Best Asian Food in Northcote Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best asian food scene in Northcote is better than most people realise. Start at Stella’s, then check out Hugo’s. High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee. Located 6km from the CBD, Northcote is part of Melbourne’s Middle North 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 Northcote locals actually recommend.

1. Zara Table — 208 Swan Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Zara Table has been operating in Northcote for several years 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.

The space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Felix — 150 Brunswick Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Felix has been operating in Northcote for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 38 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Stella’s — 293 Brunswick Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: groups

Stella’s has been operating in Northcote for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($10) — the best version in Northcote Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Northcote roaster — ask which one.

4. Blue Yard — 173 Swan Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Blue Yard has been operating in Northcote for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($19) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Why Locals Stay in Northcote

High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee. Westgarth Cinema is a local landmark. The best asian food options here reflect Northcote’s character. For Northcote 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.

5. The Northern Mill — 335 High Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Northern Mill has been operating in Northcote for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Northcote roaster — ask which one.

6. Quarter — 43 High Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Quarter has been operating in Northcote for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($24) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Ada Press — 44 Swan Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ada Press has been operating in Northcote for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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. Street parking on Swan Avenue is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Northcote roaster — ask which one.

8. The Northern Bench — 121 Plenty Grove, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Northern Bench has been operating in Northcote for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 56 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Operator — 79 Swan Avenue, Northcote VIC 3079

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Operator has been operating in Northcote for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the best version in Northcote Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Northcote?

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

Is Northcote good for best asian food?

Yes. Northcote has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Northcote known for?

High Street Northcote has live music venues, vintage shops, and specialty coffee.

How far is Northcote from Melbourne CBD?

Northcote is 6km, 14min train, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Northcote 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