Best Asian Food in Wantirna South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Wantirna South has genuine best asian food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Max Post and Cleo’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Wantirna South 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. Ada’s — 74 River Drive, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Ada’s has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. The Red Union — 126 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: families

The Red Union has been operating in Wantirna South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. The Half Room — 144 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Half Room has been operating in Wantirna South 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.

Capacity is around 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Leo’s — 154 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) Worth the detour Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Leo’s has been operating in Wantirna South 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Operator — 206 Creek Road, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

Operator has been operating in Wantirna South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($21) 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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Church Crescent is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. High Yard — 72 Church Crescent, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: solo diners

High Yard has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The daily soup ($14) — the best version in Wantirna South Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

Why Wantirna South Is Worth Knowing

Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls. Westfield Knox. The best asian food options here reflect Wantirna South’s character. If you’re living in or near Wantirna South, 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. The Green Press — 153 Bell Grove, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: families

The Green Press has been operating in Wantirna South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($14) 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 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Church Street after 6pm.

8. Press — 162 Victoria Lane, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Press has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. The Old Quarter — 360 Bell Grove, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: groups

The Old Quarter has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Ivy’s — 310 River Drive, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ivy’s has been operating in Wantirna South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($16) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($16) — the best version in Wantirna South Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Green Pantry — 241 River Drive, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) A local institution Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Green Pantry has been operating in Wantirna South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($20) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Lane is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($17) — the best version in Wantirna South Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. Pearl’s — 190 Creek Road, Wantirna South VIC 3152

What it is: (asian food) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Pearl’s has been operating in Wantirna South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best asian food options in Wantirna South?

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

Is Wantirna South good for best asian food?

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

What is Wantirna South known for?

Knox City Shopping Centre — one of Melbourne’s largest suburban malls.

How far is Wantirna South from Melbourne CBD?

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

Look — Wantirna South won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026