Best Asian Food in Thomastown Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Thomastown has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Union and Theo’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 17km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Industrial and residential mix. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Thomastown 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. Pearl’s — 225 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Pearl’s has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($14) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Oliver — 133 Lake Street, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Oliver has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($23) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on King Parade is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Thomastown farmers market when it runs.

3. Felix — 113 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Felix has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($27) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Leo — 254 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Leo has been operating in Thomastown for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Mabel’s — 209 King Parade, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Mabel’s has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($22) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. The Good Lane — 349 Henry Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Good Lane has been operating in Thomastown for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Hill Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Thomastown roaster — ask which one.

What Thomastown Actually Is

Industrial and residential mix. Thomastown Recreation Reserve is a major sporting hub. Close to Northern Ring Road access. The best asian food options here reflect Thomastown’s character. For Thomastown locals and anyone in the area, 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. Society — 178 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Society has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. River’s — 189 Lake Street, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

River’s has been operating in Thomastown for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($22) 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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Lucky House — 351 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Lucky House has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on King Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Pilgrim — 108 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Pilgrim has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($13) 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Hill Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The seasonal special ($13) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Thomastown roaster — ask which one.

11. Common Place — 368 King Parade, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Common Place has been operating in Thomastown for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

12. Lena’s — 30 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: solo diners

Lena’s has been operating in Thomastown 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 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($12) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Thomastown?

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

Is Thomastown good for best asian food?

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

What is Thomastown known for?

Industrial and residential mix.

How far is Thomastown from Melbourne CBD?

Thomastown is 17km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Thomastown: 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