Best Asian Food in Oakleigh East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Oakleigh East has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Luna Kitchen and Pilgrim lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 12-18km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle South region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Quiet residential suburb in Monash. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Oakleigh East 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. Zara’s — 202 William Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

Zara’s has been operating in Oakleigh East for since the early 2020s 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.

Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Collective — 94 William Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Collective has been operating in Oakleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Hazel — 47 Hill Crescent, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Hazel has been operating in Oakleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bridge Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Railway Street after 6pm.

4. Luna’s — 65 Hill Crescent, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Luna’s has been operating in Oakleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($22) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Oakleigh East roaster — ask which one.

5. Nico’s — 320 Queen Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: families

Nico’s has been operating in Oakleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Railway Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Oakleigh East — The Honest Version

Quiet residential suburb in Monash. Close to Chadstone Shopping Centre. The best asian food options here reflect Oakleigh East’s character. Whether you’re based in Oakleigh East 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. Canvas — 1 William Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: dates

Canvas has been operating in Oakleigh East for over a decade 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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Oakleigh East farmers market when it runs.

7. Ava — 161 William Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ava has been operating in Oakleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on William Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Ava Kitchen — 120 Hill Crescent, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: solo diners

Ava Kitchen has been operating in Oakleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The house-made relish ($16) — the best version in Oakleigh East Insider tip: They source produce from Oakleigh East farmers market when it runs.

9. Vera’s — 315 Hill Crescent, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: remote workers

Vera’s has been operating in Oakleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Oliver Works — 9 Queen Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: groups

Oliver Works has been operating in Oakleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($17) 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 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Oakleigh East?

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

Is Oakleigh East good for best asian food?

Yes. Oakleigh East has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Oakleigh East known for?

Quiet residential suburb in Monash.

How far is Oakleigh East from Melbourne CBD?

Oakleigh East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Oakleigh East 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