15 Best Asian Fusion Restaurants in Melbourne

Asian fusion is one of those cuisines that everyone can enjoy. And yes, I mean everyone, including that one fussy friend in the group who can never decide where to eat or what to order (you know who you are). The good news for you is we’ve rounded up Melbourne’s best Asian fusion restaurants to satisfy the more adventurous palates, and comfort those who like to stick to the familiar. From Yoi Melbourne, with the best selection, to Lagoon dining for a fancier option, we’ve got all the best Asian restaurants in Melbourne covered.

Best of Melbourne Asian Fusion Restaurants

• Best for Selection: Yoi Melbourne
• Best for Atmosphere: Longrain Melbourne
• Best for Drinks: Chin Chin
• Best for Take-Away: HoChi Mama
• Best for Fine Dining: Supernormal

How We Chose This List of Best Asian Fusion Restaurants

This list was compiled through personal experience and online research, plus through commentary from food critics and expert restaurant reviews. We only looked at restaurants with a rating of 4.0/5 on Google Reviews and took into account the major gripes and positives from the public. We also studied a series of reviews from prominent critics and online publications such as Australian Good Food Guide, allowing us to cull it down to the 15 best spots for Asian fusion.

1. Yoi Melbourne

Best for: Selection

Yoi Melbourne is one of the city’s best Asian fusion restaurants, hands down – especially if you love Indonesian fusion (me). Right in the middle of Melbourne CBD and open every day of the week, Yoi will satisfy your taste buds with a ginormous selection of dishes from the signature Salted Egg Chicken (must-try) to the more familiar Mie Goreng Sambal Matah.

What we like: Fun & creative non-boozy drinks
What we don’t like: Food can take a while to arrive
Address:  1/155 Franklin St, Melbourne CBD
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sun 11am-9.30pm
Contact: (03) 9043 1530

Yoi

2. Firebird

Asian fusion complete with smoky finishes and plenty of wood-fire charring is an absolute winner at Firebird where the chefs serve up delicious Vietnamese-style grub that’ll make you feel like you’re smack bang in the streets of Vietnam. Part of the brilliant Commune Group (who is also behind Hanoi Hannah, Tokyo Tina and wine bar Neptune), you can expect tantalising meals from the fire like Duck L’Orange, pork chop, fire-tossed pipis and charred cabbage.

What we like: Plenty of allergy-friendly options
What we don’t like: Slow service
Address: 223 High Street, Prahan
Hours: Wednesday 6–10pm, Thursday 5:30–10pm, Friday 5:30–11pm, Saturday & Sun 12–4pm, 5:30–11pm
Contact: (03) 9088 8093

Firebird

3. Longrain Melbourne

Best for: Atmosphere

If an immaculate vibe and atmosphere are your go-tos when dining out, you can’t go past the iconic Longrain Melbourne. From one of Australia’s leading chefs and restaurateurs Scott Pickett, this vibrant and contemporary Thai-style restaurant is a true Melbourne establishment. Inspired by a communal eating philosophy, most dishes are made to be shared banquet style. With plenty of Thai-inspired cocktails, including a bar upstairs to booze the night away, you’ve got everything you need for a banging eve.

What we like: Service is quick
What we don’t like: Can get busy, so book ahead in peak times
Address: 44 Little Bourke St, Melbourne
Hours: Mon-Thurs 5:30–10pm, Friday 12–3pm & 5–11pm, Sat-Sun 5-11pm
Contact: (03) 9653 1600

Longrain Melbourne

4. Kekou Melbourne

On Richmond’s lively Bridge Rd sits Asian fusion foodie heaven and craft beer venue Kekou. With a warm and welcoming ambience that serves up a rotating craft beer offering and a menu designed for sharing, Kekou is the go-to for Asian food with flavour and depth. Expect tasty wok-fried delights like eggplant with umami mushroom, as well as plenty of tasty meat options like twice-cooked pork belly, wagyu flank and much, much more.

What we like: Very friendly staff
What we don’t like: Music can be a bit loud at times
Address: 396 Bridge Road, Richmond
Hours: Dine in Tues-Thurs 6pm-late, Fri-Sun 12-4pm & 6pm-late; Takeaway Tues-Thurs 5
8.30pm
Contact: (03) 9089 7299

Kekou Melbourne

5. Chin Chin

Best for: Drinks

A true Melbourne classic, Chin Chin is probably the establishment most of us think of when trying to find the best Asian fusion restaurant in Melbs CBD. Opening in mid-2011, the Chin Chin hype remains strong, a true testament to just how dang good this casual Asian eatery is. Despite the epic food, what we really love about Chin Chin is its downstairs mistress – GoGo Bar which sits right beneath the venue. Much like its Sydney counterpart, this venue features a cocktail selection that is a true testament to Southeast Asian flavours and rotates according to the season.

