Best Asian Food in Plenty Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Theo Union |
| Best free option | Nell Press |
| Best for families | New Pantry |
| Best local secret | Chapter |
| Best for rainy days | Kai’s |
We’ve tested every best asian food option in Plenty to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Atlas Yard is the one everyone knows. The Half Store is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Semi-rural suburb along the Plenty River corridor. Plenty sits in the Outer North corridor, 22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best asian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Plenty since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Common Cellar — 350 Henry Terrace, Plenty VIC 3082
What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Common Cellar has been operating in Plenty for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.
Capacity is around 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Drive is usually fine.
Order this: The charcuterie board ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Plenty farmers market when it runs.
2. Ruby’s — 137 Barkly Place, Plenty VIC 3082
What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Ruby’s has been operating in Plenty for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The mushroom pasta ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
3. Old Place — 354 Henry Terrace, Plenty VIC 3082
What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Old Place has been operating in Plenty for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($9) 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. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
4. Hazel — 77 Queen Drive, Plenty VIC 3082
What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Hazel has been operating in Plenty for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($24) — the best version in Plenty Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
The Plenty That Locals Know
Semi-rural suburb along the Plenty River corridor. Larger blocks and a quieter lifestyle than neighbouring Mill Park. The best asian food options here reflect Plenty’s character. For Plenty 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. Common Pantry — 289 Henry Terrace, Plenty VIC 3082
What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Common Pantry has been operating in Plenty for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Henry Terrace is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.
6. Red Bench — 285 Queen Drive, Plenty VIC 3082
What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Red Bench has been operating in Plenty for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The charcuterie board ($24) — the best version in Plenty Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
7. Red Place — 20 Queen Drive, Plenty VIC 3082
What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: solo diners
Red Place has been operating in Plenty for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($8) 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 49 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
8. Remy Union — 234 Barkly Place, Plenty VIC 3082
What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: solo diners
Remy Union has been operating in Plenty for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The daily soup ($13) — the best version in Plenty Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. Zara Store — 332 Henry Terrace, Plenty VIC 3082
What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: the whole crew
Zara Store has been operating in Plenty for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on James Street is usually fine.
Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
Explore More
- Mill Park Best Asian Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Plenty Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Plenty Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Plenty Complete Guide — everything about Plenty
- Compare Suburbs — see how Plenty stacks up
- All Plenty Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best asian food options in Plenty?
Theo Union is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Plenty good for best asian food?
Yes. Plenty has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.
What is Plenty known for?
Semi-rural suburb along the Plenty River corridor.
How far is Plenty from Melbourne CBD?
Plenty is 22km, no direct train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Plenty is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026

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