Best Contemporary Asian Restaurants in South Yarra

Price

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Regions

City CentreInner City EastInner City NorthInner City West

Neighborhoods

BrunswickCarlton NorthMelbourne CBDRichmondSouthbankSt Kilda

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

8 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Lee Ho Fook

4.7

Exceptional(125)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 5 times today

Lee Ho Fook in Melbourne CBD is a hidden gem that offers an extraordinary take on Chinese cuisine, blending tradition with innovation under the creative vision of Victor Liong. Tucked away off the iconic Flinders Lane, this restaurant promises “good fortune for your mouth,” a sentiment echoed by diners who hail it as a must-visit for “authentic Chinese food” that is both “modern and unfussy.” Dishes like the “stellar Peking Duck” and “mind-blowingly delectable crispy eggplant” showcase the quality and creativity that make Lee Ho Fook stand out. With its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service, it is truly an “underrated” treasure in Melbourne.

A photo of Miss Pearl Bar + Dining restaurant

2. Miss Pearl Bar + Dining

4.6

Exceptional(575)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary asian • Southbank

Booked 14 times today

Miss Pearl Bar + Dining in the vibrant Melbourne Arts Precinct offers an unforgettable Asian dining experience that enchants with the "vivid flavors of South East Asia." Guests rave about the exceptional dishes, each one a "superb" culinary delight, from the standout eggplant starter to the "outstanding" raw tuna in crispy wonton. The restaurant's pre-theatre menu is particularly lauded for its thoughtful design, ensuring diners enjoy every bite "in plenty of time" to make it to their show. With "friendly and efficient" service and a contemporary, casual ambiance, Miss Pearl is a must-visit for those seeking authentic and delicious Asian cuisine.

3. Ototo

4.7

Exceptional(2)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 11 times today

Ototo, nestled in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, offers an authentic Japanese dining experience that is truly unparalleled. The Chef's Tasting Menu is a "delightful variety" of flavors, showcasing dishes like Kingfish Sashimi with truffle ponzu and the succulent wagyu tataki. Diners are consistently impressed by "absolutely delicious food" and the "exceptional service" provided by attentive staff. The ambiance is warm and inviting, perfect for a cozy date night or a celebratory gathering with friends. Guests rave about the "mouth-watering" 48-Hour Black Angus Short Ribs and the exquisite cocktail selection, making Ototo a must-visit destination for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts.

4. Charlong

4.5

Awesome(93)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary asian • St Kilda

Booked 12 times today

Charlong, nestled in the vibrant heart of St Kilda on Carlisle Street, is a celebrated gem for authentic Thai cuisine lovers. Renowned for its "modern take on Thai classics," Charlong masterfully combines traditional Southeast Asian flavors with French culinary techniques using locally sourced, seasonal produce. The rotating menu caters to diverse dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Diners rave about exceptional dishes like the lamb shank Massaman curry, with one review exclaiming, "Best Thai food we have ever had!" The cozy and vibrant ambiance, along with the commitment to quality, makes Charlong a must-visit haven for food enthusiasts.

5. Rin Sura

4.8

Exceptional(471)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary asian • Brunswick

Booked 13 times today

Rin Sura in Brunswick stands as a beacon for authentic and modern Thai cuisine. Praised as "phenomenal" and the "most fabulous restaurant in Brunswick," its unique culinary offerings delight locals and visitors alike. Known for dishes like red duck curry and Massaman meatballs, Rin Sura adds a modern twist without compromising traditional Thai flavors. Diners rave about the "unbelievably good food" and "excellent value," making it a must-visit for Thai cuisine enthusiasts. The atmosphere is vibrant yet welcoming, complemented by attentive service and an impressive selection of signature cocktails. Rin Sura promises an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests returning.

A photo of Sleepy's cafe and wine bar restaurant

6. Sleepy's cafe and wine bar

4.9

Exceptional(15)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary asian • Carlton North

We're a small Chinese-y neighbourhood cafe and wine bar. We love to use seasonal produce to highlight a funny Chinese twist on the norm. Wines are normally by small local producers either in Vic or interstate, although we do have a few overseas varietals as wellCome say hi at 787 Nicholson St, Carlton North.

A photo of Mint Lane Restaurant and Bar restaurant

7. Mint Lane Restaurant and Bar

4.0

Excellent(8)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary asian • Richmond

Booked 1 time today

With a modern interior, our restaurant and alfresco laneway prides itself on sustainability and seasonal local produce through our signature menu and contemporary Asian cuisine. Executive chef: Renz San DiegoSignature dish: Crispy Soft Shell Crab, Chili Sauce

A photo of Angkor Cafe & Restaurant restaurant

8. Angkor Cafe & Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(5)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary asian • West Melbourne

Booked 2 times today

Hi my name’s Neri!Proud owner of Angkor Café & Restaurant. A modern Cambodian eatery located on Spencer Street in West Melbourne! Be honest with me here. When you think of Asian cuisine… What pops up in your mind?Chinese? - Vietnamese? - Thai? Cambodian is rarely in that convo, but let me try change that- You seeI was born and raised in Cambodia. Post-war, but the one thing that kept us going… was grandma’s cooking. The unique flavours and special sauces. The tantalising spices of the curries. The fish amok’s and the prahok’s. It was a bonding experience for the family and has stuck with me ever since. When I was a young adult I had the dream of moving to Australia. ‎After years of being here I realised, that the food that I grew up with, Everything I had experienced up to that point, was not readily available in Australia. So Angkor Café & Restaurant was born at the differences in quality & fresh ingredients used introducing Cambodian cuisine to Melbournians just like yourself.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Dan
Victoria •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing everything. Food, Service, Atmosphere. You'll be kicking yourself if you dont get the kingfish
More info
OtotoPrice: Expensive• Asian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.7
N
Nathan
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent food, very attentive staff and quick meal if required!
More info
Miss Pearl Bar + DiningPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Southbank
•
4.6
G
GordonVIP
New York City •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Lovely food and great service. The team were welcoming and friendly.
More info
Lee Ho FookPrice: Very Expensive• Chinese• Melbourne CBD
•
4.7
L
Leora
Melbourne •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Have been here a few times now and it just gets better every time. Food didn’t take too long to arrive after ordering and was as always absolutely delicious. The service was fabulous too, attentive with lovely smiles to match.
More info
CharlongPrice: Expensive• Thai• St Kilda
•
4.5
J
Jerome
Melbourne •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 27, 2025
I have been here multiple times and the Rin sura team have never failed to deliver amazingly tasty food and great service.
More info
Rin SuraPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Asian• Brunswick
•
4.8

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