Best Asian Food Restaurants in Victoria

"Opened in 2006 by restaurateur Teage Ezard, Gingerboy is the younger, sprightlier sibling to the Australian freestyle restaurant EZARD in Flinders Lane. Steering towards hawker-style street food with a modern-Australian twist, Gingerboy delivers seasonal menus that pack a punch. Must-try meals include the son-in-law eggs, twice-cooked pork belly with plum and ginger relish and green apple slaw, and the salt and pepper chicken spare rib."

"After more than 20 years, chef Teage Ezard’s eponymous dining room is still among the city’s most acclaimed. His artful fusion of French and Asian cuisines is best experienced with an eight-course degustation (including vegetarian and vegan versions). Only got time or funds for EZARD’s well-priced express lunch or pre-theatre tasting menu?"

"The scene: Set in the heart of Melbourne’s most dynamic culinary precinct, Coda has established itself as a lively and innovative addition to the city’s best fine dining restaurants. Best known for its high-octane energy which billows out the doorway and enticing passers-by to enter, this eatery flaunts a simple, strikingly modern interior, with exposed lightbulbs, wire mesh screens and aluminium-framed windows. The cuisine here is just as contemporary and diverse as the surroundings, with a broad selection of French-Vietnamese plates and a handful of Australian dishes on the menu."

"Explore the galleries before sitting down to lunch at one of the many restaurants on nearby Flinders Lane – Chin Chin and Coda are both standouts. AfternoonMelbourne's city centre is threaded with cobbled laneways, where you could easily lose yourself over a few hours. In these 19th century arcades and alleyways reinvigorated with world-famous street art, you'll find hidden gems at every turn. Enter at Degraves Street, which is lined with cafés and coffee shops, then cross Collins Street to visit the exquisite, 1892-built Block Arcade."

"This little street kitchen seamlessly churns sensational fodder behind RMIT’s city campus. For those with a fear of meat, think of barbecue pork bao, chicken bao, and even a shiitake and tofu bao. Wonderbao is great for a lunch hit or for a quick cure to your three-thirty-itis cup of homemade soy milk."

"Nothing, especially when the vegetarian options are as good as those for meateaters. Grab one filled with fried silky tofu, coriander and crushed peanuts and your day will be complete. Did we mention they’re also a bargain at less than three bucks a bun."

"Melbourne foodies head to David’s Hot Pot on La Trobe Street in the heart of the city for authentic Sichuan fare using traditional ingredients and premium Australian beef."

"Marketto is an organic food & produce Market which takes place in the courtyard of Sweet Caroline Hairdressing Salon. Each Market there is a beautiful range of organic fruit and vegetables from Makin' Groceries, as well as a variety of other producers and makers such as local honey from The Urban Beekeeper, mushroom kits from Fungi Culture, organic baby food, olive oil, cakes and preserves."

"Enter at Degraves Street, which is lined with cafés and coffee shops, then cross Collins Street to visit the exquisite, 1892-built Block Arcade. The arcade is full of old-world charm, from antique jewellery stores to traditional tailors and the treasured Hopetoun Tea Rooms. In the afternoon take a stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens or join a tour to see the inner sanctum of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). If you're visiting between March and September make sure you see a game of AFL (Australian rules football)."

"Standing in stark contrast to the city's laneways, are its glamourous arcades. They replace street art and cobblestones with boutique shops and tiled floors. The city features several glamourous arcades, including The Royal Arcade, the oldest arcade in Australia."

"Grab perfect shokupan, yuzu almond croissants and more at Bakemono Bakers. You’ll find it in a converted garage on Drewery Lane, just off Little Lonsdale in the CBD. They also do a range of Danishes, but the big hitter is the garlic bread."

"Melbourne is in love with this simple dessert, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on the hype surrounding this Japanese-style cheesecake. One of the joys of Uncle Tetsu’s shop is the simplicity — the store sells a couple of simple variations on the perfect combination of wheat, egg, milk and cheese. A slice of the original signature Japanese cheesecake is melt-in-your-mouth soft and fluffy."

"A staple among restaurants dishing out the best Yum Cha in Melbourne, the Shark Fin Inn near the Parliament House has been serving Cantonese fare of the highest calibre since the 80’s. Its long-running position as neighbourhood favourite has held up against stiff competition over the years for a good reason; their tucker is top-notch. Hell, the deep red façade, octagonal windows and enthralling fluorescent sign over the front door should be indication enough that you’re in for the real deal."