Best Asian Food in Notting Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Notting Hill has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Red Press and Rex’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14-22km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Notting Hill 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. Ava Cellar — 366 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ava Cellar has been operating in Notting Hill 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

2. Ruby’s — 31 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ruby’s has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Place is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Notting Hill farmers market when it runs.

3. The Northern Depot — 168 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Northern Depot has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Notting Hill farmers market when it runs.

4. Little Social — 210 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Little Social has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($26) 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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($28) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Vera’s — 209 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: remote workers

Vera’s has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Place is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Locals Stay in Notting Hill

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Mix of residential and light industrial. The best asian food options here reflect Notting Hill’s character. Whether you’re based in Notting Hill or visiting from nearby, 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. Zara — 378 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Zara has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Ruby — 40 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ruby has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($19) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: They source produce from Notting Hill farmers market when it runs.

8. Cleo — 178 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: dates

Cleo has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Oliver’s — 72 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Oliver’s has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Sydney Road is usually fine.

Come back for: The daily soup ($11) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

10. Marco’s — 280 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Marco’s has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 51 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 lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Notting Hill roaster — ask which one.

11. Golden Pantry — 212 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Golden Pantry has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The fish special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Notting Hill?

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

Is Notting Hill good for best asian food?

Yes. Notting Hill has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Notting Hill known for?

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent.

How far is Notting Hill from Melbourne CBD?

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

The truth about Notting Hill: 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