What we like: Sick authentic Thai-style cocktails
What we don’t like: Can be very, very, very busy
Address: 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11.30pm
Contact: (03) 8663 2000

Chin Chin

6. Supernormal

Best for: Fine dining

Supernormal is undoubtedly one of the city’s most popular fusion eateries, and for good reason. A stalwart in Melbourne’s Asian dining scene since it opened its doors in 2014, it has a distinctly Japanese feel and flavour to its meals, but it’s not defined by one single cuisine, with influences from Shanghai, Seoul and Hong Kong, too. With some classic fare on the menu like pork buns and Szechuan eggplant, you’ll also be surprised by creative twists to classic dishes.

What we like: Very reasonably priced
What we don’t like: Average service
Address: 180 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
Hours: 7 days 12-10pm
Contact: (03) 9650 8688

Supernormal

7. Lagoon Dining

Upmarket eating on Carlton’s busy Lygon street doesn’t get much better than Lagoon Dining. An Asian fusion restaurant and bar dishing meals that pay homage to  Chinese culinary traditions, Lagoon is the ultimate spot for something a little bit fancy. Moody, charismatic and intimate, we reckon you and your date will love the vibe, the food, the wine list which perfectly matches the dishes, the warm service … you’ll love it all.

What we like: Excellent and friendly service
What we don’t like: Need to do set menu over 6 people
Address: 263 Lygon St, Carlton
Hours: Tues – Thurs 5:30–10pm, Fri & Sun 12–2:30pm, 5:30–10pm, Sat 5:30pm-10pm.
Contact: (03) 9349 1939

Lagoon Dining

8. HoChi Mama

Best for: Takeaway

Takeaway, dine in or drive through, wherever you prefer to eat your fave Asian delights, HoChi Mama’s got you covered. Both contemporary and traditional all in the one mouthful, there’s something for all taste buds (like seriously delicious DIY vegan duck wraps, traditional crispy pork bao, and Saigon pork hok curry). Plus, for our dear friends with dietary requirements, there’s plenty for you too.

What we like: Big takeaway menu
What we don’t like: If dining in, can feel a bit rushed to finish your meal
Address: 35 Little Bourke St, Melbourne
Hours: Takeaway hours Sun-Thurs 12–2:30pm, 5–8:30pm, Friday-Sat 12–9pm
Contact: (03) 9078 2285

HoChi Mama

9. Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar

On Oliver Lane in Melbourne’s CBD sits Lucy Liu, a pan-Asian eatery in the heart of the city. As you enter, you’ll make your way through its iconic red neon-lit corridor and into the main dining room where you’ll be greeted with an electric atmosphere. Lucy Liu offers classic Asian favourites such as Peking duck dumplings, drunken chicken and pork hock with apple kimchi pancakes and hoisin. Stay for a good time, stay for a yum time.

What we like: Vegan friendly menu
What we don’t like: Rushed service
Address: 23 Oliver Ln, Melbourne
Hours: 7 days, 12pm-11pm
Contact: (03) 9639 5777

Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar

10. RuYi Modern Chinese

Another fine dining gem, RuYi Modern Chinese is elegant and distinguished in taste. With communal tables and a stylish, minimalist vibe, expect to be treated like royalty by the very attentive staff. Following strict guidelines of Chinese cooking and authentic Chinese ingredients, you’ll love the rich and fresh flavours off the à la carte menu, or the five to seven-course chef’s menu.

What we like: Lots of character
What we don’t like: Can get busy at peak times
Address: 16 Liverpool St, Melbourne
Hours: Tues 6–10pm, Wed 5–10pm, Thur 5:30–10pm, Fri 12–3pm & 5:30–11pm, Sat 5–11pm
Contact: (03) 9090 7778

RuYi Modern Chinese

11. Many Little

In an unassuming Red Hill shopping village lies Many Little, an all-day bistro with a modern Sri Lankan-inspired elevated set menu, late-night bar, and cellar door all in one. From the team behind Polperro Winery, Many Little isn’t just one of the best Asian Fusion restaurants in the area, but one of the coolest places to eat on the Peninsula in general. Flavoursome, fresh and hearty meals galore, it’s impossible to leave hungry.

