Best Asian Food in Templestowe Lower Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best asian food scene in Templestowe Lower is better than most people realise. Start at Hazel, then check out Otto’s. Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Templestowe Lower is part of Melbourne’s Middle East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Templestowe Lower locals actually recommend.

1. Corner — 42 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: solo diners

Corner has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

Capacity is around 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Park Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Ada’s — 89 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: dates

Ada’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 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 space seats about 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($16) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Bench — 375 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: dates

Bench has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 room holds 51 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Room — 116 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Room has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Nina Local — 285 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nina Local has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Locals Stay in Templestowe Lower

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Close to Tikalara Park trails. The best asian food options here reflect Templestowe Lower’s character. Whether you’re based in Templestowe Lower 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.

6. Oliver Mill — 110 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Oliver Mill has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s 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.

The room holds 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Max’s — 150 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Max’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The space seats about 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.

8. Mabel — 292 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Mabel has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Park Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Depot — 115 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Depot has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Theo — 277 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (asian food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Theo has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 53 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The seasonal special ($18) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Templestowe Lower?

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

Is Templestowe Lower good for best asian food?

Yes. Templestowe Lower has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Templestowe Lower known for?

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.

How far is Templestowe Lower from Melbourne CBD?

Templestowe Lower is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Templestowe Lower 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