Best Asian Food in Preston Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best asian food option in Preston to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Pearl House is the one everyone knows. Local is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Preston sits in the Middle North corridor, 8km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best asian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Preston since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Ivy Depot — 96 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ivy Depot has been operating in Preston 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($21) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. The Sunny Commons — 84 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Sunny Commons has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Tall Quarter — 226 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: solo diners

Tall Quarter has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Ash Place is usually fine.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Ivy Kitchen — 129 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ivy Kitchen has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s 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 room holds 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. The Sunny Lane — 277 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Sunny Lane has been operating in Preston for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. The High Quarter — 206 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

The High Quarter has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($17) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Why Preston Is Worth Knowing

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Rapidly gentrifying with cafes and bars opening monthly. The best asian food options here reflect Preston’s character. Whether you’re based in Preston 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.

7. Sol — 153 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Sol has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Barkly Lane is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Mabel Pantry — 84 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Mabel Pantry has been operating in Preston 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. The Southern Quarter — 131 Oak Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: remote workers

The Southern Quarter has been operating in Preston for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Leo Post — 307 Oak Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Leo Post has been operating in Preston for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($22) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. The New Standard — 229 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The New Standard has been operating in Preston for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. Max Depot — 27 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Max Depot has been operating in Preston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($25) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Preston?

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

Is Preston good for best asian food?

Yes. Preston has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Preston known for?

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips.

How far is Preston from Melbourne CBD?

Preston is 8km, 18min train, 15min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Preston 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