Best Asian Food in Ringwood East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best asian food option in Ringwood East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Pilgrim is the one everyone knows. Works is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Residential suburb between Ringwood and Croydon. Ringwood East sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best asian food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Ringwood East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Atlas Lane — 268 Charles Drive, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Atlas Lane has been operating in Ringwood East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($26) 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 space seats about 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Church Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Ringwood East Insider tip: They source produce from Ringwood East farmers market when it runs.

2. Pilgrim — 357 Thomas Place, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: budget eaters

Pilgrim has been operating in Ringwood East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($13) — the best version in Ringwood East Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Ruby Local — 303 Thomas Place, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ruby Local has been operating in Ringwood East 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.

Capacity is around 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. The Southern House — 171 Bridge Lane, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: families

The Southern House has been operating in Ringwood East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Charles Drive is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Why Locals Stay in Ringwood East

Residential suburb between Ringwood and Croydon. Ringwood East station provides rail access. The best asian food options here reflect Ringwood East’s character. If you’re living in or near Ringwood East, 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. New Store — 109 Church Avenue, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

New Store has been operating in Ringwood East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ringwood East roaster — ask which one.

6. Depot — 291 Bridge Lane, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

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

Capacity is around 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Thomas Place is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. The Golden Pantry — 129 Church Avenue, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Golden Pantry has been operating in Ringwood East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Thomas Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Operator — 56 Thomas Place, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Operator has been operating in Ringwood East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($8) 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 space seats about 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The daily soup ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Otto Place — 217 Church Avenue, Ringwood East VIC 3139

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: remote workers

Otto Place has been operating in Ringwood East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Creek Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

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

The Lucky Kitchen is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Ringwood East good for best asian food?

Yes. Ringwood East has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Ringwood East known for?

Residential suburb between Ringwood and Croydon.

How far is Ringwood East from Melbourne CBD?

Ringwood East is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Ringwood 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