What we like: A true hidden gem (visit before it gets too popular!)
What we don’t like: Only open 4 days
Address: 2-5/159 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill
Hours: Thurs & Fri 3–9pm, Sat & Sun 12-9pm
Contact: (03) 5989 2831

Many Little

12. Sunda

Sunda is modern-Asian at its finest with a delightful mix of Malaysian, Indonesian and Vietnamese fare all combined to create something entirely innovative and new. While you can only order a four-course menu, your tastebuds and wallet will forgive you as you dive mouth-first into dishes like chickpea cake, Berkshire pork and koshihikari congee.

What we like: Bold and punchy flavours
What we don’t like: 4-course only menu
Address: 18 Punch Ln, Melbourne
Hours: Tues-Sat 6-11pm
Contact: (03) 9654 8190

Sunda

13. Future Future

If you like all things Japanese – and I’m talking three levels of Japanese goodness – you’re gonna love Future Future on Richmond’s Swan Street. Complete with a rooftop deck (who doesn’t love a rooftop deck?), Future Future takes its cues from Japanese culture in its menu, architecture and service – but it’s not textbook Japanese. It’s inventive, and unique but still approachable for the everyday diner.

What we like: Cool & fresh cocktails
What we don’t like: Small serving sizes
Address: 191 Swan St, Richmond
Hours: Tues-Thurs 5:30–10:30pm, Fri-Sat 12–3pm & 5:30–10:30pm
Contact: (03) 9965 7900

Future Future

14. New Quarter

A neo-Vietnamese establishment that’s run by the same folk behind Firebird, Tokyo Tina, and Hanoi Hannah, New Quarter is set in and stylish Richmond space with food inspired by the fresh and fragrant dishes of Vietnam. A play on words from Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter, Melbourne’s New Quarter is open 6 days a week, dishing out delish snacks like bahn mi fingers, plates of snapper crudo and rice and noodle dishes like duck floss egg noodles. If I could only describe New Quarter in three words, they’d be fun, funky and fresh.

What we like: Fun, casual vibe
What we don’t like: Portion sizes could be bigger
Address: 79 Swan St, Richmond
Hours: Mon-Thurs 12-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm
Contact: (03) 8391 1388

New Quarter

15. INDU

Bringing Sri-Lankan and South Indian flavours to Melbourne’s Collins St, INDU is a celebration of village culture. INDU’s dishes are all coastal and village-inspired, using the freshest and most seasonal produce. With classic Mysore potato masala dosa on the menu, alongside crispy besan (chickpea) fritters, and Goan pork belly curry, INDU will transport you right back to its region of origin.

What we like: Awesome flavour combos
What we don’t like: Slow service at times
Address: 86a Collins Street Melbourne
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-late
Contact: (03) 9671 4376

INDU

What is Asian Fusion?

A fusion restaurant is basically a venue where distinct flavours and cultures are mixed together to create new and unique food genres. So with Asian fusion, you’ll find chefs mixing Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian and plenty more flavour profiles and quintessential dishes from these regions to create innovative and inspired new dishes.

The concept has been steadily growing for decades, however, it’s really ramped up in recent times. Where once Asian fusion related more to a crossover of Korean and Chinese, now it’s not unusual to see flavours like Japanese and Mexican smashed together. The success of the Californian food chain, Sushirrito, which mashes sushi in a burrito is just one way Asian fusion restaurants are making an impact.

Things to Consider for Melbourne Asian Restaurants

• Ambience – Consider whether like a buzzing and pulsing restaurant experience, or something more intimate and quiet
• BYO – Can you bring your own grog? And is there a corkage fee?
• Halal certification – Check the website listing for Halal certifications or call before booking to avoid disappointment.
• Dietary options – Most restaurants these days are great at catering to dietary requirements like vegan and vegetarian options, gluten free and so on, but best check the website before you go!

Alternatives to Asian Fusion in Melbourne

If you’re not quite aboard the Asian fusion train or looking for something a little different in the cuisine scene, why not check out our article on the best steak, Italian and burger joints in Melbourne?

General FAQs

What is Asian fusion?

Asian fusion uses traditional Asian-style ingredients, meals and techniques to create new and innovative fusions. From Thai to Sri Lankan, Chinese to Korean, all Asian-inspired flavour combos and profiles are fair game and up to the creativity of the chefs.

What kind of food is common at Asian fusion restaurants?

Asian cuisine is also known for its bright and deep intense flavours. And, while each Asian fusion restaurant will have unique dishes on the menu, some common examples of Asian fusion food include banh mi, ramen, bao buns, rice and noodle combinations, as well as spice, sweet, bitter and savoury flavour profiles.