Best Asian Food in Upwey Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best asian food scene in Upwey is better than most people realise. Start at Ada Local, then check out Finn’s. Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Located 35km from the CBD, Upwey is part of Melbourne’s Outer 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 Upwey locals actually recommend.

1. The Little Yard — 8 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: remote workers

The Little Yard has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Upwey farmers market when it runs.

2. Ada’s — 124 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ada’s has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The space seats about 39 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Ava — 61 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: solo diners

Ava has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.

Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on William Street after 6pm.

4. Hugo — 7 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Hugo has been operating in Upwey for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 47 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($21) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Upwey roaster — ask which one.

5. The Honest House — 315 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Honest House has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Nobody Tells You About Upwey

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey Village has independent shops and cafes. Belgrave rail line. The best asian food options here reflect Upwey’s character. If you’re living in or near Upwey, 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. The Common Table — 319 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Common Table has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Luna’s — 153 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Luna’s has been operating in Upwey for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) 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 47 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 mushroom pasta ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Rex Pantry — 173 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Rex Pantry has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($24) 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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($27) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: They source produce from Upwey farmers market when it runs.

9. Ada’s — 329 Main Lane, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ada’s has been operating in Upwey for over a decade 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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The daily soup ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Cecil Street after 6pm.

10. Blue Local — 262 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) A solid local spot Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: the whole crew

Blue Local has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The fish special ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Leo — 265 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: dates

Leo has been operating in Upwey 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($17) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Upwey roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Upwey?

Luna’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Upwey good for best asian food?

Yes. Upwey has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Upwey known for?

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.

How far is Upwey from Melbourne CBD?

Upwey is 35km, 55min train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Upwey: 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