy chicken ($19) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
9. The Honest Press — 287 Bay Grove, Newport VIC 3013
What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The Honest Press has been operating in Newport for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 58 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Parade is usually fine.
Come back for: The crispy chicken ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
10. The Northern Kitchen — 42 Smith Lane, Newport VIC 3013
What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The Northern Kitchen has been operating in Newport for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The crispy chicken ($21) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: They source produce from Newport farmers market when it runs.
11. Ruby’s — 222 Barkly Parade, Newport VIC 3013
What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: solo diners
Ruby’s has been operating in Newport for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The sourdough bread ($13) — the best version in Newport Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Newport roaster — ask which one.
Explore More
- Yarraville Best Asian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Newport Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Newport Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Newport Complete Guide — everything about Newport
- Compare Suburbs — see how Newport stacks up
- All Newport Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best asian food options in Newport?
Ava Pantry is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Newport good for best asian food?
Yes. Newport has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.
What is Newport known for?
Mason Street strip has cafes and shops.
How far is Newport from Melbourne CBD?
Newport is 9km, 15min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Newport 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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