Best Asian Food in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Mill | | Best with kids | Finn’s | | Hidden spot | Gus | | Bad weather pick | The Tall Yard |
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
The room holds 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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 room holds 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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 room holds 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The daily soup ($18) — solid 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
Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.
Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — solid 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
The room holds 58 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — solid 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
The room holds 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.
Get the: The sourdough bread ($18) — solid 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
Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — solid
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
Capacity is around 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.
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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
