Best Asian Food in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Research has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Bright Press and River’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 9-20km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Research 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. Felix — 265 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Felix has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. The Humble Store — 95 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: dates

The Humble Store has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Research Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Anchor — 288 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: dates

Anchor has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($15) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

4. The Northern Kitchen — 214 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

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

The Northern Kitchen has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Marco’s — 353 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Marco’s has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($15) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Common Pantry — 135 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

Common Pantry has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.

Research — The Honest Version

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. The best asian food options here reflect Research’s character. If you’re living in or near Research, 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. Lena House — 178 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Lena House has been operating in Research for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 58 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Room — 36 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Room has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Anchor — 195 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Anchor has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Half Place — 286 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Half Place has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($17) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

11. Northern Table — 209 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Northern Table has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($23) 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 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

12. Mabel’s — 25 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mabel’s has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($15) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($16) — the best version in Research Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Research?

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

Is Research good for best asian food?

Yes. Research has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?

Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Research: 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